If you have never purchased a handicap vehicle, then you may not know about all of the accessories that you can have included on a van. A mobility lift, or wheelchair lift or mobility scooter lift, is a mechanical device that is permanently installed in the mobility van.

Mobility lifts are ultimately what make you able to get in and out of your vehicle. Instead of having to awkwardly struggle to get in and out of your car and risk harming yourself or others, a mobility lift will do the work for you. These lifts are adaptable to your vehicle and they will work no matter what type of wheelchair van you have. Before you buy an automatic or a mobility lift, you will need to make sure that you are buying a quality brand. There are several manufacturers of scooter/wheelchair lifts. Biggest names are VMI, Pride, EZ Carrier, Harmar Mobility etc.

There are various designs and styles, but essentially, the lift consists of a flat metal panel that will raise and lower to allow the wheelchair passenger to get into the vehicle. Simply roll your mobility device on the platform from either side, hit a button, and let the Meridian do the lifting for you. Scooters and power chairs are automatically secured when lift is raised. Retractable belts are also available for securement. The lift is attached to the van either on the outside undercarriage of the van or inside the vehicle. Inside the van, the driver may be able to simple roll into place and lock down the chair or scooter in the driver's area.

Some types are only for vans with side entry. Other types utilize a boom to lift the chair into the rear cargo area of a smaller mini-van or SUV. The type that you require will depend on not only your needs, but on the type of vehicle that you own. The mobility lift works great in a wide variety of wheelchair vans. Some of the van models that are compatible for installation are the Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, GMC Savana, Ford E-Series, and Chevrolet Express. Lift works with cars such as Cadillac escalade, Lexus LX, Porsche cayenne, Toyota Land Cruiser, or Sequoia. If you are converting a minivan, you may be required to install a manual lift. Manual lifts are slightly smaller and do not need the same amount of support and space that an automatic lift requires. If you are not physically capable to operate a manual lift, you will have to purchase an automatic.

Some of the characteristics of mobility lifts are: Multi language LCD Interface, remote control, warranty, fully FMVSS compliant, built in manual backup system, signal LED's on both sides of mobility lift.

Your mobility dealers can install wheelchair platform lift in less than 3 hours for most installations. And visual and audible maintenance reminders let users know when their platform handicap lift needs service, parts replacement, or repairs. You should expect a 3 year warranty on parts and a 1 year warranty on labor.