Should you choose a hoist or lift disabled wheelchair vehicle?

Wheelchair Hoist vs Wheelchair Lift: Which Vehicle Modification Is Right for You?

Choosing between a wheelchair hoist and a wheelchair lift is one of the most important decisions when modifying a vehicle for accessibility. While both solutions improve mobility and independence, they are designed for different needs and lifestyles. A wheelchair hoist is designed to lift a wheelchair or mobility scooter into your vehicle for transport, allowing the user to transfer into a standard vehicle seat. A wheelchair lift enables a wheelchair user to enter and travel inside the vehicle while remaining seated in their wheelchair. At Gilani Engineering, we provide a wide range of vehicle modifications, wheelchair hoists, wheelchair lifts, and mobility solutions to help Australians maintain their independence and safely access transportation.

Wheelchair Hoist vs Wheelchair Lift vs Portable Ramp: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Wheelchair hoist (boot hoist)	Wheelchair platform lift	Portable ramp
User remains in wheelchair	No — user transfers to seat	Yes — travels in wheelchair	Yes — wheelchair is pushed or rolled up
What it moves	The wheelchair or scooter (equipment only)	The user seated in their wheelchair	User in wheelchair (pushed up slope)
Transfer required	Yes	No	No
Vehicle type	Cars, SUVs, wagons, vans	Vans and larger accessible vehicles	Lower vehicles, small height difference
Weight capacity	Typically up to 80kg (equipment only)	Up to 300kg (user + wheelchair)	Up to 500kg on heavy duty models
Space required	Minimal — fits in boot	Larger vehicle required	None — stored in boot when not in use
Cost	Lower	Higher	Lowest

When Should You Choose a Wheelchair Hoist?

A wheelchair hoist for a car is designed to safely lift and store an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter inside the vehicle. Wheelchair hoists are one of the most popular vehicle modifications because they allow users to transport larger mobility equipment without manual lifting. Wheelchair hoists are ideal if you:

• Can independently transfer into a vehicle seat
• Need to transport a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair
• Want a solution suitable for a standard car, SUV or wagon
• Need to reduce manual lifting and strain on carers or family members
• Want a cost-effective vehicle accessibility solution that can transfer to a new vehicle

Many people use a wheelchair hoist to transport their electric wheelchair or mobility scooter while travelling in a standard passenger seat. Tip — if transferring into the car seat is difficult: A swivel seat or transfer seat used alongside a boot hoist can significantly assist the in/out transfer. The swivel seat rotates and lowers to make the transfer easier; the boot hoist stows the wheelchair. Many users find this combination gives them full independence.

Benefits of a Wheelchair Hoist

• Suitable for most vehicle types — hatchbacks, SUVs, estates, vans
• Eliminates manual lifting of heavy equipment
• Compact design — maintains usable boot space
• Can often be removed and transferred to a new vehicle
• Fast operation — most models lift in approximately 60 seconds
• Lower cost than a platform lift

How a Wheelchair Hoist Works

1. Attach the wheelchair or scooter using the supplied lifting strap
2. Press the control button to activate the hoist
3. Guide the mobility device during lifting
4. The wheelchair or scooter is safely positioned inside the vehicle

Browse our boot hoist and vehicle stowage solutions.

Boot Hoist in Action

A wheelchair lift for a vehicle is designed for people who wish to remain seated in their wheelchair while entering, exiting and travelling in a vehicle. These systems are commonly installed in wheelchair accessible vans and larger accessible vehicles. A wheelchair lift may be the best option if:

• You prefer to remain seated in your wheelchair during transport
• Your wheelchair is large, heavy or cannot be folded
• You have limited ability to transfer independently
• You use a wheelchair accessible van or larger vehicle
• You require maximum independence and safety during transport

Many Occupational Therapists recommend wheelchair lifts for individuals with complex mobility requirements who need a complete wheelchair accessible transport solution.

Benefits of a Vehicle Wheelchair Lift

• No transfer required — stay seated in your wheelchair throughout
• Increased independence and dignity
• Improved safety for carers and users
• Suitable for larger powered wheelchairs
• Rear or side door installation options
• Fully automatic hydraulic operation with manual emergency backup

Modern wheelchair lifts use hydraulic systems for smooth reliable lifting. Many models feature split platforms allowing continued access to storage areas, and can be operated by wired controller, wireless remote, or smartphone app. Safety note: Two people are generally recommended when assisting a wheelchair user on and off a platform lift. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Browse our wheelchair lift range including the BBI PlatinumLift (4 sizes, Mariani Italy) and the Galaxy Series double-arm lift.

Wheelchair Lift in Action

What If You Need a Full Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?

If a boot hoist or platform lift alone isn’t sufficient — for example, you need a lowered floor, integrated ramp, full WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicle) build, or hand controls for driving — Gilani Engineering provides complete disability vehicle conversions. See our disability car conversions and full vehicle modifications range.

Other Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Modifications

Gilani Engineering also provides:

• Swivel seats and transfer seats — assists transfer in and out of the vehicle seat, particularly useful alongside a boot hoist
• Electric running boards — lower to assist entry and exit from higher vehicles
• Automatic tailgate lift — electric boot opener for hands-free rear access
• Portable wheelchair ramps — lower-cost portable option for smaller height differences
• Full WAV conversions — complete wheelchair accessible vehicle builds

NDIS Funding for Wheelchair Hoists and Vehicle Modifications

Many NDIS participants may be eligible for funding for wheelchair hoists, wheelchair lifts and vehicle modifications where these supports are considered reasonable and necessary. Gilani Engineering works closely with Occupational Therapists, support coordinators, rehabilitation providers and NDIS participants to provide assessments, quotations and installation services. Request an NDIS quote here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a wheelchair hoist and a wheelchair lift?

A wheelchair hoist lifts a wheelchair or mobility scooter into a vehicle for storage — the user transfers to a standard seat. A wheelchair lift allows the user to enter and travel in the vehicle while remaining seated in their wheelchair.

Can I get a wheelchair lift funded through the NDIS?

Many NDIS participants may be eligible for funding for vehicle modifications and wheelchair access solutions when recommended by their Occupational Therapist and approved through the NDIS planning process. Contact our team to discuss your situation.

Can a wheelchair hoist be transferred to another vehicle?

Many wheelchair hoists can be removed and reinstalled into a replacement vehicle, making them a flexible long-term investment.

Which vehicles can have a wheelchair lift installed?

Wheelchair lifts are commonly installed in vans, people movers and wheelchair accessible vehicles that provide sufficient space for safe platform operation. Our team assesses vehicle compatibility before recommending a system.

Can I use a portable ramp instead of a hoist or lift?

Yes — for lower vehicles and smaller height differences, a portable wheelchair ramp can be a practical lower-cost alternative. Ramps require more physical effort to push up than a powered lift, but are portable and require no installation.

What is the best wheelchair access solution for my vehicle?

The best solution depends on your wheelchair type, mobility requirements, vehicle size and whether you need to remain seated in your wheelchair during transport. Contact our team for a personalised recommendation.