Compare the TriLift, Harmar, and Bruno outside scooter and wheelchair lifts.

Exterior hitch-mounted lifts are a popular solution for transporting mobility devices because they preserve all interior vehicle space. The TriLift Mobility Carrier is often highlighted as a top choice for those who prioritize a minimalist design and maximum ground clearance. Unlike traditional platform lifts, the TriLift uses a patented triangular interlocking system that docks directly to a bracket on your scooter or power chair. This eliminates the need for a heavy, bulky platform and cumbersome straps, making it one of the lightest and most stable options on the market.

For users who prefer a full-platform design, the Bruno Out-Sider is widely considered the gold standard for durability and ease of use. This lift is known for its smooth, one-button operation and a low-profile design that helps maintain rear-view visibility. One of its most praised features is the optional Swing-Away arm, which allows the entire lift to rotate away from the vehicle so you can still access your trunk or liftgate. It is an American-made product with a strong reputation for long-term reliability and high-quality construction.

Harmar offers another highly-rated platform option with the AL100 Universal Scooter Lift. This model is famous for its automatic hold-down arm, which securely clamps down on the seat of the scooter without requiring any modifications to the mobility device itself. It is a versatile choice that works with a wide range of scooters and vehicles. For those with heavier power chairs, the Harmar AL500HD provides a similar experience but with a reinforced frame and 400-pound weight capacity, using four self-tensioning retractors to keep the chair stable during transit.

Customer reports and ratings for these brands are generally very high, typically hovering between 4.5 and 5 stars. TriLift users frequently report that the lift is "heads above" others because it is less "obnoxious looking" on the back of a car and much easier to park with. Bruno and Harmar owners often praise the solid, heavy-duty feel of their lifts, though some note that the platforms can be prone to scraping on steep driveways if the vehicle sits low. While Bruno is often cited as the smoothest and quietest, Harmar is frequently recognized for providing the best overall value for a fully powered platform.

Determining if TriLift is the "best" depends on your vehicle and physical ability. It is arguably the best for smaller cars and SUVs because it weighs significantly less than platform models, which protects your vehicle's suspension. However, if you have difficulty lining up a docking bracket and prefer to simply drive onto a flat surface, a platform lift like the Bruno Out-Sider or Harmar AL100 might be better for you. For unique situations where the vehicle cannot support any tongue weight at all, the Bruno Chariot—which features its own independent wheels—is the specialized winner.

Bruno offers a diverse lineup of scooter and wheelchair lifts designed to fit nearly any vehicle, categorized primarily by whether they store your mobility device inside or outside the car. The Bruno Out-Sider is the brand’s most popular exterior platform lift. It attaches to a standard hitch, allowing you to maintain all your interior seating and cargo space. With a 350 lb lifting capacity and a simple one-button operation, it is highly rated for its low-profile design that preserves rear-view visibility.

For smaller vehicles that cannot support the tongue weight of a traditional hitch lift, the Bruno Chariot provides a unique "lift on wheels" solution. This model features its own independent suspension and 360-degree swivel wheels, meaning it carries the weight of the scooter rather than your car's frame. Customer reports often highlight its incredible maneuverability, noting that it is virtually impossible to jack-knife when reversing. It is a premium option frequently chosen by owners of sedans or small SUVs who still want to transport a full-sized power chair or scooter.

If you prefer to keep your mobility device protected from the elements, Bruno offers several interior solutions like the Bruno Joey. This is an interior platform lift where you simply drive the scooter onto the platform at ground level, and the device is then automatically lifted and tucked into the cargo area. It is particularly popular in minivans because it often allows the second-row seating to remain usable. Reviews frequently praise the integrated safety barrier, which prevents the scooter from shifting toward the passenger area during sudden stops.

Another versatile interior option is the Bruno Curb-Sider, a hoist-style lift that uses a motorized arm to pick up and rotate your scooter into the vehicle. This model is a favorite for trucks and SUVs because it requires a very small "footprint" inside the car, leaving more room for groceries or luggage. The VSL-6900 version features a telescoping head that can reach further out to clear wide bumpers. Ratings for the Curb-Sider are consistently high, with users reporting that the 400 lb capacity version feels exceptionally sturdy even with heavy power chairs.

Across all models, Bruno maintains a strong reputation for American-made quality and reliability, typically earning 4.8 out of 5 stars in customer satisfaction surveys. While the Chariot and Out-Sider are favorites for their "zero-effort" loading, some reports mention that exterior lifts require more frequent cleaning due to road debris. Most owners recommend adding the Swing-Away option for the Out-Sider, which allows the lift to move aside for easy access to the trunk. Overall, these lifts are considered a top-tier investment for long-term vehicle accessibility.

The TriLift Mobility Carrier is a platform-free, hitch-mounted lift designed to transport a wide range of mobility devices, from lightweight travel scooters to heavy-duty power wheelchairs weighing up to 450 lbs. Its standout feature is a patented triangular interlocking system that uses a small docking bracket bolted directly to the scooter, eliminating the need for bulky platforms, heavy straps, or cumbersome clamps. This design offers several key benefits, including a slim profile that minimizes interference with vehicle operation, significantly more ground clearance for navigating steep driveways, and a total lift weight as low as 40–60 lbs, which is roughly half that of traditional platform lifts. Specification-wise, the system typically features a lift height of 45 to 65 inches, a fast cycle load time of approximately 40 to 55 seconds, and compatibility with Class I, II, or III hitches depending on the model chosen (UltraLite, Classic, or Heavy Duty). Additional advantages include a key switch for extra security, an optional tilt adapter for rear-hatch access, and a durable automotive-grade finish that resists vibration and noise while driving.

Installing a TriLift Mobility Carrier requires specific vehicle hardware to ensure safety and stability. Because these lifts do not have a platform, they rely entirely on the vehicle's hitch and electrical system to support and power your mobility device.

To order, or if you have any questions, please call (800) 233‑7382.