Reviewer: Garry L. from Fishers, IN (caregiver)
End User Desc: My wife suffers from neuropathy, fallen arches, and severe shoulder pain. This is the only unit she can operate.

Strengths: Quality construction, ease of use, gives user independence.

Weaknesses: Installation instructions need tweaking-not too clear, could use a battery-condition meter, if hard-wired...needs a harness to allow wire to "travel" withour getting pinched, operating buttons are too hard to push.

Reviewed on 01/16/2010

Reviewer: Garry L. from Fishers, IN (caregiver)
End User Desc: My wife suffers from neuropathy, fallen arches, and severe shoulder pain. This is the only unit she can operate.

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 01/16/2010

Reviewer: Joann F. from Early, TX
End User Desc: age 75 and in a wheelchair and best money i have spent in some time much better then old lift

Strengths: easy in and out

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 11/30/2009

Reviewer: David S. from Columbia, SC
End User Desc: 50 year old male with difficulty walking

Strengths: The lift overall is an excellent way to keep your scooter or power chair out of the weather during transport. It is easy to use by one person and allows me to go just about any where without help loading my scooter.

Weaknesses: The installer had not previously installed this type of lift and he found difficult to install. The battery is some what difficult to access, remove and reinstall due to the angle you must remove it from the lift.

Reviewed on 11/13/2009

Reviewer: Teresa F. from Chatom, AL
End User Desc: I am in a wheelchair, age 52, have multiple sclerosis.

Strengths: It doesn't run off of the car battery.

Weaknesses: It is hard to squeeze my wheelchair into my vehicle.

Reviewed on 10/03/2009

Reviewer: Kendall G. from Jessup, MD
End User Desc: I am very pleased with the lift I had a ramp for the side of my van but had problems with loading my power chair as the drive wheels would in the way

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 09/20/2009

Reviewer: Connie S. from Independence, MO
End User Desc: 77 year old woman who experiences severe pain when walking

Strengths: The lift is very easy to use. The people who installed it were impressed.

Weaknesses: I wish it took up less space in my car but then it would'nt accomadate my scooter.

Reviewed on 08/06/2009

Reviewer: Pamela R. from Fairfax, VA
End User Desc: The user is 51 yrs old and has mobility issues and uses a motorized wheelchair.

Strengths: Very easy to use for a disabled person

Weaknesses: I am having problems with the lift moving back and forth in my van. They have ordered a part. I am disappointed since it was just installed a couple weeks ago. But I love the functionality of the product, we just have to get the kinks out of the installation.

Reviewed on 08/05/2009

Reviewer: James D. from Nixa, MO
End User Desc:

Strengths: ease of use, straight forward instructions, the person who installed the lift was knowlegdable and competent

Weaknesses: we got a rechargable system and were very upset that a cord needed to install the system was considered extra, and we had to wait for and pay extra for the cord

Reviewed on 07/12/2009

Reviewer: Jerald B. from Stureon Lake, MN
End User Desc: I am 76 and permanently disabled. I was injured while in the Air Force.

Strengths: The ease of use and how it fit in my mini-van so compact. The remote control is great, and the battery pack also.

Weaknesses: The belt to fasten the scooter to the lift I feel should have velcro so that when you tighten the belt, you can press the velcro and the buckle won't slip.

Reviewed on 07/09/2009

Reviewer: Laverne G. from Nash, TX
End User Desc:

Strengths: It is easy to use, that is the big thing for me since i am not strong or able to do some things.

Weaknesses: As I understand from the people that installed it, it is much more difficult than just bolting it to the floor.

Reviewed on 07/04/2009

Reviewer: Michael K. from Lincolnton, NC (caregiver)
End User Desc: Female, 62 yra old, 275#. Neuropathy in legs,in wheel chair ~ 50 % of time (90%when outside)

Strengths: Simplicity of installation and use.

Weaknesses: When raising the chair lift, if you are not paying close attention to the Control Pendant Cable, it can become entwined between the lift platform and the track and on a couple occasions disconnected from the unit. I remedied this by attaching the cable to the end of the boom loosely with a loop of wire wrapped around the cable and hooked over the edge of the boom.

