Owning a Wheelchair Lift

Many people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters can feel restricted or are forced to get assistance when entering or exiting their home. This is because many homes feature steps at all of their entrances. For these people a vertical platform lift can provide a means of navigating their homes without assistance.

A vertical platform lift is like a self contained elevator. They install along side a set of steps and depending on the unit can span distances that are greater than 12 feet high. They feature a platform that is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility device and can frequently also accommodate another individual. They lift vertically straight up and down and most support at least 500 pounds of weight. The platforms of vertical platform lifts often utilize a non-skid surface and special gates that make them very safe to use. They are typically installed on concrete or wood pads, but some models can be installed directly to the ground.

Vertical platform lifts are frequently installed in residential settings, but they are also found in public areas like schools and churches. This insures that the area is accessible to all individuals and is often required for many places that are not otherwise accessible to those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

A vertical platform lift, or wheelchair lift, is powered by electricity. Many are plugged directly into the wall, but actually are powered by a set of batteries. The batteries are constantly charging and if the power goes out, this ensures you will still be able to use the device.

There are many advantages to using and owning a vertical platform lift and they provide a valuable service to many people.