Best Wheelchair Lifts (2023): 11 Recommended Lifts + Expert Buying Guide (2024)

By jwilder

Our Top Recommendations

Convenient option

Affordable

Compatibility

Living a normal life in a wheelchair can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Today, dozens of devices can help you with your daily activities. One of those devices is a wheelchair lift, which can easily help you access your house or car.

In today’s buying guide, we’ll take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of the best wheelchair lifts. You’ll also learn more about what wheelchair lifts are and what aspects to consider when buying them.

Types of Wheelchair Lifts

There are wheelchair lifts for every specific need. For instance, you can get one that will only work with cars or one that will only work for home. Each type has a different design, price, and weight capacity.

Here are the main wheelchair lift types:

Lifts for vehicles
Lifts for homes
Porch lifts
Stair lifts

Best Brands of Wheelchair Lifts

Here are the leading wheelchair lift brands:

Best Wheelchair Lift for Vehicles

Best Wheelchair Lift for Vehicles (Overall):Ricon KlearVue

The Ricon KlearVue is a high-quality wheelchair lift with heavy-weight capacity and excellent compatibility with vehicles. You can choose between two models, each one with a different weight capacity. The Titanium KlearVue can hold up to 1000 lbs (453.5 kg), and the Classic model can hold 800 lbs (362.8 kg).

It has a design that allows for an unobstructed view of the inside of the vehicle, making it a convenient option compared to other lifts on the market. One more benefit of this lift is that it includes a 3-year and a 5-year limited warranty, depending on the model you choose.

The main drawback of this model is that it is an expensive option and is only compatible with large vehicles.

Pros

It has an outstanding lifting capacity.

Cons

It is one of the most expensive wheelchair lifts.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for the overall best wheelchair lift for vehicles.

Best Affordable Wheelchair Lift for Vehicle:Silver Spring Universal Lift

The Silver Spring Universal Lift is an affordable wheelchair lift you can use for every mobility device. It is perfect for powerchairs, wheelchairs, and scooters with a total length of 42 (106.6 cm) inches and a width of 27 inches (68.5 cm). It also has good compatibility with class II, III, and IV vehicle hitch receivers.

It includes self-tension retractors, manual crank backup, and a license plate holder for a more reliable lift. This model is highly durable and has a good weight capacity, holding up to 350 lbs (158.7 kg).

Best Wheelchair Lifts for Trucks

Best Wheelchair Lift for Truck (Overall): Bruno Out-Rider

The Bruno Out-Rider is the best wheelchair lift on the market that is compatible with pickup trucks. This model has a Hoist-style lift you can easily attach and secure to the back of your vehicle. It uses a powerful motor to lift, rotate, and lower your mobility device, whether it is a powerchair or a wheelchair.

You can find it in two different sizes with different weight capacities. The standard size can carry between 100 lbs (45.3 kg) and 200 lbs (90.7 kg), while the heavy-duty option can hold up to 350 lbs (158.7 kg).

The main drawback of this wheelchair lift is that it doesn’t have the durability that premium models offer.

Pros

It has excellent compatibility with trucks.

Cons

It does not offer good durability.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for a superior wheelchair lift for trucks.

Best Wheelchair Lift for Truck Hitch:Challenger Mobility Lift

The Challenger Mobility Lift is a superior option if you are looking for a truck hitch wheelchair lift. It has an easy-to-install mechanism you can attach and secure to the vehicle’s hitch. This model also has good compatibility with different vehicles like cars and SUVs.

It is made of high-quality aluminum alloy and stainless steel to provide the best possible durability. It has a total length of 39 inches (99 cm), a width of 37 inches (93.9 cm), a height of 10 inches (25.4 cm), and a weight capacity of 350 lbs (158.7 kg).

However, it is only compatible with class III hitches.

Pros

It is an easy-to-install wheelchair lift.

Cons

It is only compatible with class III hitches.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for the best wheelchair lift for a truck hitch.

Best Wheelchair Lifts for Large Vehicles

Best Wheelchair Lift for SUV:Ricon Reliant

The Ricon Reliant is a heavy-duty wheelchair lift with excellent compatibility with SUVs and a user-friendly design. It has an innovative design that requires little maintenance and provides exceptional durability.

It also includes a non-skid platform and a safety mechanism in case of emergencies. Additionally, its powerful motor provides a quiet and reliable lift, holding up to 800 lbs (362.8 kg).

Its main drawback is that it is only compatible with large vehicles like SUVs and RVs.

Pros

It provides excellent safety features.

Cons

It is only compatible with large vehicles.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for a high-quality SUV wheelchair lift.

Best Wheelchair Lift for Car Trunk: The Bruno Lifter

The Bruno Lifter is a high-quality wheelchair lift you can easily attach and secure to your car’s trunk. It uses high-quality aluminum alloy and stainless steel to provide superior durability. Its powerful motor has a weight capacity of up to 200 lbs (90.7 kg) and offers a reliable and noise-free lift.

It is an adjustable device compatible with car trunks and can easily lift wheelchairs, scooters, and power chairs. This model is also a highly affordable option with a user-friendly design.

