Scooters give seniors with limited mobility a chance to go about their daily lives with ease and enhanced functionality. An electric scooter allows seniors to move around confidently and comfortably, while a scooter lift allows them to transport their scooter from A to B with ease. The two work together to ensure that people with mobility challenges get to enjoy a near normal life.
Scooter lifts are also a great addition to caregivers who work with people with mobility challenges. They also make it possible for family members to adequately cater to the mobility needs of their loved ones, while also engaging with them in daily activities, such as day trips, picnics, doctor appointments, and shopping.
How Does a Scooter Lift Work?
A conventional scooter lift comes with a platform that allows you to drive your scooter right onto the platform while it rests on the ground. By pushing a button, the platform is raised from the ground together with the scooter and stowed inside or under the vehicle for easy transportation.
Will Medicare Pay for a Scooter Lift?
Unfortunately, the original Medicare does not cover the cost of scooter lifts, but Medicare supplemental policies may cover part of the cost.
Below are 3 of the best scooter lifts on the market right now.
Mini Lift Model 117
The Mini Lift Model 117 is the ideal scooter lift option for both seniors with mobility challenges and their caregivers. This scooter lift is easy to use, store, and lift, as it can lift three-wheel and four-wheel travel scooters with ease, and it can transport power wheelchairs.
The Mini Lift comes with both a large platform made of steel and tie downs that are also made of steel. This lift is easy to work with, functions well in different weather conditions, and is known for its simplicity.
Features of the Mini Lift Model 117
- Compatible with Class II and Class III hitches
- Swing away option available
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Comes with two retractable ratchets
- 24-inch ground clearance
- 150-pound weight limit
- Hardwire power source
- Made of durable steel
- Outside lift
Pros
- Folds up easily
- Electric motor makes it easy to operate
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Made in the USA
Exterior Scooter Lifts
Exterior scooter lifts transport scooters on the outside of a vehicle. They are built with features for weather resistance and enhanced durability. They also help conserve space inside of the vehicle. Keep in mind that these kinds of lifts will need a hitch for attachment, but a hitch that is compatible with different scooters can be installed onto your vehicle with ease.
Here are some popular exterior scooter lifts.
Harmar AL350
The Harmar AL350 scooter lift is designed to transport scooters and power wheelchairs on the outside of a truck. It comes with a solid deck and a platform that is secured to the rear wheels by four heavy duty tie-downs.
Although this scooter lift is intended for heavy duty use, it is built with simplicity in mind. Once the scooter is loaded onto the platform, it is tucked away safely beneath or behind the truck. It also has a power switch on the front that controls both the height and the deck’s folding mechanism. For extra security, it comes with a key that controls the power switch.
Features of the Harmar AL350
- Has a maximum weight limit of 350-pounds
- Manually adjustable buckle straps
- Light weight
- Electric
- Enhanced security features, such as the power key
- Compatible with Class II hitches and Class III hitches
- Swing Away Arm
Pros
- Electric
- Extra security features
- Simple
- Versatile
- One-year transferable warranty
Bruno ASL-275 Out-Sider
The ASL-275 is Bruno’s most popular exterior scooter lift. It can be moved from one car to another with ease as long as the hitch is transferred. It also has a “swing-away” option that makes it easier to access your cargo.