Lift-seats, mobility seats, and so on—these are terms used to refer to assistive seating products. For many of us, the act of getting in and out of a car can become a challenge as a result of aging, illness, or injury. Too often, we hurt ourselves in the process of trying to get in/out of our car or we begin limiting our travel to cut down on the number of times we have to perform the task. Thankfully, there are some great seating products that can get you more mobile again.
What Is Available?
Braun Companion Seat
Bruno Turny Seat
If you’re still driving without any difficulties but are having trouble getting behind the wheel—or if you’re caring for a spouse or child with mobility loss—you should know that there are mobility lift seats for most positions in your vehicle. Front passenger and mid/rear passenger seats are the most common, but driver’s seat and street-side passenger seats are also available for certain applications.
Bruno Stow-Away
Mobility seats are designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs, CUVs, and even pickup trucks. Of course, there are numerous options for minivans and full-size vans.
In general, there are more options as you move into larger vehicles because there’s simply more room to work with. In addition, if you are average to small in height and weight, you have numerous assistive mobility seating options.
Bruno Compact Lift-Up Seat
The premier manufacturer of lift seats is Bruno. Bruno has the most complete product line with the greatest number of seating positions available. Two of the most recent additions to the Bruno line of lift seats are the Compact Lift-Up Seat and the Stow-Away. The Compact Lift-Up Seat is a small, adaptable seat with applications for many Toyota and Lexus models, including hybrids. The Stow-Away is a power transfer seat that is mounted under a vehicle in a sealed container. The Stow-Away was designed specifically for pickup trucks and higher SUVs.
In addition, Braun, the leading handicap van manufacturer, has been offering the Companion Seat for many years. Both Bruno and Braun are excellent companies with many satisfied customers using their products.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Stop! If you think assistive seating may be right for you, give us a call BEFORE you buy a new vehicle or go too far in your research. In a short conversation, we can help you understand what your options are—including the type of car you should install it in.
What Do They Do?
Mobility seats turn to the outside of the vehicle, tilt out, and lower so you can sit down and then turn back inside the vehicle easier. All lift seats have this functionality. Essentially, how each seat performs this function is what makes it different. Some seats have minimal range, while others will come completely out of the vehicle, lower to pick you up, and then lift you back into position within the vehicle.
What If I Get a New Car—or Don’t Need the Assistive Seating Anymore?
Lift seats are easily removed and it is often hard to tell they were ever there once the original seat is re-installed. Usually our customers are able to transfer the seat to a new vehicle as long as they’re staying in the same general vehicle category. In addition, there are often “new fit-kits” or brackets that can be ordered for your new vehicle that will let you move your lift seat from one vehicle to another. However, to be able to do so, you need to consult with us BEFORE you buy that new car!
Save Money! You May Not Need a Wheelchair Van!
Lift seats often present an alternative to a wheelchair van or a handicap van with a lift for many wheelchair users. If you’re using a walker or can transfer from a wheelchair to another seat, you may be able to use assistive seating instead of having to acquire a wheelchair van with a ramp or lift. In addition, if you can lift and transfer the occupant, such as a child or small adult, a lift seat will also work. A large factor will be whether or not your situation is progressive—and if so, how rapidly you expect it to progress. You can save in the long run by making the right choice here, but be sure to consider your companion’s abilities as well.
The pricing on mobility seating typically runs between $2,395 and $8,295, considerably less than the cost of a lowered-floor minivan. For this reason, looking into as an option is definitely worthwhile. Depending on your situation, you may be able to use assistive seating for a several years and then move into a wheelchair van when the time comes. In addition, we recommend that you check into the specific details of any Mobility Programs your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) may offer. In some cases, they provide rebates of up to $1,200 towards the installation (or removal and reinstallation) of assistive seating equipment.
Combining assistive seating with a wheelchair/scooter lift lets you also easily transport a scooter or wheelchair—which can really help with mobility. Now you and your personal mobility device can go anywhere!
Assistive seating and other accessory products such as stowage lifts are bringing enhanced mobility to thousands of people each and every year. Again, always be sure to talk with your Certified Mobility Consultant so that you can understand your personal options before you buy a new vehicle or new mobility equipment.