Wheelchair transport
With wheelchair transport, the patient stays seated in their own wheelchair.
Learn more: Wheelchair transportLift and ramp
Glossary · Equipment · also: Wheelchair ramp, Wheelchair lift, Rear lift
In brief
The key points at a glance
A lift and a ramp are the two ways a wheelchair gets into the vehicle without the person having to transfer. A ramp is a sloping access over which the wheelchair is pushed; a lift is a platform that raises the wheelchair and its occupant horizontally to vehicle height. Both make boarding possible and safe for wheelchair users.
Also called: Wheelchair ramp · Wheelchair lift · Rear lift · Loading ramp · Tail lift
The ramp: simple and quick
A ramp is folded out at the rear or side of the vehicle. The wheelchair is pushed up it, with staff securing it from behind. Ramps are light, quickly ready and ideal for most folding wheelchairs. The flatter the ramp, the less effort is needed — which is why good vehicle ramps are long and have a non-slip surface.
A ramp is also suitable for rollators and for people who can walk but struggle with a step: instead of a high entry sill, there is a gentle incline.
The lift: for heavy loads and steep access
A lift is a platform that lowers to the ground electrically or hydraulically. The wheelchair moves onto it, is secured, and the platform raises it horizontally to the level of the vehicle floor. Nobody has to push or tackle an incline.
This is particularly important for electric wheelchairs, which often weigh well over a hundred kilograms, but also for people who do not tolerate being tilted well. Lifts need a little more space behind the vehicle and a little more time, but they are built for heavy loads.
Inside the vehicle, securing comes next
A ramp or lift only gets the wheelchair into the vehicle. After that, it is anchored to the floor with a restraint system and the person is secured with their own belt. Only this combination makes travelling in a wheelchair safe.
Mobimed’s vehicles are equipped with a ramp or lift. Anyone travelling in their own wheelchair therefore does not need to be transferred. For electric wheelchairs, Mobimed needs the model and weight in advance so that a vehicle with suitable equipment is sent.
What to bear in mind at pick-up
A ramp or lift needs some free space behind or beside the vehicle. If the street in front of the house is narrow or there is only a narrow access, a note when booking helps — the team will then plan the pick-up accordingly.
Ramps and lifts in the daily life of care homes and workshops
For institutions such as care homes and nursing homes, day centres or sheltered workshops, vehicles with a ramp or lift are the basis for regular journeys. Residents who use a wheelchair can be taken to the doctor, to therapy or on an outing without having to transfer.
Clear arrangements are important: where does the vehicle stop, how long is the way to the entrance, are there steps or thresholds? Once these points have been clarified, recurring journeys run without surprises — for staff, residents and the driving team alike.
In practice
To therapy in an electric wheelchair
Ruth uses a heavy electric wheelchair and has physiotherapy in Basel twice a week. When booking for the first time, her daughter gives the model and weight. Since then, a vehicle with a lift has come each time: Ruth drives onto the platform, is raised, her wheelchair is anchored — and she sits in her own chair for the whole journey.
Related services
All services What we can drive for you
Wheelchair taxi service Basel
With our wheelchair transport service – often also called a wheelchair taxi – you stay seated in your own wheelchair: you enter the vehicle via a ramp or lift.
Learn more: Wheelchair taxi service Basel
Transport for people with disabilities
For us, transport for people with disabilities means accessible vehicles with a ramp or lift, trained staff and door-to-door assistance – for people with physical or multiple disabilities.
Learn more: Transport for people with disabilitiesAnswers
Frequently asked questions: Lift and ramp
Which is better — a ramp or a lift?
For light folding wheelchairs, the ramp is quick and simple. For heavy electric wheelchairs, or if being tilted is uncomfortable, the lift is the better choice. What matters is to describe the wheelchair precisely when booking.
Can I also board via the ramp with a rollator?
Yes, if you can walk safely. The ramp replaces the high entry step. The staff accompany you and help you sit down.
Glossary
All terms Related terms
EquipmentWheelchair restraint system (four-point system)A wheelchair restraint system holds the wheelchair firmly to the vehicle floor during the journey.EquipmentElectric wheelchair in transportAn electric wheelchair is a wheelchair with an electric motor and battery, controlled by joystick.Types of transportWheelchair transportWheelchair transport is a form of patient transport in which the person stays seated in their own wheelchair.Types of transportStair chairA stair chair is a light, padded chair with straps and carrying handles that is used to carry patients safely up and down stairs.
Place an order
Book transport — online, straight to our dispatch team
Client, patient, appointment — one form that goes directly to our dispatch team. Prefer to call? That works too.
Verified, not just claimed
The first IVR-recognised patient transport service in north-western Switzerland
Recognition by the Swiss Interassociation for Rescue Services (IVR/IAS) is not a self-assessment but the result of an external audit of vehicles, equipment, training and procedures. Mobimed was the first patient transport provider in north-western Switzerland to receive it — and still holds it today.
Check the certificate in the IVR registerRecognised by health insurersOur journeys are recognised by Swiss health insurers as medical transport.
Trusted by hospitalsKantonsspital Baselland Liestal · Bruderholzspital · Spital Laufen · Stiftung Alters- & Pflegeheime Binningen
Here for you 365 days a yearMon – Fri 06:00–22:00, Sat – Sun and public holidays 08:00–22:00.
A companion travels free of chargeWith every type of transport — no surcharge, no discussion.