Folding scooters and slimmer powerchairs can now fit into vehicles that once seemed too small - but the most popular hoist models on the market are designed for heavier devices and larger boots, leaving hatchback owners in particular with limited choices.
That's not the only option, though. Lighter-weight hoists open up access to more vehicles, and can help people find the right balance between power and practicality. These products typically handle loads of around 40kg, making them ideal for today's lightweight scooters and folding powerchairs.
For many customers, that represents a perfect sweet spot - strong enough to lift the device, yet compact enough to leave plenty of boot space. Unlike the larger four-way hoists that move the device both up/down and in/out automatically, two-way designs lift and lower only, while you guide the scooter into place. This means less hardware taking up room, and potentially access to a wider range of smaller vehicles.
New Swift Lift from Des Gosling
A product new to the market from Des Gosling, the Swift Lift, introduces a new 60kg hoist option. It's designed to make lifting simple and speedy while fitting a wide range of vehicles, from larger SUVs and estates to everyday hatchbacks.
Its folding arm tucks neatly away after use, so there's no obstruction to rear visibility, and its smooth powered lift takes any strain out of lifting. Where previously, you may find the weight of your product sat 'between' hoist sizes, the Swift Lift should enable more customers to have a compact hoist than ever before.
Vehicle-specific fitting kits help ensure the hoist looks and feels part of the car, not an add-on, and transferable fittings mean it can often move with you when you change vehicles. Many modern hoists such as the Swift Lift fold flat in seconds, so the boot closes cleanly and the view through the rear window stays clear. Attention to detail - from smooth, quiet fittings to precisely engineered joints - means fewer rattles and a quieter drive out on the road.
For Motability Scheme customers, these developments bring genuine choice. Lighter hoists make smaller, more efficient cars a realistic option, while still supporting safe and effortless loading. It's another reminder that, as technology evolves, mobility doesn't just mean moving it means moving forward, with more flexibility and freedom than ever before. To find out more about adaptations, visit the Motability Scheme website.
Photo: Des Gosling Mobility Limited, “Swift Lift”, 2025, via desgoslingmobility.co.uk
