A vehicle conversion can make getting into and out of an accessible truck or SUV feel simple, but choosing the right configuration requires more than checking whether it moves your wheelchair. The system must safely accommodate you and your chair while fitting the way you travel each day.
Weight capacity provides an important starting point, yet dimensions, positioning, and vehicle compatibility also matter. This guide will explain how to know if your vehicle lift can handle your specific needs.
Every wheelchair lift has a maximum weight capacity. Your combined weight with your wheelchair needs to stay within that limit whenever you use the equipment.
ATC Mobility’s hydraulic lift system has a 750-pound capacity, which allows it to accommodate manual wheelchairs as well as many heavier power wheelchairs. Knowing the lift rating gives you a clear benchmark, but you still need an accurate picture of the weight the system will carry.
Begin with the wheelchair manufacturer’s listed weight and your current body weight. Remember to account for permanently installed equipment or accessories that add meaningful weight to the chair.
Power wheelchairs can vary substantially depending on their design, batteries, seating system, and mobility features. Avoid relying on a rough estimate if you are unsure of your total load. Confirming current specifications gives you better information when discussing compatibility with a mobility professional.
Capacity tells you how much a lift can carry. Dimensions determine whether your wheelchair can safely use the platform and comfortably fit within the converted vehicle.
A wheelchair accessible truck needs sufficient room for the specific chair and rider who will use it. Several factors can impact fitment, such as vehicle make and model, whether you’re seeking a driver or passenger side conversion, if it’s a 2WD or 4WD, and more. ATC Mobility has developed comprehensive measuring guides for manual and power wheelchairs along with video tutorials to help determine whether a customer and their wheelchair can fit within a particular conversion.
To know if your vehicle lift can handle your needs, you must look beyond just the width of the wheelchair. Wheelchair length, rider height, and the position of components such as footrests or armrests can influence fit.
Power chairs can present additional considerations because their wheels, seating systems, and controls may extend beyond the dimensions you expect. Take all attachments and adjustments into account when completing your measuring guide if you plan to ride with them when inside the vehicle. Accurate measurements help identify possible clearance concerns before the conversion process begins.
A lift must work well in real-life situations, not simply meet specifications on paper. Think about how you approach the platform, position your wheelchair, and move into the vehicle.
ATC Mobility uses a hydraulic platform that lowers to the ground so the wheelchair user can back onto the lift and secure the chair before entering the vehicle. The lift then raises the user into the truck or SUV.
Where you park can affect how comfortable vehicle entry feels. A driveway may provide a different experience from a crowded parking lot or uneven outdoor area.
Consider the amount of space you typically have beside the vehicle. You should also think about the surfaces you encounter during errands, work, or recreational travel.
Getting onto the lift successfully solves only one part of the fit equation. Once inside, the wheelchair user needs enough space to ride or drive in an appropriate position.
Head clearance deserves close attention, especially for taller wheelchair users or chairs with elevated seating systems. For instance, vehicles with sunroofs offer less headroom than those without, so it all needs to be considered. The location of armrests, footrests, and wheels can also influence how the chair sits within the cabin. For drivers, additional measurements may affect access to the steering wheel and controls.
Manual and power wheelchairs place different demands on accessible vehicle equipment, and the lift should accommodate the chair you currently use without forcing you to change mobility equipment simply to fit the vehicle.
ATC Mobility states that its truck and SUV conversions can accommodate both manual and power wheelchairs. Some configurations may require slight adjustments depending on the wheelchair and vehicle.
Your current wheelchair may not remain your chair forever. A future power chair could have different dimensions or carry additional weight.
Nobody can predict every future mobility need, but considering reasonable changes can make your vehicle decision more useful over time. If you expect to replace your chair soon, discuss that possibility during the fitting process. A new measuring guide for the chair models you’re considering would be recommended, especially if you’re changing to an entirely different type of chair. Also think about your next vehicle choice, and whether or not you plan to change from being the primary driver to a passenger or vice versa. Providing as much information as possible helps the mobility team evaluate your situation and offer recommendations.
A lift functions as part of a larger mobility system. Vehicle structure, wheelchair securement, and the conversion itself all contribute to the overall experience.
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) maintains a list of safety-reviewed vehicle conversions and advises consumers to confirm that a conversion appears on its safety-reviewed list. ATC Mobility is currently listed as a NMEDA industry-manufacturer member, with specified Chevrolet and GMC truck and SUV conversions accepted through NMEDA’s review process.
Not every make, model, year, or configuration works with every accessibility conversion. NMEDA advises consumers that not all vehicle configurations are convertible.
ATC Mobility currently converts specific Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon XL models, which have been successfully crash tested, FMVSS certified, and NMEDA-approved. Compatibility can vary by model year and configuration, so confirming the exact approved vehicle before purchasing it is an important step.
A lift that meets your needs today still requires proper care. Hydraulic components and other mobility equipment should operate consistently each time you enter or exit the vehicle. Always adhere to the recommended maintenance intervals to keep your conversion safe and in proper working condition.
Watch for changes in movement, unusual sounds, or anything else that feels different during operation. If the lift begins behaving differently, have a qualified mobility professional inspect it before a small concern becomes a larger problem.
You do not need to determine lift compatibility on your own. A mobility specialist can review wheelchair measurements, conversion options, and vehicle compatibility before you make a purchase.
Accurate information is especially important when your wheelchair has an unusual configuration or additional equipment. Sharing those details early gives the team a better opportunity to identify the correct fit.
ATC Mobility requires prospective customers to complete its manual or power wheelchair measuring guide before selecting a conversion. The process helps the company determine which available models can accommodate the submitted wheelchair and rider measurements, and ensure your safety and comfort on the road.
Knowing whether a vehicle lift can handle your needs starts with capacity, but the decision goes well beyond a single number. Your wheelchair dimensions, seating position, vehicle configuration, and everyday use all influence whether a conversion fits you properly.
Taking accurate measurements and working with experienced mobility professionals can remove much of the uncertainty from the process. With the right fit, an accessible truck or SUV can support daily transportation while opening the door to more of the places and activities you enjoy.
If you’re ready to find out which ATC Mobility conversion fits you and your wheelchair, contact ATC Mobility and complete the appropriate wheelchair measuring guide to start exploring a truck or SUV conversion built around your needs.
