How to Choose the Best Wheelchair Carrier?

If you’re a person with a disability or you’re caring for one, you know how important equipment is for making you comfortable, safe, and allowing you to be as mobile as you can be. This is especially true when you plan to go on a long trip or just on a short vacation that requires you to use a car.

Knowing how to choose the best wheelchair carrier means knowing how you plan to use them and what your specific travel needs are. It’s also useful to know the type of carrier you need, and they are mostly differentiated by how much actual work it takes to operate them.

What is a wheelchair carrier?

A wheelchair carrier is a simple device but one that provides a lot of flexibility and comfort to a disabled person while traveling. It’s a ramp mounted on the hitch of the car and used to place and secure the wheelchair while traveling.

Within this, there’s a variety of functions that will allow you to easily lower and raise the wheelchair before taking it off the car and preparing it for the road. It gives you both the much-needed mobility and plenty of space in the car itself.

The advantages

There are two main advantages of using a wheelchair carrier. The first comes from the mobility itself because it allows the person with a disability to use the car on their own as long as they can lift and raise the carrier on their own. It’s an especially liberating feeling since it makes the wheelchair user more self-reliable.

There’s also much less work involved in moving when you have a wheelchair career. It can be difficult to move and lift the wheelchair every time you plan to use the car and there’s no such labor involved here.

Types of wheelchair carriers

There’s a variety of types of carriers and choosing one should be done with care and consideration. They are mostly differentiated from based on how they fold and how they are lifted. All of these carriers have their advantages as well downsides and both should be considered before making a call which one to buy.

Automatic car-top carrier

This type of carrier is mounted on the top of the car. It uses an electric motor to pick up and lift the chair to the top of the car, with the platform in which it is placed, being folded in the process. The carrier is automatic and it’s controlled by a simple switch. This makes it easy for the disabled person to use the carrier on their own.

It’s a good option for those who want as much of their car space uninhibited and can’t lift the wheelchair on their own. It’s somewhat limited by the size of the motor meaning that it can’t lift all types of wheelchairs out there and it’s best used for manual ones.

Bumper mounted carrier

It’s another carrier that’s simple in its features and best used for manual wheelchairs. The main difference is that the wheelchair isn’t mounted on the roof, but on the bumper of the car. It may not be that simple to install this wheelchair carrier for the first time since it can’t be installed on a molded bumper.

If you have such a bumper, you’ll need to have a mechanic drill holes into it to mount this carrier. The holes could be plugged back in when you want to remove the carrier and sell the car. In some cases, this carrier will also make it less easy to access the trunk of the car.

Hitch-mounted carrier

This is one of the most popular carriers out there because it’s the most cost-effective. They can be mounted on any drawbar or ball mount that’s already on the back of your vehicle without having to amend the carrier or the hitch.

There’s also a variety in these carriers since some of them are manually operated and others are automatic and are activated by a switch. These should be chosen based on your budget and on your ability to lift the wheelchair on your own. A good thing about hitch mounted carriers is that they don’t obstruct the trunk of the car.

Pick-up truck carrier

This type of wheelchair carrier is used for pick-up trucks and they are the best way to make them more accessible to persons with disabilities. The wheelchair is being lifted to the bed of the pickup truck and this is done by an electric motor operated by a handheld device.

The main disadvantage of this type of wheelchair carrier comes from the fact that the wheelchair itself needs to be folded and placed on the carrier. This is done manually and therefore a disabled person may require assistance for doing so.

What to pay attention to?

Besides the type of wheelchair carrier, you should also pay attention to a few features of the carrier concerning your car and its size. It’s also useful to know how you plan to use the carrier and the wheelchair at least for a majority of the time. This will allow you to get the features that will suit you the best and ones that you’ll get the most mileage out of.

Weight capacity

Weight capacity refers to the weight of the object that the carrier can lift and take. It’s a good idea to know how heavy the wheelchair you’re using and to choose the carrier based on that fact. However, it’s always a good idea to be cautious and to choose a carrier that has a bit more capacity than you need, just to be sure and to be able to bring a few items in the wheelchair themselves.

Type of vehicle

The wheelchair carrier should also be bought based on the type of vehicle that you have, since purchasing a carrier with all the features you need, won’t do you any good if it’s not suited to your vehicle in the first place.

