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.