How Much Will a Vertical Platform Lift Cost You?
A vertical platform lift is a significant investment but is far less costly than installing a residential elevator. As an industry average, vertical platform lifts can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000, with $5,000 being a common ballpark price for a basic vertical platform lift. Residential elevators, in contrast, usually cost more than $20,000 once installation costs are factored in.
If you're comparing options for wheelchair or medical scooter accessibility, it's important to understand the factors that influence VPL pricing and cost-effective alternatives if a platform lift is beyond your budget.
Top Factors That Affect Vertical Platform Lift Pricing
Residential or Commercial
Residential wheelchair lifts tend to cost less than commercial vertical platform lifts, simply because commercial wheelchair lifts need to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements whereas residential wheelchair lifts only need to comply with building code requirements.
Location
The intended location of the vertical platform lift will affect the price, as a rural installation service (for example Silverton vs. the city of Denver, Colorado) involves a longer drive time for the installation technicians.
Indoor or Outdoor
Outdoor platform lifts generally cost more than their indoor counterparts because special weatherproof materials are required to protect the platform lift and its electrical components from the weather. Most outdoor platform lifts also come with a cover to protect them from the elements when not in use, which adds to the total cost.
Type of Wheelchair Lift
There are several wheelchair platform lift types that offer different levels of protection. The more built-up the lift is, the higher the cost:
Unenclosed Lifts
These are the most basic and cost-effective models. They comprise a platform and walls that move up and down a drive mast and are often used as porch lifts or an alternative to stairlifts for split-level homes.
Enclosed Lifts
An enclosed lift comes with a cage that encloses the entire journey of the lift from bottom to top. These models are often used outdoors where the roof at the top protects the user from the weather.
Shaftway Lift
A shaftway lift can be used instead of a stairlift to move a wheelchair or mobility scooter user and their device between levels. The shaft construction must be completed by a professional builder and is separate from the purchase of the lift. At the top landing, the shaft can be open or enclosed.
Hybrid Lift
Residential elevator platform lifts have the feel of an elevator without the high cost of elevator shaft construction. They are totally enclosed and are typically used for moving between levels indoors.
Inclined Lift
Rather than going straight up and down, an inclined platform wheelchair lift follows the run of the stairs to transport users and their vehicles between levels. Straight inclined platform lifts cost less to install than platform lifts on curved stairs.
Vertical Distance and Number of Stops
Vertical platform lifts can cover vertical distances between 2 and 14 feet and can have one stop or multiple stops. It costs more to construct tall platform lifts and lifts with multiple stops than short, one-stop lifts because the wiring and configuration are more complex.
Size and Weight Capacity
Most vertical platform lifts have a weight capacity of up to 800 lbs and a platform size of at least 36” x 48”, which is enough for most users and their devices. If you need a higher weight capacity or a larger platform, this will come at an additional cost.
Safety Features
All vertical platform lifts come with basic safety features like walls, gates, straps, and locks to keep the user from rolling off. The brakes should also be applied to stop the device from rolling around. At an additional cost, however, you can add features like obstruction sensors with an automatic shutoff, automatic doors, and one or more remote controls in addition to the onboard button.
Customized Vertical Lift
If you buy a platform lift rather than rent it, you can customize the lift with the materials, colors, and design of your choice. You can also add stops, curves, or pretty much any feature you’d like for an additional cost. If your budget is tight, consider a more basic model with the standard colors and materials. However, if there's a feature you really want, it’s worth asking how much it will add to the bill. Depending on the request, it might not cost that much more!
Professional Installation
To save money, some people shop for new or secondhand vertical platform lifts online. However, it's important to keep in mind that the price listed for a platform lift from a private vendor won't include the cost of installation, whereas the cost of a platform lift from a dedicated showroom often will. When comparing your options, make sure that you budget for professional installation.
Alternatives to Vertical Platform Lifts
If your remodeling costs are quickly adding up and a vertical platform lift would take you over your budget, there are a couple of cost-efficient alternatives.
Stairlifts
A stairlift, or stair lift, transports an individual up and down stairs safely and comfortably on a seat that runs up and down a track. Stairlifts can be installed on straight or curved stairs. This might be a good option for a user who only uses their mobility device outdoors and can get around independently or with the help of a cane or rollator upstairs. Stairlifts often cost around half the price of vertical platform lifts.
Wheelchair Ramps
A wheelchair ramp is a cost-effective alternative for a short vertical rise where space allows. Custom-built and rental wheelchair ramps are both available. Keep in mind that the maximum slope of a wheelchair ramp is 1:12 (one foot of rise for every 12 feet of length) and that wheelchair ramps in commercial settings must be ADA-compliant. A custom-built wheelchair ramp typically costs between one thousand and a few thousand dollars.
There's a Mobility Solution for Everyone
Whether you opt for a wheelchair ramp, stairlift, basic vertical platform lift, or hybrid platform lift with the works, there will be at least one mobility solution that meets your needs.
After researching how much a vertical platform lift costs in your area, consulting with a physical therapist and experienced mobility expert is the best way to find the wheelchair accessibility solution that works best for your budget and your home.