Scooter lifts are a godsend for those who need to take their power scooter and wheelchairs with them when traveling. Featuring a wide platform and a specialized lifting system, these lifts allow you to load and unload your mobility aid from your vehicle in a safe, secure, and efficient manner.
These days, there are different types of scooter lifts available in the market, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for your needs. To help you out, we’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide with all the information about what scooter lift for cars you need to make an informed decision.
What To Consider Before Buying a Scooter Lift
Here are some of the things that you should consider before buying a scooter lift:
Types of Lifts
There are three different types of scooter lifts: inside lifts, outside lifts, and hybrid lifts. As the name implies, inside lifts are installed in the cargo area of your vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about it obscuring your view while driving or parking. Though these lifts take up a lot of cargo space, they are very easy to operate and protect your mobility device from the harsh weather conditions it would face if it were transported on the outside of a vehicle.
By contrast, outside scooter lifts are mounted to the rear hitch of the vehicle. These scooter lifts have heavy-duty lifting capability and can lift scooters weighing up to 800 pounds. On the downside, these lifts do not offer much protection from outside elements while out on the road.
Hybrid scooter lifts are a combination of inside and outside scooter lifts but with a few more additional features. These lifts usually have built-in winches for easier lifting as well as a small ramp that makes it easy to drive your mobility device right onto the lift.
While all these models are great for getting your scooter in and out of your vehicle, not all of them offer universal compatibility with vehicles. Before buying, you must check the make, model, and size of your vehicle. This will ensure a proper fit and make installation a much easier task.
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Weight Limits
The weight limit of a scooter lift for cars should match the weight of your scooter and powerchair. Some models have a maximum capacity of 500 pounds, while others can handle up to 1,000 pounds or even more, depending on their features and the materials they’re made of. If you plan on transporting a heavy-duty power scooter, opt for a model that comes with dual lifting mechanisms instead of one. These scooter lifts can handle heavier loads without a problem.
Safety Features
Safety should be the top concern when buying a scooter lift for your cars. Some models come with backup alarms, while others have sensors that prevent the device from accidentally coming loose while driving down the road.
Ideally, the scooter lift you choose should have a non-skid platform, wheel chocks, locking mechanism, obstruction and under panel sensors, side guard panels, and emergency on/off switches, so you can operate it with complete peace of mind.
Installation Requirements
While most people think that the installation of a vehicle lift is as simple as bolting it onto your vehicle and driving off, it’s far more complicated than that. You need to know whether your vehicle will support the weight of the lift and how it will impact your vehicle’s performance. A lot goes into installing a scooter lift. To make sure your lift is safe to use and properly installed, it’s best to have it installed by one of the professionals at Certified Medical.
Ease of Use
Some scooter lifts come with an automatic setting so you can just load your scooter right up with the push of a button, while others require manual operation. For most people, an automatic lift is the best option. However, if you want more control over how your scooter is lifted and stored, a manual model may be better suited for you.
Shop From an Authorized Dealer
If you’re going to spend money on a scooter lift, it’s important that you buy from an authorized dealer for maximum safety and reliability. At Certified Medical, we carry a wide selection of models and can support your purchase with warranty coverage and any other services that you might need.
Ready To Buy a Scooter Lift?
While buying a scooter lift for cars can be an intimidating process, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. At Certified Medical, we can help you choose the right scooter lift for your needs, whether you’re looking for something that will be easy to install or something that offers the most flexibility. Call us today at (352) 237-4146 or visit one of our showrooms in Florida.
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