If you are considering a platform lift for home use, you have come to the right place.
A lift allows people with disabilities or other mobility challenges to get around their homes. They’re not just great as an extra convenience. They also come in handy during emergencies when you need help getting out of your house fast!
A lot goes into choosing the right type of home elevating device: size, weight capacity (the maximum amount another person can push), and safety features like automatic brakes on stairs.
What Are Platform Lifts?
Platform lifts, also known as personal lifts or vertical platform lifts. They are used for a couple of people at a time or wheelchair users to navigate a few levels.
Lifts can be installed indoors or outside of a building and often have an enclosed platform with walls and a roof. These lifts allow for greater independence and access and can provide an alternative to using ramps or elevators.
Platform lifts come in various sizes and configurations, and certain models can even be collapsible for easy transport. In addition to personal use in private homes, these lifts can also be used in workplaces or public spaces to ensure accessibility.
Overall, platform lifts offer a convenient and safe way for individuals in wheelchairs to navigate their surroundings.
Reasons To Consider A Platform Lift For Home Use
When planning a renovation or remodeling a home, it may be worth considering the option of a lift. A platform lift can provide easy access to different levels of the house. It’s ideal for those with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs.
Home elevators also offer convenient and stylish options for lifting individuals between floors. It is important to consider these types of mobility solutions not only for yourself but also for potential future residents who may benefit from them.
In addition, vertical platform lifts and elevators can increase the value of your home and make it more desirable on the market. So, when planning your next home improvement project, don’t forget to explore your lift options.
Types Of Platform Lifts
Hydraulic
These lifts are powered by a liquid called hydraulic fluid. This type of lift is often considered the most reliable, as it is less likely to malfunction than other types of lifts.
However, hydraulic lifts can be more expensive to maintain and repair. They also require a larger space for installation.
Cable
The Cable lifts are powered by a cable that runs through a sheave and is attached to the lift carriage.
However, cable lifts can be less reliable than other types of lifts and are more prone to mechanical failures. They also require a smaller space for installation.
If you are looking for a Cable Platform Lift I recommend Nationwide Lifts’ Freedom Green lift.
The Freedom Green is a very popular home elevator. This affordable elevator has a smooth and quiet cable drive. This elevator has several options for cab finishes, gates, and doors.
Wheelchair Lifts
A Wheelchair lift is most commonly used in places where there is limited space or when a regular vertical platform lift isn’t suitable. For example, wheelchair lifts can be installed in curved staircases.
They are also a good option for outdoor use, such as a porch lift, as they are weatherproof and can handle uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair lifts are typically powered by electricity, though some models include a manual crank for backup. They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different types of wheelchairs.
If you are considering a wheelchair lift for your home, be sure to consult with a professional to find the best model for your needs.
Pneumatic
A pneumatic lift could be the answer for you. This type of lift uses air pressure to raise and lower the platform. Pneumatic lifts are typically powered by electricity, though some models include a manual crank for backup. They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different types of wheelchairs.
Nationwide Lifts offers 3 options platform sizes, the smaller two are for 1 or 2 passengers but there largest, the Vision 550 big enough for wheelchair users.
The Vision 550 is the wheelchair-accessible version of an air-operated lift. These round home elevators are ideal for those using assistive devices or those who have mobility impairments. This pneumatic residential elevator’s generous weight capacity and interior diameter can accommodate large or heavy assistive equipment.
Shaftless Lift
A shaftless lift consists of a platform that is attached to a carriage that travels up and down a rail. This type of lift is often considered the most affordable option.
Shaftless lifts are less reliable than other types of lifts and are more prone to mechanical failures. However, they also require a smaller space for installation.
The sizes range for 1 person to a 2 person or wheelchair size.
Installing a Vertical Platform Lift For Home Use
It is important to ensure that there is enough height not only for the lift itself but also for any necessary support beams and roof alterations. The lift must also be able to reach full ceiling height, as well as fit under any roof overhangs or structures around the shaft.
By taking these factors into consideration a platform lift can provide a practical solution for increased accessibility in the home.
Alternatives
If you are not able to install a vertical platform lift in your home, there are other options available. One alternative is using a wheelchair ramp. Wheelchair ramps can be installed outside or inside the home and vary in length and width to suit different types of wheelchairs.
Another option is using a stair lift. A stair lift is a motorized chair that travels up and down stairs, allowing individuals with limited mobility to easily access all levels of their home.
Both wheelchair ramps and stairlifts are available for rent or purchase. Which also makes a convenient solution for those who only need limited budgets.
Conclusion
One important aspect is where the lift will be installed; while some lifts can work outdoors, others are customized for indoor use. It is also crucial to ensure that the lift can meet the user’s specific needs and has enough room for any necessary medical equipment or assistance devices.
Additionally, the design of vertical platform lifts should be extremely versatile in order to adapt to any changes in the user’s circumstances.
However, lifts are not just for the severely disabled, they can also be a feature luxury in a home. They can be incorporated into a new staircase design when planning a remodel, take a look a easy to use floor plans.
Ultimately, with careful consideration of these factors, platform lifts can provide increased independence and ease of access within a home setting.
