10 Best Wheelchair Carriers: Make Transportation Easier!
In this article we'll walk you through our wheelchair carrier favorites on the market and teach you how to choose the right wheelchair carrier for your needs.
Nan J. Corbo is a volunteer extraordinaire, public figure, and philanthropist. She has given her time and energy to so many causes, it's hard to keep track! A nurse at Massa read more
Ray Butcher is a man with many talents. After studying nursing at Felician University in New York, he realized it’s not exactly what he wanted to dedicate his whole life t read more
Last updated: May 31, 2022
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If you’ve ever been in a wheelchair, you know how hard it is to get around. It’s not that you don’t want to go out and see the world—it’s that your wheelchair just isn’t built for it. Wheelchairs are great for getting around in good weather (and even some bad weather), but when it comes time to travel over long distances, they’re just not up for the task. They’re heavy, bulky, and hard to load into cars or vans. Plus, if you have any problems with your feet or legs, using them can be painful.
But there’s hope! We’ve found the best wheelchair carriers on the market today. We looked at factors such as weight, size, material, and many other features in our ranking. We also ensured that all the carries listed here are lightweight and easy to use—you can even install them yourself!
More features: folds upright, folding loading ramp
If you’re looking for the best wheelchair rack for a car that’s quick and easy to use, there’s only one name we can think of: Silver Spring. The Silver Spring SC500-V3 Wheelchair Carrier is the perfect companion for anyone who needs to get from point A to point B in a hurry. Its sturdy steel construction means it can hold up to 500 pounds, so it can handle just about anything you need it to. Plus, it’s got a simple folding design that makes it easy to store when not in use. This wheelchair carrier will have you on your way in no time!
So, why did we choose this model over the other ones on the market? First of all, we love that this wheelchair carrier is made of steel—it means it’ll last longer than most other models out there. The SC500-V3 also received its nomination because of its ease of use and weight capacity. The folding handle allows you to quickly move it from place to place, which is especially useful if you live in an apartment or small house where space might be limited. It also has a high weight capacity to hold multiple wheelchairs at once if necessary.
This product compares well with our other nominees on this list, such as the Titans Ramps Wheelchair. It ranks well because of its ease of use and ability to hold multiple wheelchairs. It does not have as much storage room as some other models we looked at, but this shouldn’t be an issue if you only need one wheelchair at a time.
What makes it stand out?
Lightweight
Easy to use
Tie-down points to secure your wheelchair
The carrier can be folded when not in use
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
The carrier leaned so much when not in use and folded up
More features: hitch mounted, easy to use, versatile
The second best car rack for wheelchairs on our list is the Titan Ramps Wheelchair Mobility Rack Ramp. This is a ramp that can be used to transport wheelchairs and scooters. It’s made of steel and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds. It has a powder-coated finish so that it won’t rust. This product is excellent for those with limited mobility or strength who need to get their wheelchair or scooter in and out of the car by themselves.
If you need to transport your wheelchair, you’re probably looking for a heavy-duty carrier that can handle the job. We chose Titan Ramps Wheelchair Mobility Rack Ramp: it’s made of heavy-duty steel, fits 2″ class III or IV trailer hitches, and has a tray depth of 4-1/4″. The Titan Ramps Wheelchair Mobility Rack Ramp comes with two safety straps that secure your wheelchair while driving down the road. You can also easily fold up the ramp when it’s not in use, so you don’t have to worry about taking up space in your garage or storage shed. The ramp is very sturdy and will hold up well against all kinds of weather conditions—from sunny days to rainy nights—while still keeping your wheelchair safe and sound onboard during transportation. This ramp compares fairly with other products on our list. It almost has the same features as the MAXXHAUL carrier below. However, it is heavier, hard to install, and not portable.
Why did it make our list?
Solid and durable
Deep tray for stability
It has safety straps
Fits most hitches
What is not ideal about it?
This carrier is hard to install
It would be better if it came pre-assembled and had a detailed installation manual
More features: inside mounting, closer rungs, lightweight
When it comes to wheelchair carriers, you want something to get the job done without any fuss. You want something to carry your wheelchair and not let it fall off. You want something that will be easy to use, and you’ll be able to do it all on your own. And you want something that’s going to last you a long time. We chose the MAXXHAUL 70275 Carrier wheelchair carrier as our favorite.
