If you or a loved one have trouble getting in and out of a vehicle, it can discourage you from traveling with family or making memories with friends on a trip. Luckily there are plenty of ways to address this challenge. One of the most effective solutions is the use of wheelchair-accessible lifts. Wheelchair lifts eliminate the need to manually lift a wheelchair into the vehicle to save energy for a seamless journey. Vehicle lifts can significantly reduce the frustration that comes with getting your wheelchair in and out of the car and allow you to overcome mobility issues and live your life to the fullest.
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore types of wheelchair lifts, benefits they offer and how to choose the right wheelchair lift that fits your vehicle.
Understanding Wheelchair Lifts
A wheelchair lift is a powered device that automatically raises or lowers a wheelchair and its users to get in and out from a vehicle. To match the unique needs and facilitate various people with disabilities, wheelchair lifts come in different designs and features. To get the right wheelchair lifts, you need to examine the types of wheelchair lift options available and the implications of each model for your mobility freedom. So, let’s find out about the types of wheelchair lifts for your vehicle.
Discover 7 Different Types of Wheelchair Lifts
To help people with disabilities regain their independence on the road and travel more with their families, Opal Lifts developed a wide range of wheelchair platform lifts for vehicles. With these high-quality Opal Vehicle lifts, you can put your mobility barriers aside and hit the road with more confidence and freedom. Now, you need to discover our wheelchair platform lifts for vehicles to find optimal solutions to your special needs. Let’s break down the types of wheelchair lifts available on the market.
Folding Platform Wheelchair Lifts
If you are driving through Dubai’s bustling streets, and require an accessible solution that does not block your rearview for a secure and safe journey, folding platform lifts are perfect solution for you. These folding platform wheelchair lifts are equipped with folding mechanisms to make your driving stress-free with your family. These vehicle lifts built to last with high-strength steel and can handle up to 400 kg to accommodate elderly and wheelchair users alike.
Features:
- A foldable platform that doesn’t block the rearview.
- Bluetooth remote control for easy operation.
- Anti-slip surface to keep wheels and shoes steady, even on rainy days.
- Crash protection brackets for a quiet, smooth ride without annoying rattles.
Low-Depth Wheelchair Lifts
Low-Depth wheelchair lift can assist you when you park your vehicle in a tight space. These Opal wheelchair lifts for vans can save your day, as they do not require much space to get you in and out of the van. Our wheelchair lifts are equipped with dual parallel arms for maximum safety of wheelchair users. With a weight capacity of 400 kg, it accommodates various people with disabilities and mobility devices every day.
Features:
- Eliminate the struggle to fit the lift in a tight space with split platforms.
- Sturdy handrails and roll stops for your safety and peace of mind.
- Easily operate the wheelchair lift with remote control and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Platform lights for secure getting in and out of vehicles at nighttime.
Hydraulic-Powered Lifts
Hydraulic wheelchair lift for buses are game-changers for people who have to travel by public transportation. The hydraulic system of wheelchair lifts for buses from Opal Lifts ensures effortless lifting and lowering. These lifts are constructed to handle up to 340 kg, which makes them a reliable choice for public transportation.
Features:
- With a hydraulic power system, you can enjoy smooth operation without jerky movements.
- Side entry access for easy boarding at busy bus stops in Dubai.
- Color-coded switches for user-friendly controls.
- Warning plate to prevent accidents and ensure safe travel for you.
Single Arm Lifts
If you are looking for an easy-to-use wheelchair lift for your minivan. Single-arm lifts are your best bet. These lifts are built lightweight, weighing just 90 kg, but strong enough to support up to 250 kg. Single-arm lifts automatically open, close, lift, and lower without causing any stress or hassle. And if the power goes out in your van, the emergency hand pump has got you covered.
Features:
- With an anti-tilt platform of a wheelchair lift, you will feel secure during each transfer.
- You don’t have to worry about slips with automatic safety flaps that lock the wheelchair in place.
- Flashing LED lights enhance visibility during low light for safe transfer.
- These lifts provide you with backup in case of power failures and come with an emergency hand pump.
Under Vehicle Lifts (UVL)
For people who want an accessibility solution that does not affect the look of their vehicle, under vehicle lifts are the perfect solution. These wheelchair lifts stay hidden under the vehicle until you need them. Under Vehicle lifts are space saving solutions that keep your vehicle looking sleek with their slim design. The UVL for vans from Opal Lift supports maximum weight of up to 300 kg.
Features (UVL for Van):
- With slim design, these lifts can easily be installed without major modifications in your van.
- There are Stainless Steel drawers to keep the wheelchair lift components clean and protected.
- You can be safe even during rain with an anti-slip aluminum platform or wheelchair lift for a van.
- Wheelchair lifts are equipped with emergency hand pumps for manual operation.
