Understanding the Different Types of Wheelchair Lifts for Vehicles

Maybe you've been transporting a scooter or powerchair in your trunk for years and you're looking for a low-effort way to load it. Maybe you have only recently needed to bring a mobility device with you due to your changing mobility needs or those of a loved one. Whatever your situation, know that you're not alone and there are several ways to load up your device without overtaxing your body.

In this article we'll break down wheelchair lifts and carriers to explore the difference between outside wheelchair lifts, hybrid wheelchair lifts, and inside wheelchair lifts, all engineered to move a mobility scooter or powerchair from the ground into your vehicle. By understanding the features and options available to you, you'll be able to make a more informed decision for your transport needs, and more importantly, choose an option that will be positively impact your ability to safely and easily bring your mobility device on the road with you.

	Outside Lift	Hybrid Lift	Inside Lift
Price	$	$$	$$$
Mount	Hitch	Trunk or Side	Trunk or Truck Bed
Best for	Saving trunk/cabin space	Conserving exterior footprint	Conserving exterior/interior space
Loading	Drive-on platform	Drive-on platform	Hoist

Outside Wheelchair Lifts for Your Vehicle

Hitch-mounted carriers and lift systems attach to your vehicle using a standard 2" trailer hitch (in most cases). They are usually available in two versions: electric operated, or non-powered with a foldable loading ramp.

Electric Lifts and Carriers

Once installed, they connect to your vehicle's battery and operate with a button to raise and lower the platform. There's no ramp to handle, making it effortless to steer the mobility device on and off the lowered platform.

This person using this lift must be able to:

• Walk from the front to the rear of the vehicle and back.
• Stand for two to three minutes while the lift operates.
• Drive or push the mobility device onto and off of the platform.
• Fold down the seat back of the mobility device until it is in its most compact position.
• Apply pressure to hold the up and down buttons while the lift is in operation.

Examples of Electric-Operated Outside Lifts

Wheelchair Carriers with a Ramp (Non-Powered)

These mobility carriers don't require any wiring or additional set up beyond installing the carrier onto the vehicle hitch. They include a folding ramp so that the scooter or powerchair can be steered up in the ramp and into the carrier; no lifting of the mobility device at any point.

Similar to the electric lift, the person using a carrier with a ramp must be able to:

• Walk from the front to the rear of the vehicle and back.
• Lower and raise the carrier's ramp
• Drive or push the mobility device onto and off of the platform.
• Fold down the seat back of the mobility device until it is in its most compact position.

Examples of Hitch-Mounted Carriers with a Ramp

Hybrid Scooter Lifts for Vehicles

Hybrid lifts are mounted in a vehicle’s cargo area and are generally installed in SUVs and vans, since space is needed to house the entire lift within the vehicle, as opposed to an outside lift. What makes hybrid lifts truly convenient is their drive-on platform, much like the one outside lifts have: a person can easily wheel themselves onto the lift, where the lift’s mechanical system will do the rest to raise and lower the mobility scooter into and out of the vehicle.

Even though hybrid lifts allow for a scooter to be transported securely within a vehicle, tie-downs and other restraints are still required and many hybrid lifts come with automated security features, such as hold-down arms. This style of lift is moderately easy to operate and may require some assistance.

User capabilities required to use this lift include being able to:

• Walk from the front to the rear of the vehicle and back.
• Stand for two to three minutes while the lift operates.
• Drive or push the mobility device onto and off of the platform.
• Fold down the seat back of the mobility device until it is in its most compact position.
• Apply pressure to hold the up and down buttons while the lift is in operation.

Examples of Hybrid Lifts

Inside Lifts & Hoists

Inside lifts offer a more compact, cost efficient mobility solution at the cost of being marginally more difficult to operate. Inside lifts are mounted within a vehicle’s cargo area, much like hybrid lifts, however instead of being fully operational with the press of a button, these lifts swing outward to lift and load a scooter or wheelchair. Because the entire system is very compact, an inside lift can be applied in smaller SUVs, where limited space for a lift system might be an issue.

• Walk from the front to the rear of the vehicle and back.
• Stand for two to three minutes while the lift operates.
• Attach the docking device to the mobility device (may require bending or kneeling, hand dexterity, balance and strength).
• Fold down the seat back of the mobility device until it is in its most compact position.
• Apply pressure to hold the up and down buttons while the lift is in operation.
• Guide the mobility device through the complete lift cycle to avoid interference while raising, rotating and entering the vehicle.

Examples of Inside Lifts & Hoists

Wheelchair Lifts and Vehicle Compatibility

It is particularly important to assess whether your vehicle is compatible with a hitch-mounted wheelchair lifts, as many different factors can go into compatibility and every vehicle (even among the same make and model) is different.

Before you start shopping for a hitch-mounted lift:

• Know the weight of your mobility device as this will help you determine how strong of a carrier you will need.
• Know the hitch size or class of your vehicle. Most will have a Class II 2" hitch, however you should never assume.
• Know the tongue weight of your vehicle (resources below)
• Examine the suspension of your vehicle; some older cars or SUVs may have spongy suspension that won't be able to handle the added weight of a hitch-mounted carrier, even if the hitch is able to support it. In those cases, you might have to contact a mechanic about supplementing or overhauling the vehicle's suspension.

Resources for determining tongue weight

• How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Carrier for your Power Wheelchair or Scooter
• Understanding the Limitations of Hitch-Mounted Carriers
• Can a Unibody Vehicle Frame Safely Carry a Hitch-Mounted Carrier?

Reimbursement for Vehicle Modifications

Although Medicare and Medicaid do not typically cover modifications to vehicles for accessibility, many car manufacturers offer cash-back rebate programs for new vehicles that are purchased or leased and have an approved mobility lift installed within a specific timeframe. The terms vary depending on the manufacturers, so please read our list of Automobilie Mobility Modifications Reimbursement Programs to learn more about a specific manufacturer's program.