Can a Hoyer Lift Fit in a Car? — The Truth About Vehicle-Mounted Transfer and Feasible Solutions

When a family member with a disability needs to travel by car frequently for medical appointments or outings, many families naturally wonder: "Can we put our home Hoyer lift in the car to make getting in and out easier?" Behind this wish lies a desire for independent travel and a life of dignity. However, the reality is that standard floor-standing Hoyer lifts (such as the Hoyer Advance and Drive Elite models) can hardly be used directly in ordinary private cars.

But this does not mean there are no solutions. This article will help you clarify misunderstandings, analyze transfer technologies truly suitable for automotive environments, and provide safe and feasible travel suggestions.

I. Why Are Standard Hoyer Lifts Unsuitable for Cars?

Common household Hoyer lifts (floor-standing type) have the following characteristics that make them difficult to adapt to vehicles:

Large Size: The width of the base when fully extended often exceeds 80 cm, making it impossible to fit into a car trunk;

Heavy Weight: The main unit weighs 30–50 kg, which is difficult for a single person to carry and load/unload;

High Space Requirements for Operation: An operating radius of more than 1 meter around the vehicle is needed, which cannot be met when parking by the roadside;

No Fixed Anchorage Points: The car lacks structural support for installing hydraulic/electric systems;

High Safety Risks: If not firmly fixed during driving, it will become a dangerous projectile.

✅ Conclusion: A standard Hoyer lift ≠ a vehicle-mounted device. Forcing its use is extremely unsafe.

II. What Are the Real "Vehicle-Mounted Transfer Solutions"?

Although Hoyer lifts cannot be used directly in cars, there are three categories of professional solutions to enable safe entry and exit:

1. Vehicle-Mounted Electric Reclining/Lift-Out Seats

Principle: The original car seat can rotate outward and lower to the ground; after the patient sits down, it lifts back into the car;

Suitable Vehicle Types: Some MPVs or modified vehicles (such as Toyota Alphard, Mercedes-Benz V-Class) support retrofitting;

Advantages: No transfer is required throughout the process, and the patient remains in a sitting position;

Limitations: High retrofitting costs (usually starting from ¥80,000), suitable only for long-term and high-frequency use.

2. Portable Transfer Slides + Ramp Plates

Applicable Scenarios: Patients with partial upper limb strength who can cooperate with sliding movements;

Operation: Place the slide between the wheelchair and the car seat to assist the patient in sliding into the car;

Cost: Low (¥200–500), but requires physical support from the caregiver and is not suitable for SUVs with high chassis.

3. Specialized Vehicle-Mounted Patient Lifts

Representative Products:

Handi-Move Auto Lift (USA)

Mobi-Lift Car Hoist (Europe)

Features:

Foldable and fixed to the trunk or roof rack;

Driven by 12V vehicle-mounted power supply;

Telescopic boom that covers the rear row or front passenger seat;

Equipped with specialized lightweight slings.

Requirements: Professional installation is required, and the vehicle must have sufficient load-bearing structure;

Price: Approximately ¥25,000–50,000, suitable for families with patients who have severe disabilities.

⚠️ Note: Although these devices have similar functions to Hoyer lifts, they are not "Hoyer-branded" products, but rather an independent category specifically designed for vehicle mounting.

III. If You Insist on Trying: Cautious Practices for Temporary Emergencies

Without professional equipment, if you must assist a patient with severe disabilities in getting in and out of a car, be sure to follow these principles:

Two-Person Collaboration: One person supports the back, and the other supports the legs, exerting force simultaneously;

Use a Transfer Belt: Increases grip points and reduces the risk of slipping;

Choose a Low-Chassis Sedan or MPV: Such as Honda Odyssey, Buick GL8;

Avoid SUVs/Off-Road Vehicles: High steps and steep transfer angles make muscle strains highly likely;

Never Use a Household Hoyer Lift to Operate Beside the Car: Insufficient space by the roadside leads to extremely high risks.

IV. A More Recommended Travel Strategy: Shifting from "Transfer" to "Integration"

Instead of focusing on "how to get a person into the car," it is better to think about "how to integrate the travel system":

Use Accessible Taxis: Many cities provide specialized vehicles with ramps or lift platforms;

Rent a Modified Welfare Vehicle: Rent by the day/week at a cost far lower than purchasing;

Apply for Disability Travel Subsidies: Some regions offer financial assistance for purchasing or modifying vehicles for people with severe disabilities;

Plan "Fewer but Precise" Trips: Combine medical appointments and errands to reduce the frequency of transfers.

V. Conclusion: Safety Is More Important Than Convenience

We understand the desire to let your loved one "go out and see the world too."

But a car is not a hospital room, and the roadside is not an operating platform.

Every hasty transfer,

may result in an irreversible injury.

Genuine accessible travel,

is not about forcing household equipment into a car,

but about creating a safe access method tailored to the vehicle.

May you, on your journey to pursue travel freedom,

act with compassion,

and also hold fast to the bottom line of safety.

For the most precious journey,

is one that starts safely and returns safely.