How to Choose the Right Car Lift for Your Wheelchair
If you or a loved one is experiencing mobility issues, you know how difficult it can be to find and maintain independence outside your home.
Car lifts are one way you can take part in simple and secure travel. But wait! Before you search "car lift installers near me" you'll need to know how you can pick the best vehicle lift for you.
In this guide, we go over all the considerations you should make before you hire an installation company. It's not difficult to choose the right car lift when you know what you're looking for.
Keep reading to find out how to choose the right wheelchair lift.
What Is a Car Lift?
Wheelchair lifts or car lifts make it easy to load and transport one's mobility device. They attach to the interior or exterior of your car and allow a wheelchair or scooter to be lifted up or into the vehicle.
Some car lifts even allow for the person to stay seated in their mobility device during the process.
A wheelchair lift provides independence by allowing people an easy and safe way to travel with their wheelchair or scooter. People with limited mobility can go anywhere they want when they receive a car lift installation.
Mobility Plus Colorado can save you a lot of searching as they provide mobility options inside and outside your home. You may check out their car lift options as well as wheelchair ramps and stairlifts.
Understand the Types of Vehicle Lifts
There are three main types of vehicle lifts. They are inside lifts, outside lifts, and hybrid lifts. Before you go looking for "car lift installers near me" you should know which type you need.
1. Inside Lifts and Hoists
An inside lift is installed inside the car. Once installed, a long arm swings to the outside of the vehicle, and it lifts the mobility device into the car. These are great because the wheelchair or scooter doesn't have to be outside.
One downside to this type of vehicle lift is that you have to sacrifice some trunk space to accommodate it.
2. Outside Lifts
Outside lifts attach to the hitch of a vehicle. These lower and raise to hold a mobility device up to the back of a vehicle during a car ride. They also save on truck space since they don't go into the car.
They are incredibly easy to operate, and they require little to no modifications on your vehicle. Yet, if you don't feel comfortable leaving your mobility device on the back of your car, it may not be for you.
3. Hybrid Inside/Outside Lifts
Hybrid lifts are great because these lifts feature a rising platform that comes all the way down to the ground and back into the inside of the vehicle.
It allows for a quick and easy unloading process.
Two disadvantages are associated with this lift, though. First, it takes up quite a bit of space inside the vehicle. You will not be able to use the truck or the back seats. Second, your vehicle may need some modifications to accommodate it.
Review the Safety Features
Always review the safety features before you buy. Every year about 248 people are injured during a lift malfunction. Injuries can be avoided by taking precautions and buying car lifts with good safety features.
The following is a list of safeguards your wheelchair lift should include.
Weather-safe controls
Obstacle detection
A backup battery
Safety straps
Emergency stop controls
Pressure controls
Some types of lift may not need all these features to be safe. Talk to your car lift installation company about the safety features their lifts include. This way you can find the most secure option for you.
Factors to Consider
When you are looking for a vehicle lift to install, you'll need to consider your car, your mobility device, and the adaptations you'll have to make.
Begin with the weight. The weight of your mobility device is important to know before you buy because some lifts have a weight capacity.
If you have bought wheelchair ramps in Denver in the past, you may already know the combined weight of the device and the passenger. The knowledge will come in handy when you discuss with your accessibility professional.
You should also factor in where it will be used. Many car lifts are made to be installed on the side or the back of the vehicle, not both. Knowing this answer early on will allow for an easier buying process.
Adaptive controls are an important aspect to consider, especially if you plan to use the lift on your own. Consider your reaction time, strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Vehicle lifts and car lifts are NOT universally compatible. Your mobility device, lift and vehicle all have to be calculated to make sure they are compatible. Your lift installer should be able to make sure everything is compatible together.
Find Car Lift Installers Near Me
A car lift is an important device to own when you want to expand your mobility options. When you search for "car lift installers near me" make sure you find the best installation company in the Denver area.
Mobility Plus Colorado is prepared to provide you with top-notch service and plenty of car lift options for your needs. Contact us today to talk to an expert and get a free estimate.