About Vehicle Wheelchair Lifts

One million people use wheelchairs in the United States according to the University at Buffalo. Choosing the right wheelchair lift makes transportation a breeze, choosing the wrong one can be a nightmare.

Types

• Platform wheelchair lifts fold into the car, while swing wheelchair lifts use a swinging motion to bring the chairs inward. Hoist lifts use belts to pick the chair up.

Inside vs. Outside Lifts

• Inside wheelchair lifts transport chairs inside the vehicle. Outside lifts are positioned externally on the vehicle, usually on the back bumper.

Features

• The National Mobility Dealer Association says, "A fully automatic lift will fold, unfold, lower and raise by operating a switch located inside. A semi-automatic lift requires manual folding and unfolding of the platform."

Installation

• Inside car lifts usually require experienced technicians to install the lift and modify the vehicle. Outside wheelchair lifts should usually be installed by a technician, but some of them come with instructions.

Pricing

• Price varies widely, but manual outside lifts can cost in the hundreds. Fully automatic inside lifts cost into the thousands. Rebates are also offered through many auto manufacturers.