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
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