Electric wheelchairs or power chairs tend to be heavier than regular wheelchairs.  So, an electric wheelchair carrier for transporting these chairs tends to be a bit more complicated than a wheelchair carrier for a manual chair.  For example, a top-mounted wheelchair carrier wouldn’t work for these machines.  The weight of an electric wheelchair would probably dent the top of most vehicles.

Electric Wheelchair Carrier Options
There are, however, carriers made specifically for electric wheelchairs.  Before wheelchair owners go out and buy an electric wheelchair carrier, however, they should take their vehicle to a lift expert to find out which type of carrier will work best with their vehicle.  Plus, electric wheelchair lifts often require a lot more work than a traditional wheelchair carrier.  Since they are motorized, the vehicle’s storage space may need to be drilled into in order to wire the device to the car battery.

The most common electric wheelchair carrier for scooters and motorized electric wheelchairs is the type that loads your electric wheelchair into the cargo space or third-seat area of a vehicle.  Basically, the unit is attached to the inside of the vehicle and usually latches to the floor. 

With the push of a button, the electric wheelchair carrier lifts the power chair up and out the rear of the vehicle, and it will then gently lower the wheelchair to the ground.  And, while the car is in motion, it will hold the scooter in place.

Electric Wheelchair Ramp
If wheelchair owners have room, they can also consider using a wheelchair ramp.  For most scooters, a 10 foot ramp would be sufficient in order to drive the wheelchair into a vehicle.  But, asking the advice of a professional would probably be best before purchasing the ramp.

Once the wheelchair is in or out of the vehicle, the ramp will fold up into the rear of the vehicle.  And, then the power wheelchair can be secured within the car or truck via a variety of methods.  Ramps work just as well for electric wheelchair lifts as those that mount to the car itself.  Further, ramps can be removed when they are not in use to provide additional space within the vehicle.

Photo Courtsey of E-Z Carrier