[Just2Fish]

I’m about to order a hoist to lift my 25kg folding powered wheelchair into the back of the car. Any tips before I decide on one I may regret? I definitely want small and preferably one whose arm folds down vertically and/or lifts off as I need to maintain as much space as possible. Thanks. My boot is tall (Alhambra).

Topic

[Vinnie]

I have a brid ayd 40kg hoist fitted to my Leon estate, it’s not big and bulky and lifts my Freedomchair, (25kg) easily.

Bz4x fwd vision in silver

[Just2Fish]

Hi Vinnie, those photos are really useful thanks as the 40kg Brig is the one I think that I want but I’m being encouraged to future-proof with the 4 way 80kg Autochair.

[ChrisK]

Hi Just2Fish

It’s odd how we get pushed towards the AutoChair products as myself on two occasion had different installers recommend the AutoChair over the Brig-Ayd hoist.

Even thought the Brig-Ayd looks to me the same as the AutoChair not knowing anything about these systems I had to take the advice of the car dealer and the installers and settled for the more expensive AutoChair.

I have the 80 Kg 4-way hoist and its a great hoist, but can’t compare to the Brid-Ayd version not ever having one, but in normal every day use it’s been first class and would imagine would get lost in an Alhambra.

The boon of the hoist does stick out into the middle of the loading area if your not carrying your scooter/chair and will not, as far as I’m aware, will not fold back flat against the side of the car.

On the occasions I’ve needed to use the full load space of my MPV I have to pull out a hair pin and an easy to remove bolt that has a thumb wheel end, oh and not forgetting to disconnect the electrics, the boon is then easy to remove from the car and just leaves the two electric motors and some bits of the lifting mechanism in the car. Doing this though you can’t leave the scooter in the car so if you need to have the scooter on board and have use of the hoist the smaller 40Kg hoist could be a better way to go.

My scooter by the way is a pavement 42 Kg job so needs the 80 Kg hoist but the smaller folding type scooters might be OK as you could, I’d imagine, load and stow the scooter then release the scooter from the hoist and push the hoist out of the way remembering my comment on the 80 Kg hoist not folding right back out of the way.

[Vinnie]

I originally was advised (bullied) into having the 80kg autochair as the fitter said the smaller one would not fit! Gave me 20 mins to make up my mind otherwise the car would not be ready for another week and the dealer had to postpone once due to snow, so he just wanted it done, so, reluctantly, I agreed. It didn’t fit properly, too big for the car and scratched the back when loading and unloading, so I got a second opinion from another fitter and, well he laughed.

Anyway to cut a very long story short, Motability agreed to have the big one taken out and fitted the 40kg for me, they were really good.

Bz4x fwd vision in silver

[JS]

I’m not familiar with hoists,, but I did read an artical on adaptations (I think it was hand controls) and there was a discussion on here before (but I can’t find it). From memory it was confirmed to someone that basically the fitters only get paid a set amount, so naturally some push for the quickest to fit or the one they get more commission on from the supplier, outcome was as long as it is an approved item you can request any brand/make and it’s best to request and confirm at point of ordering the car where possible. It is down to the dealership to make sure the correct adaptions are fitted. Any variation from original order then it is suggested Not to enter Pin, the dealership is responsible and will get fined for delay accordingly. The main bit I remember is Do Not allow the dealer ship to say the fitter made the decision it is the Dealerships responsibility.

very useful pictures Vinnie thanks for taking the time.

[ChrisK]

Hi JS

That was my thinking that it’s down to commission but never thought about the time to fit so another probable anwser.

Althought the Autochair is around £100 dearer than the Brid-Ayd now I know the Autochair and this being my first hoist in future I will more than likley stick with AutoChair because it’s the devil I know and can’t fault it but may have been a different story had I’d not got on with it though.

 

[JS]

ChrisK funnily enough I’ve just found the thread I was thinking of and you were part of it. Over a year old and about hand controls and I may of got the “fitters” get paid a set amount bit wrong above (it’s the manufacturers) one of the posts is actually from one of the manufacturers. It’s makes for some interesting reading and definitely shows how we the customer should push for what we want, not we are told we can have.

A definite must read. With great input, perfect example of how helpful the Forum is for many.

https://forum.whichmobilitycar.co.uk/forums/topic/hand-controls-question/

 

[Philjb]

So many of us will agree to what  the dealer tells us, mainly as we don’t know which makes are best?

Plus we don’t want to delay delivery.

Luckily the scheme will help if the modifications don’t suit, but the scheme should provide modification advisors, if the dealers motability salesman doesn’t have enough knowledge.

 

[Just2Fish]

Unreal, my replacement car has been damaged even before getting it so they can’t let me have it. All they can offer is a factory order, then another delay to get a hoist, May get it in November. So I’ve gone back to the drawing board and I’m just going to get a ramp, subject to testing next week and keep my existing car. Thanks to everyone who inputted.

[on the spectrum]

There is also the elap v40 and new model for false car boots v40 x 40kg hoists.

[Author]

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