For anyone with mobility challenges, a car hoist can be an absolute lifesaver when it comes to expanding their horizons, ensuring that whatever mobility issue the end user is facing they are still able to get out and about and their range of movement is as wide and vibrant as possible. For wheelchair users the issue is often just as much about helping a carer to assist access into vehicles as it is about mobility in general. A car hoist can not only help someone get their own wheelchair or mobility scooter into their vehicle, but can be invaluable in assisting carers carry out these tasks as well, ensuring that getting around is achieved as smoothly as possible, minimizing risk of any injuries and taking the stress out of the process.

Over recent years there have been great leaps and advancements when it comes to the engineering and design of car hoists and as such there are models capable of lifting all kinds of mobility equipment into your vehicle, or that of your family member, friend or carer. The range of hoists available include models that are all designed to load and unload manual and electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters into and out of a vehicle.

Getting a wheelchair or scooter into a car

There are a wide range of hoists on the market, differing in terms of their range of movements, with those with more restricted movements being suited to lighter manual wheelchairs or smaller mobility scooters. Such hoists are known as two-way hoists. They function by lifting the mobility equipment up and down using an electric motor. These hoists are restricted to this vertical movement and as such require that users are able to push the chair by hand in order to swing it inside the vehicle. With larger wheelchairs and mobility scooters or for users with limited power in the arms it is advisable to opt for four-way hoists. These hoists are able to lift the chair or scooter up and down as well as completing the job by swinging the mobility equipment into the car.

It is also important to note that different hoists are capable of lifting different weights. Smaller hoists in the two-way design will be capable of lifting between 40 and 80kg depending on the model, while larger, four-way hoists can carry up to 200kg of mobility equipment. In between this range are models capable of lifting 100-150kg. The best hoists will typically take around 60 seconds to complete the necessary manoeuvre to get your wheelchair or scooter into the car.

Overall benefits of car hoists

Aside from the overriding sense of freedom that can result from being able to transport your scooter or wheelchair further afield, the mental health benefits cannot be overstated. It is great for the mind as well as the body to be able to get out and about and experience things away from the home environment. It can also help improve existing relationships and in the making of new friendships.