Under Vehicle Lifts For Bus
To facilitate more people, Opal Lift offers under vehicle lifts for buses as well. These UVL for buses are durable, easy to use, and come equipped with safety features for more secure transfer of wheelchair users.
Features (UVL for Bus):
- There is no disruption for passengers with a folding platform that stays concealed.
- Rattle-free design for a smooth, noise-free travel.
- Simple and efficient remote control with 3 buttons.
Right-Side Lifts
If you have a vehicle that has a specific entry point on the right side, right-side wheelchair lift from Opal Lifts is designed for such requirements. This wheelchair lift is fully powered, durable, and packed with safety features like roll stops and crash protection brackets. And with the Bluetooth-enabled, you can control it with your smartphone.
Features:
- With low-depth platforms for easy access, there is no more struggle to fit the wheelchair.
- Dual parallel arms for maximum safety of you and your loved ones.
- Bluetooth remote control for convenient operation of wheelchair lift.
- Platform lights for safe entry and exit in low-light conditions.
Key Considerations when Choosing a Wheelchair Lift for your vehicle
We understand that picking the right wheelchair lift for your vehicle is complicated due to a lack of information. That’s why we enlist main things to keep in mind while choosing a wheelchair lift that fits perfectly to your needs and vehicles.
Check if it Fits Your Vehicle
As you know about the types of wheelchair lifts now, you know there are different wheelchair lifts for cars, vans, minivans, and buses. Consider the size, weight, and design of your vehicle while selecting a wheelchair lift for smooth and hassle-free transfer.
Look at the Weight Capacity
We know that the wheelchair lift needs to carry the weight of the wheelchair or scooter, plus the person using it. So before purchasing wheelchair platform lifts for your vehicle, check the weight capacity to make sure it can handle your load safely.
Make Sure It’s Easy to Use
When choosing a wheelchair lift for your vehicle, look for features like one-button controls, automatic folding platforms, or anti-slip surfaces. These features make the lift easier to operate for daily use. If you are looking for a place to get high-quality wheelchair lifts for vans with advanced features, Opal Lifts is the right stop for you.
Think About Safety Features
Safety should be your priority while buying a wheelchair lift for your vehicle. A good wheelchair lift has safety features like roll stops, anti-slip surfaces, and sturdy handrails to keep the user secure while getting in and out of the vehicle.
Consider Your Budget
Wheelchair lifts come in different price ranges, so while selecting a wheelchair lift for your vehicle, choose one that fits your budget and your needs. We understand that when you are investing in a good wheelchair lift, you are investing in your safety and independence. That’s why there is a wide range of wheelchair lifts at affordable costs at Opal Lifts.
Benefits of Wheelchair Lift for Vehicles
Easy Travelling
A wheelchair lift lets you or your loved one get in and out of the vehicle without any trouble. So, with a wheelchair platform lift, you can enjoy traveling with your family without any struggle to climb in or rely on others for help.
Freedom
You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, with a wheelchair lift. Whether you go on a road trip with your friends or a family outing, with the help of wheelchair lifts from Opal Lifts, you won’t have to depend on others for transportation.
Secure & Safe
Modern wheelchair lifts for vehicles at Opal Lifts are crafted with safety in mind. We make sure the wheelchair users stay safe during every ride with advanced safety features like roll stops, anti-slip platforms, and sturdy handrails.
Time Saving
Wheelchair lifts for vehicles do all the heavy lifting for you which saves the time consumed in loading and unloading a wheelchair into the vehicle. With vehicle wheelchair lifts from Opal Lifts, you can enjoy effortless access inside the vehicle.
Why Choose Opal Lifts for Your Vehicle
High-Quality
Opal lifts wheelchair lifts are made of high-strength steel and aluminum that can handle daily use without compromising on durability.
Wide Range
No matter what you need for a wheelchair lift for your van, minivan, or bus, we have something that fits your vehicle. In our diverse range of wheelchair lifts for vehicles, there is a perfect solution for every vehicle and every need.
Affordable Options
When it comes to affordability, Opal Lifts has got you covered. Everyone deserves the freedom to travel without being worried about their budget. That’s why we offer high-quality lifts at competitive prices.
Expert Support
Their expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right wheelchair lift to installation.
If you are not ready to install a wheelchair lift in your vehicle and are looking for a short-term solution, renting a wheelchair accessible vehicle can be the best option. Renting a wheelchair accessible van can be the most cost-effective solution for those who are not ready to make long-term investments. Whether you want to rent a wheelchair accessible van for a day or more than a week or month, MobilityExpress has got you. Our wheelchair van for rent are equipped with top-quality wheelchair lifts installed from Opal Lifts to ensure safe transfer of wheelchair users in vehicles.
Conclusion
By carefully considering factors, understanding types, and going through benefits of wheelchair lifts for vehicles, you can now make the right choice. Whether you opt for a folding wheelchair lift, a single arm lift, or an under vehicle lift from Opal Lifts, they will provide you freedom to travel with ease and confidence.