We think this model is worth it because it has a Class III & IV receiver to hold even the heaviest wheelchairs. The rungs are closer together for smaller wheelchairs, so they won’t fall off as easily when you’re driving down the highway or through rough terrain. It has an extra-wide 49″ x 29″ carrier bed (that’s huge!) and reflectors on both sides of the carrier so that cars can see you coming from all directions at night or in bad weather. And finally, it has well-laid customer support channels—just in case anything goes wrong with either your wheelchair or your carrier! If you are afraid of any breakdown, you could also get a medical cover for your ramp or wheelchair just in case it falls off and breaks down.
Compared to the Titan Ramps Wheelchair Mobility Rack Ramp above, this model is better. It offers value for your money. It has features like close rungs, reflectors, broad base, and so forth missing in the Titans Ramps model.
What are our favorite features?
Folding ramp
Lightweight
Extra-wide carrier
Reflectors for road safety
What could be better?
Not sturdy enough
It bends down even for loads weighing less than the recommended 500 pounds
More features: basket-style, heavy-duty, comes with a safety rail
You can’t have a list of the best wheelchair carriers without including the ECOTRIC Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier. This bad boy is designed to carry up to 500 pounds of gear, and it comes with a safety rail and a 2″ hitch receiver. It weighs only 73 pounds.
We nominated this bad boy on our list because it’s built with heavy-duty steel construction that can stand up to whatever life throws at it. The hitch receiver can handle class III or IV hitches, and the safety rail is made from 3″ tubing. All four corners are welded together for added strength and durability rather than bolted together like some models. As the best cargo carrier for wheelchairs around, it’s also designed with locking arms to keep your cargo secure on long trips—and when you’re not using it to carry a wheelchair, the extra width makes for an excellent place to store tools and other items in your trunk!
Compared to other carriers in the listing, such as the MAXX HAUL 70275 Carrier, it is small. The MAXHAUL model measures 53 x 31.8 x 8.2 inches, while this model has a volume of 29 x 43 x 5 inches. However, both are strong enough and can support up to 500 pounds of load.
What are our favorite features?
Safety rail
Lightweight
Sturdy and durable
Handles on its ramp make it easy to pull
Can fold up to transport any goods
What could be better?
The hitch stabilizer of this ramp is made so that it can't work with lots of cars out there
It would be better if it were compatible with many models
More features: comes with a rack ramp, heavy-duty construction
This wheelchair carrier is the best for securing your mobility scooter or power chair on your car. It has tie-down straps, fits all 2″ receivers, hitch class III or IV, and has a 3-position carrier. It’s a great option if you want to secure your mobility scooter to your car when going on a trip.
One of the things we found that makes this wheelchair carrier stand out from the others is its three different positions for securing your mobility scooter or power chair. You can use it in an L position so that it’s easier to load or unload your chair, which is excellent if you have back problems or shoulder problems. This makes it super easy for anyone with any disability or injury because they don’t have to lift their chair off ground level by themselves anymore! If you want to use it as a lower position for carrying other types of loads, then you can do that too. The carrier has two holes on both sides of the carrier where you can attach ropes and pull them through so that they will hold onto whatever you are tying down onto them.
This mobility carrier compares fairly with other models in our listing. However, it has a lower capacity of 400 pounds while other carriers like the MAXXHAUL 70275 can hold 100 more pounds. This equipment is also small in size and might not fit wide wheelchairs.
What do we love it for?
It is compatible with any kind of 2" receiver
It has safety tie-down straps
It can be used in three different positions
What were we disappointed with?
It has a lower holding capacity
It might not be the best for heavier wheelchairs or scooters
More features: durable, powder-coated finish, three positions available
Next up on our list of the best wheelchair holder for cars is the ECOTRIC Carrier for Electric Wheelchair. This product is made of alloy steel, making it lightweight and easier to transport. The ECOTRIC Carrier can hold any loads of up to 500 pounds. And just like its name suggests, it is suitable for electric wheelchairs.
This product is among our top picks because it has many great features those other competitors don’t have. For instance, it has to pull locks that make it easy to secure the wheelchair in place while transporting. It also comes with a black powder-coated finish to prevent rusting and corrosion and good customer service from the manufacturer. The hitch receiver is 3″ wide, 2″ high, and 3/4″ deep. Hitch class III or IV are required for this model. This product also received its nomination based on its storage capacity, ease of use, and durability.
