Over 6.8 million Americans use mobility devices, including 1.7 wheelchair or scooter users.
80% of wheelchair users admit that their local public transportation system is difficult to use. They need to find another solution to get where they need to go.
Vehicle lifts are one of the best solutions. They allow users to load and unload their scooters or wheelchairs from their vehicles. They’re free to travel and have their device ready when they arrive.
Read our guide to inside vehicle lifts to learn what they are, what your options are, and how to choose the right one.
What Are Inside Vehicle Lifts?
Inside vehicle lifts, also known as interior vehicle lifts, are mounted in the cargo area. They use a hoist mechanism to swing outside the vehicle and load and lift the mobility device.
These lifts have moderate operation difficulty. They require some physical capabilities to use, assemble, and disassemble.
What Are My Inside Lift Options?
There are several different models of interior wheelchair and scooter lifts to choose from.
A manual scooter lift is best for getting your scooter into a vehicle. Certain models function as both scooter and wheelchair lifts.
Many are compatible with a range of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, and vans. A few are best for specific types of trucks.
SUV, Truck, and Van Lifts
The AL42HD is ideal for pick-up trucks and full-size vans. It has a lifting capacity of 450lbs and an installed weight of 70lbs. Its heavy-duty construction and strong components make it a fully-equipped power wheelchair lift. It also features a weather-resistant hand control and an optional wireless remote.
The AL425 has a lifting capacity of 400lbs. It uses powerlifting and rotation for easy loading. It requires 30″ of headroom and has an adjustable boom height of 30-41″. It also has an adjustable base.
The AL435 has a lifting capacity of 400lbs and an installed weight of 76lbs. It has an adjustable height of 32-43″. It uses 10.8″ of power extension to reach beyond a vehicle’s rear bumper. Its simplified base fits in a smaller footprint.
The AL225 has a lifting capacity of 250lbs and an installed weight of 55lbs. It’s an affordable, light-duty solution with power rotation and lifting and an adjustable base. It comes standard with passenger-side installation, but you’ll need to add the DS01 for a driver’s side option.
The AL215 has a lifting capacity of 250lbs and an installed weight of 42lbs. It uses powerlifting and manual rotation with a mechanical stop. It has an adjustable base, arm height, and boom strap. It’s a light-duty option and requires a DS01 for driver’s side lifting.
The AL065 has a lifting capacity of 200lbs and an installed weight of 63lbs. It uses powerlifting and manual rotation and mounts to the vehicle’s hitch. Its lightweight components are easy to disassemble and won’t require you to modify your vehicle or mobility device.
The AL055 has a lifting capacity of 200lbs and an installed weight of 40lbs. It’s mounted in trunk or cargo areas. It has only 2 components, making it easy to disassemble. It also includes a remote hand control.
Truck Lifts
The AL435T is ideal for loading power wheelchairs or scooters onto pickup trucks from the curbside or beyond a lowered tailgate. It has a lifting capacity of 400lbs and an installed weight of 81lbs. It uses power lifting, rotation, and extension. It has a similar design to the AL435 but features an upgraded offset arm and is more weather-resistant.
The AL835 is compatible with standard and extended cab trucks. It can lift manual and power wheelchairs as well as scooters, taking them close to the driver or passenger side door. It has an adjustable boom height of 34-41″. It uses powerlifting and rotation but has only 2 motors to control with its remote hand control.
The AL825CC is compatible with crew cab trucks and can carry scooters, manual wheelchairs, and power chairs that weigh up to 225lbs. It uses powered lifting and rotation to deliver mobility devices close to the driver or passenger side door. It has an adjustable boom height of 34-41″ and features a longer arm that reduces capacity but accommodates crew cabs.
The AL825 is compatible with standard and extended cab trucks and can lift manual wheelchairs, small power wheelchairs, and scooters. It has an adjustable boom height of 34-41″. It uses powered lifting and rotation to deliver mobility devices close to driver or passenger side doors. It also offers lifting speeds that are twice as fast as other models.
The AL815CC is compatible with crew cab trucks and can lift manual chairs, scooters, and power chairs that weigh up to 135lbs. It has an adjustable boom height of 34-41″ and offers lifting speeds that are twice as fast as the AL825CC. It has a longer arm for crew cabs and delivers mobility devices close to driver or passenger side doors.
How Can I Find the Best Inside Lifts?
The 3 primary factors to keep in mind when choosing vehicle lifts are your ability to load a vehicle, the type of mobility device you own, and the type of vehicle you use.
To use an inside vehicle lift, you or a loved one should be able to:
- Walk to the end of the vehicle and back
- Stand for at least 3-5 minutes while the lift operates
- Lift 50lb objects 2-3 feet off the ground
- Attach the docking device to the mobility devices
- Fold the seat and/or scooter tiller
- Press a button on the handled control
- Guide the mobility device while it raises, rotates, and enters the vehicle
Use a vehicle compatibility calculator. It helps you make sure that the make and model of your vehicle and mobility device are compatible.
You must also be careful when choosing a dealer. Look out for important factors such as customer service, product quality, delivery time, and safety.
Why Should I Choose Harmar Lifts?
Vehicle lifts restore a sense of freedom to those who ride mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters. They let you bring your device with you wherever you go.
Interior vehicle lifts are mounted inside your truck, van, or SUV. They need enough space to move and have moderate operational difficulty. There are several different models available today. You must choose one that’s compatible with your vehicle and find the right dealer to purchase it from.
Harmar offers a range of vehicle lifts for mobility devices. Locate a dealer to find out where you can get a Harmar inside lift today.
