Scooter Lift Advice

Scooter Lift Advice

Powered Inside Lifts

Powered Inside lifts consist of a pole, a boom that swivels, the lifting strap, and an electric motor that can be run off of a separate battery, or hardwired to your car’s battery. If you wish to have the lift installed by a technician the use of a separate battery is required. The lift is operated by placing the scooter on the ground behind your car (or beside with certain lifts) and attaching the lifting strap. Once the lifting strap is securely attached, a wired hand controller operates the lifting motor to raise the scooter off of the ground.

Some lifts require you to then manually swivel the scooter into the cargo area, while others have the ability to swivel using the motor. Once the scooter is positioned over the trunk/cargo area, it is then lowered (using the motor) until is rests securely in the trunk/cargo area. Due to the fact that the scooter and lift are both transported in the cargo area, a large sedan, van, SUV, or truck is usually required. Additionally, this type of lift only works with small or medium sized scooters due to the weight capacity of the motor. This being said, some lifts have a higher weight capacity, which allows you to transport large scooters provided you have the necessary space inside your vehicle. The vehicle/lift compatibility is verified for each order by one of our company’s customer service representatives before each order is shipped. To ensure timely order completion, the vehicle information should be filled out on the product page before your order is placed.

There is also a type of lift that falls within this category that is slightly different, and is called a hybrid lift. This type of lift has a large platform that is lowered to the ground behind your vehicle. The scooter is then driven onto the lift, strapped into place, and raised back into the cargo area using a power electric motor. The only vehicles that work with this kind of lift are van/minivans and SUVs.

Powered Outside Lifts

Powered Outside Lifts attach to the hitch of your vehicle, and are powered with a battery. The consist of a platform, hitch mounting post, electric motor, and anchor points for the straps. They are simple to use, and require little effort. The lift platform is lowered to the ground using the lift’s motor. Then the scooter is driven onto the platform, strapped down, and the platform is raised to the transport position. One benefit of this type of lift is that the scooter does not need to be disassembled for transport, so it’s perfect for people on the go. Also, it requires no manual effort other than attaching and removing the straps. This provides a level of independence and freedom of mobility that might not be possible otherwise for individuals with limited physical abilities. (Please continue to “Information Regarding Hitches”)

Manual Exterior Carriers

Manual Carriers consist of a platform that is attached to the back of your vehicle with a hitch post. The platform is on a hinge that tilts to create a ramp for your mobility device. Once the scooter (or wheelchair) is driven onto the platform, the platform tilts back to be parallel to the ground, and is then locked into place with a pin. These carriers are made from steel and/or aluminum, and some are powder coated to increase their ability to withstand the elements. Benefits of the Manual Exterior Carriers include economical pricing and low maintenance. (Please continue to “Information Regarding Hitches”)

Information Regarding Hitches

(For Powered Outside Lifts and Manual Exterior Carriers)

There are three classes of hitch, Class I, Class II, and Class III. The type of hitch that you are able to use will depend on the vehicle that you drive. The larger the vehicle, the larger the class of hitch you can use. Most of the outside lifts/exterior carriers that we sell are designed for a Class II hitch, but a Class III hitch adapter is usually available. If you have a Class I hitch on your car you will not be able to use a scooter lift designed for a Class II hitch, you will need to select a scooter lift that is specifically designed for use with a Class I hitch. Most of the larger, heavier scooters will require a Class II or III hitch with the proper weight capacity. Details are available on each product page explaining with which hitch each lift will work, and a customer service representative from our company (and the manufacturer) will verify the compatibility of your vehicle with the lift you have chosen once the purchase has been made.