Introduction to Mobility Scooter Lifts for Cars

The EZ Carrier: EZCL Auto Fold Up Electric Scooter Lift is an excellent Mobility Scooter Lifts for Vehicles of all kinds. It’s more cost effective than a lot of other options out there at the moment. This scooter lift has a drive-on platform for easy access and the simple control system allows you to get your scooter or wheelchair into your vehicle with a simple flick of a switch. You are able to drive onto the platform from either side, so even if you are tight for space on a busy road, you can easily get into your vehicle. The scooter lift is available in two different platform sizes: 28" x 50" or 28" x 42", so you can get the right sized scooter lift for your vehicle and your chair or scooter. 

Folding the scooter lift away is as easy as pulling a pin and manually folding it up against the back of the vehicle, so as soon as it’s fitted, you’re ready to start using it without needing to work out any tricky folding mechanisms.

The weight capacity is dependent on the type of vehicle that you drive but the minimum weight limit is 250lbs on a class II vehicle and this increases to 350lbs on a class III vehicle. This means that it’s perfectly suited for heavier electric mobility scooters and mid-wheel drive power chairs. Once your chair or scooter is in the back of the vehicle, you can use the wiring harness and cargo buckles to secure it so it does not move during transit. The mobility scooter lift also comes with a locking hitch pin, so you are still able to use your vehicle for towing while the scooter lift is attached.

The quality of the build is excellent for a scooter lift in this price range and the powder coated finish on the steel lift platform will protect from scratches and other general wear and tear, so you can continue using your scooter lift for vehicles for years to come. If you are looking for a great vehicle lift for scooters or power wheelchairs at an affordable price, the EZ Carrier: EZCL Auto Fold Up Electric Lift is the perfect choice.

The Hold N’ Go is a brilliant scooter lift for vehicles with a large weight capacity that is simple to use. The platform measures 48” x 28” but we also provide a large cradle extension that allows you to lift scooters that are up to 62” in length. It has a 350lb weight capacity, so it can easily accommodate most large electric scooters and wheelchairs, and the switch box makes it simple to lift them into the back of your vehicle. There is also a swing away option available should you need it, making the Hold N’ Go an incredibly versatile vehicle lift.

After lifting your scooter into the back of the vehicle, you can secure it using the easy hold-down arm, which is compatible with three and four wheel models. Once the scooter is secured, the scooter lift will automatically fold down by itself.

If you want a versatile scooter lift for vehicles that can accommodate a range of large scooters and is easy to use, the Hold N’ Go is a great option to go for.

The WheelChairs Carrier: XL4 Large Scooter Lift is the best handicap vehicle lift on the market if you want to transport large scooters. It has been specially designed to lift large, 4-wheel scooters and wheelchairs with a wheelbase of 40” to 42”, up to a width of 32”.

The large platform gives easy access and the simple switch box allows you to lift your scooter or wheelchair with ease.

The scooter can then be secured using 4 ratchet straps so it is safe during transit and the upper weight limit of 350lbs is plenty enough to take any large scooter or wheelchair safely. Once you are finished, the lift automatically folds into stowaway position so it doesn’t require any effort on your part.

What Is A Vehicle Lift And How Do They Work?

A wheelchair or scooter lift for vehicles is a device that lifts your electric wheelchair or scooter into the back of your car, usually using a simple remote control.

Electric wheelchairs and scooters can be incredibly heavy and lifting them into the back of your car or van is difficult, even if you have somebody to help.

In situations where you want to travel alone, moving your scooter or wheelchair is impossible without a scooter lift. If you are unable to walk at all and you need to remain in your wheelchair at all times, there are lifts available that can move the wheelchair and the user into the back of a vehicle.

There are a number of different mechanisms used in scooter lifts for vehicles, including hoist systems and lifts. These electric wheelchair and scooter lifts can be added to a wide range of existing vehicles so, as long as you have the storage space for a wheelchair or scooter, you should be able to use a vehicle lift

Why Should You Buy A Vehicle Lift?

Although power wheelchairs and scooter lifts for vehicles can be expensive, they provide a number of benefits that make them a worthwhile investment. These are some of the main reasons why you should buy a handicap vehicle lift.