The ECOTRIC Carrier for Electric Wheelchair is the only model in our wheelchair carriers’ reviews specifically built for electric wheelchairs. If you are interested in learning more about such types of wheelchairs, check out our guide on the best electric wheelchairs. You can also check out our guide on the best manual wheelchairs if you’re not a fan of electric variants. Compared to another carrier, such as the CURT18112, it performs pretty. It is spacious, good-looking, and more durable. However, it is a little bit heavier than the CURT18112 Carrier.
What do we love it for?
Explicitly made for electric wheelchairs
Fits most cars out there
Durable finish
It has good customer service—they'll answer any questions you have about using their product or getting a replacement part if necessary
Pull locks
What were we disappointed with?
Hard to install
The manufacturer should include a detailed installation guide and send the carrier half-assembled to ease the procedure
More features: three-position ramp, lightweight, enhanced safety
Seventh up on our list of wheelchair carriers is the CURT 18112 Carrier. This model is a Hitch-Mounted Wheelchair Carrier ideal for transporting your wheelchair in your vehicle. It’s made from lightweight aluminum, which reduces the overall weight of the carrier. The ramp can be folded in half vertically, making it easy to store when not in use.
We chose this carrier because it has enhanced safety features that make it easy to keep your wheelchair secure during transport. For instance, it has a threaded anti-rattle shank that keeps your hitch safe from damage due to vibration or rough roads. Its built-in reflectors ensure that everyone can see where you’re going—even at night! It’s compatible with Class 3, Class 4, and Class 5 hitches, so it’ll work on most cars and trucks. Its eight-bolt assembly makes it easy for anyone to install this product onto their vehicle without prior experience or knowledge of mechanics or engineering skills.
Compared to the ECOTRIC Carrier for Electric Wheelchairs, this model competes pretty. It has got everything you would need in a carrier—and even more. Both models can be folded three times, hold 500 pounds, and are durable. However, we only recommend using light equipment with this model as it is not solid enough. If you are interested in learning more about such, check out our guide on the best lightweight wheelchair.
What are its best features?
Lightweight
Eight bolt easy assembly
Built-in reflectors
Threaded anti-rattle shank
Six integrated eye bolts for extra strength
What could be improved?
Not strong enough
It might bend down when holding heavy wheelchairs within its specified limits
The manufacturer ought to do load tests and give the correct maximum load
More features: three-position, folding design, lightweight, durable
This carrier will help you get there no matter the distance or terrain. The Guide Gear Vehicle Carrier is designed for all sorts of uses—not just wheelchair transport. You can use it to haul dirt bikes, ATVs, and even small boats and jet skis. If you’re looking for a wheelchair carrier that can handle all your gear and your loved ones simultaneously, this is your product. It’s strong enough to hold up to 500 pounds of weight.
We nominated this product for our list because it can hold up a lot of weight without bending. What’s more, it has an aluminum frame that resists corrosion and rust. The hitch, hitch plate, and other hardware is made from carbon steel to hold a lot of weight. The class III and IV 2″ receivers make this carrier compatible with most vehicles on the road today. It comes with anti-wobble technology to ensure that your wheelchair or scooter stays securely locked during transport. This carrier is ideal for anyone who wants a safe way to transport their wheelchair or scooter while they travel.
Compared to the CURT 18112 Carrier above, this model performs equally great. It is made of corrosion and rust-resistant materials, durable, and can hold a lot of weight without bending. However, it’s a little heavier than the latter.
What stands out?
Lightweight aluminum
Corrosion and rust-resistant
Has carbon steel which helps it hold so much weight without bending
More features: heavy-duty design, open L-shape position
The HECASA Mobility Carrier Wheelchair is excellent for anyone looking for an affordable wheelchair carrier that will last them long without breaking down on them, as some other models do after only a few months or even weeks of use! You won’t have to worry about replacing your current model anytime soon, which means no more worrying about spending money on replacement parts.
We chose this product because it is a heavy-duty, weather-resistant tubular steel construction. It has an extra-long loading ramp that makes it easier to load and offload. It can also be folded up when not in use. It has the best wheelchair hitch for a car that is rated for Class III or IV. The carrier also includes a 3″ safety rail and 2-inch hitch receiver. We also chose this model because of its superior customer service. This carrier has four locking positions: up, down, flat, and folded. It can carry up to 500 pounds of weight—more than enough for most wheelchairs!
This carrier has almost the exact specifications as the model reviewed above. However, it boasts superior customer support, heavy-duty and weather-resistant tubular steel construction, and four locking positions.
