Whether you require a wheelchair lift to help you move in and out of your home or about the home itself, seeking a lift to meet access compliance regulations, or seeking improved access to your business or organisation, there are now a great range of options available. People in wheelchairs can move in and out of buildings as well as accessing different levels once inside a building. Both residential
(in-home use) and commercial applications are available.
A wheelchair lift or platform lift is broadly defined as a standalone unit that provides access to a location where the installation of an elevator is either impossible or impractical. The platform lift helps overcome height barriers such as stairs, verandas and stages. Wheelchair lifts are available as a permanent installation or as a portable option, whereas a platform option is always a permanent installation.
There are two types of platform lift: Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) and Inclined Platform Lift (IPL). The VPL travels up and down, while the IPL travels diagonally moving across a barrier such as stairs.
The IPL travels along a rail generally installed on a staircase or an adjacent wall. The IPL also has the benefit of being able to be folded up when not in use, saving space and allowing others to use the stairway.
Both types of platform lift allow the travel of a person in a wheelchair or other mobility aid such as a scooter or walker. The VPL is more commonly installed and simple moves up and down from a fixed position.