Vehicle Lift Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Choose

A vehicle lift lets you take a scooter, power chair, or wheelchair with you without lifting it by hand. The right lift is the one that fits your mobility device, your vehicle, and the person who will use it. This guide covers what to know before you choose.

Start with your mobility device

Every lift has a weight capacity and a platform or docking size, so the device comes first. Have these details ready:

• Make and model of the scooter, power chair, or wheelchair
• Weight, including batteries and accessories
• Overall length, width, and wheelbase

Power chairs are generally heavier than scooters, which narrows the choice of lifts and vehicles that can carry them.

Check what your vehicle can carry

For lifts that mount to a hitch, two ratings matter: the hitch class and the tongue weight. Tongue weight is the downward load the hitch can support, and the combined weight of the lift and the mobility device must stay within it. For lifts that load the device inside the vehicle, the size of the rear opening and the cargo space matter most.

Vehicle make, model, year, and trim all affect compatibility, as do ground clearance and the angle of your driveway.

Decide between inside and outside transport

• Outside the vehicle: An exterior lift carries the device behind the vehicle, which keeps seating and cargo space free. The device is exposed to weather and road debris, so a cover is a good idea.
• Inside the vehicle: An interior lift protects the device from weather and keeps it out of sight, but it uses cargo space and may affect rear seating.

Know the main lift types

• Exterior hitch-mounted platform lifts: The device drives onto a platform that raises and carries it behind the vehicle. Many fold up when not in use.
• Interior hoist lifts: A powered arm lifts the device and swings it into the cargo area.
• Interior platform and hybrid lifts: A platform lifts the device and stows it inside a van, SUV, or crossover.
• Pickup truck lifts: Designed to load a device into a truck bed.
• Docking lifts: TriLift uses a bracket on the device instead of a platform and straps.
• Van ramps: Roll-A-Ramp offers manual and powered ramps for rolling a device into a compatible van.

For a closer look at specific products, see Harmar vs. Bruno vehicle lifts and TriLift vs. Roll-A-Ramp.

Think about who will operate the lift

Consider whether the user or a caregiver will load the device, and how much bending, guiding, and securing they can comfortably do. Powered lifts handle the raising and lowering, but the device still needs to be positioned and secured. A lift that is easy to use is one that actually gets used.

Plan for installation

Powered lifts need to be wired to the vehicle, and hitch-mounted lifts need the right hitch installed. Professional installation and a walkthrough help make sure the lift is secure and that you are confident using it.

What to bring to a consultation

• Your vehicle’s make, model, year, and trim
• Your hitch class and tongue weight rating, if you have a hitch
• Your mobility device’s make, model, and weight
• Whether you prefer to carry the device inside or outside
• Who will be loading and unloading it

Get a free vehicle lift quote in Lexington, KY

Mobility Equipment of Lexington helps compare Harmar, Bruno, TriLift, and Roll-A-Ramp options for your vehicle and mobility device. Learn more about vehicle lifts in Lexington, KY, call (859) 523-0993, or request a free quote.