Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t see your question below, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Harmar customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday 8 am to 7 pm EST.
General
Harmar products are available through any of Harmar’s authorized dealers located throughout the United States and around the world. It is imperative that you use a qualified Harmar dealer since they are professionals who are trained to install and service Harmar products for safe use. To find the Harmar Authorized Dealer in your area, just use our Dealer Locator.
All Harmar products are designed and tested to operate flawlessly for years of trouble-free use with very little maintenance. Please refer to the Owner’s Manual for specific product maintenance schedules. We also recommend scheduling regular professional inspections with your Harmar dealer to identify and address any potential issues, ensuring the lift stays safe and reliable!
Vehicle Lifts
Vehicle lifts get power from the vehicle’s battery. The lift is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system, allowing it to operate via controls inside or near the lift. Some lifts can also be powered by an independent battery system specifically for the lift, ensuring it remains functional even if the vehicle’s main battery is low or off.
Hoist lifts help transport your mobility device by hooking onto your scooter, powerchair, or manual wheelchair, and hoisting it into your vehicle’s cargo area. Because the hoist lift is installed inside your vehicle, you’re able to maintain use of your backup camera and save space if parking in a garage.
Hitch-mounted lifts are rated as “easier” lifts to use because the lift does the work for you. Exit your mobility device, guide it onto the lift platform, and secure your mobility device to the lift. When ready, the lift can be operated with a switch, where it will raise your mobility device for travel. Because these lifts transport your scooter, powerchair, or manual wheelchair on the outer rear of your vehicle, your cargo space is untouched, allowing you to maintain full use of your vehicle’s interior.
Hybrid lifts are a mix of hitch and hoist lifts. Like hitch lifts, you must get off your scooter or powerchair and guide it onto the platform, then secure it with either four cam buckles or the hold-down bar. Then, much like hoist lifts, use the remote control to lift your powerchair or scooter into the rear cargo area in your vehicle. Because the hybrid lift is installed inside your vehicle, you’re able to maintain use of your backup camera and save space if parking in a garage.
Harmar’s innovative Compatibility Calculator is the best in the industry. However, the Compatibility Calculator is only meant as a guide and will often return several results. Harmar’s authorized dealers will be able to discuss the various distinctions and confirm the proper lift for your specific need. Use our locator to find a dealer near you or contact us with any questions.
This depends on your vehicle and the type of lift that best fits your needs. Hitch-mounted lifts require a hitch to be added to your vehicle (if you don’t already have one installed). Hybrid and hoist lifts generally require little-to-no modifications, but may call for some drilling to the cargo area or truck bed floor in order to fasten/bolt the lifts into place.
Curved and Straight Stairlifts
A stairlift is a motorized device that helps people travel up and down stairs with ease. It consists of a chair with a footrest and armrests that travels along a rail installed on the stairs. With easy-to-use controls, the stairlift gently transports the user, providing independence and accessibility for those who seek an alternative to stairs. Designed with safety features like a seatbelt, footrest, and armrests, a stairlift offers a seamless and secure option to navigate stairs, supporting a wide range of needs.
Harmar offers a variety of stairlifts—from straight to curved, and basic to heavy duty. We want to make sure you find your perfect fit, and with extra options to really make your lift yours, we’re here to help! Consider your staircase type, your personal needs, as well as those of any household members.
At Harmar, we understand everyone has different needs. We offer three different sizes in our straight stairlifts: SL300, SL600, and SL600HD. The SL300 seat offers a smaller, more compact seat, while the SL600HD can accommodate up to 600 lb and offers a wider, padded chair and larger backrest. Which will best suit your lifestyle and home?
This depends on a few factors: do you have landings separating your stairs? Are there any turns, sweeps, or angles? Do you need assistance getting down the hall from your stairs? If you answered “yes” to any of those, you may be a great candidate for a curved stairlift.
The Pinnacle straight stairlifts are designed to fit any straight staircase without any curves to the structure. With a larger seat and 10.5” folded width, the SL600 is optimal for narrow stairways and offers increased comfort. To avoid any obstruction near doorways, walls, or walkways, add a folding rail to the bottom of your stairlift.
Curved stairlifts are fabricated to fit virtually any staircase—whether your stairs are straight with landings, spiral, or angled, speak with a Harmar dealer today to see which configuration will best fit your needs!
Our UP Stairlift is a prime choice if you or your loved one needs almost immediate installation due to returning from a facility or hospital, safety requirements, and more. The modular rail can be configured and installed as soon as the day of your dealer’s visit. With a weight capacity of up to 275 lbs., the UP Stairlift also offers automatic features such as auto-folding footrests and automatic seat swivel at the top and bottom landings of your stairs. Harmar’s Helix curved stairlift’s rail is welded for a smooth ride and polished look—and to perfectly fit your home’s unique stairs. This model is designed for comfort, offers a weight capacity of up to 350 lbs., and can be ordered in either light beige or black.
