If you are someone that uses a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, you might not be able to easily access all areas of your home. Usually areas that have stairs are hard to overcome for those that use personal mobility vehicles. Often the front porch is the set of stairs that provides the biggest problem, which is why many people choose to install vertical platform lifts.
A vertical platform lift is a special lifting aid that is in many ways very similar to an elevator. However, unlike an elevator, if you plan on installing a vertical platform lift, there is generally no need to build a special shaft or modify the actual building. The lift is completely self-contained and only needs a sturdy wooden or concrete base.
Most of these lifts, which are often called wheelchair lifts, is capable of supporting around 750 pounds. The heaviest scooter you are likely to encounter weighs less than 250 pounds, so often several people are able to use the wheelchair lift at once. A few portable models are available, which are designed to be quickly moved or set up. These portable models tend to have a lower weight rating.
Individuals who own businesses commonly install vertical platform lifts as well. A commercial wheelchair lift will need to have a few extra features that are often not needed on residential lifts. Most importantly is a keyed entry, which will ensure that the lift is only used in a safe and proper manner. Businesses that want to install a lift should consult their local building codes, because often it falls into the elevator category, but this is not needed for a residential installation. Vertical platform lifts provide a quick and inexpensive way to make a business ADA accessible.
Using a wheelchair lift is an excellent way to improve independence and allow a person to access all areas, without being hindered by the stairs.
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