Ceiling Hoist v Mobile Hoist
A number of people have asked us about mobile hoists. Aren’t they better than fixed ones?
We believe that ceiling track hoists have the following benefits over and above mobile hoists:
- They can be used in spaces where there is insufficient space to manoeuvre a mobile hoist.
- Mobile hoists often require two people to assist a user, whereas many users can use a ceiling track hoist with one PA or carer.
- With a mobile hoist you need space under the bed for its legs - about 15cm which few hotel beds provide.
- A mobile hoist cannot be used to get into a bath unless it is specially designed with clearance underneath.
Although for most ceiling hoist users a single track from bed through to bath and toilet is the ideal, but sometimes this will necessitate an extensive rebuild and perhaps even compromise on space. We all have to learn to work creatively and the solution, for instance, we worked out with Intercontinental Hotels Group to facilitate their installation, was two tracks, one in the bathroom for bath and toilet and one in the bedroom. The hoist chosen was one which is used in many hospital sites and the hoist itself is easily unhooked from one track by a PA or carer and moved to the other. If anyone has any queries about the system feel free to e-mail us at
Transportable ceiling hoists have additional benefit of being removable from the track when not needed. This prevents their being abused and broken by people who do not need them and value them appropriately.
Read a personal experience of using a mobile hoist in an accessible hotel bedroom here