Platform Wheelchair Lifts: Quick Accessibility Solutions for Homes and Businesses

Vertical Platform Lifts (VPL), or Wheelchair Lifts, transport their passengers straight up and down on a platform large enough to safely accommodate a wheelchair. A good example of our very own (VPL) ranges are RB150 Wheelchair Lift, Ascensa Platform Lift, and Ascendor PLV9.

VPLs are available in both permanent and portable configurations, making them an ideal choice for schools, venues, churches or office buildings, as well as any other facility which may have need to transport persons over stairs, walls or other architectural barriers.

On the other hand, an Inclined Platform Lift (IPL) travels on a railing installed parallel to a barrier.

The weight capacity for IPLs is sometimes more restrictive than that of VPLs due to the surrounding structure supporting the railing. A good example of those in our product lists are Ascendor Stair PLG7 & Ascendor PLK8

Wheelchair lifts specifically assist persons with disabilities. Wheelchair lifts are smaller than elevators and can be portable or permanent, making them ideal for assisting a diverse community with varying accessibility needs. Comparatively, elevators frequently transport all individuals and cargo within a building or structure. As opposed to the compact construction of wheelchair lifts, elevators require far more space to install and operate.

The components used in the operation of platform lifts can be bulky and often require an installation pit to accommodate the lifting mechanism. When necessary, an installation pit is dug out of the floor or ground, typically 3”-6” deep. Otherwise, the lift may sit 3”-6” above the floor, thus requiring an entry ramp. However, there are wheelchair lifts which feature floor level access and effectively do away with the need for both an installation pit as well as an entry ramp.

By law, a public space must be physically accessible to all individuals under their own ability. If stairs or other architectural obstacles hinder access to any part of your facility, it may be in your best interest to consider installing a wheelchair lift. Likewise, for residential use, if you have difficulty negotiating aspects of your home, such as stairs or porches, a wheelchair lift may be able to help.

If you have trouble negotiating stairs, ramps, etc. for any reason, you may still find a wheelchair lift useful.

Weight capacity varies depending on the manufacturer and model of any lift. In general, a lift’s maximum load ranges between 200-300kgs, though a few are capable of 350kgs or more. Check with our Technical staff directly to find a lift that fits your needs best.

If you are the owner or operator of a facility such as a school, convention center, concert hall or other public space, look at your patron demographic. How do visitors get around any steps, ramps, stages, or other platforms? For residential applications, do you have difficulty using stairs or getting onto a porch? What type of space restrictions do you have? These are some questions you can ask yourself to decide if you need a wheelchair lift.

Portable lifts tend to be most used at event-driven venues, such as concert halls or stages. In some jurisdictions, portable models may be used in place of permanent models. Your local building codes dictate where a lift is used, as well as what type of lift (permanent or portable) and any additional requirements are placed on the lift. Here is an example of a “portable lift” being used at home.