Purchase Considerations for a
Wheelchair Van Lift

A wheelchair van lift alleviates the need for a caregiver to manually transfer a wheelchair-reliant individual into a vehicle. In addition a vehicle lift makes the process of loading and unloading a wheelchair much faster and easier.

Rotary wheelchair lifts, also known as swing lifts, move the wheelchair in and out of the vehicle through the use of a hydraulic or electric boom arm. This type of lift is most often used in minivans and full-sized vans.

Platform wheelchair lifts may be automatic or semi-automatic. The automatic variety will raise and lower, as well as fold and unfold, with the push of a button. A semi-automatic lift raises and lowers automatically but requires manual folding and unfolding of the lift.

In addition to automatic and semi-automatic functionality, the following questions and features should be considered before make a purchase.

• Is the lift compatible with the make, model and year of your vehicle, as well as the model of your mobility chair.?

• What is the usable length of the lift? Make sure the dimensions are sufficient to accommodate your mobility chair – especially if it is electric or self powered.

• Are the lift controls easy to operate and understand?

• Will the weight rating of the lift be suitable for your needs? Many lifts accommodate up to 600 pounds.

• Does the lift have a remote control for operation?

• What are the terms of the warranty and how will the problems be handled if they should arise?

• What type of regular maintenance is required to maintain the wheelchair van lift in optimum condition?

• Who will handle the installation of the lift?

Related Articles