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Getting a wheelchair into a car (view report contents)

Safety & Maintenance

Safety

All the rooftop hoists passed our tests for electrical safety. Most would stop working as soon as you stopped pressing the up or down button. With the Cowal GZ-91 you didn’t have to keep holding the button down - the hoist would keep working until you turned it off or until it reached the end of the movement. Our testers thought this was easier. However unless you are sure that you could stop it quickly in an emergency we think this could be hazardous. An optional stop switch costs £200; essential in our opinion.

On the Wymo the wheelchair was held in place by a strap which had to restrain a strong spring. The strap was strong and well made. If it got damaged and broke the spring would throw the wheelchair off the car with some force. We consider that an additional means of securing the chair is needed in case the strap fails.

Maintenance

Your supplier should tell you what maintenance the hoist needs. Try to:

  • keep it clean
  • check for worn or frayed cables
  • check for damage, rust and wear
  • check the electrics are protected from the weather - no danger, but damp could stop the hoist working
  • if the hoist is in a box, check that drainage holes are not blocked
  • report any unusual vibration or noises to the installer.

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Report Contents

Introduction
Which type?
Wheelchair hoists

Wheelchair hoist summaries

Rooftop Hoists

Rooftop hoist summaries


Other ways of carrying a wheelchair
Racks and containers
Buying guide

Specialist trailers

Ramps
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility Centres
Suppliers