When it comes to safe and comfortable patient transfers, especially for car travel, having the right lift makes all the difference. Car transfer patient lifts are designed to help caregivers move individuals from beds, wheelchairs, or even the floor into vehicles with less strain and greater security. These devices provide not only safety and stability but also the independence and dignity that both patients and caregivers deserve.
The Top Car Transfer Patient Lifts and Why They’re Beneficial
When it comes to safe and comfortable patient transfers—especially into vehicles—having the right lift makes all the difference. Car transfer patient lifts are designed to reduce caregiver strain, increase patient comfort, and make everyday travel more accessible. Whether at home, in a medical setting, or on the go, these lifts provide safety, stability, and independence for users and their loved ones.
In this guide, we’ll review three of the best car transfer patient lifts available today:
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Joerns Hoyer Advance Professional Electric Patient Lift
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Bestcare BestLift PL350CT Folding Car Electric Patient Lift
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Freedom EveryLift Powered Sling Seat Patient Lift
Why Car Transfer Patient Lifts Are Beneficial
Car transfer lifts are invaluable for both caregivers and patients:
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of injury to caregivers by eliminating manual lifting.
- Patient Comfort: Smooth lifting and positioning minimize discomfort during transfers.
- Versatility: Many models work for transfers from bed to chair, chair to commode, or even floor recovery.
- Compact & Portable: Folding designs allow for easy transport and storage, making travel more accessible.
- Increased Independence: Enables patients to participate in more activities and travel beyond the home.
1. Joerns Hoyer Advance Professional Electric Patient Lift
The Hoyer Advance Professional Electric Lift is one of the most trusted names in patient mobility. Known for its compact but highly functional design, this lift is ideal for home use, healthcare facilities, and travel—including car transfers.
Key Benefits:
- Triangular Folding Design: Tool-free folding makes storage simple. It even stands upright when folded, saving valuable space.
- Transportation Ready: Can be rolled or carried in its folded position, perfect for transfers to and from vehicles like cars and vans.
- Ergonomic Push Handle: Large, contoured handle for better maneuverability while protecting controls from damage.
- Angled Leg Design: Provides extra stability when closed and opens wide for easy access around oversized chairs, commodes, or wheelchairs.
- Lightweight Yet Durable: Weighing only 69.9 lbs with a 340-lb capacity, this aluminum lift is strong yet portable.
- Multiple Transfer Options: Ideal for moving patients from floor to bed, bed to chair, or chair to car. Works with a wide range of slings (sold separately).
Why It’s Great for Car Transfers:
The Hoyer Advance’s foldable frame, compact size, and swan-leg design allow caregivers to get closer to patients and maneuver around vehicles easily. This makes it one of the best solutions for safe and comfortable car travel.
2. Bestcare BestLift PL350CT Folding Car Electric Patient Lift
The BestLift PL350CT is another outstanding choice for car transfers and daily patient mobility. Designed with convenience and travel in mind, it combines compact size with reliable performance.
Main Features:
- Weight Capacity: Supports patients up to 350 lbs.
- Compact & Lightweight: Easy to handle and transport.
- Travel-Friendly: Folds to fit inside most car trunks for road trips and outings.
- Car Transfer Capabilities: Built specifically to assist with smooth and safe transfers into cars.
- Reduced Patient Swinging: Innovative spreader bar with Cradle Clip Sling minimizes movement for a more comfortable experience.
- Foldable & Portable: Quick fold design makes it easy to store when not in use.
- Sling Compatibility: Works with most plastic clip slings for versatile use.
Why It’s Great for Car Transfers:
The PL350CT was engineered with vehicle access in mind, making it one of the best solutions for families and caregivers who frequently need to assist with car travel. Its lightweight, foldable design ensures it can be transported just as easily as the patient.
3. Freedom EveryLift Powered Sling Seat Patient Lift
The Freedom EveryLift is an innovative powered sling seat lift that transforms how caregivers manage daily transfers. Unlike traditional lifts, it combines the convenience of a portable transfer chair with the safety of a powered patient lift. Its sling seat with padded backrest provides secure, full-body support for a wide range of transfers—including cars, wheelchairs, toilets, and recliners.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Transfer Anywhere: Designed to move patients between virtually any surface—bed, wheelchair, toilet, car, couch, or lift chair—all while minimizing injury risks for both patient and caregiver.
- Battery-Powered Performance: Built with a 22.2V lithium battery, the EveryLift supports up to 84 lifts on a full charge, with quick 3–4 hour recharge time. A built-in display lets you know when recharging is needed.
- Comfortable Sling Seat: Adjustable sling with padded backrest ensures full-body coverage and comfort during transfers. Provides stability and reduces stress for patients.
- Compact & Foldable: Tool-free folding makes it easy to collapse for storage or transport in the trunk of a car—perfect for travel or in-home use.
- Adjustable Base Width: The legs expand or narrow using the spreader bar, fitting through doorways or around wheelchairs, commodes, and lift chairs.
- Durable & Strong: Supports up to 330 lbs, with a steel frame and padded armrests for extra comfort.
- Safety Built-In: Equipped with dual braking rear casters for stability during transfers, and 4-inch wheels for smooth movement across floors and thresholds.
Why It’s Ideal for Car Transfers:
Unlike traditional lifts that require bulky bases and manual adjustments, the EveryLift’s powered sling seat makes car transfers smoother, faster, and more dignified. Caregivers can move loved ones securely without strain, while patients feel supported and comfortable.
Best For: Seniors and individuals with daily mobility challenges who need a portable, battery-powered lift that works both at home and on the go.
Which Car Transfer Patient Lift Is Right for You?
Both the Joerns Hoyer Advance Professional Electric Lift and the Bestcare BestLift PL350CT deliver excellent performance for patient transfers, but each offers unique strengths:
- Choose the Hoyer Advance if you want a highly versatile lift that works for car transfers, home use, and medical facilities with premium build quality and multiple sling options.
- Choose the BestLift PL350CT if you need a lighter, travel-focused lift that’s compact enough to fit in a trunk and specifically designed for smooth car transfers.
- The Freedom EveryLift stands out for its powered sling seat design, offering dignity, comfort, and portability in one solution.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a car transfer patient lift can transform daily routines and travel for patients and caregivers alike. These devices reduce physical strain, increase safety, and empower individuals to enjoy greater freedom.
Whether you prefer the trusted Joerns Hoyer Advance for its stability and versatility, or the compact Bestcare PL350CT for travel and vehicle transfers, both are excellent solutions that deliver independence and peace of mind. The Freedom EveryLift sets itself apart with its powered sling seat design, delivering a unique blend of dignity, comfort, and portable convenience.
⚡ Tip for Buyers: When choosing a patient lift, always consider weight capacity, portability, sling compatibility, and intended use (home, facility, or frequent travel). Doing so ensures you get the right model for your needs.