Vehicle Wheelchair Lifts

Vehicle Wheelchair Lifts Australia — Hydraulic Lifts for Vans, Cars & Accessible Vehicles

Vehicle wheelchair lifts allow wheelchair users to enter and exit a van, car or transport vehicle while remaining seated in their wheelchair — eliminating the need to transfer and removing the physical strain of manual lifting for carers and family members.

At Gilani Engineering, we supply and install hydraulic and electric wheelchair lifts for vans, cars and accessible vehicles across Australia. Our vehicle lift range includes single-arm hydraulic lifts, double-arm platform lifts, and twin-pillar split platform systems — all compliant with Australian NSW State Law and installed by our experienced vehicle modification team.

• ✔ Compliant with Australian NSW State Law
• ✔ NDIS vehicle modification support available
• ✔ Professional installation included
• ✔ Rear door and side door installation options
• ✔ 18+ years vehicle modification experience

Wheelchair Lift vs Ramp — Which Is Right for Your Vehicle?

Read more: choosing between a hoist and a lift for a wheelchair vehicle.

Our Vehicle Wheelchair Lift Range

Hydraulic accessible wheelchair lift for vehicle

Fully automatic hydraulic lift designed to help a wheelchair user enter a van or accessible vehicle while remaining seated. Compact and versatile design. Compliant with Australian NSW State Law. Can be installed at rear or side door depending on vehicle configuration.

→ Hydraulic accessible wheelchair lift

BBI PlatinumLift — hydraulic double-arm platform lift (4 sizes, Mariani Italy)

The BBI range by Mariani Lift Systems (Italy) features a double-arm design with solid non-slip platform. Available in four sizes to suit different vehicle types and wheelchair dimensions. Electro-hydraulic control unit operates two hydraulic cylinders for smooth automatic movement. Remote control kit available. Safety features include emergency manual pump, automatic safety flap, automatic bridge plate, anti-tilt device, and double microswitches. Compliant with Australian NSW State Law.

→ BBI PlatinumLift — 4 sizes, Mariani double-arm platform lift

Twin pillar hydraulic split platform lift

Split platform design for improved access and rear mirror visibility — no obstacle to the driver’s rear view. Fully automatic hydraulic operation for lifting, lowering and folding. Can be installed at rear or side door. Manual backup function included. Anti-skid platform with handrails.

→ Twin pillar hydraulic split platform lift

Galaxy Series — double arm lift with horizontally foldable platform (Mariani Italy)

Manufactured by Mariani in Italy. Double-arm design with horizontally foldable platform — folds flat when not in use for cleaner vehicle integration. Emergency manual pump, automatic safety roll stop (wheelchair cannot exit off the platform), automatic bridge plate, anti-tilt device. Flashing LEDs on vertical columns for safety visibility.

→ Galaxy Series — double arm foldable platform lift

Key Safety Features Across Our Lift Range

• Emergency manual pump — operates the lift manually if power fails
• Automatic safety flap / roll stop — prevents wheelchair from exiting the platform unexpectedly
• Automatic bridge plate — connects lift platform to vehicle floor for smooth wheelchair transition
• Anti-tilt device — prevents platform tipping during operation
• Double microswitches — safety interlocks confirm platform is in correct position before movement
• Warning sound during operation — audible alert when lift is in motion
• Anti-skid platform surface — non-slip finish for wheelchair wheel traction

Vehicle Compatibility and Installation

Choosing the right wheelchair lift depends on your vehicle type, door configuration (rear vs side), available mounting space, and the weight of the wheelchair user plus their chair. We assess vehicle compatibility before recommending a system.

Commonly suitable vehicles include vans, people movers, and accessible transport vehicles. Installation is carried out by our experienced vehicle modification team in Sydney. For a full vehicle assessment and quote, contact our team.

If you also need a full wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) conversion — lowered floor, rear ramp, or full accessibility build — see our disability car conversions and vehicle modifications range.

NDIS and Support at Home Funding

Vehicle wheelchair lifts may be eligible for funding through several pathways:

• NDIS — vehicle wheelchair lifts may be funded as part of an approved NDIS vehicle modification plan where improved vehicle access is necessary for the participant’s mobility and transport needs. As a registered NDIS provider, we supply compliant quotes and all required documentation.
• Support at Home — for eligible Australians aged 65+ receiving aged care support through My Aged Care, vehicle accessibility modifications may be approved depending on assessed needs.
• DVA — eligible veterans may access vehicle modification funding through DVA programs. Contact us to discuss your eligibility.

Request an NDIS quote here.

Related Vehicle Access Solutions

• Boot hoists and stowage solutions — for lifting and storing a folded wheelchair or scooter in a car boot (user transfers out of the chair)
• Wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions — full WAV builds including lowered floor and ramp systems
• Vehicle modifications — full range of vehicle modification solutions
• Automatic tailgate lifts — electric boot opener for easier rear access

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vehicle wheelchair lift?

A vehicle wheelchair lift is a powered platform system installed in a van or accessible vehicle that raises and lowers a wheelchair user vertically — allowing them to enter and exit the vehicle while remaining seated in their wheelchair. Unlike a ramp, no pushing effort is required and the system works well with larger height differences typical of vans and transport vehicles.

What is the difference between a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair hoist?

A wheelchair lift carries the wheelchair user on a platform into the vehicle — they remain seated throughout. A wheelchair hoist (boot hoist) lifts and stows the folded wheelchair in the boot — the user transfers out first. Read more: choosing between a hoist and lift for a disabled wheelchair vehicle.

What is the difference between a wheelchair lift and a ramp for a vehicle?

A wheelchair lift raises the user on a powered platform — minimal physical effort, better for larger height differences. A ramp is an inclined surface the wheelchair is pushed or rolled up — more effort required but portable. For vans and higher-floor vehicles, a lift is generally more practical. For lower vehicles or portable use, a ramp may be sufficient.

Can wheelchair lifts be installed in cars and vans?

Yes. Our wheelchair lifts can be installed in accessible vans, people movers, and modified vehicles depending on vehicle compatibility and door configuration. We assess vehicle suitability before recommending a system. Contact our team for a vehicle assessment.

Are the lifts compliant with Australian standards?

Yes. All our vehicle wheelchair lifts are compliant with Australian NSW State Law. The BBI PlatinumLift and Galaxy Series are manufactured by Mariani in Italy to European safety standards.

Can wheelchair lifts be funded through NDIS?

Yes. Vehicle wheelchair lifts may be funded as part of an approved NDIS vehicle modification plan. As a registered NDIS provider, we supply compliant quotes and documentation. Request an NDIS quote here.

What safety features do your lifts include?

All our vehicle wheelchair lifts include emergency manual pump (for power failure), automatic safety roll stop (prevents wheelchair rolling off platform), automatic bridge plate, anti-tilt device, double microswitches, and anti-skid platform surface. The Galaxy Series and PlatinumLift also include flashing LED safety indicators.

Can the lift be installed at the rear or side of the vehicle?

Yes. Depending on the vehicle and lift model, installation at the rear door or side door is possible. Our team assesses vehicle configuration during the compatibility assessment.