Reviewed on 06/21/2009

Reviewer: Sheila G. from Kings Mountain, NC
End User Desc: 57 year old female with multiple sclerosis who uses a scooter.

Strengths: does not require any drilling in my van and is very easy to operate.

Weaknesses: It is a little slow and the on board battery went dead after only a few lifts. After re=charging the battery went dead during the next lift. Evidently the battery was a lemon. I requested and got a hardwire kit for free.

Reviewed on 06/09/2009

Reviewer: Linda B. from Palmyra, MO
End User Desc: I am a 62 year old female who has had several strokes.I have very little stamina and severe weekness in legs.I use a power chair for going out.

Strengths: The Silver Star BackPacker Plus has given me my life back. I now can attend all the grandchildrens softball and baseball games go shopping and visit friends as the ease of loading and unloading my power chair is as simple as pushing a button. Even going into a store for just 10 min. has been given back to me as unloading chair is not an issue anymore. The BackPacker is quiet during use and quiet as we travel. Before the Silver Star BackPacker Plus I spent most of my time in my home as the difficulty of taking ramps out of back and setting up then pushing chair up ramp was hard on my husband. Now all he has to do is push a button and the BackPaker Plus does all the work.I no longer feel guilty watching him work so hard just to get me out of house. I called Spin Life and spoke to Lisa R. who was able to answer all my questions and was so helpful in choosing the right lift for my needs. She was wonderful to work with. We ordered the BackPacker Plus on a Monday, it was delivered on Thursday of that week and on Friday I called the installers number that Lisa R. had given me and he came the following day (Saturday) and installed it. He was very professional and polite. This has been the most enjoyable experience I have had in a very long time. I will always use Spin Life for my medical equipment needs in the future.

Weaknesses: There are no weaknesses in the Silver Star BackPacker Plus. It is all that you would hope for and then some.

Reviewed on 04/22/2009

Reviewer: Charles B. from Salt Lake City, UT (caregiver)
End User Desc: 82 yrs both knees and hips replaced female

Strengths: engineering is exceptional

Weaknesses: installation instructions could use a little tweeking.

Reviewed on 12/12/2008

Reviewer: Ken S. from Batavia, OH (caregiver)
End User Desc: Overweight trouble walking anything more than short distance

Strengths: Ease of use and carry chair inside of van.

Weaknesses: Micro switch's and motor seems to work too hard.

Reviewed on 11/26/2008

Reviewer: Julie L. from Albany, NY
End User Desc: Woman, 55, has had M.S. for five years. Can walk but get tired. Bought primarily so I can bring my own scooter on business trips.

Strengths: I had the installer put it in my 2004 Honda Odyssey and it was well worth the cost to have it installed so quickly and properly. I also like that the battery is easily removed so I can bring it into the house or hotel where i'm staying on business to be re-charged.

Weaknesses: I wish it were a little faster.

Reviewed on 11/10/2008

Reviewer: Leola A. from Luling, LA
End User Desc: I am 69 years old, a widow, I can only walk a very short distance with a cane. The lift and scooter allow me to be mobile.

Strengths: This lift keeps my scooter dry and safe.

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 10/26/2008

Reviewer: Jerry H. from Germantown, TN (caregiver)
End User Desc: male, 55, central cord syndrome, auto accident

Strengths:

Weaknesses: parts were missing from the manufacturer

Reviewed on 08/31/2008

Reviewer: NANCY F. from CAPE CORAL, FL (caregiver)
End User Desc: 58 YEAR OLD MALE WITH POST POLIO

Strengths: THE QUALITY IS GOOD

Weaknesses: THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT PLACEMENT IS TERRIBLE. VERY DIFFICULT TO REACH AND EXTRACT THE BATTERY. NO WARNING LIGHT THAT THE BATTERY IS LOW AND DOES NOT HAVE A MANUAL CRANK BACKUP.

Reviewed on 08/03/2008

Reviewer: William R. from Kyle, TX (caregiver)
End User Desc: 69 years old, limited walking and needs a power wheel chair

Strengths: Easy to install, doesn't require holes to be drilled in car.

