The big advantage of the inclined platform lifts is that they can be installed on top of the stairs provided the stairs are wide enough. Unlike vertical platform lifts, no additional floor plan on the lower and the upper floor needs to be reserved, except the stowe-away space on the bottom and on the top of the stairs.

If you are considering installing an inclined platform lift in your home, your place of business or the public building you are responsible for, then you have come to the right place. You will find here the description of the necessary requirements for the installation of inclined platform lifts, or inclined wheelchair platform lifts, their benefits, and also the safety considerations. When you are done reading, you will be better able to decide whether an inclined platform lift is the right choice for your building.

Requirements for the installation of an inclined platform lift

The main requirement is the width of the stairs. A typical inclined platform lift is significantly wider than a chair lift seat. It must accommodate a wheelchair, a power wheelchair, or a mobility scooter. You must ensure that the platform fits well within the width of the narrowest part of the stairs. Your municipality probably has more detailed codes and restrictions on the necessary width. Besides that there are hardly any other requirements. Most inclined platform lifts come with their own towers that hold the platform. If that is requiring the safety staircase rails to be removed, they can normally be integrated back into the towers of the platform lift, to satisfy the building codes and the building safety inspector.

The inclined platform lift benefits

Besides being able to be installed right on top of the stairs and requiring no extra space for installation, inclined platform lift's main benefit is for a person who uses a mobility vehicle, such as a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, indoors for pretty much all movements. For a person like that, an inclined wheelchair platform lift allows them to be able to move just as easily between the floors as on a single floor.

Safety when using an inclined platform lift

The inclined platform lift is safe simply because it is never far removed from the stairs, or the stair level. However, it is important still to follow all directions that you will find in the operations manual. For example, avoid touching any moving parts, and be sure to engage the brakes on your wheelchair and mobility scooter when positioned on the platform. Use safety belts when seated on the platform chair. Also, think of an inclined platform lift as an elevator. Never plan on using an inclined platform lift in case of fire. Some wheelchair platform lifts will even be connected to a fire alarm so they will be sent to the exit floor and deactivated in case of fire.

Top manufacturers of inclined platform elevators

The top worldwide manufacturers and distributors of inclined platform lifts are TK Access, Garaventa, and Savaria.