handicapped lifts
handicapped lifts
One of the most important gifts a disabled person can receive is freedom of mobility, or independence in mobility. Handicap lifts can be a huge step toward that freedom and independence. These lifts assist the disabled person in moving around the home, their place of work, and going and coming in a vehicle, whether private or public transportation. These lifts can be mechanically operated or fully powered.
Some models of handicap lifts are mounted into the trailer hitch of vehicles while other models are installed inside the trunk or inside the car. While the trailer hitch mounted models can be put on most any type of vehicle, the correct combination of vehicle, hitch and lift is important for properly transporting the wheelchair or scooter. The trailer hitch must be the same size as the platform’s arm, but the hitch size can easily be adapted to allow for this fit. The vehicle must be capable of carrying the weight of the lift and the wheelchair or scooter safely.
Lifts installed inside a vehicle are either platform style or boom style. The boom style can be installed in a trunk, the back of a van or SUV, or the side of a van. The boom style lift is designed to store the wheelchair during travel. A platform lift can be installed in the back of a van or SUV, side of a van, or at the driver’s side of a vehicle. Platform handicap lifts can simply store the wheelchair for travel, or allow the handicapped person to ride in the wheelchair during travel.
Platform lifts and ramps are generally what are used on public transportation allowing handicapped persons access to public transportation. Portable lifts are available for use in airplanes and other places not equipped with lifts. In some instances the wheelchair is tied down to the platform allowing transport there; other public transportation forms allow several wheelchairs with special locations for locking the wheelchair to the floor.
Manually operated handicap lifts are generally hitch mounted and can usually be self-installed. These lifts are easily removed and replaced into the hitch when they are needed. Their fairly compact design allows for easy storage when not in use. Powered models require more electrical work and generally should be professionally installed for proper operation. Any type of lift can provide freedom and independence to disabled or mobility impaired persons.
By: Bob Lundin
Article Source: handicapped lifts
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