A vehicle wheelchair lift is equipment that enables a person with a handicap to comfortably ride into a vehicle. It also allows you to transport the wheelchair or scooter with the vehicle. The two main types of the vehicle wheelchair lift are those that you can put inside the vehicle and those that just stay outside the vehicle. The type of wheelchair/ scooter vehicle lift you would want to use would depend on several matters. Things to consider would have to do with the make of your vehicle, the type of mobility equipment that the vehicle lift would carry and the way you want to store the vehicle lift.
The type which you can put inside the vehicle is also called inside vehicle lifts or internal lifts. They can either be powered by electricity or manually. The design of the internal wheelchair vehicle lift allows you to store it inside the vehicle; most of the lifts are installed inside of large vehicles such as vans and SUVs. When choosing an inside vehicle lift you most look for a compact design so you can have more space for the wheelchair or scooter inside the vehicle.
A lot of room in the compartment or the back of the van is important when opting for an internal vehicle lift to accommodate both the lift and the wheelchair or scooter. One main advantage for the internal lift is that you need not worry about the weather, with an internal vehicle lift your wheelchair is safe and dry wherever you go.
The other type is the external vehicle lift or hitch mounted lift which is installed outside the vehicle. This kind of lift is usually seen at the back of vehicles. An external vehicle lift must have a sturdy design because it will carry the wheelchair or scooter throughout the trip. Most external vehicle lifts have a tilt-load-go design. This means the platform tilts into a ramp, you just wheel in your wheelchair or scooter on the ramp, then the lift tilts back to its original position and you are good to go.
Other external vehicle lifts have an elevator design, this is where you wheel in your wheelchair or scooter into the platform and the platform simply raises the load above the ground securely.
If you worry about the wheelchair or scooter being exposed to the weather there are covers available for that. When you are not using the external vehicle lift it can simply fold up and it is held securely close to the back of the vehicle.
Source: www.ezinearticles.com/?Types-of-Vehicle-Wheelchair-Lifts&id=849524
Monday, January 14, 2008
Buying a Vehicle Scooter or Wheelchair Lift
So, you have your new mobility scooter or power wheelchair and you are ready to hit the road and see the sites, right? Unless you have also purchased the proper wheelchair or scooter lift for your vehicle, then it is likely going to be a short trip. Many forget that a crucial part of maintaining mobility includes not only the mobility device itself but also the carrier or lift that enables transportation of the device.
These days, there are many options when choosing a wheelchair or scooter lift. A durable, quality lift can be purchased for less than a thousand dollars or as much as two or three thousand, depending on the features that you require. Basic, manually operated lifts are the least expensive, while motor driven internally mounted lifts cost more and may require professional installation.
Vehicle wheelchair lifts are categorized into two major groups: external and internal lifts. External lifts, or hitch mounted lifts, allow your scooter or wheelchair to be securely mounted to the outside of the vehicle using a trailer hitch. This is often preferable if there is not enough room for the wheelchair or scooter inside of the vehicle. Typically, external lifts are manually operated and do not require any hard wiring to the vehicle battery. External wheelchair lifts are more economical than internal since there is no motor required to lift the mobility device.
Internal or inside vehicle lifts are designed for larger vehicles such as vans or SUV’s and allow the wheelchair or scooter to be lifted and placed inside of the vehicle. If you plan on doing a lot of traveling with your mobility scooter or power chair, then you may consider using an internal lift over an external one. Internal wheelchair lifts provide protection from the weather and added security. Most all internal vehicle wheelchair lifts are mounted inside the vehicle, although some are available that mount to a trailer hitch similar to an external lift. If you or the person loading and unloading the mobility device from the carrier have upper mobility issues, then an internal lift or a powered external lift will be necessary. Most external lifts require several pounds of mechanical pressure in order to lift the device to the travel position.
