I am very ignorant about cars. I want to install an outside totally automatic lift to carry a 185 scooter. But, subaru only takes a class I hitch (read in the forum where someone else just ignored that rule). Am looking at bypassing the hitch by using a side lift that would put the scooter in the truck bed and be wired directly to the battery, but the lift dealer says the truck bed must be reinforced because the bed is made of composite material and the lift must be attached to steel. I can't afford to mess up my car or to buy something that then won't work. Any advice?

Welcome to AF.

I'm assuming the hitch - mounted lift requires something more than a Class I, right?

This site shows a Class III hitch for a Baja:
http://www.autoanything.com/towing/73A3874A0A0.aspx?kc=ffcategory&from_search=1