Car Boot Hoists for Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs

Car Boot Hoists for Easier Mobility Equipment Transport

A car boot hoist is a vehicle-mounted lifting system designed to raise compatible mobility equipment into and out of a car boot.

It can be particularly useful when a mobility scooter, wheelchair or powerchair is too heavy, bulky or awkward to lift manually. Instead of relying on the user, relative or carer to carry the equipment, the hoist takes most of the physical weight during loading and unloading.

A car boot hoist may help if:

• You regularly travel with a mobility scooter or wheelchair
• The equipment is too heavy to lift safely by hand
• The scooter does not dismantle into manageable sections
• A folding scooter or wheelchair is still difficult to load
• You want to reduce strain on users, relatives or carers
• You need a more repeatable loading method for regular journeys

How Does a Car Boot Hoist Work?

A car boot hoist is normally fitted securely inside the vehicle. A lifting arm extends towards the mobility equipment and connects to it using an appropriate attachment point or lifting bracket.

The hoist then raises the scooter, wheelchair or powerchair and allows it to be guided into the boot.

The typical loading process involves:

1. Positioning the mobility equipment close to the vehicle
2. Attaching the hoist lifting strap or bracket
3. Using the control to raise the equipment
4. Guiding or rotating it into the boot
5. Lowering it securely into the vehicle
6. Disconnecting the lifting attachment

The exact process varies by hoist, vehicle and mobility product.

Mobility Scooter Hoists for Cars

Mobility scooter hoists are commonly used where a scooter is transportable but too heavy to lift manually.

Even portable scooters can contain a heaviest section that is difficult to raise over a boot lip. Larger folding scooters, lithium scooters and some compact pavement models may also require mechanical lifting support.

Before choosing a scooter hoist, check:

• The scooter’s total weight
• The weight being lifted after any parts are removed
• Whether the seat or battery must be removed first
• The available lifting or attachment points
• The scooter’s folded or dismantled dimensions
• Whether the scooter will physically fit inside the vehicle

A hoist can solve the lifting problem, but it cannot make an unsuitable scooter fit into a boot that is too small.

Wheelchair and Powerchair Boot Hoists

Car boot hoists may also be suitable for compatible manual wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs.

A lightweight folding wheelchair may only require a lower-capacity hoist, while a powered wheelchair or heavier folding powerchair may need a stronger lifting system.

For wheelchairs and powerchairs, consider:

• Chair weight
• Folded dimensions
• Whether footrests, cushions or batteries can be removed
• Suitable lifting points
• Whether the chair can be secured safely during travel
• Vehicle loading height and boot opening

Specialist or highly configurable powerchairs can be particularly heavy and may require a different vehicle solution rather than a standard boot hoist.

Autochair Smart Lifter Car Boot Hoists

The current Modern Mobility range includes Autochair Smart Lifter car boot hoists.

Different Smart Lifter models are designed for different lifting capacities, vehicle layouts and mobility products. The Smart Lifter LC, LP and LM should not be selected by name alone, as the correct option depends on the full scooter-and-vehicle combination.

The assessment should consider:

• Mobility equipment weight
• Vehicle make, model and year
• Boot shape and available space
• Boot opening height and width
• Required reach and lifting movement
• Suitable mounting points
• Whether equipment modifications or lifting brackets are needed

Which Car Boot Hoist Do You Need?

The right hoist is determined primarily by weight, vehicle compatibility and loading movement.

A higher lifting capacity is not automatically the best choice. The hoist still needs to fit the vehicle, reach the equipment correctly and move it through the boot opening.

Useful information to provide before assessment includes:

• Vehicle registration or exact make, model and year
• Mobility scooter, wheelchair or powerchair make and model
• Equipment weight
• Photographs of the vehicle boot
• Whether removable parts will be taken off before loading
• Who will operate the hoist
• Any changes likely to be made to the vehicle or mobility equipment

Will a Mobility Scooter Fit in Your Car?

Before fitting a car hoist, confirm that the equipment can fit into the vehicle once raised.

Measure:

• Boot opening width
• Boot opening height
• Internal boot depth
• Available height beneath the parcel shelf
• Mobility equipment width, height and length
• Dimensions after folding or dismantling

Also consider the shape of the boot, loading lip, rear seats and whether the equipment needs to be turned or tilted during loading.

The published boot capacity of a vehicle does not provide enough information on its own because two boots with similar litre measurements can have very different openings and internal shapes.

Car Boot Hoist Lifting Capacity

Every hoist has a maximum lifting capacity. The mobility equipment being lifted must remain within this limit.

Use the actual lifting weight rather than an estimated product weight. If the battery, seat or other components are removed before loading, calculate the weight of the remaining section being lifted.

The lifting capacity should never be exceeded, and the equipment must be connected using approved attachment points.

Fixed and Portable Car Boot Hoists

Most powered car boot hoists are fitted to a particular vehicle. They are not normally portable accessories that can simply be moved between several cars.

• Fixed vehicle hoists are installed into a compatible car and designed around that vehicle’s boot
• Portable lifting devices may be available for certain situations, but still require checking for weight, stability and vehicle suitability

The Autochair products currently shown in this range should be treated as fitted vehicle solutions rather than universal portable hoists.

