What Is a Vertical Platform Lift & Do You Need One?
People who are exploring accessibility options for their home, institution, or outdoor building project are likely to have come across the term "vertical platform lift" and may wonder what a vertical platform lift is.
In the most basic terms, a vertical platform lift or wheelchair lift is a small elevator that can lift mobility devices and their riders from one level to another. Vertical platform lifts can be used to provide access to wheelchairs and other mobility devices when a wheelchair ramp or elevator would be too cumbersome or not cost-effective to install.
How a Vertical Platform Lift Works
Vertical platform lifts consist of a tower or drive mast, a platform, a landing gate or door, a battery, and a small ramp for mounting. Most lifts also have added safety features, including grab bars, polycarbonate gates or doors, obstruction sensors, and an emergency button to bring the lift to a sudden halt. Depending on the height of the lift, it may have one stop or multiple stops on the way up or down. Vertical platform lifts have a maximum lifting height of 14 feet.
To use the lift, the wheelchair or mobility scooter user drives up the ramp and onto the platform and presses a button to go up or down. The ramp automatically folds up to secure the mobility device until it reaches the top of the lift. At the top, the landing gate folds down for a smooth exit.
Types of Vertical Platform Lift
There are several types of vertical platform lifts that can be used for different applications:
Unenclosed vertical platform lift. This is the most basic kind of platform lift and is typically used for shorter lifting heights and outdoor applications.
Enclosed vertical platform lift. This is a cross between a vertical platform lift and an elevator. The entire journey of the lift is enclosed in a cage.
Shaftway platform lift. The lift travels up through a roofless shaft where the user exits onto the landing.
Inclined platform lift. Inclined platform lifts are like stairlifts except that they transport the user and their mobility device up a flight of stairs.
Where Vertical Platform Lifts Can Be Used
Vertical platform lifts can be used in residential settings, in commercial settings, and for outdoor applications where there is not enough space for a ramp, including:
Decks (called a deck lift)
Porches (these are referred to as porch lifts)
Garages
Residential buildings
Commercial buildings
Public buildings
Places of worship
Schools
Stadiums
Stages
Vertical platform lifts are also a great option instead of a stairlift for split-level homes. Either an inclined platform lift or straight platform lift can be used, depending on how much space is available.
How to Have a Vertical Platform Lift Installed
To have an indoor or outdoor vertical platform lift installed, you will need to book an on-site assessment for the construction of your custom lift and choose between the available models, weight limits, and designs. Mobility Plus Colorado in Denver, for example, has vertical platform lifts with weight limits up to 800 lbs.
Before installation, you will also need to check your local building codes (including ADA requirements for platform lifts if applicable), find out whether you need permission to install the lift, and make sure a power outlet is available for the electrical wiring that connects to the lead-acid battery. Once your custom design has been manufactured, a basic lift takes around six hours to install.
Vertical Platform Lift: A Safe and Convenient Solution
When a wheelchair ramp isn't an option, vertical platform lifts offer a safe and convenient way to move from one level to another while riding in a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Various models are available for different applications and may be designed with multiple stops.
If you are interested in having a vertical platform lift installed, contact an experienced mobility solutions provider to discuss your requirements and find out which kind of vertical platform lift might be best for your specific situation.