When shopping for a wheelchair lift, there are a few things that you will need to know on order to find the right one for your needs. First, know the model and brand of scooter or wheelchair that you will be lifting. Some mobility devices may require a special docking device in order to be lifted into your vehicle. Also be sure you know the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle. This is especially important when purchasing an internal wheelchair lift. For external lifts and carriers, be aware that you will need a Class II or III trailer hitch installed on your vehicle. The class of hitch depends on the weight capacity that you will need. Class II hitches typically have 350 lb capacity while class III are rated for 500 lbs. Allow a comfortable margin when selecting the appropriate hitch. Be sure to factor in the weight of the scooter or wheelchair plus the weight of the carrier or lift. The total weight should be at least 10% below the recommended capacity of the hitch.
Now that you know the basics, you are ready to start comparison shopping. In the last five years, 90% of all wheelchair lifts have been purchased online. This is due to the amount of customization involved in fitting lifts to specific models of vehicles. Even if you can find a brick and mortar store that sells vehicle lifts, chances are you will still have to order a lift for your specific vehicle. Most consumers elect to skip the middle man and order from an online distributor that specializes in mobility products. Wherever you choose to purchase your lift, make sure you know the terms of the warranty and that the warranty is covered by the manufacturer rather than the dealer.
Source: www.isnare.com/?aid=189678&ca=Medical+Business
These days, there are many options when choosing a wheelchair or scooter lift. A durable, quality lift can be purchased for less than a thousand dollars or as much as two or three thousand, depending on the features that you require. Basic, manually operated lifts are the least expensive, while motor driven internally mounted lifts cost more and may require professional installation.
Vehicle wheelchair lifts are categorized into two major groups: external and internal lifts. External lifts, or hitch mounted lifts, allow your scooter or wheelchair to be securely mounted to the outside of the vehicle using a trailer hitch. This is often preferable if there is not enough room for the wheelchair or scooter inside of the vehicle. Typically, external lifts are manually operated and do not require any hard wiring to the vehicle battery. External wheelchair lifts are more economical than internal since there is no motor required to lift the mobility device.
Internal or inside vehicle lifts are designed for larger vehicles such as vans or SUV’s and allow the wheelchair or scooter to be lifted and placed inside of the vehicle. If you plan on doing a lot of traveling with your mobility scooter or power chair, then you may consider using an internal lift over an external one. Internal wheelchair lifts provide protection from the weather and added security. Most all internal vehicle wheelchair lifts are mounted inside the vehicle, although some are available that mount to a trailer hitch similar to an external lift. If you or the person loading and unloading the mobility device from the carrier have upper mobility issues, then an internal lift or a powered external lift will be necessary. Most external lifts require several pounds of mechanical pressure in order to lift the device to the travel position.
When shopping for a wheelchair lift, there are a few things that you will need to know on order to find the right one for your needs. First, know the model and brand of scooter or wheelchair that you will be lifting. Some mobility devices may require a special docking device in order to be lifted into your vehicle. Also be sure you know the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle. This is especially important when purchasing an internal wheelchair lift. For external lifts and carriers, be aware that you will need a Class II or III trailer hitch installed on your vehicle. The class of hitch depends on the weight capacity that you will need. Class II hitches typically have 350 lb capacity while class III are rated for 500 lbs. Allow a comfortable margin when selecting the appropriate hitch. Be sure to factor in the weight of the scooter or wheelchair plus the weight of the carrier or lift. The total weight should be at least 10% below the recommended capacity of the hitch.
Now that you know the basics, you are ready to start comparison shopping. In the last five years, 90% of all wheelchair lifts have been purchased online. This is due to the amount of customization involved in fitting lifts to specific models of vehicles. Even if you can find a brick and mortar store that sells vehicle lifts, chances are you will still have to order a lift for your specific vehicle. Most consumers elect to skip the middle man and order from an online distributor that specializes in mobility products. Wherever you choose to purchase your lift, make sure you know the terms of the warranty and that the warranty is covered by the manufacturer rather than the dealer.
Source: www.isnare.com/?aid=189678&ca=Medical+Business
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