The biggest consideration in this regard is the hitch type, but that’s not the only thing to worry about and you should consult with your mechanic before making a call.

Haul capacity

Haul capacity refers to how much weight your car could move and for how long. For the most part, the car will be able to haul the wheelchair and the carrier regardless of their type and size, since most of them are big enough for it.

However, the prolonged use may cause damage to your car and that’s something to consider if it’s a vehicle with a small haul capacity and you have a lot of weight to carry around.

The controls

Automated controls are an essential part of the carrier since they are what allows you to use the carrier without assistance and provide you with the freedom and mobility. There are a few things to consider when choosing the controls.

You need to consider your range of motion and flexibility. It’s also important to consider your reaction time and coordination so that you know how quickly you could access the carrier and the wheelchair itself. It’s also imperative to be honest about your ability to drive and make decisions once you’re on your own.

Platform and arm lifts

There are two main types of carriers in terms of how they store the wheelchair. The first is the platform which is a simpler one and it’s the one where you rest the wheelchair on a platform and secure it to it. The arm is a more complicated mechanism which usually folds the wheelchair and picks it up to the side or the top of the car.

The arm option leaves you with more car space but they usually can’t be used for scooters but wheelchairs only.

Our pick

Here is Optimum Personal Care pick of the 19 best wheelchair carriers on the market right now:

1. Economy Hitch Mounted Mobility Scooter Carrier Rack with Ramp

This mobility scooter carrier model carries a tag WCC-500A and it’s suited for carrying scooters and wheelchairs alike. It has a maximum capacity of 500 lbs which is enough for pretty much any vehicle and any wheelchair. Manufactured from lightweight aluminum, this carrier is easy to install and mount on a hook.

The best feature of this carrier is the folding loading ramp. It makes it easy to load and unload the scooters while keeping them secure as they rest on the platform. It also includes an anti-rattle device to eliminate wobble, 4 tie-down attachment rings, and 7.5” side rails.

Pros:

Built to last
It’s foldable making it easy to park

Cons:

It blocks access to the trunk
It may be too steep for some types of wheelchairs

2. Prohoists wheelchair carrier

These simple wheelchair carrier for trailer hitch are often chosen because of their price, ease of use, and overall simplicity. It accommodates most standard wheelchairs and it can carry about 100lbs. This means that it can be used for wheelchairs only. The carrier can be tilted upward and locked into place so that it can stay attached to the car when it’s not carrying any load.

This carrier can also be easily removed and stored in a truck once you no longer need it. There’s also a small anti-wobble device that reduces movement and keeps the wheelchair safe during the trip.

Pros

-Simple to use

-Low price

Cons:

-It can be used for smaller manual wheelchairs only

-It’s best to store it in a trunk to protect it from the elements

3. Freedom Freedom Mobility Fully Automatic Scooter Lift Carrier, Swing Away Joint, Class III

This electric wheelchair carrier for car transportation is top of the line for this kind of wheelchair but it can’t be used for any other manual one. There’s an automated arm that attaches the scooter to the ramp and it comes with a vehicle hardwire kit which makes it easier to install.

The size and the complexity of the ramp are what make it suitable for large scooters and large wheelchairs but it also comes with some downsides, such as the difficulty washing the car with the rig attached on. Product Dimensions are 39 x 37 x 10 inches and it weighs 123 pounds.

Pros

-Ease of use

-Fits any scooter currently on the market

Cons

-It may be a bit heavy on your rear suspension

-Washing the car manually may be a problem with the carrier attached

4. Silver Spring SC500-V3 Folding Steel Scooter and Wheelchair Carrier with Ramp

This is a wheelchair carrier for cars that could also be used to carry scooters and it’s mostly marketed based on its ability to fold up against the car when it’s not in use. It has a simple hitch receiver which makes it easy to attach and dismount when needed.

It includes a 3 position ramp that comes with an anti-rattle device for easier transport. Platform measures are 48″ L x 28″ W and ramp measures are 59.125″ L x 27.5″ W. It has a carrying capacity of 500 lbs. The ramp comes with a cover to protect it from the elements when it’s folded.

