Anyone with a disability can tell you the many ways in which that disability impacts their daily lives. One huge challenge for disabled individuals is travel. Those with reduced mobility depend on devices such as scooters or wheelchairs to get around. Without them, going anywhere is impossible. But these heavy and awkward devices are often difficult to transport. One thing that you can do to ensure you can be mobile anywhere you go is to equip your vehicle with a lift.
Interior and Exterior Lifts
There are two basic categories of scooter and wheelchair lifts: interior lifts and exterior lifts. Interior lifts are mounted inside the vehicle. They usually come with a ramp that can be pulled out so the device can be rolled up through the back or side door. Exterior lifts are used for smaller vehicles with limited interior space. They are usually mounted on the rear of the vehicle using the car’s tow hitch.
Different Types of Lifts
There are three common types of lifts that outfit most vehicles. Which one you use depends on the vehicle and also what is most convenient for your disability:
- Platform lifts are for vehicles that have a lot of space. These lifts have platforms built into the back of the vehicle that folds and unfolds to allow a scooter or wheelchair to roll in. They can be either manual or semi-automatic. Semi-automatic platforms come with remotes that can control the platform and unfold by itself, while manual platforms require you to unfold and refold them by yourself.
- Crane scooter lifts function in the exact manner their name implies. These lifts have a small crane mounted in the back of your vehicle that hooks to your scooter or wheelchair and lifts it into the vehicle. They come in a variety of sizes and can fit in vans and SUVs.
- Outside and hitch scooter lifts can be attached to any vehicle with a hitch mount. It’s a small, grated metal mount that can hold your scooter outside your vehicle. This is extremely convenient for those vehicles that have limited space on the inside.
Conclusion
Technology for disabilities has come a long way. If you need a trunk lift for a scooter or wheelchair, rest assured that there are many options for you. All you need to do is research what fits your scooter or wheelchair best and what your car can handle. Some options are more expensive than others, but the investments will make travel so much easier and more convenient for you. Don’t let your disability stop you from experiencing the joy of travel!
