Helping someone with mobility issues get into a car might sound simple on first glance, until you actually have to do it. When age, illness, or injury affect mobility, even short trips can become a logistical nightmare. That’s where the Hoyer Lift can be of real help. More than just a piece of equipment, it’s a great advantage for families and caregivers.

In this article we look at how to use a Hoyer Lift to safely get into a car, without straining your back, panicking mid-transfer, or even risking injury.

Step 1: Choose the right Hoyer lift

Not all lifts are the same. For car transfers, portability and precision are of the utmost importance. A portable Hoyer lift like the AY06 is compact and foldable, perfect for travel. If you need something sturdier with more range and power, go with the AY02, an electric Hoyer lift designed for daily use at home.

Step 2: Prep the environment

Here’s your golden rule: space is everything. Park on flat ground, open the car door fully, and push the car seat back as far as it will go. Remove obstacles such as water bottles, mats, whatever. You will need room to manoeuvre the lift and rotate the person into the seat.

Step 3: Position the sling like a pro

This can feel awkward at first, but it’s the foundation of a smooth transfer. Carefully slide the sling under the person’s body, either while they are lying down or seated. Make sure the fabric is flat (no bunching!) and that the loops are even. For car transfers, a U-shaped or divided leg sling works best.

Step 4: Connect and lift

Clip the sling loops onto the electric Hoyer lift’s arm. Each hook has its purpose, shorter loops for a more upright position, longer loops for a recline. Use the remote to lift the person slowly. Once they are clear of the wheelchair or bed, gently swing the boom toward the car.

Take your time. Talk to the person. “Are you comfortable?”, “How’s your knee?” Good communication goes a long way for calming nerves.

Step 5: Lower into the seat

This is the moment of truth. Lower the person slowly and carefully into the car seat. Tilt them slightly back if needed to avoid bumping their head. Once they are in place, unhook the sling, but leave it under them if you will need to transfer them again soon.

Bonus tips for safety

-Lock the wheels on the lift before moving the person.
-Don’t rush. Take it slow - injuries happen when people try to “just quickly get it done.”
-Always keep your hands clear of moving parts.
-Practice indoors before attempting your first outdoor transfer.

Empowering independence

Learning how to use a Hoyer lift for car transfers might take a few tries, but once you get it down, the possibilities open up. Doctor’s appointments, visits with family, a drive to the seaside, suddenly these are all back on the table.

A quality portable Hoyer lift like the AY06 or the sturdy AY02 don’t just lift people, they lift spirits, confidence, and quality of life.