Can Hoyer Advance Patient Lifts Be Used for Car Transfers? The Truth and Safe Alternatives

After purchasing a Hoyer Advance series patient lift (such as the Advance 340 or Advance 500), many families naturally wonder: "Since it can transfer a loved one from a bed to a wheelchair, can it also move them from a wheelchair to a car?"

This is a practical and caring question. However, standard Hoyer Advance patient lifts are not suitable for direct car transfers. Forcing their use is not only inefficient but also poses significant safety risks. This article will explain the reasons and provide truly feasible solutions for home-based car transfers.

I. Why Standard Hoyer Advance Lifts Cannot Be Used for Car Transfers?

1. Oversized Base Prevents Proximity to Vehicles

The width of an Advance lift’s base, when fully extended, typically exceeds 80–100 cm;

When the door of a regular sedan or SUV is open, the space between the ground and the car seat is narrow— the lift’s base cannot fit under the door at all;

Even if it is barely maneuvered close, it is difficult to align with the car seat for precise lowering.

2. Boom Height and Angle Mismatch

Car seats are generally low (about 40–50 cm off the ground), while the minimum lowering height of an Advance lift’s boom is usually 23–28 cm;

While this may seem sufficient on the surface, in practice, the boom cannot lower vertically due to obstruction from the car body, which may cause the patient to hang in mid-air or slide sideways.

3. Lack of Outdoor Adaptability

Most Advance lifts are designed for indoor use, and their casters are not suitable for gravel, grass, or sloped surfaces;

They have no weatherproof structure, so electronic components (e.g., in electric models) are prone to malfunction when exposed to moisture.

4. No Vehicle Securing Mechanism

The lift itself requires a stable supporting surface, but the ground beside a car is often uneven;

If the vehicle moves slightly during the transfer (e.g., due to auto-start/stop), it can easily lead to imbalance.

✅ Conclusion: Standard Hoyer Advance patient lifts are excellent tools for indoor transfers, but they are not car transfer devices.

II. What Do Safe Car Transfers Require?

Safe car transfers rely on three key elements:

Specialized Equipment: Adapted to the vehicle’s structure;

Proper Procedures: Step-by-step assistance to avoid high-risk movements;

Environmental Preparation: Suitable parking location and ready auxiliary tools.

III. Recommended Car Transfer Solutions

Solution 1: Vehicle-Specific Lifts

Brands such as Bruno Elan and Silver Rider Auto Lift offer such products;They are installed in the vehicle’s trunk or front passenger seat and can directly lift wheelchairs or patients into/out of the car;

Advantages: Fully automatic, safe, and preserves independence;

Disadvantages: High cost (USD 5,000–15,000) and requires vehicle modification.

Solution 2: Swivel/Turnout Seats

Installed in the front passenger seat or rear row, these seats can swivel 90°–180° outward;The patient first sits on the swivel seat, then the caregiver helps them turn into the car;Suitable for patients with partial sitting balance ability;

Cost: Relatively low (USD 1,000–3,000) and no need to replace the entire vehicle.

Solution 3: Transfer Board + Gait Belt (for Mildly Dependent Patients)

Use a low-friction transfer slide board to bridge the gap between the wheelchair and the car seat;The caregiver uses a gait belt to stabilize the patient’s waist and assists them in sliding;Requires the patient to be able to bear weight briefly and cooperate with movements;

Cost: Very low (transfer boards cost approximately CNY 100–300) and portable.

Solution 4: Portable Folding Lifts (for Specific Vehicle Types Only)

A small number of ultra-lightweight lifts (e.g., Molift Smart or Handi-Move Portable Lift) can be disassembled for transport;However, they require a spacious SUV or a wheelchair-accessible modified vehicle (e.g., a lowered-floor van) to operate;They still struggle to be used in regular family cars.

IV. If You Insist on Trying? — High-Risk Warning

Due to budget constraints or misunderstandings, some families still attempt to use an Advance lift near a car. If you insist on doing so, be sure to note:

❌ Never operate on slopes, grass, or uneven ground;❌ Never let the patient hang in mid-air to cross the car door threshold;❌ Never operate alone when transferring a heavy or uncooperative patient;✅ A second person must stabilize the patient’s body;✅ The vehicle must be turned off, with the parking brake engaged and shifted to "P" (Park);✅ Prioritize using a high-chassis SUV with doors fully open.

Even with these precautions, this is strongly not recommended as a regular practice. A single mistake could result in hip dislocation, spinal injury, or fall-related fractures.

V. Practical Advice: How to Plan Safe Travel?

Assess the Patient’s Abilities: Can they sit steadily for a short time? Can they cooperate with turning movements?

Choose the Right Vehicle: High-chassis SUVs are better than sedans; vehicles with spacious rear rows are better than compact ones;

Use a Combination of Auxiliary Tools: Gait belt + transfer board + door assist handle;

Practice the Transfer Process: Simulate the transfer at home multiple times before actual travel;

Consider Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis or Transport Services: Many cities offer dedicated vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs.

VI. Conclusion: Safety Matters More Than Convenience

We understand that every time you take a loved one out,It is an expression of longing and perseverance for a "normal life".

But true careIs not about risking a transfer,But ensuring that every tripEnds with a safe return.

The Hoyer Advance patient lift is irreplaceable for home use,But it has its limitations.

Respecting the equipment’s boundariesMeans respecting the safety of your loved one.

The freedom to travelShould be built on science and caution.

May you find the most suitable solution,And let the wheels carry your affectionSteadily toward distant destinations.