Your guide to Motability adaptations: Boot hoists

The Motability Scheme is a way for those who are eligible for a disability allowance to exchange it towards leasing a new car. The scheme also offers around 500 different mobility adaptations for your new car, many of which are available for free or a heavily subsidised when fitted at the start of your lease. It’s all about allowing every driver to maintain their independence and feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel.

One of the most popular adaptations, boot hoists, make getting wheelchairs and scooters into the back of your vehicle a simple process that will save you from struggling to lift heavy items. Which hoist you should fit in the back of your car depends on the size of the wheelchair or scooter you use, and the size or shape of the car boot.

Read our recommended cars with boots big enough for wheelchairs >>

For lighter wheelchairs, a two-way hoist – which moves only up and down on electric power – will be the best choice as it takes up less space in the rear load area. You’ll need to be able to manoeuvre the wheelchair into the boot then make sure that it is secure, using tie-downs fitted in the boot.

Those with bigger wheelchairs or scooters may need a four-way hoist, which moves electrically up, down, in and out. Designed to carry more weight, four-way hoists work at the touch of a button and can lift your equipment both up and into the boot, helping you to easily manoeuvre the wheelchair or scooter gently into position by hand .

With a bit of practice, most users find the hoists easy to operate. If you’re able to get out of the wheelchair and into a car seat, a hoist could even mean you can look towards leasing a traditional car or SUV instead of having to lease a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).

You may have to fold down one or more of your rear seats, or even remove the seat to get your scooter or wheelchair in the car. Again, this depends on the size of your equipment and the size of the boot or car. So it's worth noting that if you often need to carry passengers a hoist may not be the best option.

Why is it advisable to choose a hoist at the start of your Motability lease?

Not all adaptations work with all cars. Your adaptations installer or dealer, organised through Motability, will be able to assist you in choosing a hoist that will work with your preferred car. This is also the most cost-effective way to arrange adaptations. The hoist itself will be covered by a three-year warranty and will come with a restraint and lifting bracket.

How do you get a boot hoist via a car dealer?

When you apply for a new car, the Motability Scheme specialist at the dealership will suggest an adaptation installer who will advise on the most suitable hoist for both your scooter or wheelchair and your car boot. The boot hoist will then be added onto the new car application by the dealer.

Is it possible to transfer a boot hoist from one Scheme car to another?

Yes – as long as the hoist is transferred within three and a half years from the original fitting. If the hoist is more than three and a half years old, you’ll have to select a new one. A hoist can only be transferred once and, just like when you first choose a boot hoist, you’ll have to ensure that your existing hoist will work with your new car.

Can you get a boot hoist part way through a current lease?

Yes, but this will be more expensive. The Motability Scheme will always aim to make it as cost-effective as possible for you to get the best solution for your needs.

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