Pros

-A loading ramp for easier use

-Durable and sturdy

Cons

-Too heavy for some to move and install

-Sometimes it can damage a tail light

5. Titan Ramps Hitch Mounted Wheelchair Carrier with Ramp for Mobility Scooters Luggage

This wheelchair carrier is made out of light aluminum and is easily attached to a hitch. It has a carrying capacity of 500lbs. It comes with a built-in ramp that makes it easy to load and unload the wheelchair onto and from the ramp. The carrier is also foldable, which makes it easier to move and store.

The overall height of the carrier platform is 6”. The carrier is 33” and is 62” wide, accommodating most wheelchairs and scooters. The ramp has a length of 58”. Most truck and SUV hitches are compatible with such a carrier.

Pros:

-Foldability and ease of storage

-The wheelchair will remain secure even during harsh driving

Cons:

-It adds to the length of the vehicle

-You’ll need to have a professional install it

6. Silver Spring Manual Wheelchair Carrier with Tilting Platform

A lot of wheelchair carriers are made to be a one size fits all solution, but this one is a product made for one particular type of job which makes it both less expensive and more niche. It’s a carrier for one manual wheelchair only and it has a capacity of 100 lbs.

The platform can be tilted for easy loading and unloading of the chair and it can be folded so that it’s easily stored between uses. It’s made out of heavy-duty steel which makes it almost unbreakable through normal use. It weighs 28 pounds and the dimensions are a standard 25.25 x 31 x 29 inches.

Pros:

-Low price

-Ease of use

Cons:

-Lowering the ramp can be difficult

-You’ll need to purchase a bungee cord to secure the wheelchair separately

7. Ultra-Tow Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier with Ramp

This aluminum mobility wheelchair and scooter carrier has a capacity of carrying 500 lbs and it’s not too bulky with the carrier platform at 50in.L x 30.25in.W and the ramp at 49in.L x 29.5in.W. it can transport more than scooters and wheelchairs since the ramp makes it a good option for carrying any kind of heavy equipment.

The ramp has 3 loading positions making it easy to place and take off the wheelchair or scooter when needed even without anyone’s assistance. It can also be folded to save up space or to make access to the trunk more convenient when the carrier isn’t in use.

Pros:

-Solid and sturdy workmanship

It’s versatile as it can carry other cargo beyond wheelchair when needed

-Cons

-Too high for some disabled persons to use

8. HUSKY TOWING 88133 Mobility Wheelchair/Scoot

It’s a bumper-mounted wheelchair carrier with a capacity to carry 500 lbs. It has a wide enough platform to carry any type of wheelchair and has a gradual slope used to easily load the wheelchair on and off. There are also two tie-down anchor points to provide extra security duringtransport.

Carrier measures at 50-1/4″ L x 29-1/2″ W x 4″ H and the ramp at 47″ Lx 29.5″ W. The whole rig weighs about 70 pounds and it takes a mechanic to install it for the first time. Once it’s folded it allows for easy access to the back of the truck.

Pros:

Easy to use and fold when needed

-Gradual slope of the ramp makes it safe

Cons:

-It may block rear blinkers so it becomes difficult to park with it

-Complicated to install

9. 2″ Class III or IV Hitch-Mounted Mobility Carrier Multiple Level Height Adapter

It’s a wheelchair hitch carrier made for both wheelchairs and scooters. The best feature of the device is the ease with which it’s raised and lowered, helping the user carry the wheelchair without anyone’s help or assistance. It’s made from durable steel and it has a smooth black finish.

It’s built for 2″ Class III or IV hitch receivers and has a capacity of carrying 500lbs meaning that most scooters and wheelchairs could be hauled in it. The platform can be raised by 4.5″ for improved ground clearance or lowered by 3.5″ for decreased loading ramp incline.

Pros:

-Low price

-Durable, to the point of being one-time purchase

Cons:

-A bit complicated to install.

10. Versa-Haul VH-MS XL Mobility Scooter Carrier XL

This carrier could be used to transport a wheelchair or as a scooter rack for your car since it has a hauling capacity of about 500 lbs making it more than capable of carrying most scooters. It has 58.375″L x 32.75″W of usable space.

