Wheelchair Holder for Back of Car

What People Mean by a Holder on the Back of the Car

A wheelchair holder for the back of a car is any rack, cradle or platform that carries the chair outside the vehicle, behind the rear bumper. People look for one when the boot is too small, when lifting the chair into the boot has become too hard, or when the boot is needed for shopping, luggage or a dog. The idea is simple, but the practical questions are specific: how the holder fixes on, whether it hides anything the law expects to be visible, how safe the chair is while you are parked, and whether you can still get into the boot.

This page works through those questions one at a time. It is written for owners of folding manual chairs, transit chairs and lighter powered chairs, and it points to separate guides where a question needs more depth.

How Does a Rear Holder Attach to the Car?

There are three common fixing methods, and the car you drive often decides which is possible.

Towbar Fixing

Most sturdy rear holders attach to a towbar, either clamping to the tow ball or sliding into a receiver. A towbar gives a strong, engineered mounting point that is designed to carry load. If your car does not have one, a fitter can often add one, although that is an extra cost and not every model accepts one easily.

Strap-On and Tailgate Fixing

Some lighter racks hang from the tailgate or boot lid on straps and hooks, rather like certain bike racks. They are usually meant for light folding chairs only. Check the maker’s list of compatible vehicles, since the shape of the tailgate, the spoiler and the glass all affect whether straps can sit safely.

Bumper or Chassis Fixing

A few holders bolt to the rear frame or bumper structure. These need to be designed for the particular vehicle and fitted properly. Our guide to a wheelchair carrier for the back of a vehicle covers these fitting routes for UK cars in more detail.

Will It Hide My Number Plate or Lights?

This is one of the most important questions, and the answer depends on the holder and the chair. A folded chair sitting on a rack behind the car can partly or completely cover the number plate and the rear lights. Some holders come with a lighting board that repeats the lights and holds a plate; others leave it to the driver.

Before driving, check what the rules require about a visible number plate and working rear lights and indicators when anything is carried on the back of a car. If the holder or chair blocks them, a lighting board and a correctly made plate are likely to be needed. Do not assume a holder is road-ready simply because it is sold for the purpose. For general guidance on getting around, GOV.UK has a section on transport for disabled people.

Can I Still See Out of the Back?

A chair standing upright on a rack may block some or all of the rear window. That makes the door mirrors, and a reversing camera if you have one, more important. Some drivers prefer holders that carry the chair lower or lying flatter to keep more of the rear view. Think about how you reverse into your drive or a parking space, and practise with the holder loaded before a long journey.

How Secure Is the Chair While I Am Parked?

A chair on the back of the car is visible to everyone who walks past. Security features vary widely, so look at each holder closely:

• Locking straps or clamps that cannot simply be unbuckled.
• A lock on the holder itself, so the whole rack cannot be lifted off the towbar.
• Removable parts on the chair, such as cushions and bags, which are better stored inside the car.
• A cover, which keeps the chair dry and less obvious.

Straps also stop the chair moving on the road. A chair that rattles or shifts on a bumpy lane can loosen its fixings or rub against the car, so check the straps again after the first short stretch of any trip. Our page on a car rack for a wheelchair looks at strap and cradle designs.

Will I Still Be Able to Open the Boot?

With many rear holders, the answer is not without unloading. Some towbar holders tilt or swing away so the boot can open with the chair still in place; others must be removed or emptied first. If you often need the boot during a trip, for shopping or luggage, look for a tilting or swing-away design and check that it clears your particular tailgate.

Does It Change How the Car Drives and Parks?

A loaded holder adds length and weight at the very back of the car. You may notice it when braking, cornering and especially when parking. Parking sensors may trigger constantly. Check the towbar’s weight limit, which should cover the holder and the chair together; the figure is in the car’s handbook or available from the towbar maker. Remember the extra length in car parks and when turning into tight spaces.

Which Chairs Suit a Rear Holder?

Folding manual chairs are the most common passengers, because they fold into a compact shape that sits well on a cradle. Transit chairs are lighter still. Some lighter powered chairs can travel on a platform-style holder, but heavier ones usually need a platform with a lift or a boot hoist; our guide to electric wheelchair carriers covers those. Rigid chairs may need a holder that takes them without folding, or quick-release wheels to reduce their size.

If you are choosing a chair and a carrier together, it may be worth reading about the best lightweight folding wheelchair options, since a lighter chair is easier to lift onto any holder.

What Is Loading Actually Like?

The daily routine matters more than the brochure. With a cradle-style holder, someone usually has to fold the chair, lift it to the height of the rack and hold it steady while fastening the straps. That lift is lower than lifting into many boots, but it is still a lift. Platform-style holders let the chair be rolled on, which suits people who cannot lift at all. Think about where you load, too: a narrow drive, a sloping street or a busy car park changes how easy it is to stand behind the car. If you can, borrow or try a holder with your own chair before buying, and time how long loading and unloading take on an ordinary day.

Weather and Wear

A chair carried outside picks up rain, road salt and dust. Over time that can affect bearings, brakes and upholstery. A fitted cover helps, and so does a quick wipe and dry after wet journeys. Check the holder’s own fixings and straps regularly for wear or fraying, and replace worn straps rather than knotting them.

Before You Choose a Holder

Gather a few facts first: the chair’s folded size and weight, whether the car has or can take a towbar, the towbar limit, and whether you need boot access with the chair loaded. Look at the maker’s vehicle compatibility list and fitting instructions. Check the returns terms and any warranty, and read the delivery details on each listing, including whether any delivery offer applies. For a UK-focused comparison of holder types, see our guide to a wheelchair carrier for a car in the UK.