A mobile hoist makes moving a person safely and comfortably far easier for carers — lifting from bed to chair, chair to commode, or up from the floor after a fall, without the strain and risk of a manual lift. Our range of four mobile hoists covers everything from compact home use to high-capacity care environments, all built for reliability and ease of use, from £750 with VAT relief available for eligible customers.

How to choose a mobile hoist

Start with the safe working load (SWL). This is the maximum weight the hoist can lift safely — choose one comfortably above the weight of the person being lifted, including any clothing and equipment. Our range spans 130 kg (20.5 stone) to 175 kg (27.5 stone).

Check the lifting height range. This determines how low the hoist can reach (important for floor recovery after a fall, or low beds) and how high it can lift (important for higher beds and chairs). Each product page lists the exact range under Technical Specifications.

Think about your space. A more compact hoist is easier to manoeuvre in a smaller home and simpler to store; larger hoists give more capacity and reach for care settings. All our hoists are mobile on castors, moving with the person rather than being fixed to one room — if you need lifting in one place without floor space, see our SkyFrame ceiling hoist system instead.

Which hoist is right for me?

  • Micro Mobile Hoist — our most compact hoist at just 545 mm wide and around 32.7 kg, ideal for everyday transfers at home where space is tight. Height range 1130–1725 mm. SWL 130 kg.
  • Mini Mobile Hoist — compact with a taller lifting range (1280–1870 mm), a great all-rounder for home care. SWL 130 kg.
  • Midi Mobile Hoist — a step up in capacity and reach (1285–1940 mm), suited to busier home and care environments. SWL 150 kg.
  • Major Mobile Hoist — our highest capacity hoist with the greatest lifting range (1435–2060 mm), for care settings and larger users. SWL 175 kg.

Slings

Every hoist lifts using a compatible sling, sized and styled to the person and the type of transfer — see the Poser GP sling, designed for safe, comfortable moving and handling. If you're unsure which sling suits your hoist and needs, our team will gladly advise.

Frequently asked questions

What does safe working load (SWL) mean? The maximum weight the hoist is rated to lift safely. Always choose a hoist with an SWL above the weight of the person being lifted — never at the limit.

Can a mobile hoist lift someone from the floor? Lifting range varies by model — check the minimum lift height on each product page's Technical Specifications. Our team can confirm the right model for floor recovery.

Do I need training to use a hoist? Hoists are straightforward, but safe use matters — we recommend anyone using one is shown how, and we're happy to talk carers through the basics. Many local authorities and community OT services also provide moving-and-handling guidance.

Can I buy a hoist VAT-free? Yes — if the person using it is disabled or has a long-term illness, you can usually claim VAT relief with a short declaration at checkout.

What warranty do they come with? All our mobile hoists include a 1-year warranty, with service and repair support from our UK team.

Not sure which hoist — or which sling — is right? Call our friendly UK team on 01531 635678 or email shop@helping-hand.com. We've been helping people stay independent since 1965.