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There are two options for buying wheelchair lifts for a vehicle. You can select, either an inside wheelchair lift or an outside wheelchair lift. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The wheelchair lifts that are being reviewed are lifts for private use vehicles, either a car or van. Larger vehicles such as buses, commercial vans and motor homes will generally require a different, more expensive, type of lift.

An outside wheelchair lift will hold your personal mobile device outside of the car or van. It will be carried behind the vehicle in such a manner that the driver will still have complete visibility of the road. An outside lift requires very little modification to the vehicle. The lift is usually attached to a trailer hitch on the rear. The installation is generally easy and inexpensive, and can usually be done by someone who is able to read directions and has a basic understanding of tools. An additional advantage to consider with outside wheelchair lifts is that there is little to any reduction of passenger, trunk or rear storage space inside the car or van.

Of course, there are several disadvantages to consider when selecting an exterior wheelchair lift. If you do not have a trailer hitch on the back of your vehicle, one will have to be installed. Porting the wheelchair outside of your vehicle exposes it to the weather, running the risk that it is wet, cold or too hot for immediate use when you arrive at your desired destination. It can also be damaged by road debris, rain, snow, hail or wind. An outside lift will add additional length to your car or van creating a need for extra caution and attention when driving or parking. You may have trouble fitting your vehicle comfortably into a handicap or typical parking space due to the additional length. The extended vehicle will also be more likely to bottom out on driveways with any type of slope or when going over traffic or speed bumps. Exterior wheelchair lifts also make it necessary for the wheelchair or scooter to be removed overnight to prevent theft or vandalism.

An inside lift with bring your wheelchair or scooter completely inside the car or van. This will provided protection from all of the various types of weather as well as from any road debris. The use of an interior lift does not cause any additional length to be added to the vehicle and it does not change how the car drives, nor does it limit parking space options. There is also the added advantage, with a more expensive inside lift, that the wheelchair user can stay in their chair during transfer.

The two major disadvantages to interior lifts are the loss of inside space and the additional expense that will be incurred. Most inside lifts will either take up space inside the trunk or will require extensive interior modifications that will have to be completed by an experienced mechanic in order to have them done properly. Additional seats for passengers may have to be removed and often the modifications will alter the vehicle manufacturer’s warranties. The ability to easily resell the car or van will also be limited by the installation of an inside wheelchair lift.

Although this is by no means a complete list of the advantages and disadvantages to the two main types of private vehicle wheelchair lifts, it does provide some basic points that should be considered before making your final purchase. The goal with any lift is to make the best possible choice based on the budget and the needs of the individual wheelchair user.