How to transport an ecv?

[Belle1962]

Received this question from a coworker. I really don't know the answer so thought I'd come here for some great advice for him.

"BTW, can you point me in a good direction on something - my sister in Florida has a mobility scooter but no way to transport it (and she's getting to the point where she really needs it, she has MS).

I see that there are carriers you can put on the back of a vehicle, but it probably has to be a heavier vehicle than what she has - a PT Cruiser. Any thoughts?"
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[peemagg]

As far as the carriers goes a Pt Cruiser would hold one as long as it was the type that used a Reese hitch system. I don't think they are all that heavy that a Pt wouldn't be able to hold them.

A lot of the scooters that I have seen break down into pieces easy to manage and put into a trunk.

There are others who know more than I do about these things, who I know will answer your questions better.

 

[Vijoge]

We have a rear carrier but we usually just break mine down and put it in the trunk. The hitch mounted carriers will work on any vehicle that has a trailer hitch, however. You could put one on a Miata if you wanted to I suppose.

 

[mechurchlady]

You can call Pro Hoists which is one of several companies making carriers. It would have to be mounted onto a trailer hitch.

http://www.prohoists.com/Shopping.idc?ProductID=16&ProductCategory=&keyword=wheelchair

Phone 850-671-4868
They are in Florida
Hours: 9am-5pm EST Monday - Friday.

http://www.prohoists.com/Contact.idc
email them

It depends on the vehicle and the maximum payload for the trailer hitch. Pulling and setting are too different things and there is a maximum weight. Also the added weight in back may need the headlights tweaked a bit to compensate for the added carrier weight. The local dealer can give you that data and maybe the owner';s manual will have the data on the maximum load limit for the trailer hitch.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have a rear carrier. I have a Ford Edge which has a 3500 pound towing capacity and can have a "tongue load" of 350 pounds. The combined weight of the carrier and ECV is 328 pounds so I am within the limit. And this is a factory installed Class 2 hitch; there is more capacity on factory installed than in aftermarket as there are other parts of the vehicle beefed up.

If she is able to get a hoist which will fit inside, and then allow the ECV to be swung inside the vehicle, this limitation will not apply as all the weight is effectively between the wheels.

What really should be done is go to her mobility dealer discuss her needs and what she has right now. The mobility dealer will call the lift manufacturer who will tell them if the lift can safely be installed and used in that vehicle.

I have been told by a couple of mobility dealers that they know of instances where they have refused to do an installation, the person purchased the lift system and had it installed by a regular mechanic, and they ended up with a bent frame (and ruined car) and the warranty was voided by what they had done.

 

[Belle1962]

Thanks everyone. I'll pass on all the info tomorrow.