The carrier has an integrated loading ramp that can be folded to make the travel easier. It’s easily locked into place with spring pull pins meaning you don’t need any extra tools to assemble it for use. It can be tilted up when it’s not used so you can park more easily

Pros:

-Sturdy and strong lock

-Easy to put together

Cons:

-A bit pricey for some people, but it’s basically a once in a lifetime purchase

11. Discount Ramps 350ARV-Mini 44″ Aluminum Mobility Scooter Carrier

This ramp is made specifically to be a scooter carrier but it can be used for some power chairs, which are essentially the same thing. It’s lightweight and made out of aluminum but it can carry any scooter currently in use and it has a ramp that makes the embarking effortless.

The carrier can also be tilted up vertically when it’s not in use allowing you to park it in most handicap spaces. It’s fit for class 3 and 4 four hitch receivers and its capacity is maxed out at 350 lbs.

Pros:

-The lightest one on the market for that size

-Easy assembling instructions

Cons:

-Not made for smaller cars

-Some may have a problem sliding the ramp at first

12. Lift-N-Go Power Wheelchair Carrier 210 Model

This electric wheelchair carrier is mostly used for the simplistic automated folding system that allows the user to bring the chair up and to embark on it without too much effort. It’s best suited for scooters and electric wheelchairs due to its size and sturdy manufacturing.

The main advantage of this model is how easy it is to use. With a push of a button, it lowers and opens so that you can place the wheelchair on the ramp, and with a push of another button, it’s ready for use. It also has a “swing away” option that’s sold separately.

Pros:

-It works with any wheelchair

-Easy to install

Cons:

-A bit expensive

13. Goplus Folding 2″ Trailer Hitch Shank Mount Cargo Wheelchair Carrier Adapter- 500LB

When it comes to wheelchair racks for cars, you should look for simplicity in terms of design and therefore the install process as well. This is the rack for you if those are the qualities you’re after. Even though it’s simple it’s durable and can haul as much as 500 lbs.

The construction is heavy-duty and it’s resistant to rust and corrosion. The ramp is foldable making it easier to park and move when it’s not in use. It works with 2″x 2″ trailer hitches. The length after folding 90 degrees is 16 1/4″.

Pros:

-Great capacity for hauling

-Sturdy design

Cons:

-Sometimes the bolt holes may not be drilled correctly and you’ll need to add your own

14. ALEKO MC400 400 Pound Capacity Wheelchair and Power Scooter Folding Cargo Carrier Rack with Foldable Ramp

This folding wheelchair carrier for a car of any size, is simple in its design and its application, but it’s sturdy and provides what you need – it holds the wheelchair secure during the ride. The ramp is foldable and it saves time during the loading and unloading of the cargo.

It’s fit to use with 2-inch class III or IV trailer hitches. Product dimensions are 50 x 28 inches; the loading ramp is 60 x 27.5 inches and it has a 400-pound weight capacity. There’s also an anti-wobble device included in the price.

Pros:

-Affordability

-The ramp is easily foldable which makes it easy to store and park

Cons:

-it’s complicated to assemble

-Bolts may not be of the highest quality.

15. BLACKSMITHS Mobility Carrier Wheelchair Electric Scooter Rack

This electric wheelchair carrier is probably one of the most durable and heavy-duty ones on the market. It’s a 3 position carrier (closed flat, open L-shape & open flat) which means your wheelchair or scooter will be as secure as it needs to be.

It fits the 3 and 4 class hitch and can easily haul 500 lbs meaning that it’s enough for any scooter or electric wheelchair you may have. The carrier also has a black powder coat finish which will protect it from the elements. It’s also surprisingly easy to assemble.

Pros:

-it’s easy to install

-Rather sturdy in its build

Cons:

-Heavy and difficult to move by a single person

Choosing the best wheelchair carrier can be of great importance for a person with a disability since that simple device allows them to easily transport their wheelchair or scooter and to be more mobile. At the same time, the carrier should be one that’s easy to mount and that you can embark on and from with ease.

Before making this purchase you should take into account the size of your wheelchair and your car as well as how you plan to use the device. It’s also important to know how to attach it safely and properly and to hire a professional to do so when needed.

When chosen and installed properly one device may be all you need for years, if not decades.