Lifts

With all of the advances in mobility equipment and lifts in particular, it is becoming easier and safer for anyone to get around in a wheelchair or motorized scooter. Some things are just not easy, like getting a heavy scooter or motorized wheelchair into a car or up the stairs. For these tasks you'll want a lift to do the work for you, and there are a number of solid options available on the market.

For in-car use, a wheelchair lift and a scooter lift are much the same thing. They are essentially motorized hoists that are mounted into the trunk and have an arm that swings out behind the car to lift the scooter or chair into the trunk. They work like a tiny version of a construction crane, and are great for those whose travels take them further than the areas immediately around their homes.

There are also trailer hitch mounted carriers, which are platforms that hang off the back of the car. These are even easier to use, as they lower into position on the ground and the scooter or chair can simply be rolled into them. Then the platform is raised back up and locked into position. The chair is then secured to the carrier and you're ready to go. Both these and the trunk mounted hoists require professional installation--either of the hoist unit or of the trailer hitch.

For use inside the home, there are lift chairs and stair lifts. Lift chairs are essentially recliners that raise up, allowing the sitter to start and finish in a near-standing position. This makes getting into and out of the "comfy chair" much easier. Stair lifts are chairs on tracks that run from the top of the stairs to the bottom and back--making a trip upstairs to bed a much easier task.