Vehicle Lift Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Lift for Your Mobility Device – Med Mart

If you're looking to travel with a mobility scooter, power wheelchair, or manual wheelchair, a vehicle lift makes life easier by helping you transport your device safely and securely. But with different lift types and vehicle requirements, it’s important to choose the right one for your lifestyle, mobility needs, and car.

This guide walks you through the key factors to consider before buying a vehicle lift.

1. What Type of Mobility Device Do You Have?

Before anything else, know the size and weight of your mobility device:

Manual Wheelchair – Lightweight and compact
Travel Scooter – Lighter, designed for portability
Full-Size Scooter or Power Wheelchair – Heavier, often requires stronger lifts

Tip: Check your product manual or contact us if you're unsure about your device’s weight and dimensions.

2. What Vehicle Do You Drive?

Different lifts fit different vehicles. Consider:

Do you have a car, SUV, van, or truck?
Does your vehicle have a hitch? If so, what class? (Class III is most common for lifts)
Do you need to park in a garage or tight space?
Can your cargo area fit the lift and device inside?

If your vehicle doesn’t have a hitch yet, one can often be installed.

3. What Type of Lift Works Best for You?

Here are your options:

Hitch-Mounted Lifts

Mounts to your vehicle’s hitch
Stores the mobility device outside the car
Easy to use and keeps cargo space free
Best for: People who want fast loading/unloading

Hoist Lifts

Installed inside your vehicle’s cargo area
Uses an arm to lift your device inside
Keeps your device protected from the weather
Best for: Smaller vehicles or indoor storage preference

Hybrid Lifts

Combines the ease of exterior loading with interior storage
Drive-on platform automatically stores the device inside
Offers top convenience and weather protection
Best for: SUVs, vans, and full-size vehicles

4. How Will You Use the Lift?

Think about your day-to-day needs:

Will you travel often?
Are you loading the device yourself or with help?
Do you need fast and easy loading without lifting?

If you’ll be loading alone, a drive-on lift is usually the most convenient. If storage protection is a priority, interior lifts or hybrids are better choices.

5. Other Key Features to Consider

Weather Protection – Interior storage protects against rain, snow, and road salt.
Backup Camera Visibility – Exterior lifts may block your view unless adjusted or paired with an upgraded camera angle.
Power vs. Manual – Fully powered lifts offer push-button ease, while some hoist lifts require manual operation.
Swing-Away Bar Option – Allows you to swing the lift out of the way so you can open your vehicle’s rear hatch — ideal for SUVs and trucks.
Installation Requirements – Some lifts are plug-and-play, but most require professional installation for safety and fit.

6. Talk to an Expert

Choosing the right lift can be overwhelming. At Med Mart, our team is here to help match your mobility device with your vehicle and lifestyle needs.

Call us at 888-413-8994 for personal assistance.

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