Look no further if you’ve been looking for a sturdy, reliable wheelchair carrier with a low-price tag. The Ultra-Tow Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier is what you need. It can support a weight of 500 pounds without much hassle.
We chose this model because it is made of durable aluminum. Plus, the aluminum construction means that it won’t rust or corrode as some other carriers do over time—so no worries about having to worry about keeping this thing clean every time. It also has a quick-release latch that allows you to attach or remove your wheelchair when needed quickly. It’s easy to install on any 2inch receiver hitch and can be adjusted to fit any size vehicle. This model has a three-position loading ramp: vertical, horizontal, and closed. All in all, this is a fantastic product that will help you get where you need to be with ease!
The Ultra-Tow Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier weighs 220 pounds. This weight is more than triple that of the Guide Gear Vehicle Carrier reviewed above. Its weight notwithstanding, this product compares fairly with other models in this listing.
What are our favorite features?
Rust and corrosion-resistant
Three-position loading ramp
Quick-release latch for easy loading
Durable
What could be better?
Weighs a whopping 220 pounds
The manufacturer should use lightweight materials so the carrier can be portable
Things to Consider
Wheelchair carriers are a great way to transport your wheelchair and keep it safe. They are convenient, but they can also help you avoid having to lift your wheelchair over obstacles. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which wheelchair carrier is suitable for your needs? We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best wheelchair carrier for your needs.
Why Do You Need a Wheelchair Carrier?
So, why do you need a wheelchair carrier? Because you don’t want to be stuck at home all the time. You might not be able to walk, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop living your life. Wheelchair carriers are designed to make it easier for people with disabilities to get out into the world to enjoy activities like shopping, dining out, and going to the gym with friends. They also help with your back pain! If you struggle with back pain while carrying your wheelchair or loads, having the carrier will take the weight off your back and help reduce those pains as it has a ramp for more effortless loading.
If you have an SUV or other vehicle with a small boot, you may not be able to fit your wheelchair inside. So, if you need to take your wheelchair with you on a trip and don’t want to leave it behind, you’ll need a carrier for it.
Also, if your wheelchair is particularly heavy or bulky, then a wheelchair carrier will make it easier for you to transport from place to place. You won’t need to lift the wheelchair as the carrier has a ramp for easy loading and offloading. Wheelchair carriers are also helpful when transporting heavy objects such as groceries or luggage over long distances. They come in many different styles and sizes, depending on how much weight they can hold. These products are also known as hand trucks or dollies because they allow people with limited mobility issues to move items from one place to another without having to lift them manually, which can be very difficult if not impossible due to physical limitations caused by health problems such as arthritis or neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Important Features
Not all wheelchair carriers are created equal. It is essential to know what features you should look for when purchasing a wheelchair carrier to ensure that it will meet your needs. Many factors influence this decision, including comfort, ease of use, durability, and safety. The following list includes some of the most important things to consider when buying a wheelchair carrier.
Weight capacity
You never know when you might need to move something heavy, so make sure you find a carrier with a high weight capacity.
If you’re looking to buy a wheelchair carrier, check its weight capacity. Why? Because the last thing you want is to be stuck with a carrier that can’t handle the weight of your wheelchair. We recommend the Silver Spring SC500-V3 Wheelchair Carrier covered above as the best option for most people: it has a weight capacity of 500 pounds!
Size
When buying a wheelchair carrier, you should check out the size. The size of the carrier is pretty crucial because it determines what can fit in there and how much it can carry. For example, if you’re going to need to carry something longer or wider than 4 feet (like a surfboard), you’ll want a giant carrier. If you just need to carry a few bags of groceries, then something smaller will do just fine. When looking for the proper size, check out how many cubic feet the carrier has (the amount of space inside). The Ultra-Tow Aluminum Hitch Cargo Carrier covered above measures 60 x 30 x 4 inches, which is plenty big enough for most people’s needs.
Weight
If you’re looking for a wheelchair carrier, you want to make sure you get one that will be able to hold your wheelchair in it. But that’s not all! You also need to consider weight. That’s because the weight of your wheelchair carrier will affect how easy it is to move around with it. And if you have trouble lifting heavy objects, this may be an essential factor for you!
The CURT 18112 Carrier measures 63 pounds, which is relatively light compared to other carriers on the market. But don’t worry—we’ve made sure that there’s nothing flimsy about this product; the wheelchair carrier is made of thick material to withstand even the roughest terrain.
