How to Transport a Mobility Scooter in Your Car | Mesa AZ
How to Transport a Mobility Scooter in Your Car
Your mobility scooter makes getting around easier. Getting the scooter into your car? That can be another story. If you have to dismantle it before every outing, even a quick trip can feel like hard work.
Fortunately, there are several ways to transport a mobility scooter. The right one depends on the scooter you use, the vehicle you drive, and how much lifting you can comfortably manage.
Can Your Scooter Fit in the Trunk?
Some travel scooters fold or come apart, making them easier to fit into a car.
Before trying, check the scooter’s manual for the weight of its heaviest section. Then measure your trunk opening, not just the space inside. An item can fit beautifully in the trunk and still be impossible to get through the opening!
Taking a scooter apart for a holiday is one thing. Doing it daily is another.
Three Ways to Make Loading Easier
Portable ramps: A suitable ramp may help with loading certain mobility devices, but it needs to be rated for the weight involved and used exactly as the manufacturer directs. Check the ramp angle, available space and your ability to control the scooter during loading. A ramp is not automatically the safest answer for every vehicle.
Exterior vehicle lifts: These generally carry an unoccupied scooter on a platform behind your vehicle. Powered versions do much of the lifting, and they leave your passenger seats and cargo area available. The tradeoffs include added length behind the car and exposure to the weather.
Interior lifts: Depending on the model, a hoist or powered platform can help store the scooter inside a compatible SUV, van or other vehicle. This protects it from the elements, although you will need enough interior room and may have to guide the scooter into position.
The easiest lift for your neighbor might be wrong for your car.
Check Your Car Before Buying a Lift
A vehicle lift isn’t something to choose from a picture alone. Start with your car’s year, make and model and the scooter’s exact model, dimensions and weight.
For an exterior lift, the hitch and vehicle must be rated to carry the combined load of the lift and scooter. Inside lifts have their own space, clearance and weight requirements. You also need to check that doors can open as intended and that the equipment will not interfere with safe vehicle operation.
A professional compatibility check before purchase can prevent a costly mistake.
Think About the Whole Trip
Here’s a useful test: imagine arriving at the grocery store without anyone helping you. Could you unload the scooter, secure or stow the lift, and reverse the process when it is time to go home?
Consider the controls, how far you must reach, whether you can stand comfortably during loading, and how the equipment is secured for travel. If a family member usually helps, include them in the discussion too.
Arizona weather deserves a thought as well. An exterior carrier leaves equipment exposed to sun, dust and rain. Follow the scooter and lift manufacturers’ instructions for protection, cleaning and storage rather than assuming any cover will be suitable for road travel.
Getting Help in Mesa
Mobility Center has been helping Arizona customers with mobility equipment since 1975. Its Mesa store offers vehicle lifts from brands including Harmar and Pride, along with lift installation at its shop.
Bring the details of your car and scooter and explain how you plan to use them. Whether you’re traveling around Mesa, Tempe, Chandler or elsewhere in the Phoenix area, the goal is simple: make getting out of the house less of a chore.
Find a Vehicle Lift That Fits Your Life
Ready to make everyday outings easier? Talk with Mobility Center about a vehicle lift that suits both your scooter and your car. The team can discuss available options and installation without leaving you to figure everything out on your own. Visit 134 N. Dobson Road in Mesa, Arizona, or call (480) 890-0878 to get started.
Live References
Mobility Center AZ, Vehicle Lifts
Mobility Center AZ, Services
Harmar, How Do I Choose the Right Vehicle Lift?
Power Mobility & Lifts of Arizona, Vehicle Lift Comparison Guide
Southwest Mobility, Discover the Benefits of Vehicle Lifts
MobilityWorks, Scooter Lifts Made Simple