Today, many people who have trouble getting around opt for a platform wheelchair lift to assist with accessing different areas of their homes or businesses.
Platform wheelchair lifts are manufactured in several sizes and configurations, so it is critical that you consider your needs before selecting the right equipment. You will also need to think about where you want to place the wheelchair lift, as some designs are better-suited for installation into concrete or outdoor settings.
For individuals who don’t have enough space or budget to install a traditional lift, a platform wheelchair lift is an excellent alternative.
Which wheelchair lift is right for you?
There are three main types:
- Straight platform lifts
- Inclined platform lifts
- Vertical platform lifts
Vertical platform lift operates along with a vertical rail system.
The straight or Inclined platform lift, also known as a stair lift, , runs along with a set of guide rails that are specifically designed for straight and curved staircases.
3 Types of Platform Wheelchair Lifts
#1 Straight Platform Lift PLG7 (Straight Staircases)
Price range from $22,000 (Supply & Install)
Modern, flexible and secure, a platform stairlift is ideally suited to fit all straight staircases. An elegant solution to remove your barriers.
- Space-saving design
- Smooth start and stop performance
- Travel length up to 30m
- Landings up to 5
- Low maintenance
- Modifications for existing homes are not necessary
- Indoor and Outdoor
- Accommodate design requirements
- Compliant with AS 1735.7-1998 – Lifts, escalators and moving walks Stairway lifts
How does a Straight platform Lift work?
Article Summary
How to choose and install a platform lift?
3 types of platform lifts
Straight Platform Lift PLG7 (straight stairs)
Curved Platform Lift PLK8 (Curved Stairs)
Open Vertical Lift
Benefits of platform wheelchair lift
Installation Examples for Straight & Curved Platform Lift
FAQ’s: Who can use a Platform Wheelchair Lift?
FAQ’s: What is the cost of a platform wheelchair lift?
FAQ’s: What is the cost of a platform wheelchair lift?
FAQ’s: Can I claim NDIS for the wheelchair lift installation?
FAQ’s: What is the difference between wheelchair lifts and elevators?
FAQ’s: Why is it important to have a platform wheelchair lift?
FAQ’s: How much horsepower do I need for a platform wheelchair lift?
FAQ’s: What are some alternatives to a platform wheelchair lift?
FAQ’s: Is a wheelchair lift the same as a stairlift?
FAQ’s: But what about the weight restrictions of platform wheelchair lifts?
FAQ’s: How long does it take to install a wheelchair lift?
FAQ’s: What Laws & Regulations Affect Wheelchair Lifts in Australia?
FAQ’s: What is a portable wheelchair lift?
FAQ’s: How To Get a Quote For A Wheelchair Lift?
For individuals who don’t have enough space or budget to install a traditional lift, a platform wheelchair lift is an excellent alternative. It is excellent assistance for people in wheelchairs who needs to travel up and down the stairs to access their home where an elevator isn’t an option.
#2 Curved Platform Lift PLK8 (Curved Staircases)
Price range from $26,000 (Supply & Install)
This type is considered to be the most stylish, but it may only be used with stairs that are curved in shape.
This lift can also serve more than two floors, which is why it’s often described as a multi-story platform wheelchair lift.
Ideally suited to fit all curved staircases.
- Space-saving design
- Smooth start and stop performance
- Travel length up to 30m
- Landings up to 5
- Low maintenance
- Modifications for existing homes are not necessary
- Indoor and Outdoor
- Accommodate design requirements
- Compliant with AS 1735.7-1998 – Lifts, escalators and moving walks Stairway lifts
#3 Vertical Platform Lift (Unaporte)
Price starts from A$29,190 (Supply & Install)
With the modern vertical lift, you can reach all levels of your building with minimal intervention in the existing building structure.
Suitable for a maximum lifting height of 2m for DDA compliance & 3m for residential.
Without a shaft, the lift finds its place in all possible installation situations.
