Redefining Possibility: DRCE Builds Custom Wheelchair Lift for Harley Trike

Laurie and her Harley FreeWheeler with the custom-built lift solution – full independence, full throttle.

When the Answer Was “Not Yet”

When Laurie Wood called DRCE Mobility Solutions, she had one question:
“Can you install a wheelchair lift on a motorcycle?”

The answer wasn’t no—it was not yet.
Nothing existed on the market that could help her stow her wheelchair independently on her Harley Davidson FreeWheeler.

That’s when our team got to work.

The Challenge

Before Laurie found us, she relied on a friend to strap her wheelchair to the top of her trike’s trunk. It was makeshift at best—and definitely not independent.

She needed something:

  • Safe and secure

  • Easy to operate

  • Non-electric

  • Completely DIY-friendly

So she visited our Chantilly, VA location for a consultation. We watched how she transferred from her wheelchair to the trike and how far she could reach. We didn’t want to build a solution she couldn’t use on her own.

The Build Process

Over the next few weeks, we brought the concept to life:

  1. CAD Design – A full custom lift system designed from scratch.

  2. Fabrication – Charles, our Service Foreman, created jigs and templates to shape repeatable components.

  3. Testing – We attached her actual wheelchair and made fine adjustments.

  4. Custom Latching System – Secure, mechanical, and easy to operate.

  5. Final Touches – Powder coating for durability and final assembly.

The Final Fit

Laurie came in for a “fitting” where we tested the lift with her trike and chair. She could comfortably lift and latch her wheelchair on her own—no electronics, no help needed.

“This was a larger project than planned, but I’d do it again. Seeing Laurie ride away, completely independent, made every second worth it.”
— DRCE Team Member

Meet the Makers: Jacob Winpigler & Charles Daines

This innovative project was brought to life by two standout team members:

Jacob Winpigler led the way in engineering and design—translating a challenge with no off-the-shelf solution into a fully functional concept.
Charles Daines spearheaded the build with outstanding craftsmanship, ensuring every detail was precise and built to last.

Your collaboration and dedication made this vision a reality!
This lift wasn’t just a fabrication project—it was a mission to deliver independence.

Watch Laurie’s Story Unfold

Ready to see innovation in motion?

Click here to watch Laurie take her custom Harley lift for a spin!
From loading her wheelchair independently to cruising on her trike—this is freedom, fabricated.

Don’t miss the final product, in action and on the road!