Best RV Wheelchair Lift:Ricon Clearway

The Ricon Clearway is a wheelchair lift with excellent compatibility with large vehicles like SUVs and RVs. It uses an exclusive split platform that offers clear access to the car and reliable safety. Additionally, it uses a powerful motor pump that provides a smooth and noise-free lift.

It is made of high-quality steel frames, stainless steel, and anti-skid plastic sheets to provide excellent durability. The company includes a 5-year limited warranty for the hydraulic system.

The main drawback of this wheelchair lift is that it doesn’t have a user-friendly design.

Pros

It has excellent compatibility with RVs and SUVs.

Cons

It is not a user-friendly model.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for a wheelchair lift with excellent compatibility with RVs.

Best Wheelchair Lifts for the House

Best Wheelchair Porch Lift: Bruno Residential Vertical Platform

The Bruno Residential Vertical Platform is a high-quality wheelchair lift with excellent features and solid benefits. It has a great weight capacity of 750 lbs (340.1 kg) and provides a user-friendly mechanism. Another of its advantages is that it has the correct dimensions for wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters.

It includes an anti-skid surface and a safety sensor that will help you prevent falls and accidents. It has been made to endure weather, thanks to a waterproof finishing and highly resistant components.

However, the main drawback of this model is its price, which is a lot higher than most porch lifts on the market.

Pros

It has a lifting capacity of 750 lbs (34.1 kg).

Cons

It is an expensive wheelchair porch lift.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for the best possible wheelchair lift for a porch.

Best Affordable Wheelchair Porch Lift: Outdoor Hydraulic Platform Lift

The Outdoor Hydraulic Platform Lift is an affordable wheelchair lift you can use on your porch. It is ideal for seniors and people with mobility problems that require assistance getting on and off house porches. It is a highly versatile device you can use inside or outside the house.

This model has a total length of 69.6 inches (176.7 cm), a width of 50.7 inches (128.7 cm), and a height of 23.6 inches (59.9 cm). It also includes an excellent safety mechanism that can prevent falls and other accidents.

The main drawback of this wheelchair lift is that it doesn’t have the most user-friendly design.

Pros

It is highly versatile and has a good lifting capacity.

Cons

It is not an easy-to-use option.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for the best porch wheelchair lift at an affordable price.

Best Wheelchair Stair Lift:Wheelchair Lift Inclined Curved Elevator

The Wheelchair Lift Inclined Curved Elevator is a superior option if you want a user-friendly design and a reliable lift. This device has a unique design perfect for inclined and curved stairs. It has an excellent weight capacity, holding up to 551.1 lbs (250 kg), weighing only 330.6 lbs (150 kg).

It is made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and rubber sheets to provide the best possible durability.

The main drawback of this wheelchair lift is that it requires professional installation and is a costly option.

Pros

It has a unique design, perfect for curved stairs.

Cons

It is an expensive wheelchair lift.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for high-quality wheelchair stair lifts.

Best Affordable Wheelchair Stair Lift:Vertical Wheelchair Lift

The Vertical Wheelchair Lift could be the ideal option if you are looking for affordability and a reliable lift. It was designed to provide people with mobility problems with an easy and safe way to go up and down the stairs. It has a powerful motor and a reliable lifting mechanism capable of holding up to 551.1 lbs (250 kg).

One of its main benefits is that it has a user-friendly design, perfect for seniors that have a hard time with technology. It also includes a reliable emergency-drop feature and a safety net to prevent accidents.

However, its main drawback is that it requires professional help to install and set up.

Pros

It is an affordable wheelchair lift.

Cons

It is a difficult-to-install option.

We recommend this wheelchair lift for: anyone looking for an affordable wheelchair lift for the stairs.

FAQs: What You Need to Know About Wheelchair Lifts

Does Medicare Pay for Wheelchair Lifts for Vehicles?

Medicaredoes cover wheelchairs and other mobility devices, but it doesn’t cover any type of wheelchair lift. However, you can get a Medicare Advantage plan (MA) to cover non-essential items like wheelchair lifts.

Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Right Wheelchair Lift for You

How to Find the Best Wheelchair Lift for Your Needs

Here are the aspects you have to keep in mind when buying a wheelchair lift:

Weight capacity: A wheelchair usually weighs between 30 lbs (13.6 kg) and 60 lbs (27.2 kg). They also tend to have a weight capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). Make sure you choose a lift that is strong enough to support your body and your wheelchair.
User-friendly design: Lifts are mechanical devices that can be challenging to use if you have a hard time with technology. So, finding a lift that is easy to use should be a must, especially for seniors.
Durability: Wheelchair lifts are not cheap, and you probably won’t want to buy a new one every year. That’s why it is so essential to find a high-quality model with excellent durability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ricon KlearVuecould be the ideal option if you are looking for a reliable wheelchair lift for a car. It has a user-friendly design, a powerful motor, and an excellent weight capacity. However, it is one of the most expensive wheelchair lifts and only works with large vehicles like buses and SUVs.

Overall, when buying a wheelchair lift, you should ensure it has the right weight capacity. You should also try to find a model with an easy-to-use design and has solid durability. Wheelchair lifts are helpful accessories, so spend the time researching the best option for you.

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