Increased Freedom

A standard electric wheelchair can travel for an average of ten miles on a full charge. More advanced models may be able to travel around 20 miles, but that still limits you in terms of where you can go. Portable vehicle lifts allow you the freedom to use a vehicle to travel wherever you would like to go. They also give more independence to wheelchair users that are able to drive using specialist vehicle controls but still rely on friends, family members or carers to get them behind the wheel. Using scooter or wheelchair vehicle lifts means that you are able to get in and out of the vehicle without the need for somebody to lift your wheelchair into the back for you.

Safety

Manually lifting a wheelchair into the back of a car or van can be dangerous, especially if you use a heavy electric wheelchair or scooter. Using scooter lifts is far safer for both the scooter/wheelchair user and those that are helping them in and out of the vehicle.

Save Time

If you are not using a vehicle lift, it takes a lot of forward planning to manually lift a wheelchair into the back of a vehicle. It is important to make sure that you have enough people to take the weight and you cannot rush because of the safety risks. This means that you need to account for a lot of extra time whenever you take a trip, even if it is just a short drive. A great solution for heavy duty vehicle lifts can be to get a large wheelchair or scooter into the back of a vehicle in a matter of minutes, so you will save a lot of time.

What Kinds Of Vehicle Lifts Are Available?

There are three main types of vehicle lifts available and they each have their pros and cons. Before buying a vehicle lift, it is important that you understand the differences between them and the situations that they are best suited to.

Outside Scooter Lifts

As the name suggests, outside scooter lifts fit onto the outside of the vehicle. When needed, the lift platform folds out from the back of the vehicle and can be lowered to the ground with a simple control panel. You are then able to drive your scooter or electric wheelchair onto the platform, which can then be raised until it is level with the back of the vehicle, so it can be pushed inside. When not in use, an outside lift folds flat against the back of the vehicle once the boot is closed.

Outside scooter lifts are ideal for smaller vehicles, like cars, which may not have enough storage space to hold a scooter or wheelchair and a lift at the same time. They are very simple to use but they may require you to be able to get out of your wheelchair or scooter and push it from the lift platform into the back of the vehicle.

The lift will take a few minutes to move up and down, so you will need to be able to stand for this amount of time while you operate the lift. However, outside lifts do have a drive-on platform, so if you attach one to a van or SUV and you have somebody to assist you when using the lift, you will be able to move your wheelchair or scooter into the back of the vehicle while you are in it.

Hybrid Scooter Lifts

A hybrid lift uses a similar mechanism to an outside lift, but it is housed inside the vehicle. When in use, it will be folded out and the platform will lower and raise in the same way that an outside lift does.

The drive-on platform makes it simple to get your scooter or wheelchair onto the lift and raise it to the correct height so it can be moved into the vehicle. Hybrid mobility scooter lifts usually come complete with security features, like hold-down arms to keep your scooter or wheelchair secure while the vehicle is in motion. However, some brands do not include these features and you will need to purchase tie-downs and restraints separately to ensure that your electric wheelchair or scooter does not move around during the drive.

Hybrid scooter lifts are most commonly fitted in SUVs or vans that have the space to house a lift as well as a wheelchair or scooter. If you have a two seat scooter or an all terrain mobility scooter, for example, you will need a larger vehicle to transport it and heavy duty vehicle lifts are the best option for you. However, they are too large for a standard car because there will not be enough space for the wheelchair or scooter to fit inside alongside the lift mechanism.

Cassette Scooter Lifts

Cassette scooter lifts are designed to get around space limitations in a range of different vehicles. The lift mechanism itself is the same as it is in hybrid lifts or standard outside lifts. You will still have access to a platform that you can drive your scooter or wheelchair onto, but when the lift is not in use, it is easy to pack away. The lift is stored in a ‘cassette’ that only takes up a minimal amount of room, so it does not impact space inside the vehicle. Some cassette lifts can also be stored underneath the vehicle, to maximize space inside.

A cassette scooter lift is ideal in a small vehicle, like a car, where a lift is needed but there is no space for a hybrid lift inside. Outside lifts are an option in this case, but they are not ideal in high traffic areas where storing a lift on the outside of the car can make it more difficult to maneuver the vehicle.

They are equally effective in large vehicles, like coaches, where there is a need to maximize the amount of seating space inside the vehicle but an electric wheelchair and scooter lift is still necessary.

