Things to Consider When Choosing a Scooter Lift for Your Van
Individuals who live with mobility difficulties have to come to terms with one of life’s greatest ironies: the very devices designed to enhance independence and freedom of movement, such as wheelchairs and scooters, also pose serious challenges to independence and freedom of movement. If you’ve ever tried to load a scooter into the back of a car or van on your own, then you know first-hand what we mean. A motorized scooter is a godsend for folks who struggle to get around; it facilitates traveling, enjoying activities with friends and family, and spending time outdoors. But first, you have to get the scooter to the destination. That’s where scooter lifts in Louisiana come in.
A scooter lift provides a mechanized way to load a scooter into or onto a car or van. You’ll find a variety of different types of lifts to choose from. The following is a brief overview to guide your shopping:Hitch Mounts
Suitable for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVsHitch mounts are the most common type of scooter lift. This system has users place their mobility device onto a platform that is mounted onto the vehicle’s hitch. Once the scooter is secured to the platform, a press of a button raises the platform and locks it in place. A built-in illuminated license plate holder ensures your plates are not obscured by the lift.
Hitch mounts are popular because of their versatility. They are compatible with cars, SUVs, and vans. They even work with trucks; a swing-away attachment allows you to access your truck’s tailgate by pushing the platform to the side.
Things to know:
With a hitch mount system, your scooter is always exposed to the elements. When parked or driving, your scooter is out in the weather. In addition, your vehicle will be longer, which can make parking and some maneuvering more challenging. When buying a hitch mount system, you will need to ascertain the weight capacity of your vehicle’s hitch to ensure it can handle the combined weight of the platform and your mobility device.
Hybrid Lifts
Suitable for vans and SUVsA hybrid lift features a platform lift mounted inside the back of a van or SUV rather than on the exterior hitch. This allows you to secure your scooter inside the vehicle where it can be protected. The system is fully mechanized and is easy for almost anyone to operate.
Things to know:
With a hybrid system, you won’t have access to any third-row seating in your van or SUV. The lift system will fully occupy that space. That said, your scooter is safe and secure inside the car and fully protected from the weather. A hybrid system also adds no length to your vehicle, so you never have to deal with the challenges of a hitch lift.
Inside Lifts
Suitable for cars, vans, and SUVsInside lifts, also known as curbside lifts or boom lifts, use a boom arm and heavy-duty belts rather than a platform to raise and lower your scooter. The boom attaches to your scooter’s frame with brackets and the lift arm swings in and out and raises and lowers the scooter.
Things to know:
An inside lift keeps your scooter safe and secure and can give you access to third-row seating inside your SUV or van since it doesn’t use a space-hogging platform. Inside lifts can also be used to transfer a scooter into the trunk of a car which platform-style lifts cannot do. But inside lifts require skill to operate in order to prevent dents and scratches on your vehicle.
