Transporting a wheelchair in a sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a common necessity that presents logistical challenges. The most effective approach depends significantly on the type of chair—manual versus heavy power—and the physical capabilities of the person loading it. While a manual chair can often be managed through careful technique, heavier devices almost always require mechanical assistance. Solutions range from simple body mechanics to sophisticated automated systems, ensuring the safe and efficient stowage of mobility equipment.
Pre-Loading Preparation and Safety Checks
Before attempting to lift or load any wheelchair, prepare both the mobility device and the SUV’s cargo area. Start by clearing the vehicle’s trunk or rear cargo space entirely, folding down any rear seats to maximize the available space. This prevents loose items from obstructing the loading path or causing damage during transit.
Next, focus on the wheelchair itself to make it as compact and light as possible. Engage the wheel locks to stabilize the chair, then remove all detachable components, such as the cushion, footrests, and anti-tippers. These parts should be stored separately in the vehicle’s cabin to protect them and reduce the overall weight and size of the main frame. If a manual lift is planned, ensure the person performing the lift has a stable stance on a level surface, which minimizes strain and enhances safety.
Step-by-Step Manual Loading Techniques
For a folding manual wheelchair, collapse the chair into its most compact form by pulling up on the seat sling. Once folded, move the chair close to the SUV’s rear opening, ensuring the wheel locks are set to prevent rolling. This manual technique is generally only feasible for lightweight chairs, typically weighing less than 35 pounds.
The safest method for lifting involves using the large muscles of the legs to minimize back strain. Grasp the rigid frame components, such as the wheels or the lower frame, rather than detachable parts like armrests. Bend at the knees, keeping the back straight, and lift the chair with a smooth, controlled motion, pivoting your entire body toward the vehicle.
To clear the high threshold of an SUV cargo area, use a two-part motion, resting the bottom edge of the folded chair on the bumper or lip first. Tilt the chair slightly to clear the upper edge of the opening, then slide it fully into the cargo space. Keep the chair close to the body to maintain leverage, and use caution to avoid scraping the vehicle’s paint.
Choosing and Using Assisted Loading Systems
When a wheelchair is too heavy for a manual lift or the user’s physical strength is limited, assisted loading systems provide mechanical solutions. Portable ramps offer a simple, non-permanent way to roll a chair directly into the vehicle. The ramp must be of an appropriate length to create a gentle incline, typically no steeper than a 4:1 ratio, and must be securely fastened to the SUV’s threshold to prevent slippage.
Hoist and Platform Lifts
For heavier power wheelchairs or scooters, a dedicated lift or hoist mechanism is needed. Hoist lifts use a crane-like arm to lift the folded or disassembled chair from the ground and swing it into the cargo area. These systems are typically installed inside the vehicle and are well-suited for users who can transfer out of their mobility device before loading.
Platform lifts utilize a flat surface that lowers to the ground, allowing the user to roll the chair onto it before the platform is raised and secured for transit. These can be mounted externally to a hitch receiver or installed internally. Hybrid systems combine features of both, often using a powered platform that lifts the chair and automatically slides it into the vehicle’s interior.
Securing the Wheelchair for Safe Travel
Once the wheelchair is loaded into the SUV, securing it properly is the final step to ensure safety and prevent damage during travel. The goal is to prevent any movement—shifting, tipping, or rolling—that could occur under braking, acceleration, or turning. Utilize factory-installed tie-down anchor points located in the cargo floor. Heavy-duty, non-stretching tie-down straps must be attached to the rigid frame of the wheelchair, never to detachable parts or wheels, and tightened to remove all slack. Placing padding between the chair and interior surfaces protects both the vehicle and the wheelchair from abrasion or impact damage.