Frequently Asked Questions

If I buy a product from Maryland Mobility Lifts, will you provide service if needed?

Absolutely! We service everything that we sell. You can call for service 24/7!

Stairlifts

Does Medicare/Medicade pay for stairlifts?

No. At this time they do not cover the stairlifts.

What is the benefit to having a stairlift?

It helps people move up and down the stairs with ease, and allows them to stay in their home instead of moving or going through a costly remodeling project.

Do the stairlifts that you sell need maintenance?

No. You just need to keep the track clean. This is done by vacuuming the track monthly to keep any dust or debris out of it. We offer maintenance contracts for general upkeep and extended warranties if requested.

What is the difference between a straight stairlift, and a curved stairlift?

A straight stairlift is exactly as it sounds- straight run without any turns. A curved stairlift follows the outline of the stairs. These would be used on very few applications. Due to their custom design, these stairlifts are very expensive-starting at approximately $9,000.00. They also cannot be re-sold if there is no longer a need for the lift due to their custom design. Straight stairlifts can be re-sold, and hold their value.

I have a split level home with 2 separate straight staircases; do I need a curved stairlift?

No. You can install 2 separate straight stairlifts, one on each set of stairs. This will save you thousands of dollars.

How long does it take to get an Acorn Supergilde installed?

Maryland Mobility Lifts LLC stocks the lifts, so most installations can be done the next day, nights, or weekends for your convenience.

The user of the stair lift has some problems bending their knees - or the stairway is quite narrow. Will the ACORN Superglide fit?

Shouldn't be a problem! We have an option called the ACORN Superglide Perch. It is particularly useful for those with limited knee articulation and for installations where the stairway is unusually narrow. If the staircase is at least 26" wide, the ACORN Superglide Perch will do the job.

Vehicle Lifts

Are your lifts compatible with my vehicle?

Harmar Mobility's knowledgeable authorized dealer, Maryland Mobility Lifts, will be glad to discuss your needs and recommend the proper lift for your application.

Is my lift weather resistant?

Yes. The lift is designed to be fully weather resistant and designed to withstand outdoor use. The remote hand controls available with some models, however, are not weather resistant and must be removed and stored inside the vehicle.

Can one lift be moved between two different vehicles?

While it is possible to move a lift from one vehicle to another, it is not recommended to do so frequently. If two different vehicles will be used often, we recommend having a lift installed on each vehicle.

What maintenance must be performed to keep the lift operating properly?

All of the vehicle lifts Maryland Mobility sells are products are designed and tested to operate flawlessly for years of trouble-free use with very little maintenance. Maryland Mobility will discuss any maintenance schedules that are recommended for your lift.

Can the lift be plugged into the existing wiring on my vehicle?

No, all Harmar Mobility lifts must be powered by the supplied electrical harness. The harness has full-length leads that attach directly to the battery.

The lift is powered by my vehicle’s battery; what if my car looses power?

Many of our lifts have standard backup systems that allow them to be moved manually by Harmar Mobility Authorized Dealers and qualified mechanics such as roadside assistance technicians. Maryland Mobility recommends that end users should not attempt to use the manual override feature.

How does the lift connect to my vehicle?

The lift will be installed onto your vehicle via the vehicle’s hitch. A hitch is a device that is permanently attached to a vehicle to provide for towing or carrying capabilities. Maryland Mobility does not supply hitches; they can be purchased and installed through a local hitch dealer.

How much weight can a vehicle carry?

All trailer hitches are divided into distinct classes and are rated to a specific weight carrying and a weight towing capacity. The COMBINED weight of the lift and power chair or scooter must fall under the weight carrying capacity for the hitch and the vehicle. Maryland Mobility Lifts can assist you in determining the correct weight for your particular application.

My vehicle has a rear hatch or tailgate; will is still be accessible?

Maryland Mobility recommends the addition of the Swing Away Option, which allows you to easily pivot an unloaded, folded lift away from the vehicle for clear access to tail and lift gates.

Does the vehicle's suspension need to be strengthened?

If the vehicle will accept a Class III trailer hitch, you generally will not need to supplement the suspension. If the vehicle has, or will only accept, a Class II trailer hitch, call Maryland Mobility Lifts for guidance on proper hitch class.

How far behind my car will the lift extend?

In the folded position, Harmar's Outside Lift Systems extend approximately 12 inches behind the vehicle bumper. The Swing Away option will add approximately two more inches.

My vehicle is tall. Will the lift reach the ground?

The standard lift is adjustable to a maximum trailer hitch height of 19 inches. Additional reach is available through an extensive selection of hitch adapter accessories, which can be purchased through Maryland Mobility Lifts.

How is my mobility device secured to this lift?

The lift uses an automatic hold down arm to secure your scooter to the lift.

Is a swing Away required for an outside lift?

Swing Away is an optional accessory that can be added to all outside lifts. It allows you to easily swing an UNLOADED lift away from the vehicle in order to gain full access to rear cargo areas. In vehicles equipped with lift gates or tailgates a swing away would be required in order to access these rear storage areas.

I already own my lift; can the Swing Away option be added?

Yes, a Swing Away may be added at any time.

Can I open the Swing Away with the chair or scooter on the lift?

NO. The Swing Away may only be opened when the lift is unloaded and folded position.