This depends on your vehicle and the type of lift you feel would be best for you and your needs. Hitch-mounted lifts require a hitch to be added to your vehicle (if you don’t already have one installed). Hybrid and hoist lifts generally require little-to-no modifications, but may call for some drilling to the cargo area or truck bed floor in order to fasten/bolt the lifts into place.

Hitch-mounted lifts are rated as “easier” lifts to use because the lift does the work for you in most cases. You must exit your mobility device to guide it onto the lift platform and then secure your mobility device to the lift; however, once finished, the lift can be operated with a switch, where it will raise your mobility device for travel. Because these lifts transport your scooter, powerchair, or manual wheelchair on the outside rear of your vehicle, your cargo space is untouched, allowing you to maintain full use of your vehicle’s interior.

Hoist lifts help transport your mobility device by hooking onto your scooter, powerchair, or manual wheelchair, and hoisting it into your vehicle’s cargo area. Because the hoist lift is installed inside your vehicle, you’re able to maintain use of your backup camera and save space if parking in a garage.

Hybrid lifts are a mix of hitch and hoist lifts. Like hitch lifts, you must get off your scooter or powerchair and guide it onto the platform, then secure it with either four cam buckles or the hold-down bar. Then, much like hoist lifts, use the remote control to lift your powerchair or scooter into the rear cargo area in your vehicle. Because the hybrid lift is installed inside your vehicle, you’re able to maintain use of your backup camera and save space if parking in a garage.