If you have a loved one that utilizes a wheelchair or a power chair for mobility, you may be considering investing in a quality vehicle that is equipped to carry the chair easily. After some preliminary research, you may be wondering exactly what mobility lifts are, the types that are out there and how they work. Read on for an overview of mobility lifts that are available to either add on to a van, or that have already been built on to various vehicles.
Types of chair lifts
Mobility lifts come in two different, useful types. Arms lifts have a mechanical arm that will firmly hold onto the chair and carefully lift it up and then into the back or the side of the vehicle. The arm is designed to be incredibly durable and can easily lift the weight of the wheelchair or scooter. Once the arm has successfully lifted the chair into the back or side of the van, the arm will hold the chair safely in place.
Platform lifts function in a different way. They will still lift up the chair, but instead of doing so with a mechanical arm; there will be a platform that the chair fits on that will slowly lift up the chair. The platform is built into the side or the back of the vehicle and will slowly roll out electronically. The chair is either driven onto the platform or pushed on, and the lift is very safe and easy to use. Once inside of the vehicle, there will be a strap or some other device that can secure the chair in the vehicle.
Finding vehicles with lifts
In order to purchase a vehicle that has a lift, you will either need to find a used one that has already been converted or should buy a van and then have the conversion completed. Depending on the type of lift that you want to buy, you may have to buy a van and then pay for the conversion to be completed. You may also opt to buy a good vehicle that is used and already has been converted, which can also work and will save you cash.
Depending on your budget and the needs of the person that you love, there are various mobility lifts that are an excellent addition to any vehicle. There are thousands of wonderful vehicles out there that are accessible for wheelchairs, so discuss with a dealer what your current options are.
Types of chair lifts
Mobility lifts come in two different, useful types. Arms lifts have a mechanical arm that will firmly hold onto the chair and carefully lift it up and then into the back or the side of the vehicle. The arm is designed to be incredibly durable and can easily lift the weight of the wheelchair or scooter. Once the arm has successfully lifted the chair into the back or side of the van, the arm will hold the chair safely in place.
Platform lifts function in a different way. They will still lift up the chair, but instead of doing so with a mechanical arm; there will be a platform that the chair fits on that will slowly lift up the chair. The platform is built into the side or the back of the vehicle and will slowly roll out electronically. The chair is either driven onto the platform or pushed on, and the lift is very safe and easy to use. Once inside of the vehicle, there will be a strap or some other device that can secure the chair in the vehicle.
Finding vehicles with lifts
In order to purchase a vehicle that has a lift, you will either need to find a used one that has already been converted or should buy a van and then have the conversion completed. Depending on the type of lift that you want to buy, you may have to buy a van and then pay for the conversion to be completed. You may also opt to buy a good vehicle that is used and already has been converted, which can also work and will save you cash.
Depending on your budget and the needs of the person that you love, there are various mobility lifts that are an excellent addition to any vehicle. There are thousands of wonderful vehicles out there that are accessible for wheelchairs, so discuss with a dealer what your current options are.
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