Transporting an electric wheelchair presents a unique challenge due to its significant weight and bulk. Unlike lighter, foldable mobility aids, electric wheelchairs typically weigh between 150 to over 300 pounds and require mechanical assistance for safe loading into a car. This process necessitates specialized equipment designed to overcome the difficulty of lifting such a heavy device, protecting both the chair and the vehicle. Successfully transporting an electric wheelchair depends on matching the chair’s specifications with the vehicle’s capacity and the appropriate lifting mechanism.
Determining Compatibility: Chair Size and Vehicle Capacity
Selecting a transport solution begins with assessing the electric wheelchair and the vehicle. The chair’s total weight, including batteries and accessories, must be determined, as standard lifts typically handle 250 to 400 pounds. Beyond weight, the chair’s dimensions—length, width, and ground clearance—are necessary to ensure it fits onto a lift platform or into the vehicle’s storage area.
Matching these measurements to the vehicle involves reviewing two key capacity ratings: the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the hitch tongue weight. The GVWR is the maximum permissible total weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and added equipment. Adding a lift system (which can weigh 300 to 500 pounds) and the wheelchair significantly reduces the vehicle’s remaining payload capacity.
For vehicles using an external lift, the hitch’s tongue weight rating is the non-negotiable limit for the downward force the hitch can safely bear. Most external lifts require a professionally installed Class II or Class III hitch receiver. A Class III hitch typically supports up to 500 pounds, often the minimum needed to safely carry the heavy wheelchair and the lift mechanism.
Utilizing External Vehicle Lifts (Hitch-Mounted Systems)
External, hitch-mounted lifts are a popular, less-invasive solution for transporting electric wheelchairs on standard vehicles like SUVs and minivans. These systems attach directly to the trailer hitch receiver, keeping the wheelchair outside the cargo area and preserving interior space. They are categorized primarily as platform lifts or hoist-style lifts, both powered by the vehicle’s battery.
Platform lifts are the most common type, featuring a flat surface onto which the wheelchair is driven or pushed. Once secured, the platform uses an electric motor to raise the device and hold it securely during transit. This design is convenient, requiring the user only to position the chair before initiating the lifting cycle via a remote.
The main requirement is a Class II or Class III hitch classification to support the combined weight of the lift (around 100 pounds) and the power chair. While offering easy access, a drawback of external transport is the exposure of the wheelchair to weather and road debris. Some models include a “swing-away” feature, allowing the loaded or unloaded lift to pivot away from the rear hatch for trunk access without removing the system.
Strategies for Internal Vehicle Storage (Vans and SUVs)
Storing an electric wheelchair inside the vehicle provides protection and security, but requires substantial modifications and a vehicle with ample cargo space, such as a van or large SUV. Internal solutions include hoist lifts and fully automatic platform lifts. Hoist or boom lifts utilize a rotating arm mounted in the cargo area to hook onto the wheelchair frame, lift it, and swing it into the vehicle.
Operating a hoist lift involves maneuvering the chair close to the rear opening, attaching the specialized docking device, and using a wired remote to power the lift and rotation. This lift is generally more compact and can be installed in smaller SUVs than a full platform system. However, it requires the user to detach from the chair and manage the attachment process. Internal hoist lifts typically have a maximum weight capacity ranging from 200 to 400 pounds.
In contrast, an internal platform lift, sometimes called a hybrid lift, allows the user to drive the wheelchair directly onto a platform inside the vehicle. The platform automatically raises and stows the chair with the push of a button, offering high convenience. These systems are larger, occupy significant cargo space even when folded, and are usually restricted to minivans or full-size vans that have the necessary vertical and lateral space.
Essential Safety and Security Protocols
Securing the electric wheelchair for travel is a non-negotiable safety requirement, whether transported externally or internally. The primary protocol involves using a four-point tie-down system to anchor the chair to the vehicle floor or lift platform. These systems use specialized straps that attach to designated securement points on the wheelchair’s frame.
The straps must be tensioned to eliminate slack, ensuring the chair cannot shift or tip during sudden braking or turns. The four tie-down straps should be angled: front straps provide lateral stability, and rear straps prevent forward movement. An alternative to manual strapping is an automatic docking system, which securely locks the wheelchair’s base into a fixed point on the vehicle floor, providing hands-free stabilization.
Battery safety is also important; the wheelchair’s power should always be turned off before driving to prevent accidental activation. The lift system itself must be maintained by regularly checking cables, fluid levels, and electrical connections. The total secured weight must remain within the vehicle’s specified capacity to maintain safe handling and braking performance.