Two basic types of lifts are available:  (1) crane-style lifts and (2) platform lifts.  A crane-style lift can be mounted in the vehicle or have its own external base.  The lift has a horizontal arm to which the scooter is attached using a strap or sling and lifted off of the ground.  With the scooter suspended in the air, the horizontal arm rotates to move the scooter into or out of the vehicle, and then lowers it to the ground or into the vehicle. 

Platform lifts work similarly to scooter carriers.  The lift is mounted on a rear bumper or trailer hitch.  To load a scooter, the platform is lowered to the ground the scooter drives onto the platform, and once the platform is raised to the level of the trunk or cargo area, the scooter is transferred into the vehicle.  When not in use, the platform is folded vertically so that is does not protrude from the vehicle.

If the scooter is to be transported by an automobile without a carrier, it will need to be either folded, if possible, or broken down into smaller components so that it can fit in the auto’s trunk.  Some scooters are designed with modular components or take-apart frames.  At the very least, a scooter to be transported by automobile should have a folding seatback and/or a folding tiller.  Some scooters also offer removable a seat post, seat, and batteries.  Factors affecting a scooter’s transportability include whether it will be transported in the trunk or in the back seat, how much space is available, how heavy the individual components are, how much the user can lift, and whether a lift or loader can be used.

Source: ABLEDATA Fact Sheet on Scooters