Weaknesses: Difficult to hook up battery charger because of batterys location. not sure how it could be improved however.

Reviewed on 06/06/2008

Reviewer: Betty W. from Metter, GA (caregiver)
End User Desc:

Strengths: ease of use

Weaknesses: none

Reviewed on 05/31/2008

Reviewer: Richard S. from Grafton, WI (caregiver)
End User Desc: 52,unable to walk any distance, back and joint problems.

Strengths: It was easy to install.Although the installation manual was missing some details.

Weaknesses: The up and down control buttons could be easier to press for someone with hand problems.

Reviewed on 04/11/2008

Reviewer: William P. from Kearneysville, WV
End User Desc: I am a 55 year old male with diabetes, heart problems and kidney failure. I have had my toes and part of my right foot removed so I cannot walk very f

Strengths: Very easy to install and easy to use

Weaknesses: If you buy the battery pack there needs to be a cheep power inverter to plug into the ac outlet in the vehicle

Reviewed on 04/04/2008

Reviewer: Allen K. from Woodstock, VA
End User Desc:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 01/11/2008

Reviewer: Nancy L. from Newberry, MI
End User Desc: Severe arthritis in both knees,

Strengths: It is easy to use. I can do it myself as long as I can walk to the back of my van. Has increased my independence. The person who installed it for me said all products should be so user friendly. The directions were easy to follow and the adapter kit worked well.

Weaknesses: The only problem I find is that there should be a lock on the cord from the remote control unit as it can become loose and someone would have to crawl into the van to put it back on.

Reviewed on 01/02/2008

Reviewer: Ron C. from San Jacinvo, CA
End User Desc: 65,Feet and leg disorder caused by nerve damage and diabities. If I walk my legs have sever pain and swelling. With out the Scooter I could not go pla

Strengths: Ease of operation of lift, and stability and quiet of the scooter.

Weaknesses: Would like it to have more speed.

Reviewed on 12/19/2007

Reviewer: Gary H. from Arizona City, AZ (caregiver)
End User Desc: My wife is 64 years old and has COPD. This requires her to be on oxygen and also necessitates her to be in a powered wheelchair. We have a Dodge van a

Strengths: Ease of installation. Quality of materials and design.

Weaknesses: None.

Reviewed on 12/02/2007

Reviewer: Rita R. from Manalapan, NJ (caregiver)
End User Desc: 75 yr old male. advanced emphysema

Strengths: ease of use

Weaknesses: no emergency battey back up information or hook up. (on board battery failure)

Reviewed on 11/19/2007

Reviewer: Monroe W. from Murfreesboro, TN
End User Desc:

Strengths: Delivers service as advertised. Easy to use. No disappointments. Nice looking

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 11/18/2007

Reviewer: Janet H. from Indianapois, IN
End User Desc: Age 69 and still working on a part time basis. Can walk about 15 ft.

Strengths: Everyone that sees me use the lift has praised it. I have sent several people to go on line and find out more about it and find out whether you can fit their car. Many people see it and want it for someone in their family and I am happy to encourage it.

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 09/24/2007

Reviewer: Micheal P. from Cincinnatti, OH
End User Desc: I am a 62 year old male with heart problems. I have very limited mobility.

Strengths: I like its ability to handle a wide variety of both scooters and power chairs.

Weaknesses: I think it is slow. It also doesn't have as many safety features as some of its competition.

Reviewed on 09/23/2007

Reviewer: Harvey D. from Highland, CA
End User Desc: 64 yr. old male w/ degenerative osteoarthritis in hips and knees

Strengths: After just 2 days operation, it seems easy and sturdy, although slow-moving action. Installation was easy, with 2 people for lifting. Meets my needs at a reasonable cost.

Weaknesses: needs on-board plug-in battery charger for unit that is not hard-wired into van electrical system

Reviewed on 09/06/2007

Reviewer: Jean J. from Columbia, TN
End User Desc: I am 81 years old and have multiple sclerosis. I can no longer stand alone or walk.

Strengths: The easy loading of the scooter and it can be done by one person. My wife, who also has a slight disability, is able to completely load and unload my scooter for me.

