People who use a personal mobility device, like a wheelchair or electric scooter, likely have difficulty walking without assistance. This means it might be painful, difficult, or even impossible to walk up and down the stairs. For these people a porch lift is a great way to create a sort of bridge between the inside and outside of the home.
Porch lifts are elevators that can be quickly and easily installed along the side of a stair case. They raise one or more people vertically up and down. When the platform is fully raised it will be level with the stairs landing and so the electric scooter or wheelchair can easily transition between the porch lift and the stairs.
Porch lifts are also called vertical platform lifts and some come pre-assembled and can just be positioned next to the stairs. A reinforced base is important and it should be made out of wood or concrete. It is possible to install some lifts by burying a few 2” by 4’ boards in the ground and securing the lift to the 2” by 4’ boards. This method will not work with every unit and should really only be used temporarily.
Most porch lifts can support at least 500 pounds, which means that most people will be able to use it with more than one person at a time. They are weather resistant as well and so will be able to be placed outdoors without worrying about rain or snow.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Porch Lifts Described
People, who do not use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, probably do not realize how difficult it is to navigate the stairs. Frequently the front steps can present the biggest obstacle, because they tend to be the steepest and highest. A wheelchair lift is often necessary to make certain that those that use mobility devices are never left stranded in their home.
Vertical platform lifts, also known as wheelchair lifts, are devices that are similar to elevators. A platform capable of carrying an individual in a mobility device, and sometimes their caregiver, lifts them up and down the stairs. This option can often be less expensive and safer than building a ramp.
In addition to finding these devices in residential settings, they are also frequently found in public areas. They are used in many schools, churches, and businesses as a means of ensuring that those who are mobility challenged are always able to access the location. They also frequently ensure that the business is in full compliance with established laws.
The lifting capacity of a porch lift is usually very substantial. Many like the AmeriGlide Tall Tower, can lift over 500 pounds of weight over distances up to12 feet. This is usually enough to carry 2 people and a mobility scooter or power chair. Other AmeriGlide lifts can support over 700 pounds.
Not being able to use your own front steps may seem like a foreign concept, but for those that use personal mobility devices, it is a very real concern. If you or someone you love uses a personal mobility device, then a porch lift may be an excellent investment.
Vertical platform lifts, also known as wheelchair lifts, are devices that are similar to elevators. A platform capable of carrying an individual in a mobility device, and sometimes their caregiver, lifts them up and down the stairs. This option can often be less expensive and safer than building a ramp.
In addition to finding these devices in residential settings, they are also frequently found in public areas. They are used in many schools, churches, and businesses as a means of ensuring that those who are mobility challenged are always able to access the location. They also frequently ensure that the business is in full compliance with established laws.
The lifting capacity of a porch lift is usually very substantial. Many like the AmeriGlide Tall Tower, can lift over 500 pounds of weight over distances up to12 feet. This is usually enough to carry 2 people and a mobility scooter or power chair. Other AmeriGlide lifts can support over 700 pounds.
Not being able to use your own front steps may seem like a foreign concept, but for those that use personal mobility devices, it is a very real concern. If you or someone you love uses a personal mobility device, then a porch lift may be an excellent investment.
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