Scooter Lifts

Scooters are valuable mobility vehicles for those with trouble walking long, or even short distances due to a physical handicap or age. They are real lifesavers in many cases, allowing those who are mobility constrained to arrive at all the same places as everyday folks and the technology keeps getting better by the day.

Now, the scooter is one thing, but getting it from A to B via is another. If you use a scooter but are taking a road trip, how do you get said scooter safely from New Mexico to Montana? In times like this what’s known as a scooter lift is needed. Scooter lifts allow for those who depend on the scooter the ability to participate with their family or friends no matter the location. Scooter lifts are also excellent tools for caregivers who can take care of someone who is mobility confined by transporting them to distinct locations (via car) with the scooter in tow.  

Depending on the type of car one has, the scooter lift will vary. Here is a quick rundown of the best models per type of vehicle on the market today.

Electric Cars

If you own an electric vehicle (EV), the Mini Lift Model 117 is light, easy to lift, and folds exceptionally well. The platform is made of steel and because it is secured with tie-downs is flexible enough to carry scooters of most sizes. A switch box controls the lift but in the event of a power loss the hand crank can be employed. The platform measures 37 by 22 inches, weighs roughly 88 pounds and has a 150-pound weight capacity. Going over 150 pounds with a EV is not ideal, but if you keep it under 150, this is a fantastic option for EV drivers.

SUVs

The big daddy AL425 Axis II scooter lift is great for SUVs for two simple reasons – high lifting capacity and compact design. Many seniors will have different scooters for different situations/scenarios. These could be travel scooters, full-size scooters or even full-size power wheelchairs. This lift can accommodate any of the above and hitting that 400-pound weight capacity won’t ever be an issue. In fact, if you have a scooter weighing over 400 pounds odds are that someone sold you an ATV dressed up as a scooter. The lift itself weights 90 pounds, is weather resistant with an optional wireless remote control and a hardwired power source.

Sedans

Some sedans are heavy-duty while others will immediately fold in a wreck. Try to avoid the “wreck-folding” ones, but regardless, the Titan Medical Rack Ramp MC500 or SC500 is a solid pick-up for this category. Fabricated of heavy-duty steel, the MC500 measures 46.5 by 28 inches, can be used on class III or IV trailer hitches and has a very high weight capacity. This ramp is great for loading and unloading quickly and efficiently, but be forewarned, it is a manual operation. There are no electric options here and the ramp can also add quite a bit more space when it comes to parking. Despite these two drawbacks however, this is ideal for power wheelchairs and scooters and is also very affordable.

Scooter lifts are everywhere these days, do your homework and you’ll find an excellent fit, guaranteed!