Purchase Considerations for a
Wheelchair Van Lift

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

There are two primary types of van lifts: Rotary Wheelchair Lifts and Platform Wheelchair Lifts.

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 van lift in optimum condition?
Who will handle the installation of the lift?

In addition, always check references of the company selling and installing the lift to ensure previous buyers are satisfied.

Related Information

Types of Mobility Ramps
Wheelchair Van Conversions

Return HOME from Wheelchair Van Lift