Scooter lift compatibility and other issues to look for.
A motorized scooter is great for mobility—until you need to transport it. Mobility scooter lifts make this Herculean effort a lot easier to ensure you can continue living an active lifestyle. But it’s not just for you.
Purchasing a lift could be beneficial for you and your loved ones. With the correct lift system, you can safely store your mobility device in your vehicle and bring it with you wherever you go. It makes life so much easier. But how do you find the right one?
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There are several kinds of vehicle lifts for your mobility scooter. Choosing the right vehicle lift for your scooter might seem like an intimidating task at first, but here are some things to consider.
Benefits of Mobility Scooter Lifts for Vehicles
Mobility scooter blogs aren’t easy to come by online, so it’s natural to be in the dark about these vehicle lifts. So, does anyone buy mobility scooters? Of course, they do.
The sturdy construction of many mobility scooter models can makes them a pleasure to drive and durable to own - but the additional weight and support may make the scooter itself a bit difficult to maneuver, especially if there is a desire to lift or transport it.
Why Consider a Mobility Scooter Lift
On the whole, mobility lifts are relatively easy to install.
Lifts come in a variety of shapes and sizes to perfectly fit your vehicle and scooter. Many lifts are custom-manufactured for a specific make or even model so you can rest assured your scooter will fit and that the lift has enough power to move your scooter into the air.
Outfitted with hydraulics, scooter lifts make it easier to get your scooter in your vehicle, making driving much more convenient. This means you can go grocery shopping or take a road trip that would’ve been otherwise inaccessible.
In fact, with a mobility scooter lift, you’ll have the freedom of movement and lifestyle you want. Nobody wants to be limited by having to lug around a heavy scooter. And if you need one, few owners have the strength to carry such a heavy item into the car.
But there are factors to consider before spending your hard-earned money.
Scooter Lift Compatibility and Other Facts to Consider
Finding the right mobility scooter lift for a van, car, or truck and setting up installation can be a complicated endeavor. Some shops can charge upwards of $10,000 to outfit your vehicle, and they may only install parts they purchase themselves.
Auto shops can be very picky about the type of work they do, and even organizations like AAA like to have full control over the process. This means if you buy the lift separately, you may have a harder time finding a garage that installs it.
Be sure to call around to discuss installation before you buy a lift system. Of course, there are plenty of mobile lift systems that don’t require installation, saving you money. And they’re around $1,000, so you won’t break the bank.
With a mobile lift system, you’ll be able to transport yourself wherever you need to go more easily and adjust the scooter for any situation. However, you should make sure you’re able to operate the lift, which could involve standing and holding a lever for a long period.
You may also consider buying a used lift. Let’s review the good, the bad, and the ugly of purchasing a used mobility scooter and lift.
Pros and Cons of a Used Mobility Scooter Lift
If buying a new lift sounds too pricey, there’s another option out there. Buying a used lift can save you money. It’s a great way to be frugal, but there are a few things to watch out for. Be sure to check the pricing and condition of the parts so you don’t end up with a lemon. Here are a few pros and cons of buying a used lift:
Pros of Buying Used
- Used lifts are cheaper than brand new ones. If you’re really pinching pennies, it’s an option to consider.
- You may find a used car, van, or truck with a scooter lift already installed. This means you can sell your current vehicle and possibly make money on the deal.
Cons of Buying Used
- Used vehicle lifts have normal wear and tear and may need servicing or even be non-functional. Consider why the seller is letting go of the vehicle lift.
- You’ll have to take what you can get instead of getting the personalized lift you want. You may be better suited to different features that aren’t available in what you can find on the market.
- The unit may be out of warranty. This could make repairing more expensive, and you may end up having to buy a new unit soon.
Saving money upfront could be costly in the long run. You never know what can go wrong with any moving parts in a lift. A new lift with a full manufacturer’s warranty is ideal, so be sure to shop our collection of mobility scooter lifts today.