Making Accessibility a breeze to your home or office
- For Your Residential & Commercial Building
- Little modification to the existing structure
- Maximum 2-stops
- Maximum lifting height of 2m for DDA compliance
- Maximum lifting height of 3m for residential
- With or without a shaft
- Accommodate design requirements
- Compliant with AS 1735.14-1998 – Lifts, escalators and moving walks Low-rise platforms for passengers
How does a Straight platform Lift work?
#Benefits of having a platform wheelchair lift
- Improve mobility access in places where an elevator isn’t an option
- Nominal structural modifications are required
- Customisable features and finishes
- Transport awkward loads safely and easily between floors
- Improve access to staircases for people with disabilities
- Platform lifts can be installed both inside and outside of a home or building
- A vertical platform lift is less expensive to instal and operate
- Ensure that public areas are accessible and compliant with all
Installation Examples for Straight & Curved Platform Lift
Platform lifts for straight and curved staircases Intermediate landings can be surmounted with a curved travel rail (Fig. 1) or by installing rails with elevation changes (Fig. 2). The travel rails can be mounted directly onto the walls or attached to steel stanchions (Fig. 2 & 3). Multi-level landings with parking places can be planned to suit individual requirements.
Who can use a Platform Wheelchair Lift?
What is the cost of a platform wheelchair lift?
See an actual example of installation in New South Wales.
Click here to view actual project
The machine itself is only part of that price tag. In most cases, it also includes installation and any required minor structural changes inside your home as well as electrical work that must be done around the stairway area. The price range can include yearly maintenance service (optional) after installation by a professional.
Who can use a Platform Wheelchair Lift?
What is the cost of a platform wheelchair lift?
See an actual example of installation in New South Wales.
Click here to view actual project
The machine itself is only part of that price tag. In most cases, it also includes installation and any required minor structural changes inside your home as well as electrical work that must be done around the stairway area. The price range can include yearly maintenance service (optional) after installation by a professional.
Can I claim NDIS for the platform wheelchair lift installation?
What is the difference between wheelchair lifts and elevators?
Wheelchair lifts are smaller than elevators and can be portable or permanent, allowing them to serve a wide range of individuals with various accessibility requirements. Elevators, on the other hand, are used to transport people and goods throughout a building or structure.
In contrast to wheelchair lifts, elevators take up far more room to install and run.
Why is it important to have a platform wheelchair lift?
What are some alternatives to a platform wheelchair lift?
The chair is designed to glide effortlessly along a straight aluminium track providing an attractive, elegant, and functional addition to your home. The Levant stairlift may be used on straight making it a good choice for people who don't use wheelchairs but want a different option than platform lifts.
Click here for the actual stairlift cost.
Is a wheelchair lift the same as a stairlift?
The two can also be used in conjunction with each other if required. This is where the wheelchair platform comes into its own because putting this between the stairs, enables everyone including those using sticks to easily get up and down without having to worry about the impact of using actual stairs.
But what about weight restrictions of wheelchair lift?
One thing to take into account though would be the total width and depth of the wheelchair lift platform. So always let the professional asses and measure before getting them fitted to avoid disappointment at the end.
If unsure, contact Direct Lifts Australia and they should be able to offer some guidance.
How long does it take to install a wheelchair lift?
It can therefore take anything from one day up to three weeks, although most companies will try to get it fitted within a few days.
What Laws & Regulations Affect Wheelchair Lifts in Australia?
In addition, some states have their own legislation which needs to be considered if installing a wheelchair lift.
Most of the specifications and regulations that apply to wheelchair lifts are those defined by the Australian Standards AS1926.1 – 1998, which provide a detailed guideline for stairlifts using a platform design.
What is a portable wheelchair lift?
It is perfect for situations where ramps are too steep or too long, or where a stairlift or elevator is not suitable owing to too small a difference in altitude.
Different models will allow transfer from heights of 150mm through to a 970mm rise.
Click to learn about portable wheelchair lift
How to get a quote for a wheelchair Lift?
Getting a quote for an installation can be difficult because not all companies offer this service online.
Many only provide quotes by phone while others may require you to come to their showroom.
