Harmar lists its outside AL100 hitch lift at 83 pounds installed with a 350-pound capacity, and its inside AL055 hoist at 40 pounds installed with a 200-pound capacity. These models serve different device and vehicle setups; check the exact scooter, adapters, hitch or cargo area and vehicle ratings before choosing.
The right lift is a complete vehicle-and-scooter match. Compare how the device loads, how the lift is secured, what space remains and whether the full equipment weight fits the vehicle’s limits.
Compare the loading layouts
| Layout | What to evaluate |
|---|---|
| Hitch-mounted platform | Check the receiver class, tongue-weight limit, installed lift weight, scooter weight, adapters, rear clearance, visibility and access to the vehicle’s rear door. The device travels outside the cargo area. |
| Interior hoist | Check cargo-area dimensions, mounting points, arm reach, device securement, remaining room and whether the scooter can be guided into position. The device travels inside the vehicle. |
Harmar’s AL100/AL100HD hitch lift lists 83 pounds installed and 350 pounds of capacity for the AL100, which requires a class II-or-higher hitch. Its AL055 interior hoist lists 40 pounds installed and 200 pounds of capacity; the maker describes it for manual chairs, micro or travel scooters and power chairs within that limit. These examples are not interchangeable specifications.
Harmar explains that hitch lifts carry the device on the vehicle’s exterior, preserving interior cargo space, while an inside hoist raises the device into the cargo area and can preserve use of the backup camera. The manufacturer’s lift-selection guidance says to check the actual device in its transport configuration, lift capacity, hitch class, tongue weight, vehicle limits and adapters. Its vehicle lift compatibility guide also advises measuring the scooter’s length, width, height and weight.
Check the real vehicle limits
Write down the scooter’s weight with its battery, seat and accessories in the configuration that will be carried. Add the installed lift, adapters and any other rear cargo, then compare this setup with the vehicle owner’s manual and hitch maker’s ratings. A lift’s stated capacity does not establish that a particular vehicle or hitch can carry the full setup.
For fit, compare travel and full-size scooter dimensions, battery options, and tire and wheel construction. If a power chair is another option, see front-, mid- and rear-wheel drive. Browse mobility aids.
Common questions
Will any hitch lift fit a mobility scooter?
No. Compare the exact scooter's transport weight and dimensions with the lift's capacity and platform, then confirm fit with the lift maker and qualified installer for the vehicle and hitch.
Does a hitch lift use the vehicle's payload?
The installed lift, adapters and scooter add load at the rear of the vehicle. Check the vehicle maker's weight and hitch limits and the lift manual's instructions for the exact setup.
Does an interior hoist take up cargo space?
The scooter is carried in the vehicle's cargo area, so measure the remaining room for passengers, bags and other equipment after loading. Installation may also require model-specific mounting.
Which lift is easier for a caregiver to use?
That depends on the operator, loading steps, vehicle opening and scooter securement. Walk through a full loading and unloading cycle with a qualified dealer before selecting the lift.