The Helix curved stairlift can be designed to tuck around corners to keep from obstructing any path or stairways when not in use. For additional security, Harmar offers an optional key lock to ensure no “surprise rides” occur when company or grandchildren are over.
Harmar’s Helix curved stairlift is designed to provide a smooth, safe, and quiet ride up and down your stairs.
Yes! The Helix seat and rails come in two colors: beige and a sleek black.
Harmar offers multiple options and accessories. Depending on the model of your lift, you may have the option to upgrade your regular seat belt to a retractable seat belt; or, you may need a key lock to ensure none of your house guests take unexpected trips up and down your stairs. For a smooth, efficient trip up and down the stairs, consider the optional power folding footrest and power seat swivel. Ask your Harmar dealer which accessories would be right for you.
Outdoor stairlifts are designed to be weather-resistant as they’re built with durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Harmar lifts typically feature waterproof covers, rust-resistant components, and UV protection to prevent sun damage. Regular maintenance is recommended to ensure they remain in good working condition, especially in harsh climates.
Vertical Lifts and Ramps
A vertical platform lift is a mechanical device that provides vertical transportation for people who wish to or must remain in their wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility devices. It functions like a small elevator, moving vertically between different levels, such as from ground level to a porch or between floors in your home. They’re designed to accommodate both indoor and outdoor use, offering a reliable way to move between levels without stairs.
Yes! With a 750 lb lifting capacity, the Highlander II, the VPL with Enclosure Kit, and PL400-X can accommodate virtually any mobility device and the rider.
Yes! The Highlander II and VPL400-X are designed for easy use. With the Big Blue Paddle, the operation buttons are much easier to use and see, compared to older models. When secured in the lift, simply press the up or down arrow and hold through the duration of travel.
Simple and sturdy, the VPL400-X is a prime choice for lifting you and, if needed, a mobility device up to 53” to your porch, deck, or over a few of those pesky garage steps. Harmar’s Highlander II is designed for both commercial and residential applications and can reach up to 14’ so you don’t have to worry about struggling with your stairs when leaving or arriving at your home.
Platform lifts can typically accommodate up to 750 lbs. The Highlander II and the VPL400-X are also compatible with virtually any powerchair, manual wheelchair, or scooter.
The VPL400-X was designed for shorter distances and a simpler installation. If you need a lift higher than 53”, we suggest our Highlander II. The functionality is virtually the same but offers more options and features as well as a range of heights that can be paired with multiple platform dimensions.
VPLs have a small footprint compared to modular ramps. When it comes to ramps, 1” rise equals 1’ of ramping. So, a 24” set of steps would require 24’ of modular ramping. That’s a lot of ramp!
Aluminum threshold ramps are ideal for those who have difficulty with single steps or getting over raises in floors near doorways. Offered in multiple sizes, the aluminum threshold ramps can be ordered in fixed heights or can be designed to be adjusted for versatile use. With their weight-bearing capacity of 600 lb, they can accommodate most powerchairs, scooters, or manual wheelchairs.
Elevation ramps are great for anyone who may be struggling walking up steps, or someone who may not be able to easily get in or out of their mobility device. Entering or exiting your home can be made easier by installing a ramp.
Elevation ramps are great applications when considering maintenance. Instead of worrying about mechanical or technical difficulties, ramps can be cared for by completing routine maintenance and keeping them clean.
Designed for travel, portable ramps are optimal to help mobility device users maneuver over curbs, single steps in and outside of homes, and other locations with an uneven floor. Store the ramp in your car, or in a coat closet for easy access when you’re ready to hit the road.
Yes. The portable ramp was created to make travel easier. Made of lightweight aluminum, the ramp offers single or multifold options, depending on the size and dimensions, but can support up to 600 lb.
Rubber threshold ramps are ideal for those who have difficulty with single steps or getting over raises in floors near doorways. Offered in multiple sizes and dimensions, the rubber ramps are built to last. With their heavy duty weight-bearing capacity of 850 lb, they can accommodate virtually any powerchair, scooter, or manual wheelchair and rider.
The rubber threshold ramps require no tools for assembly or disassembly. To set up at your step or threshold, lay out each piece and place them together using the puzzle-like edges to fit into place.
Yes! The aluminum threshold ramp does not need to be a permanent installation and can be a great temporary accessibility solution for your home.