The wheelchair lift’s anatomy

Wheelchair lifts, often referred to as vertical platform lifts, are motorized lifting apparatuses that move wheelchairs and their occupants between levels. In contrast to a residential elevator, a wheelchair elevator for home usage is sometimes not completely enclosed, has a different drive system, and requires very less site work. Wheelchair users who need to use an outside lift or who don’t have enough space for a full residential elevator might consider vertical platform lifts. They are also a great option for low-rise applications.

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How do elevators for wheelchairs operate?

A screw drive or hydraulic drive can be used to raise and lower a wheelchair lift. A lengthy screw shaft and driving nut are used in screw drive lifts to move the lift up and down the shaft. In contrast, hydraulic lifts use rams or pistons to fill and release fluid, raising and lowering the platform.

Parts for wheelchair lifts

A wheelchair lift for home usage comprises several essential components even if it is smaller than a residential elevator, such as:

Battery Backup: In order to safely lower the lift in the case of a power outage, many home vertical platform lifts come equipped with battery backups.

Drive mechanism: The lift platform’s raising and lowering mechanism, either mechanical or hydraulic.

A piece of equipment with an electric drive transforms electrical energy into mechanical motion. Both screw drive and hydraulic lifts are powered by electric drives, which can run on either AC or DC current.

Enclosure: The walls around the elevator. Not every wheelchair lift has a cover. Although some lifts are not enclosed, all lifts are required to employ sidewalls and gates in order to keep riders safe.

Ramp: In the event that a pit is not accessible, the ramp offers access to the platform. There can be a stationary ramp or a foldable ramp, depending on the lift you select. When the lift is ascending, the folding ramp will fold up, and it will unfold when it reaches the lower landing. The fixed ramp does not move with the lift and is mostly utilized with enclosed lifts.

Grab rail: For additional safety, a grab rail is a handle that a lift user may hold.

Lift control buttons: A wheelchair lift requires continuous pressure to work, in contrast to house elevators. More control over the lift is given by doing this. Instead of having to finish your ascent and then descend, you could just switch to the down button if the doorbell rang while you were ascending.

Lift platform: Also referred to as the deck, a wheelchair lift platform is a rough, non-skid surface that makes it easy for the wheelchair’s wheels to grip, making it easier for the user to enter and depart the lift. To provide a non-skid surface, lift platforms might utilize textured paints, metal strips, or rubber.

Safety sensor: Under-platform safety sensors are a feature of certain wheelchair lifts. If they identify an obstruction, they will stop the lift.

Wheelchair lift types

Wheelchair lifts work on the very basic principle of a motorized platform that raises and lowers wheelchair users. However, there are other types of residential vertical platform lifts available, such as:

Wheelchair lifts for homes: A basic, one-story lift that advances the user to a higher level. A residential wheelchair lift is often placed next to stairs and works vertically instead of following the stairs’ direction.

Unenclosed wheelchair lifts: Often used for mobile home decks, porch lifts, and landscape elevation adjustments, an unenclosed lift lacks surrounding walls and is often limited to lifting and lowering wheelchairs up to one storey.

Vertical platform lifts that are completely enclosed for increased security are a common option in private homes, but they do take up a little bit more room than an open elevator.

Shaftway lift: The shaftway list is enclosed, just as the enclosed vertical platform lift. The elevator is usually “hidden” behind doors, which is the difference.

Enclosed Plexiglass lifts: These chic elevators have plexiglass infill enclosure wall panels, much like an enclosed lift.

Hybrid wheelchair lifts: Although they resemble residential elevators, hybrid wheelchair lifts use a platform lift’s continuous pressure working technology. Hybrid lifts with a full-height vehicle provide the most customizable options for features and finishes to fit your home’s design and aesthetic.

Selecting the ideal wheelchair lift for your requirements

The best wheelchair elevator for your house will rely on a number of things. Enclosed versions cost more and need more room than unenclosed models, but they are undoubtedly more attractive and more likely to match the surrounding design. Unenclosed versions are great in scenarios where the user won’t be restricted to their wheelchair indefinitely because they are useful and don’t require major modifications to the surrounding space. Which lift model you may employ may also depend on local code restrictions.

Visit the websites of companies that offer wheelchair lifts to get a sense of what’s available. Examine their client endorsements and peruse the model handbooks and standards. When you consider your lift alternatives, keep the following in mind:

How much room on the floor will the elevator take up?

How simple is it to install something?

What is covered by the lift’s warranty and what sort of warranty is it?

What other features are included with the lift?

What is the amount you wish to spend?

To what extent does the lift’s appearance matter to you?