Does a Car Boot Hoist Need Professional Fitting?

Vehicle hoists generally require professional assessment and installation.

Correct fitting is important because the hoist must remain securely mounted while lifting, rotating and lowering expensive mobility equipment.

Installation may involve:

• Vehicle-specific mounting hardware
• Electrical connections
• Programming or setup
• Mobility equipment lifting brackets
• Testing the full loading movement
• Demonstrating safe operation

Users should be shown how to attach the equipment correctly, operate the controls and position the scooter or wheelchair during loading.

Car Boot Hoist Prices

Car boot hoist prices vary because the total cost can depend on more than the lifting unit itself.

The final price may be affected by:

• Hoist model and lifting capacity
• Vehicle-specific fitting kit
• Installation requirements
• Equipment lifting brackets
• Electrical work
• Any adaptations required for the vehicle or mobility product

For this reason, it is normally more useful to obtain a quote based on the exact vehicle and mobility equipment than compare headline hoist prices alone.

Car Boot Hoist or Lighter Mobility Scooter?

A boot hoist is not always the only solution.

If the current scooter is very heavy or difficult to fit inside the vehicle, it may be worth comparing the cost and practicality of a hoist with a lighter car boot mobility scooter or folding mobility scooter.

• Choose a hoist where the current equipment is suitable, comfortable and fits the vehicle once lifted
• Consider a lighter scooter where portability is the main priority and changing equipment is practical
• Consider a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or another transport solution for heavier specialist powerchairs or complex seating systems

Car Boot Hoists and the Motability Scheme

Vehicle adaptations such as hoists may be available through the Motability Scheme in qualifying circumstances, depending on current Scheme rules, the selected vehicle and the mobility equipment being transported.

Eligibility, available adaptations and any contribution required should be confirmed through the current Motability process.

Car Hoists for Equipment vs Passenger Hoists

A mobility equipment boot hoist is not the same as a passenger hoist.

• Car boot equipment hoists lift mobility scooters, wheelchairs or powerchairs into a vehicle
• Passenger hoists help transfer a person into or out of a vehicle

The Autochair Smart Lifter products displayed on this page are intended for lifting mobility equipment rather than transferring a person.

People searching for a passenger transfer solution may need a specialist person-lift or vehicle access assessment instead.

Safe Use and Ongoing Checks

A car boot hoist should be inspected regularly and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before each use:

• Check the lifting attachment is secure
• Make sure the equipment is positioned correctly
• Keep people clear of the lifting area
• Check the boot is fully open
• Watch for contact with bodywork or vehicle trim
• Do not exceed the lifting capacity

Any unusual movement, noise, damaged straps or electrical faults should be checked before the hoist is used again.

Get Help Choosing a Car Boot Hoist

Car boot hoists must be matched to both the vehicle and the mobility equipment. They should not be ordered as universal products without confirming compatibility.

Contact Modern Mobility with your vehicle and equipment details so the team can help identify whether an Autochair Smart Lifter or another transport solution may be suitable.

You may also find it useful to browse Autochair products, car boot mobility scooters, folding mobility scooters, wheelchairs, powerchairs, moving and handling equipment or mobility accessories.

Car Boot Hoist FAQs

Car boot hoists help lift compatible mobility equipment into vehicles, but the correct model depends on both the equipment and the car.

What is a car boot hoist?

A car boot hoist is a fitted lifting system used to raise a compatible mobility scooter, wheelchair or powerchair into a vehicle.

Can a car boot hoist lift a mobility scooter?

Yes, provided the scooter weight, lifting points, dimensions and vehicle are compatible with the selected hoist.

Can a car boot hoist lift a wheelchair?

Selected hoists can lift compatible manual wheelchairs and powerchairs, subject to weight and vehicle suitability.

How much does a mobility scooter hoist cost?

The cost varies by hoist model, lifting capacity, vehicle fitting kit, installation and any required lifting brackets.

Will a car boot hoist fit any car?

No. Suitability depends on the vehicle make, model, boot dimensions, mounting points and electrical setup.

Will any mobility scooter fit a car hoist?

No. The scooter must remain within the hoist’s lifting capacity and fit inside the vehicle once raised.

Are car boot hoists portable?

Most powered boot hoists are fitted to a specific vehicle and are not designed to be moved regularly between cars.

Does a car boot hoist need professional installation?

Yes, fitted vehicle hoists normally require professional installation, setup and testing.

What is an Autochair Smart Lifter?

An Autochair Smart Lifter is a vehicle-mounted hoist designed to lift compatible mobility scooters, wheelchairs or powerchairs into a car boot.

What is the difference between a car boot hoist and a passenger hoist?

A car boot hoist lifts mobility equipment. A passenger hoist is designed to assist with transferring a person into or out of a vehicle.

Can I get a car boot hoist through Motability?

Some vehicle hoists may be available as Motability adaptations, depending on eligibility, current Scheme rules and compatibility.

Can Modern Mobility check vehicle compatibility?

Yes. Contact Modern Mobility with the vehicle make, model, year and mobility equipment details for guidance.