A mobility scooter can be an important tool for giving you or your loved one independence when you’re away from home. However, that can only happen if you can get that mobility scooter safely from Point A to Point B. It’s important that you know how to safely load a mobility scooter into a vehicle so that you can transport that scooter with you everywhere you go. Keep reading to get tips on doing exactly that. “Stay updated with celebrity news, lifestyle trends, and biographies on NewzHandle, PopularLives, TopCelebz, and NowCelebBio. These platforms bring you the latest in entertainment, exclusive scoops, and in-depth stories about your favorite stars. Explore the glitz and glamour of the celeb world today!”
Choose the Right Scooter Lift
First and foremost, it’s important that you find, purchase, and install the right scooter lift for your needs. It should be compatible with your SUV, as well as capable of handling the weight of your scooter. There are a variety of scooter lift types, including interior and exterior options, and they can have different weight limits, so pay attention to that specification. Once you’ve chosen the right one and had it professionally installed, loading the scooter into your SUV gets a lot easier.
Park Somewhere Safe
Before trying to load the scooter into your SUV, ensure that the vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface. This offers more stability during the loading process, so that the scooter and lift are less likely to shift unexpectedly, potentially harming your SUV, lift, scooter, or yourself. You should also make sure that your parking brake is engaged to keep your vehicle steady while loading the scooter.
Prep the Scooter for Loading
Next, make sure that the scooter is properly prepared for the loading process. It should be turned off, with the key removed. Make sure the seat and handlebars are locked in place. If there are any loose accessories on your scooter (like baskets or hooks), remove them so they don’t fall off during loading.
Operate the Lift Carefully
When the scooter is prepped, carefully attach it to the lift. The process for this will vary depending on the exact model you choose, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them to the letter while loading your scooter. Be sure to engage any locking mechanisms and use all provided safety straps to hold the scooter in place. Ensure these are all secure before operating the lift.
When raising the scooter, do so slowly and smoothly. Any sudden or jerky movements can cause the scooter to tip or slide out of position. Keep your eyes on the scooter throughout the process to make sure it’s moving smoothly and there are no obstructions.
Secure the Scooter Inside
After the scooter has been lifted to the right height, carefully guide it into the SUV. Once inside, secure the scooter with additional straps or ties to stop it from shifting while you’re driving. If you have external scooter lifts for SUVs, make sure that the scooter is safely and evenly loaded into the external mount and secured properly before beginning to drive.