1Portable hoist vs fitted car hoist: the $10,000 question

If you've started pricing up how to get your scooter or wheelchair into the car, you've probably had a shock. A permanently installed boot hoist or under-floor lift fitted inside a van can run from several thousand dollars to $10,000 or more once you add the vehicle modification, professional installation and the loss of boot space. For many people that's simply out of reach — and it ties the lift to one vehicle.

A portable scooter hoist (or a portable wheelchair lift) does the same essential job for a fraction of the price. It's lightweight, removable and needs no vehicle modification, so it suits a wide range of sedans, SUVs and wagons — and you can swap it between cars or take it on holiday. For most people who can already drive and just need a hand loading their mobility device, a portable lift is the smarter buy.

2The 3 types of portable lifts explained

"Hoist", "lifter" and "slider" get used interchangeably, but they're three different tools. Getting the right one comes down to your scooter or wheelchair's weight and whether you want the machine to do all the work or just most of it.

Type	How it works	Best for
Boot slider	A manual tray you glide a folded wheelchair along into the boot — no electrics, no lifting up and over	The most budget-friendly option for folding wheelchairs
Platform lift	You roll the scooter or wheelchair onto a powered platform that raises it level with the boot	Travel scooters & lightweight wheelchairs you'd rather roll than lift
Crane-style hoist	A telescopic arm hooks onto your device and lifts it up and over into the boot	Strain-free loading powered by your scooter's own battery

3Our portable hoists & lifters compared

Here's an at-a-glance look at the four portable loading solutions we stock, from the simplest slider to our top-of-the-range remote-control platform lift. Tap any model to see full specs and pricing.

Model	Type	Lifts up to	Ideal for
Pelican Wheelchair Boot Slider	Manual slider	Folded wheelchair	Budget-friendly, no electrics
E-Traveller EzyLifter Platform Lift	Powered platform	Travel scooters & light wheelchairs	Roll on, lift does the rest
Solax Portable Electric Hoist	Telescopic crane hoist	30kg	Solax & E-Traveller travel scooters
Solax Power Lifter Platform Lift	Powered platform (remote)	45kg	Completely strain-free loading

4How to choose: 6 things that matter

Whichever style you're leaning toward, run through this checklist before you buy.

1. Your device's weight: This is the single most important factor. Weigh your scooter or wheelchair (or check its specs) and make sure it sits comfortably under the lift's rated capacity — up to 45kg on the Solax Power Lifter.
2. Folded or whole: Boot sliders suit folding wheelchairs; platform lifts and crane hoists can handle a whole travel scooter without disassembly.
3. Your car boot: Measure your boot opening and floor. Portable lifts fit most sedans, SUVs and wagons, but a quick measure-up avoids surprises — call us if you're unsure.
4. Powered vs manual: If lifting is painful or you load on your own, a powered platform or crane hoist removes the effort. A slider is cheaper but needs some push.
5. Power source: Some hoists run off your scooter's own battery (no separate charging), others have their own. Check what suits your routine.
6. Portability: If you'll move the lift between cars or travel with it, look for lightweight, removable designs that pack down — all four of our models are designed to come with you.

5Do I need it professionally installed?

No — and that's the whole point. Unlike the large hoists fitted permanently inside vans, these portable models are designed for quick, simple setup with no major vehicle modifications. You can fit and remove them yourself, swap them between vehicles, and take them away on holiday. That also means there's no installer's bill on top of the purchase price, and nothing permanently bolted into your boot.

6Scooter & wheelchair hoists, NDIS & funding

Vehicle loading equipment such as portable hoists and lifters is commonly funded as assistive technology under the NDIS and Home Care Packages, provided it's recommended in your plan (usually by an occupational therapist). Rapid Medical Supplies welcomes NDIS and Home Care Package customers and provides proper tax invoices for claiming.

7Why buy from Rapid Medical Supplies?

• Trusted by 30,000+ Australians for mobility and healthcare equipment
• Free express shipping on orders over $100, with same-day dispatch before 5pm
• Best Price Guarantee — find it cheaper and we'll beat it
• 30-day risk-free guarantee so you can buy with confidence
• Warehouses in QLD, NSW, VIC & WA for fast nationwide delivery
• NDIS & Home Care Package friendly, with invoicing support
• Zip Pay available to spread the cost

8Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a boot slider, a platform lift and a hoist?

A boot slider is a manual tray that lets you slide a folded wheelchair into the boot. A platform lift raises your scooter or wheelchair on a powered platform until it's level with the boot. A crane-style hoist lifts the device up and over into the boot using an arm. Sliders are the most affordable, while powered platform lifts and crane hoists remove the lifting effort entirely.

Do I really need a $10,000 fitted car hoist?

For most people, no. Permanently installed van hoists can cost several thousand dollars and up to $10,000 once you include vehicle modification and installation. A portable scooter hoist or lifter does the same essential job for a fraction of the price, needs no modifications, and can be moved between cars or taken on holiday. A fitted hoist is usually only necessary for heavy full-size scooters or dedicated wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Will a portable hoist or lifter fit my car?

These are designed for the boot or cargo area of most sedans, SUVs and wagons. Because they're portable rather than permanently fitted, they suit a wide range of vehicles. If you're unsure, measure your boot opening and floor, or get in touch on 1300 758 613 and we'll help you match the right model.

How much weight can a portable scooter hoist lift?

Capacity varies by model. The Solax Portable Electric Hoist lifts up to 30kg, and the Solax Power Lifter platform lift handles up to 45kg. Always check the listed capacity against the weight of your scooter or wheelchair before buying.

Do I need a portable hoist professionally installed?

No. Unlike the large hoists fitted permanently inside vans, these portable models are designed for quick, simple setup without major vehicle modifications. You can fit and remove them yourself, with no installer's bill.

How do I get a mobility scooter into a car without a hoist?

Options include a portable boot slider for folded wheelchairs, a powered platform lift you roll the scooter onto, or choosing a compact folding or detachable scooter light enough to lift in pieces. A portable powered lift is the easiest way to load a whole travel scooter without straining your back.

Are portable hoists covered by the NDIS?

Yes, vehicle loading equipment such as portable hoists and lifters is commonly funded as assistive technology under the NDIS and Home Care Packages when recommended in your plan, usually by an occupational therapist. Rapid Medical Supplies provides tax invoices for claiming and welcomes NDIS customers.

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