Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lift Uses and Installations

Platform Lift or Ramp?

Only recently has building access for persons with disabilities been incorporated into building design. As a result, it is a challenge to accommodate buildings not originally designed with handicap access in mind. Solutions involving ramps require one foot of ramp for every inch of height attained, and generally cost in the neighborhood of 175 to 200 dollars per foot to complete. The amount of space required to accommodate a ramp solution is generally quite large, and it is near impossible to compliment the building and adjacent areas or meet local building codes. Vertical platform wheelchair lifts address these concerns with small footprints, structural options, configurations to meet codes, and with significantly lower costs.

What is a Vertical Wheelchair Lift?

Vertical wheelchair lifts are flat platforms that typically operate with screw type drives on standard 110 electrical outlets. They are often used for porch access outdoors as well as second story access inside homes or public buildings. Churches and schools may elect to use them to reach stages and public facilities, and often select them because they can be configured to meet ADA expectations. Standard designs are for straight-through entry/exit, but 90-degree turns or 3-stop lifts are also available.

Evaluate Your Location

When evaluating a location for a vertical lift, you should plan on having an area approximately 4.5 feet by 8.0 feet in order to address any entry/exit. Allow at least 3.5 to 4 feet of room directly in front of the lift entry to line up a wheelchair for access. Check to make sure there will be enough headroom over head when the lift is at full height. You should plan to have at least 7 feet of headroom above the platform at full height since passengers may be standing.

Foundation Considerations

A firm, stable base must be available as the foundation for any lift. Keep in mind that a 60-inch lift may weigh up to 1600 pounds when occupied, and 144-inch lifts may weigh over a ton when occupied. For most outdoor or basement applications, a concrete pad of at least 4 inches is preferred, and adding steel re-bar is best. Using supports such as recessed railroad ties is generally not advised on bare ground, as the ground may shift and reduce the stability of the lift. Typically, blacktop surfaces are thin by comparison and have a tendency to sink when exposed to heat; therefore, a blacktop foundation is not recommended. If you are installing the platform lift in a structure with wood floors, you must allow for the weight of the lift and the maximum capacity on the foot print of the lift. This can be as much as 1 ton or more so proper planning with regard to placement over the correct size floor joists is essential.

What about Outdoor Applications?

Vertical wheelchair lifts are also designed to operate outdoors with standard, UL approved, ground fault, 110-volt outlets. The motors are located at the top of a sealed control tower to prevent water damage. The floors on the basic residential models are designed to for use in all but the most extreme weather conditions.

Tricia St. Claire is a technical writer for medical and mobility supply websites. For more information on vertical platform wheelchair lifts, please visit Universal Accessibility.