Hoists for Powered Wheelchairs/Scooters
Due to the weight and bulk of powered wheelchairs and electric scooters, it is not recommended practice for a person to attempt to lift one into a vehicle. A powered hoist can lift and assist with manoeuvring a wheelchair or scooter into the rear of a vehicle.
The hoist is electrically operated via a switch; in some models this is fixed in the boot, on other models the hoist is controlled via a switch pad connected by a cable or infrared control to the motor unit allowing movement of the control pad.
You will need to contact hoist manufacturers to find out if their make of hoist can be fitted to your make and model of vehicle. Depending on your boot size, you may need to remove foot plates and the back rest prior to using the hoist and i t is a good idea to check whether you will need to do this prior to the purchase of a hoist and to consider how easy this may be for you. You may also need to fold down or remove seats in the rear of the vehicle If you are purchasing a new vehicle, it is important to make sure that the boot area is large enough to accommodate your wheelchair plus hoist.
In order to work with the hoist, your wheelchair will require to be fitted with brackets. If your wheelchair is on loan from your NHS wheelchair services, it is recommended that you seek their permission. The hooks have to be balanced and located according to the weight distribution of your chair or scooter
Powered Hoists
Hoists for powered wheelchairs or electric scooters come in 2 way or 4 way formats. A 2 way hoist lifts the wheelchair up and down. When the wheelchair or scooter has been raised to the correct height, the boom arm will need to be manually swung over to position the hoist ready for lowering the wheelchair or scooter into the boot space. A 4 way hoist is powered up, down, in and out and does not require any manual operation once hoisted.
To use your 2 way or 4 way hoist, operate the control switch to bring the hoist to the correct height to either swing the boom arm out manually or operate the "out" button. Once the boom arm is correctly positioned, lower the hoist until it is at the correct height to attach the catches.
Once the catches are attached, operate the control switch to raise the wheelchair/scooter to the required height to clear the boot sill. When it is at the correct height, either manually push the arm over into the boot space to position the hoist ready for lowering the wheelchair into the boot, or operate the "in" control. The wheelchair/scooter can now be lowered onto the boot floor. For safety reasons, it is important to secure your wheelchair in the boot of your vehicle. Once the boot door is closed, you are ready to set off.
Telescopic Hoists
To operate the hoist, turn on the power switch. Use the control panel to bring the hoist out of the vehicle into position where it can be attached to the wheelchair or scooter. . Attach the catches to the hooks (fitted to the wheelchair or scooter by the hoist company).
Once the hooks are attached, operate the control panel to lift the wheelchair or scooter into the rear of the vehicle. The Telescopic hoist guides the chair or scooter into the boot, requiring no additional input from the operator.
When the chair or scooter is loaded into the rear of the vehicle, there is no need to remove the catches and hooks.
Turn the hoist off at the main switch to prevent loss of power from the battery. For safety reasons, it is important to secure your wheelchair in the boot of your vehicle. You are now ready to close the boot and set off.
Points to consider…
• Hoists cannot be fitted to all makes and models of vehicle
• Fitting the hoist will require drilling through the floor pan of the boot which may affect the warranty on new cars; check with your dealer and hoist manufacturer.
• When you change vehicle, it may be possible to transfer your hoist from your old vehicle to your new vehicle; check with the hoist manufacturer.
• It is a good idea to contact the hoist manufacturer to arrange a demonstration of the hoist prior to purchase. You can also have a trial to see how easy you find the process.
• Depending on your vehicle and the size of your powered chair or scooter, you may have little room for other things such as passengers or shopping.
• With a telescopic hoist, you will require a larger space at the rear of the vehicle to load and unload the chair/scooter.
• If it is very windy, you may need to steady the wheelchair as it rises to prevent it banging against the car body and causing damage.
• For safety reasons, it is important to secure your wheelchair in the boot of your vehicle.
• An upright wheelchair stowed in the boot may obstruct rearward vision
• The fitting of a hoist in the boot area may affect the accessibility of the spare wheel if stored in the boot.
• It is important to know the exact weight of your powered wheelchair/electric scooter as hoists come in different sizes taking different weight chairs/scooters, e.g. up to 100kgs, up to 150 kgs.
Whilst The Forum of Mobility Centres has taken every care to ensure the information provided in this document is accurate, the Forum does not endorse or make any representations as to the quality, cost or availability of the products, services, and suppliers listed here. The Forum of Mobility Centres cannot in any circumstances accept liability of any kind arising out of or in connection with the use of this information or any reliance placed on it by any person.
May 2006