I. What is a Hoyer Lift for the Car?

A "Hoyer Lift for the Car" does not refer to moving a hospital-grade floor-standing lift into a vehicle. Instead, it is a general term for portable or integrated patient lifting/transfer systems specifically designed for vehicles. Its design concept is derived from the mechanical transfer principles of the Hoyer brand, emphasizing labor-saving operation, stability, and ergonomic support.

Such equipment is typically divided into two main categories:

1. Vehicle-Mounted Lift

Installed in the car trunk, side door, or rear door;

Uses an electric platform to lift the wheelchair (with the user) vertically into or out of the vehicle;

Commonly used in modified minivans (e.g., Toyota Sienna, Mercedes-Benz V-Class);

Supports a weight capacity of 200–300 kg and is compatible with both electric and manual wheelchairs.

Example brands: Brunswick, Harmar, Ricon, EZ-Lift

2. Portable Patient Hoist for Vehicle Use

Foldable and lightweight (15–25 kg), easy to store in the trunk for travel;

When in use, the base is unfolded, and a sling is used to lift the user from the wheelchair and rotate them into the vehicle seat;

Suitable for sedans, SUVs, and other vehicle models where large lifting platforms cannot be installed;

Mostly operated by family caregivers, hoyer lift for the car allowing a single person to complete the transfer.

Common descriptions on the market:

"Foldable Hoyer-Style Car Transfer Lift"

"Portable Hydraulic Patient Lifter for Vehicle"

II. Why is a Vehicle-Specific Lifting Device Needed?

✅ Addresses three core pain points:

High Safety Risks

Manual lifting easily causes lumbar injuries to caregivers, and also increases the risk of the user slipping or colliding with the car door frame.

Many Vehicle Limitations

Sedans have low chassis and narrow doors, making it difficult for tall users or those in heavy wheelchairs to transfer independently.

Restricted Travel Freedom

Without reliable transfer tools, many people with disabilities are forced to reduce social activities, medical visits, or travel.

According to statistics from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 60% of wheelchair users give up independent travel due to the lack of vehicle-adapted equipment. Vehicle-mounted Hoyer lifting systems are the key to breaking this barrier.

III. Detailed Explanation of Main Types

1. Trunk/Boot Lift

Installed in the trunk of a sedan; after being raised, the platform lifts the wheelchair vertically to the height of the vehicle interior;

The user sits in the wheelchair, which is then moved into the vehicle by the platform;

Suitable for users who can operate a wheelchair independently but cannot cross the vehicle threshold.

2. Swivel Seat Lift

Replaces the original vehicle seat; the seat can swivel 90° outward and lower to ground level;

The user transfers from the wheelchair to the seat, which is then moved back into the vehicle by a motor;

Often used for modifications to the driver’s seat or front passenger seat.

3. Portable Hoyer-Style Hoist (For Occasional Use)

Folds down to the size of a suitcase, suitable for temporary travel or use with rental vehicles;

Requires flat ground for operation and relies on hydraulic power or a small motor;

Low cost (USD 400–1,200), but requires higher operational skills from caregivers.

Note: Chinese manufacturers (e.g., KDB, MobilityAid Tech) have launched a variety of CE-certified portable vehicle-mounted transfer hoists, supporting customization of sling length and voltage (compatible with 12V/24V vehicle power supplies).

IV. Key Considerations for Purchase

Consideration Item Recommendations

Vehicle Type For sedans: prioritize portable hoists or trunk lifts; For MPVs/SUVs: side-mounted swivel seat lifts are optional

User’s Ability If the user can operate a wheelchair: choose a platform-type lift; If fully dependent on assistance: choose a sling-type lift

Installation Method Permanent modification vs. temporary portability? The latter is more suitable for families with multiple vehicles or for travel

Power Requirement Vehicle-mounted devices must match 12V/24V cigarette lighters or connect directly to the car battery

Storage Space The folded size of portable devices should be ≤ 80×40×30 cm

V. Real-World Application Scenarios

Case 1: A retired teacher (180 cm tall) with hemiplegia from a stroke uses a portable Hoyer hoist to transfer beside his daughter’s SUV, enabling him to independently visit a rehabilitation center every week.

Case 2: An accessible taxi company uniformly installed Harmar trunk lifts in its fleet, increasing the number of elderly passengers served by 40%.

VI. Future Trends: Intelligence and Modularity

The new generation of vehicle-mounted transfer devices is integrating more innovations:

Wireless remote control + automatic balancing system: prevents tilting during lifting;

Integration with mobile phone apps: records usage frequency and sends maintenance reminders;

Quick-release design: completes installation/disassembly within 3 minutes, meeting both daily driving and care needs.

Conclusion

A Hoyer Lift for the Car is more than just a mechanical device—it is a "mobile bridge" to freedom, social interaction, and quality of life. It frees people with mobility impairments from being "trapped at home" and makes family care easier and safer. With the advancement of age-friendly transportation policies and assistive technology, "accessible travel" is transforming from a luxury into a basic right.

Warm Tip: In most countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, EU, Australia), purchasing compliant vehicle-mounted lifting equipment may qualify for government subsidies, tax deductions, or medical insurance reimbursements. It is recommended to consult local disabled persons’ federations or transportation assistive device service centers.

This article is intended for reference by family caregivers, accessible vehicle modifiers, rehabilitation therapists, and travel service providers.