However, there are some online companies that will be happy to provide you with a quote without the need for you to visit them in person or make a phone call.
One such company is Direct Lifts Australia which offers wheelchair platform quotes online.
Simply fill out their form and they will get in touch with you via email to discuss different options and prices.
For decades, local Stairlifts providers, such as Direct Lifts Australia, have delivered outstanding service in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
We can help you in finding the stairlift that is most suitable for your needs and budget. We offer an expert installation service, comprehensive aftersales support, and outstanding warranties on all our stairlifts.
For those worried about making an expensive purchase without knowing which is best for their needs, we have created this 1-minute walkthrough of our Stairlift Finder to help make things easier!
A man who knows his way around the world of mobility. He has been in this industry for decades and has seen it all!
He started his career in Brisbane with mobility scooters, and progressed to stairlifts, and ultimately platform lifts. He gained a newfound interest in elevators while working in the lift industry and took advantage of the opportunity to work in both residential and commercial lifts. He is now the official distributor of Nova Elevators Italy, Cibes, Ascendor, Otolift & ThyssenKrupp products in Australia. Offices and showrooms expanded in Brisbane, Sydney & Coffs Harbour while establishing partnerships in major cities such as Melbourne, Northern Territory.
He is a current member of the Lift Engineer’s Society of Australia (LESA), providing advice regarding lift standards, their implementation, good industry practices and compliance with applicable AS standards, guidelines, and codes
Choosing the Right Stairlift – Refurbished Models in Australia
For many individuals, the cost of stairlifts in Sydney and other areas of Australia is a significant concern.
It can be challenging to get an accurate estimate without visiting local stairlift suppliers.
Stairlifts are an excellent alternative for individuals with mobility difficulties who need to ascend and descend stairs regularly.
Residential Lifts Australia
A residential lift is a great way to add value to your home. It’s also a convenient way to get around, especially if you live in a multi-story home.
Domestic Lift: How to Choose the Right Domestic Lift for Your Home
Table of Contents What Are Domestic Lifts, and Why Would I Need It? There are two main types of domestic lifts Why Should You Install Domestic Lift? Which do you prefer: A domestic lift or the traditional elevator? How Does a Domestic Lift Work? How Do I Choose the Right Domestic Lift for My Home?
Compact home lifts price
It can be challenging to manoeuvre around when living in a small space, especially when you need to get up and down the stairs. Luckily, many compact home lifts will help make things easier for seniors and those with mobility issues or people living in smaller-sized houses. We've compiled a list of reasonable alternatives for
Stairlift Price Guide Australia (Jan 20232)
For many individuals, the cost of stairlifts in Sydney and other areas of Australia is a significant concern.
It can be challenging to get an accurate estimate without visiting local stairlift suppliers.
Stairlifts are an excellent alternative for individuals with mobility difficulties who need to ascend and descend stairs regularly.
Home Lift Prices in Australia ( Updated Sept 2023)
A home elevator or also known as a home lift is a great long-term investment that allows you to access all rooms without encountering stairs. But what’s the cost of such an item?
Whether it be for luxury or practical purposes, there are many different types and prices available when looking into buying your own lift.
Current Affairs Stairlift
And with a two-storied house, Howard had given up hope in leading a normal life again! He struggled to get up and down the stairs, and in his words, said, “a one-legged man doesn’t belong in a two-storied house.”
Direct Lifts Queensland Headquarters
We are excited to announce that our new headquarter is officially open in Brisbane! This new location will allow us to service more customers in a timely manner and be able to showcase the demo home & commercial lifts, wheelchair lifts, and stairlifts available in the showroom. We hope you stop by so we can show you around and offer you some of our best services.
The Difference Between Gearless & Hydraulic Drive System
As per Australian AS1735 standards and NCC E3.6 all lifts ( home lifts, commercial lift, wheelchair lifts and platform lifts) except Stairway lifts require an active emergency phone that is able to be answered by a help centre 24/7.
Reason to install stairlift (Top 8 Reasons)
Whether you require a wheelchair lift to help you move in and out of your home or about the home itself…
