How To Properly And Safely Use A Wheelchair Lift

If you have never used a wheelchair lift before, it is important that you learn how to operate it properly before attempting it fully loaded to ensure the safety of both yourself and your passenger. Whilst it can be beneficial to have a demonstration or two of a lift in action, these instructions should be able to give you a basic idea of what you’re doing:

Step 1: Make sure that the vehicle is parked on level ground and that there is plenty of room for the platform to be opened. Double check that the parking brake is engaged.

Step 2: Open the door to the vehicle and lock it into position so that it doesn’t move. Then, press the button that lowers the wheelchair lift to the ground. Wait until it has come to a complete stop before telling the passenger that it is ok to move onto the platform.

Step 3: Wrap the provided seat-belt around the passenger and make sure that it is tightly fastened. Set the wheelchair locks to make sure that it doesn’t roll whilst in transit. You should also advise the passenger to hold onto the handrails.

Step 4: Press the button that raises the wheelchair lift back into the vehicle. After the platform has risen a few inches, stop it to check that the safety barrier has been locked into place. If it is, press the button to finish raising the platform.

Step 5: Release the wheelchair locks and move the chair into the appropriate position inside the vehicle. Then, fold the lift into its proper travel position and shut the doors to the vehicle.

You are now ready to embark on your travels. If you are ever hesitant about how you have loaded your wheelchair lift, stop what you are doing and ask for assistance. You should never attempt to raise the lift if there is a chance that the passenger may sustain an injury due to improper loading.