by Monique Swyer

Created on: March 13, 2009

Wheelchair lifts carry a person and their wheelchair to the next level of a building. If a wheelchair lift travels up the staircase over the stairs, it is called an inclined platform lift. A wheelchair lift that travels vertically straight up through the floor is called a vertical platform lift. These lifts were originally desinged for use in commercial applications to meet access / ADA requirements at a much lower cost than an elevator.

There are now residential versions of the wheelchair lift, as well as lifts for vans and buses. The whole goal of the wheelchair lift is to allow a person who uses a wheelchair to travel independently. Since the early 90's, all of the wheelchair lifts made in the U.S. have even used the same key for operation, so if a wheelchair user has one of these keys, they can go anywhere a lift has been installed. This key is called a 2252 key and is priceless to anybody who uses a wheelchair. (To get a key, contact the website www.EasyElevators.com. )

For safety reasons, there are a very detailed set of codes that address the installation of wheelchair lifts. It is critical that these lifts be installed by trained installers who know the codes. Commercial lifts need to be inspected, as do residential lifts in some states such as Georgia. The codes address the clearances, the platform size, and the allowed capacity as well as the many safety switches required on the lifts. Often the smaller vertical lifts are not enclosed, so a person could get underneath a lift and be crushed if the lift were not installed properly.

Vertical platform lifts are driven either by hydraulics or screw drives. Either type of drive system can be ordered with battery operation. The rider travels in a short box with walls that are 42" high. The drive system is contained in a tower which sits on the side of the box. A vertical lift takes up approximately 52" in width by 50" in depth. The tower is a little taller than the upper landing height. Residential lifts typically do not have to be enclosed, so more creativity can be taken with the installation to preserve views and present a less bulky appearance. To see pictures of vertical lifts, go to www.BlueMooseElevators.com.

Inclined platform lifts travel along a rail system, more like a roller coaster. These are typically the last choice in accessibility products because they call attention to the user and block the staircase. They often have flashing lights and audible alarms. It is important that the fire marshall review the staircase to be sure that adequate egress is maintained in case of fire, as an inclined lift does block a significant area of the staircase.

A wheelchair lift allows safe and convenient access for everybody in multi-level homes and businesses.

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