Car Wheelchair Ramps vs Car Boot Hoists

Manually lifting and stowing a mobility device within a car can be quite a challenging task due to their bulky and heavy nature. However, there are a range of stowage solutions that make easy work of loading and unloading your mobility device within your car. 

Let’s look at the most popular solutions, car wheelchair ramps and car boot hoists, to see how they compare. When talking about wheelchair ramps, there are two main types: portable ramps for stowing an unoccupied wheelchair and fixed ramps for secure transport of someone seated in their wheelchair. In this article, we are looking at portable ramps to stow an unoccupied wheelchair. 

Functionality and ease of use

Ideal for occasional use, a car wheelchair ramp provides a temporary platform from the ground to the boot of your car, enabling you to roll your mobility device up on the ramp and into the back of your car. There is still a requirement for physical strength and force to be able to push the device up on the ramp, meaning that it is typically operated by a carer or loved one. 

A car boot hoist is a more permanent adaptation which allows you to lift a wheelchair or mobility scooter with the touch of a button. It safely stows your mobility device in the boot of your car and removes the physical strain often required to lift the heavy parts, ideal for independent use on a daily basis. 

Space and portability

As a wheelchair ramp is a temporary fixture and not permanently fitted within your car, you need to consider the additional storage space to transport the ramp. Space is often limited within a car and the requirement to set it up, fold away and vice versa for each journey, impacts the overall convenience and practicality of using a car wheelchair ramp. 

A car boot hoist offers a far more convenient solution as it is permanently fitted into your car, eliminating the requirement to set it up each time you want to use it. Space is still a key consideration when looking into car boot hoists as it’s important to ensure your car can accommodate your mobility device and boot hoist. 

Safety and accessibility

It’s incredibly important to factor in safety and accessibility features when deciding which solution is right for you.  

When using a portable wheelchair ramp, you must buy an additional wheelchair restraint, otherwise your mobility device won’t be secured in the back of your vehicle. This is critical to ensure it doesn’t roll around or fly forwards in the case of an emergency stop. The design of a manual ramp means it protrudes quite far out from the back of the vehicle which can impede on accessibility. This is due to the space required around the vehicle and ramp, which conventional wheelchair parking bays do not cater for. 

A car boot hoist is safe and simple to operate and is fitted with a restraint system as standard. This restraint system is an essential accessory which acts like a seatbelt for your mobility device to help prevent it from moving around during transit. And because the hoist is fitted within the boot of your car, you are not restricted with parking and accessibility.

Cost and maintenance

Of course, the major benefit of a car wheelchair ramp is that it’s a cheaper solution. The most basic style can be bought for as little as £150 with premium vehicle ramps starting from £700 compared to a car boot hoist which is available from £1,795. 

If well maintained and operated as advised, a boot hoist should last for many years with very little maintenance costs. Whereas a portable wheelchair ramp can be easily damaged and increases the likelihood of having to buy replacements. 

At Mobility in Motion we will assess your individual needs and check vehicle compatibility to help you select the perfect solution. Get in touch with our team online to find out more or call us on 0800 288 4422. 

View the car boot hoists we provide here at Mobility in Motion to see how our products could improve your experience when travelling with your mobility device. 

If you need advice on what to look for with a car hoist, our car boot hoist guide will provide you with the key information you require.