Vertical Platform Lifts and You

It can be very difficult for those in wheelchairs and other mobility devices to get around obstacles like the stairs. In public, businesses are required to provide wheelchair access and parking, but many homes have steep front staircases that make entrance with a wheelchair very difficult.

A porch lift or vertical platform lift is one way to easily and quickly allow for an individual in a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or even just standing to go up and down the stairs. They are like elevators and a platform is moved vertically up and down the distance of the stairs. Unlike an elevator though, vertical platform lifts do not require complex and expensive construction to install.

Some models, like AmeriGlide’s Residential Vertical Platform Lift, comes preinstalled. All you need to do is position it and plug it in. Most others require more installation, but it is still something that can be done rather quickly and inexpensively. A porch lift is completely weather proof and can withstand hot and cold temperatures. Depending on the model, some are capable of lifting over 700 pounds at distances of up to 12’. AmeriGlide’s Residential Vertical Platform Lift can support up to 750 pounds and has a default lifting height of 28”. It can be configured to lift as high as 72”.

Many, since they will be used outdoors in areas where others can access, feature keyed entry and also have special safety features like pressure control and an emergency stop button.