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.

Vertical Platform Lifts Explained

Running into a set of steps is like running into a brick wall if you use a mobility scooter or wheelchair. A stair lift, a device commonly used to traverse steps, is great, but it can only carry a person and not their mobility device. If you need to be able to use the steps with your mobility device than a vertical platform lift is probably for you.

Vertical platform lifts are frequently called porch lifts and wheelchair lifts. They are generally installed adjacent to a set of steps and raise or lower the person and their mobility device on a reinforced platform. Depending on the unit, most support about 550 pounds, but there are many available that can support much more than this. Usually the device is capable of supporting a person, their mobility device, and another individual.

The installation of these devices is typically fairly easy. Some come completely assembled so it is only necessary to secure the base of the porch lift. Almost all non-portable porch lifts must be secured to a sturdy base. Concrete or wood is typically used, but there are some other alternative installation methods available. The base will have to be able to support the weight of the platform lift and its occupants, so you do not want to skimp when securing the base. Depending on the lifting height, you may also have to secure the device to the side of the stairs.

A vertical platform lift is something that can greatly help a person who uses a mobility device.

Types of Vertical Platform Lifts

A vertical platform lift is often called a porch lift because they are frequently installed on the front porch. They are used to lift a person and their wheelchair or mobility scooter up and down the stairs. They are also frequently found in public places like schools and churches.

Depending on the model of vertical platform lifts, they can lift a considerable amount of weight. A quality porch lift will lift at least 500 pounds. Some models, frequently commercial lifts, can support a much higher weight, closer to 750 pounds. They are often used to carry an individual using a mobility device as well as a standing individual.

A vertical platform lift used in commercial settings is required to meet special safety requirements. Before installing one for commercial use, ensure that you have checked your local and state building codes. Frequently they are covered under the elevator section. They need to be secured with a lock to make sure that they are not used in unauthorized manners, and it is a good idea to install a protective door and barriers to protect against accidental falls.

Many porch lifts now incorporate a battery backup, which can be very important if you live in an area that frequently has power outages. Many units also now come with wireless remotes which can be handy, but if you frequently loose the TV remote than you might want to stick with the more traditional call buttons, which are mounted on the device.

Vertical platform lifts are used by many different people throughout the United States and abroad. If you or a loved one has trouble using the stairs than a vertical platform lift might be for you.

Wheelchair Lifts in Use

For many people that are in a wheelchair, or frequently use a mobility scooter, the stairs can present a very intimidating obstacle. Without some sort of assistance, it is likely that a set of stairs can make an area to be inaccessible for someone in this position. A wheelchair lift is usually the easiest and most efficient solution to this problem.

wheelchair lifts, or vertical platform lifts as they are frequently called, lift the wheelchair or scooter, rider and all. The rider must just steer their mobility device onto the loading platform, then by pushing a call buttons similar to those found by an elevator, or using a wireless remote the lift is activated and the platform rises or lowers vertically. Most units support enough weight that they can carry 2 people and 1 mobility device at the same time.

A wheelchair lift can generally be easily installed to outside steps, and on many indoor steps, with ease. Since the device lifts a platform vertically in the air, the steps must have a landing that is accessible from the ground. Depending on the model, these units can lift up to or more than 12 feet and support well over 500 pounds.

There are a few different categories of wheelchair lifts. Portable wheelchair lifts, as the name implies, are designed to be moved easily and quickly. Commercial wheelchair lifts are designed with building code in mind. They typically have locks to prevent unauthorized use, manual overrides, and are of a more heavy duty design. Residential lifts for the home usually do not support as much weight as a commercial lift or go as high, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Portable Vertical Platform Lifts

A portable platform lift is used to carry individuals in wheelchairs or mobility scooters up and down the stairs. As the name implies they travel straight up and down and the individual sits on a platform. There are many different types, but for some the portable version will be the best choice.

A portable vertical platform lift can be easily moved and does not require any permanent installation. These units typically plug directly into the wall, but there are some that are completely manual. Most ones that are electric powered also have a manual override in case the power goes out. Portable units are perfect for schools, churches, restaurants, and other public areas. Many businesses buy them because they have several areas that may need a platform lift and it is less expensive to buy one and move it.

A portable platform lift functions in the same manner as a non-portable unit, but they generally do not lift as high. If you need a lift that can span larger distances generally more than about 6', you will likely have to secure it to the ground.