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What Vehicles Can a Scooter Lift Be Installed In?

You can install scooter lifts in most trucks, vans and SUVs and some sedans, depending on certain factors involving the scooter, lift and vehicle. Specifically, you can determine what types of vehicles support what type of scooters and lifts by evaluating the types and size of the scooter itself, the type of lift and the weight and storage capacity of the vehicle.

  1. Lift Type

    • You can install an inside boom lift on a sedan as long as the trunk is large enough and the scooter compact enough to fit inside. Also known as swivel or swing-arm lifts, these operate like a crane, with an extendable arm and cable, retrieving and returning scooters curbside. Platform lifts mount to the rear of the vehicle and either store the scooter inside the vehicle's cargo area or secure it tightly against the rear exterior of the vehicle. Interior platform lifts work with most SUVs, minivans and full-sized vans. Outside platform lifts are best for trucks, vans and larger vehicles, but even certain SUVs can handle them as long as they can support the necessary hitch.

    Scooter Type

    • Compact scooters may fit inside the trunks of some sedans using an inside boom lift. Inside boom lifts can tolerate approximately 100 to 350 lbs., depending on the lift. Platform lifts can handle 350 lbs. and higher, again based on the lift. For larger scooters requiring a platform lift, the vehicle must be at least as large as an SUV.

    Vehicle Weight Capacity

    • When determining how much weight a vehicle can withstand, don't forget to consider both the weight of the scooter and the weight of the lift combined. Most platform lifts require a vehicle that can support a class II or class III hitch. Sedans can only really tolerate compact scooters and boom lifts. Shuttles and buses can support most types of scooter lifts, including those mounted on the underside of the vehicle, although that may require moving the fuel tank and exhaust pipes around a bit, which could rule out certain vehicle models.

    Vehicle Storage Capacity

    • If the truck requires you to store the scooter in the bed, then an internal lift is the proper choice. If using a van or minivan and you prefer curbside loading and unloading rather than doing it from the rear of the vehicle, then as long as there is enough space beside the seats, or the seats can be removed, many boom and platform scooter lifts support side-entry.

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