The 4 Main Types of Wheelchair Carriers

by Jenny Campata Online Marketing Head

People who are restricted to wheelchairs know how difficult it can get to live life independently. The only wish that most disabled individuals have is to move around freely without being a burden on anyone. With the rapid advancements in technology, this has now been made possible. The invention of wheelchair carriers has made the transportation of vehicles from one place to another extremely convenient.

Wheelchairs can take up a great amount of space in your car and it might not seem like a feasible option for everyone to purchase a handicap accessible vehicle. Moreover, it might not seem like a practical option for the family of a disabled individual to purchase a larger vehicle just to accommodate a wheelchair. Since the wheelchair-bound individuals cannot do without a vehicle, it is necessary for them to carry it with them wherever they go. This is the main reason why wheelchair carriers were invented, to provide improved accessibility to the disabled individuals.

Now if you have a small vehicle with no room inside for a wheelchair, you can still carry your wheelchair with you using a wheelchair carrier. It is a powered device that is attached to the back or the roof of your car, making it convenient for the disabled individuals to carry their wheelchair with them.

However, before you begin searching for a wheelchair carrier, you need to know about the specifications, in order to make sure that you find a suitable one for your vehicle.

The 4 main types of electric wheelchair carriers are automatic car-top carriers, hitch-mounted carriers, bumper-mounted carriers, and wheelchair carriers for trucks. Talk to an experienced company that provides reliable wheelchair carriers to make an informed decision.

Automatic Car-Top Carriers

An automatic car-top carrier is mounted on the roof of the cars. The wheelchair is lifted up and folded by an electric motor while being placed on top of the vehicle. This carrier is automatic and operated by a switch. It is a perfect choice for those who need extra space in their car, and for those cannot lift their wheelchair manually.

However, this type of carrier only works for manual wheelchairs, as it cannot lift heavy items. Do keep the size of your car and the weight that it can handle in mind before making your final decision.

Hitch-Mounted Carriers

If you are looking for a cost-effective option, the hitch-mounted carrier will be a perfect option. It leans downwards to load the wheelchair and then shifts upwards to secure it into place. Moreover, it also has the ability to attach itself to any drawbar on your vehicle, and provides easy access to the trunk of the car.

There are two types of hitch-mounted carriers out there, one that is manual and the other that is automatic. You can choose any of the two according to your budget and preference.

Bumper-Mounted Carriers

If you own a manual wheelchair, a bumper-mounted carrier will be the best choice for you. It requires you to manually fold and lift the wheelchair, for which you may have to seek assistance from someone. If the bumper has been molded to your vehicle, the service provider might have to drill some holes into the bumper during the installation process. This way you can easily remove the carrier when you decide on changing your vehicle. However, you may find it hard to access the trunk with a bumper-mounted carrier.

Truck Wheelchair Carrier

If you own a van or a truck, you need to get your hands on the truck carrier. An electric motor lifts the wheelchair up and places it into the bed of the truck, though you will need to fold the wheelchair manually before putting it onto the lift. If you are unable to fold it yourself, you might need someone’s assistance to do that.

Before making your final call, you need to make sure that the company you are hiring is reliable and experienced, in order to make the right investment. Freedom Access Homes is a reliable provider of the best wheelchair carrier in town. With years of experience in providing high-quality products to disabled individuals, they’re always coming up with innovative solutions to fulfill their mission of providing improved access to them.