Inside Scooter Lifts and Hoists

If you are looking for a more cost effective portable vehicle lift solution that also helps to save space, inside lifts and hoists are a good option. However, they do have their downsides and they are more difficult to operate so it’s important to consider whether you are willing to make that trade off.

A hoist folds away inside the vehicle like a hybrid wheelchair vehicle lift or a cassette lift, but it does not use the same mechanism to lift your scooter or wheelchair into the back of the vehicle. Instead of a platform, a small crane mechanism folds out from the back of the vehicle. This has a hook, which can be attached to the wheelchair or scooter before a control panel is used to hoist it up. This system is far less stable than a lift platform, so you will need to guide the wheelchair or scooter as it is being lifted to ensure that it does not move around too much. Attaching the hoist to the wheelchair or scooter may also require you to bend down or kneel, which can be an issue for people with mobility issues.

Hoists are one of the best portable vehicle lifts and they are also one of the cheapest options. Unfortunately, they are more difficult to use and if you need handicap vehicle lifts to transport larger electric wheelchairs or two seater scooters, you may need something more heavy duty, such as a hybrid lift or an outside lift.

The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Scooter Lifts for Vehicles

When you are looking at scooter lifts for sale and trying to decide which one is right for you, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each. To make things easier for you, check out these simple tables that show you the pros and cons of the different types of vehicle lifts.

Pros	Cons
Ride on platform for easy access	Difficult to maneuver in high traffic areas
Simple to use	Cannot be folded away from the inside
Ideal for smaller vehicles

Cassette Scooter Lifts

Pros	Cons
Great space saving option	Can be more difficult to pack away
Drive on platform for easy access	More expensive option
Can be used in all vehicles

Inside Scooter Lifts and Hoists

Pros	Cons
Cheapest option	No drive on platform
Easy to fold away	Less stable than platform lifts

What Are The Alternatives To Handicap Vehicle Lifts?

 If you are still unsure whether wheelchair or scooter lifts are the right option for you, you may be wondering what the alternatives are. Although vehicle lifts are the best option for most people, there are some different mobility solutions that you may want to consider.

Foldable Wheelchairs and Scooters

The obvious alternative to using vehicle lifts is manually lifting your wheelchair or scooter into the back of the vehicle. If you do this, you are limited by the size and weight of the wheelchair or scooter, which is where foldable options come in. A foldable power wheelchair or a lightweight foldable mobility scooter is much easier to lift into the back of a vehicle safely. However, even if you are using an ultra lightweight folding mobility scooter or wheelchair, there are still dangers involved with lifting and it is time consuming, so scooter lifts are still the better option.

Ramps

People often consider using ramp instead of scooter lifts because they are cheaper and the mechanisms involved are much simpler, but there are downsides. Ramps can be deployed very quickly and the height can be adjusted to meet the ground in different locations, so they’re great if you want to load passengers very quickly. But the issue with ramps is that they require a larger vehicle with side access, so they can’t be used with most standard vehicles. While they might be a good solution for taxi drivers or coaches, mobility scooter lifts are still best for everyday use.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Scooter Lift

When looking for scooter lifts for cars, there are a number of different things that you need to consider. You will be reliant on your vehicle lift to get around, so it’s important that you think carefully about your decision

Your Vehicle and Driving Habits

Firstly, you need to consider the type of vehicle that you have and which type of scooter lift suits it best. For example, if you have a large SUV, you will have plenty of room for a hybrid lift to fold away inside. But if you have a car, there will not be enough space for your wheelchair or scooter as well as the lift once it is folded away. In this case, an outside lift or a cassette lift is the best option.

It’s also important to consider your driving habits because this has an impact on the kind of lift that you should use as well. Outside lifts are not ideal for high traffic areas because they make it more difficult to maneuver the vehicle and deploy the lift so you may be better off with a different style of lift that is more efficient with space.

People that are able to drive with specialized controls but need assistance getting their wheelchair in and out of the vehicle need to consider what type of lift they can operate on their own with minimum input. Hybrid lifts are best for this because they fold down inside the vehicle and they don’t require you to guide the wheelchair or scooter while it is being lifted as you would with a hoist.

Finally, you need to check whether your chosen lift is compatible with your vehicle. Although most vehicle lifts can be fitted to a wide range of cars, vans and SUVs, there are some limitations there so always check before you buy.

