Car hoists can be either attached to the roof of the car or inside the car to help lift a person into and out of a vehicle. Depending on the hoist model, a person can either use it independently or be assisted, and can transfer themselves and/or their wheelchair into the vehicle. Hoists are also available to hoist an person’s wheelchair onto or into the car once they have transferred into the car independently.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are two main types of car hoists, occupant hoists and wheelchair hoists.
Occupant hoists include:
- manual hydraulic hoists which use a lever pump handle to operate
- electric hydraulic hoists which use a button control to operate.
Wheelchair hoists include:
- those installed inside a vehicle which require a substantial space inside the vehicle
- those installed external to the vehicle which usually require storage on the roof of the vehicle
- vehicle underbody installation hoists/lifts which can only be fitted to front wheel drive vehicles.
Professional advice should be sought prior to purchasing a car hoist. This will ensure that an appropriate hoist is purchased to meet the person’s specific needs, and ensure that guidance is given for safe use of the equipment. Before purchasing a car hoist the individual should consider the following:
- do they require an occupant hoist or a wheelchair hoist?
- how much room do they have to carry out the car transfer?
- will they be using the hoist independently or require assistance?
- is their car suitable for the installation of a hoist?
A qualified occupational therapist will be able to assist a person to address these issues during a car modification assessment. Modifications must be certified by a Road Traffic Authority approved Engineering Signatory or Restricted Signatory (engineers who specialise in modifications of vehicles for people with disability). Contact relevant state and territory authorities for relevant information:
References
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Buyers Guide: Vehicle Hoists, Independent Living Centres Inc., Sydney, viewed 11 February 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/home/search4.asp?State=NSW&MC=51&MinC=20&Item=2574&page=1
Disability Lifestyles 2004-2011, Car Modifications, Disability Lifestyles, Queensland, viewed 11 February 2011, http://www.disabilitylifestyles.org.au/index.html?page=1262
Open Road (no date specified), Motor Driving Know-how: Driving with Disabilities, Open Road, Sydney, viewed 11 February 2011, http://www.openroad.com.au/motoring_drivingwithdisabilities.asp