Scooter Lifts

There is no doubt that having scooter lifts installed in your vehicle can dramatically improve your quality of life. If you are starting to find that climbing from your mobility scooter into your vehicle is becoming a hazardous experience, or just hard work, then exploring the best scooter lifts could be the answer.

There are two solutions to this problem, you can buy a scooter lift and have the scooter lift installed permanantly in your vehicle or you can use the local mobility transport services.

The advantage of having a scooter lift installed is if you anticipate many years of use then it would be more economical than paying weekly for mobility scooter lift transport services.

Another advantage of installed scooter lifts is you have far more freedom to do what you want and you are not restricted to the timetable and limitations of a mobility scooter lift transport service.

Once you start considering the possibility of having a scooter lift, you will need to become familiar with some highly technical infomation on scooter lifts. This is why I strongly recommend that you take professional advice from someone with experience in the mobility scooter lifts field.

Mobility Scooter Lifts

As with any other expensive purchase I would advise that you contact at least 3 mobility scooter lifts companies as there can be a huge difference in price and quality. Be wary of who you deal with as with the increasing demand for electric scooter lifts more and more unscrupulous car scooter lifts dealers are setting up shop.

Get advice from others who have had electric scooter lifts installed and ensure your dealer has been in the car scooter lifts business for a while and has a good reputation, a quick enquiry to an occupational therapist should turn up some recommendations for reliable installers of van scooter lifts.

Van Scooter Lifts

There are 2 types of handicapped scooter lifts.

The platform Handicapped Scooter Lifts
There are both solid and folding platform scooter lifts that can be subcategorized into automatic and semi-automatic types. An automatic lift will fold, unfold, lower and raise by operating a single switch. A semi-automatic scooter lift requires manual folding and unfolding of the platform which is difficult if you are the one who will need to do the manual work.

Rotary Mobility Scooter Lifts
The rotary scooter lift, sometimes called a “swing” lift, allows the mobility scooter to be moved by swinging it inside, outside, and up-and-down. These are normally used in vans and minivans which is the type of vehicle I recommend you buy if you anticipate many years of loading and unloading your mobility scooter.

Scooter lift compatibility can be an issue when adding these types of mobility lifts to your vehicle. Choosing the type of operation, such as electric or hydraulic, will also vary depending on your location. Extreme climates and temperatures may also determine the type of mobility lifts you need.

Financing For Mobility Lifts

Other state offices, including the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Division of Developmental Services, should also be asked to assess your eligibility. And, of course, your insurance or workman’s compensation policies may include coverage for your type of disability.

Outside funding sources may help you reduce your own out-of-pocket expense, but don’t forget opportunities to further reduce your costs. Your doctor’s prescription, for example, may exempt your purchase from sales tax. Your accountant can address possibilities for income tax credits.

Most importantly your vehicle’s manufacturer may offer valuable rebates on scooter lift installation or incentive programs that could have a significant impact on the final cost of your vehicle or conversion, often up to $1000.