Your Wheelchair or Scooter

The type of electric wheelchair or scooter that you own is important as well. The size and weight make a big difference when choosing wheelchair or scooter lifts for your vehicle, you need to make sure that the product that you choose is capable of lifting your mobility device. 

Although hoist lifts are a cost effective solution, they are more difficult to use and if you have a large double seated scooter, for example, you may struggle to get it in and out of your vehicle using a hoist. Hybrid lifts and outside lifts have a drive-on platform, so they are better suited to larger wheelchairs and scooters. However, if you have a collapsible scooter or wheelchair that folds down very small, a hoist should be adequate.

Your Budget

Whenever you are making a big purchase, it’s always important to consider your budget and it’s no different when you are looking for scooter lifts for sale. Even though you might decide that a high end hybrid scooter lift is the best option for your needs, you may be limited by budget. Consider going for a more basic model or even a different type of scooter lift. Hoists are the most cost effective option but there are some trade-offs in terms of functionality so it’s important that you find a balance between your budget and your needs.

Summary Of The Best Scooter Lifts Compared

	EZ Carrier: EZCL Auto Fold Up Electric Lift	Hold ‘N Go	WheelChairs Carrier: XL4 Large Scooter Lift
Platform size	28” x 50” or 28” x 42”	48” x 28”	48” x 34”
Weight limit	250lbs for class II vehicles or 350lbs for class III	350lb	350lb
Automatic folding	No	Yes	Yes
Swing away option	No	Yes	Yes
Securing method	2 cargo buckles	Hold-down arm	4 retractable ratchets

Reasons to Buy Your Scooter Lift From Scooters N Chairs

If you are in the market for a new Scooter Lift for Vehicles and you are wondering where to buy it from, you may have considered used scooter lifts for sale on sites like eBay or Amazon. But buying a used scooter lift for cars is a risk because there is no guarantee about the quality or the condition of the lift, so you could be putting yourself in danger. When buying scooter lifts, it’s important that you always go with a reputable supplier, like Scooters N Chairs, so you can be sure that you are getting a quality product and if you have any questions, there are experts on hand to guide you.

We offer a 100% money back Norton Shopping Guarantee on every single purchase, so you have peace of mind, which is so important when making a large purchase like a scooter lift. We also pride ourselves on our ‘family-style’ customer service and we believe that every single customer is just as important as the last. Our expert team will be on hand to answer any questions that you have and if you have any concerns with your mobility scooter lift after you have purchased it, we will deal with any issues right away.

We are licensed dealers of all of the different brands we sell, which means that you have a direct warranty with the manufacturer and your mobility scooter lift will be repaired or replaced right away if there is a problem. You can feel free to get in touch with manufacturers if you want to clarify this. We also provide our own warranty on all products because we understand that this is a big purchase and there are always risks involved when buying a vehicle lift.

Every brand we stock is a US brand and every product is shipped directly from their warehouse, so you can be sure that your scooter lift has never been used as a showroom product and it will arrive in perfect condition. Only using US brands also means that it’s easier for our customers to get into contact with manufacturers should they need to.

You can look elsewhere for better prices if you like, but you will struggle to find them. Almost all of our products are sold at the lowest possible price allowed by the manufacturer and we don’t charge sales tax in any states (excluding GA). We also provide free shipping on any order over $99, so we are confident that we won’t be beaten on price.

At Scooters N Chairs, we aim to be the #1 provider of mobility equipment anywhere in the country and we will achieve that by listening to the needs of our customers and helping you to find the best possible solutions so you can improve your quality of life.

You can see a full range of products on our website and if you need more assistance, you can contact us on 1-800-674-8395 or by email at raphael@scootersnchairs.com. Alternatively, you can leave us a ticket and we will get back to you.

Buy your Scooter Lifts For Vehicles at Scooters 'N Chairs Today!

Here at Scooter 'N Chairs, we aren't a mindless, soulless company, we care about each customer and each purchase.

We are here to assist you with the most personalized, patient and friendly team on the market, who find no question too trivial and will personally research any questions or queries you might have, until you are totally comfortable you have found the perfect Scooter Lifts to purchase.

For any questions about our top-of-the-line folding mobility scooters, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team. We are available by phone, livechat, email - these details can be found on our contact us page linked above.