Material
There are several different kinds of materials used in making wheelchair carriers—including aluminum and steel—but aluminum is generally lighter and more durable than steel.
Steel is more expensive than aluminum (and can get rusty over time). If you’re looking to save money while still getting a durable product that won’t rust or corrode quickly, consider looking at the Guide Gear Vehicle Carrier reviewed above. It’s made of aluminum and is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and rustproof—all at an affordable price!
Design
When you’re looking to buy a wheelchair carrier, there are two main things you need to consider: design and function. Design is important because it can determine how much space you have available for your vehicle and whether the carrier will fit properly on your car. When it comes to function, it’s essential to know that your carrier will be able to carry everything you need it to carry—and more! The CURT 18112 Carrier covered above has a weight capacity of 500 pounds. It can hold up several wheelchairs or scooters at once with such a capacity. It also has a built-in ramp that can be folded in half vertically, making it easy to store when not in use.
Construction
One of the most important things to consider when buying a wheelchair carrier is it’s well-built. This factor will ensure that your wheelchair is safe and secure while on the road.
It should also have some weatherproofing, so it can withstand any conditions thrown at it.
Our top pick in this category is HECASA Mobility Carrier Wheelchair because it has heavy-duty construction and weather resistant steel construction
To install a wheelchair carrier, you need to make sure it meets your state’s specified motor carrier safety guidelines. You also need to ensure that your car has enough room to transport the wheelchair and the person using it safely.
Start by checking the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the wheelchair carrier on your specific vehicle. If there aren’t any instructions included with your purchase, then follow these steps:
Remove all cargo from the trunk or backseat of your car.
Put on all safety gear (like goggles or glasses) before installing so that nothing gets into your eyes while working with tools or machinery around your car’s engine compartment (or wherever else you are installing this piece).
To use your carrier safely, follow these guidelines:
Make sure you have a suitable carrier for your wheelchair. This is important because there are different carriers, and they all work differently, so make sure you get what you need.
Always secure your wheelchair with safety ropes. It’s not just for safety reasons—it will also help keep your wheelchair secure in case of an accident or sudden stop.
Don’t place anything overweight on top of your carrier when it’s in use! Doing so could cause damage to both your carrier and vehicle.
Ensure your carrier is firmly secured to your vehicle always.
Ensure you close the ramp properly to avoid it deploying while driving.
Storing the wheelchair carrier properly is essential. You don’t want to damage it when you’re not using it. Here are some tips for storing your wheelchair carrier safely:
Don’t leave the carrier in direct sunlight or near heat sources (like fireplaces).
Store it in dry places to avoid corrosion.
Store it away from passageways to prevent accidents.
Clean it regularly if you drive on rough terrains.
Grease all its bending parts to ensure it’s in good condition.
Replace any worn-out part immediately.
Our Verdict
So, you’ve decided to get a wheelchair carrier for your car. Great choice! But which one do you choose? We’ve put together a list of the best wheelchair carriers on the market today, so you can easily compare them and find the right one for you. Our Editor’s Choice is the Silver Spring SC500-V3 Wheelchair Carrier. This model is made of alloy steel, folds upright, and comes with a folding ramp that will simplify offloading and loading. Our Premium Pick is the Titan Ramps Wheelchair Mobility Rack Ramp. This carrier boasts of being easy to use, versatile, and has a deep tray that provides extra stability. The carrier that gives you the Best Value for your money is the MAXXHAUL 70275 Carrier. This model is lightweight and is extra wide. Its ramp has closer rungs that make it easy to load and offload equipment with small tires.
References
1.
Wheelchair Insurance Coverage
You must have a face-to-face examination and a written prescription from a doctor or other treating provider before Medicare helps pay for a power wheelchair. Part B covers power wheelchairs only when they're medically necessary.
On September 27, 2002, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published new cargo securement rules. Motor carriers operating in interstate commerce must comply with the new requirements beginning January 1, 2004.
The power of power wheelchairs: Mobility choices of community-dwelling, older adults - PMC
Power wheelchairs are purported to have a positive effect on health, occupation, and quality of life. However, there is limited knowledge about what factors shape power wheelchair use decisions.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation - Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program
The primary goal of this federally funded program is to reduce the number and severity of crashes and hazardous material spills involving large trucks. State Patrol pursues this goal through inspection, enforcement and educational outreach activities.