Buying a scooter or wheelchair carrier is simple, if you choose a reputable online store. But there are many different types of wheelchair and scooter carriers and you need to be clear regarding these before you make the purchase. Read all about the different types of wheelchair and scooter carriers here.
Wheelchair carriers come in 4 different types of styles namely Hitch Mounted Manual Carriers, Hitch Mounted Electric Lifts, Electric Boom style lifts, Electric Hybrid Platform lifts. Each of these different wheelchair carriers have their own advantages and disadvantages including prices. Mobility scooter carriers are the perfect solution for transporting power chair scooters across long distances.
Hitch Mounted Manual Carrier – There are various styles and sizes of these carriers made for different mobility devices but they generally work the same way. There is a platform for the mobility device to ride and a method of loading and unloading the mobility device onto the platform. The most common method is a ramp that folds down from the platform. These are the least expensive carriers for transporting but require extra effort and stability. These carriers work on cars, trucks and vans with a hitch receiver able to support the weight.
The other style of Lift is the powered lift. These require the lift to either be connected to the vehicle battery with a wiring harness, provided with the lift, or via a battery pack mounted on the lift. Battery Packs are an additional option and have pros and cons. They allow the mobility lift to be moved from one vehicle to another without requiring each vehicle to have a wiring harness installed. However, you must remember to keep the battery charged, whereas that is not a concern with the wiring harness.
Hitch Mounted Electric Lifts – These lifts also use the vehicle hitch receiver but the lifting and lowering of the mobility chair is all automatic. There are choices of the type of platform, the securement method and others. The most common option is the Swing Away Joint which is required to operate a rear door or tailgate. These carriers work on cars, trucks and vans with a hitch receiver able to support the weight.
Electric Boom style lifts – Like the electric lifts above, the loading and unloading of your mobility device is powered. However, these lifts do not use a platform. They work like a crane, a strap lowers, connects to the mobility device, and lifts the chair up, then the mobility device swings into the vehicle. The boom vehicle lifts are great for placing the mobility device inside your vehicle without taking up too much space in your vehicle. These lifts are primarily designed to work on trucks and vans.
Electric Hybrid Platform lifts – This is a vehicle lift for bringing your mobility device inside your vehicle. These carriers only work on vans and some SUV's, depending on height and width. This lift will extend a platform out of the vehicle and down to the ground. You ride the mobility device onto the platform and then press the button and the lift does the rest. This vehicle lift is very easy to use so it is great for anyone.
Choosing the perfect mobility scooter carrier can make all the difference to conserving battery power, staying safer and simplifying the motorized mobility chair any place anywhere at any time. If you are choosing a scooter carrier for your car, you need to check if the vehicle has a rear hitch mount and whether one can be installed. Check if your power scooter carrier is lightweight and foldable if portability is at the top of your agenda. Budget considerations are equally important.
Hitch receiver weight capacity can influence the choice of scooter carriers. The lift to be purchased should be able to support the complete weight of the mobility scooter plus the weight of the lift. The pricing of wheelchair and scooter carriers are also an important determinant of your choice. You need to take cost into consideration while making the choice. Wheelchair and scooter carriers can make a huge difference to the lives of those facing mobility issues. Making the right choice is important because it impacts comfort levels. Choose the perfect wheelchair and scooter carrier at reputed online stores for the best deals.
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