Weaknesses: There are none. I am thrilled to find the Silver Star Backpacker.

Reviewed on 08/23/2007

Reviewer: Robert B. from Toms River, NJ
End User Desc:

Strengths: This machine is my personal life saver, I do not depend on anyone to load my scooter I am a FREE MAN ONCE AGAIN

Weaknesses: none

Reviewed on 07/11/2007

Reviewer: Rosemary M. from Lansdale, PA
End User Desc:

Strengths: very easy for someone with little strength to get my scooter in and out of my car

Weaknesses: the strap is not too good. It does not hold my sscooter secure enough

Reviewed on 06/02/2007

Reviewer: Carroll C. from Matthews, NC
End User Desc: I am 62 years old and can't lift over 25 lbs. The Backpacker allowes me more freedom to go places by myself.

Strengths:

Weaknesses: NONE

Reviewed on 04/22/2007

Reviewer: Elizabeth A. from Davenport, FL (caregiver)
End User Desc:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 04/12/2007

Reviewer: William H. from Punta Gorda, FL
End User Desc: 160 lb. male, 5'-10", with Lou Gehrig's (a.l.s.) disease. Use a walker; unable to walk long distance. Upper body strength is good.

Strengths: Easy to use loading and unloading.

Weaknesses: Quality of fit and finish. The installer had to modify pieces, and grind down every weld place to make it work.

Reviewed on 03/18/2007

Reviewer: Neil A. from Apache Junction, AZ
End User Desc:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 01/29/2007

Reviewer: Monte M. from Livonia, MI
End User Desc: 80 yr old, cardiac dx with severe shortness of breath when walking, back px, etc.

Strengths: Ease of operation

Weaknesses: None

Reviewed on 10/03/2006

Reviewer: Tom D. from Catheys Valley, CA (caregiver)
End User Desc:

Strengths: Simple operation with the battery pack.

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 09/30/2006

Reviewer: Sigmund H. from San Diego, CA (caregiver)
End User Desc: My wife is 63, has a brain stem tumor, and left side weakness.

Strengths: Works on 2005 Dodge Grand Caravans with Stow N Go Seating. Cannot install a trailer hitch on this vehicle to use outside scooter lift. without major expense to exhaust system

Weaknesses: No manual operation, if on board battery fails. Platform surface needs to have rougher finish. Part # HDWASMB1080 the plate that attaches to the U-Bolts needs to be thicker.

Reviewed on 09/27/2006

Reviewer: Charlene V. from Beaverton, OR (caregiver)
End User Desc: Age 68, diabetic, overweight

Strengths: Ease of use. Secures scooter in locked car.

Weaknesses: Noise, perhaps from rollers, upon raising or lowering.

Reviewed on 09/27/2006

Reviewer: E L H. from Nailor, MO
End User Desc: Age 74 COPD patient with very limited mobil ability.

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 08/10/2006

Reviewer: Paul B. from Sandy, UT
End User Desc: I am an 85 year old Semi-retired Mechanical Engineer. I had Polio 83 years ago and am now getting Post Polio Syndrome problems.

Strengths: Basic design is good and puts equiment out of weather and other conditions. I have demonstrated the use of this to other potential users along with the Jazzy/Quantum Power Wheelchairs.

Weaknesses: No contact with the manufacturer to solve problems. Going thru local dealer/installer does not always get satisfactory results. No parts and service manual available to user unlike other Pride products. Pressure required to operate UP/DOWN switches is excessive for older/weaker users. I would like to talk with the engineers who designed this and give them some suggestions.

Reviewed on 06/06/2006

Reviewer: James S. from Salinas, CA
End User Desc: This product sure makes life a lot easer. Just load and go. No hassles, or Problems whatsoever.

Strengths: The load Capacity, and ease of use.

Weaknesses: The battery is a little heavy, but understandable seeing that the charge lasts about a week. The battery is a little hard to get out of a Plymouth Voyager, over the middle seat when you are 60+, as my parents are.

Reviewed on 04/06/2006

Reviewer: Robert T. from Orange Park, FL (caregiver)
End User Desc: 14 yr old female with Cerebral Palsy.

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Reviewed on 04/05/2006