Ramps v. Lifts: Which One is Right for Your Mobility Vehicle?

There are a wide variety of available options when it comes to choosing the right mobility solutions for your wheelchair accessible vehicle, but with the help of our local NMEDA dealers, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and informative blog posts, we hope to ease the decision making process. One of the most difficult decisions is whether to choose a ramp or a lift to guarantee safe entry into your mobility vehicle. Both options can get you safely in and out of a new or used wheelchair van, but really the decision is a matter of budget and personal preference.

Choosing a Wheelchair Ramp

There are three main options when it comes to choosing a ramp for access into your accessible van: portable, motorized, or manual. One overall benefit of choosing a ramp is if you have, or are purchasing, an accessible van with a ramp they tend to be much less expensive, take up less space and are more fuel-efficient compared to a full-size van that is used for most lifts. Portable ramps are some of the least expensive and easiest to install. These ramps have the ability to be used with multiple vehicles, and be removed whenever they are not a necessity. Motorized ramps boast added convenience in their motorized movements and higher degree of autonomy, but with that comes more expense. With limited mobility, a powered ramp may be the difference between entering and exiting the vehicle on your own, or needing assistance to enter and exit. The last type of ramp is the manual ramp, which is less expensive but requires much more effort to extend and retract the ramp. When shopping for the specifics of your wheelchair accessible vehicle, further research the pros and cons of ramps, and with the help of NMEDA choose what’s best for you!

Choosing a Wheelchair Lift

Lifts are usually installed in full-sized vans, but help to effortlessly raise a person in a wheelchair into a vehicle. Be aware that all lifts depend, at least in part, on a battery. If your battery is weak or dead, the lifts will not work. Another thing to consider is if using a scooter some are longer than the standard platform on lifts and will need extended platforms. The first type is a hydraulic lift that uses a pump and cylinder filled with fluid pressure that enables the pump to raise and lower the lift. An electrical mechanical lift operates either by chain or screw rod, powered solely by the battery. A gravity lift has power to lift and fold, while gravity lowers the platform to ground level. Platform lifts are much more complicated and require two doors or a sliding door on the side of the van. A fully automatic platform lift will fold, unfold, lower and rise by a switch. A semi-automatic platform lift requires manual folding and unfolding and necessitates assistance. The last type of lift never folds it is called a swing lift because it “swings” inside, outside and up-and-down. Less room is needed to enter and exit the van, which provides a parking convenience. Finally, when purchasing a lift, be sure to check on the use of raised doors. If needed, your lift will have to be ordered for the extended doors. Determine if this is necessary before completing your vehicle equipment decisions. It will help you avoid very costly errors.

Final Decision

There are many choices and options for every type of mobility need and NMEDA is here to help with as much information and assistance possible! Always remember to contact a NMEDA dealer before purchasing to verify you’re buying the right type of ramp or lift suited for your lifestyle.

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying an accessible car, truck or van, please consider a QAP dealer near you: https://nmeda.org/consumer-resources/dealer-locator/