In some circumstances, and for some staircase geometries, vertical platform lifts make the most sense as a chair elevator, or wheel chair elevator. Vertical platform lifts provide a usually metal platform that can accommodate a person or a person on a wheel chair or a person riding a mobility scooter. You will find here three main points you need to be aware of if you are to take the maximum advantage of a vertical platform lift. The points are: Installation Requirements, Comfort, and Safety. Let's look at these points about vertical platform lifts.

Requirements for successful installation of a vertical platform lift

While most stairs are suitable for installation of a chair elevator, either a straight chair elevator or a curved chair elevator, not every building is suitable for installation of a vertical platform lift. Vertical platform lift, unlike the chair elevator, needs "its own space on the floorplan", with other words, it can never be installed on top of the existing stairs. So a special provision has to be made and the floor has to be reserved both on the lower level and the upper level for physical installation of the vertical wheelchair platform lift.

The space that needs to be provided is not too big, however, it just needs to accommodate the size of the platform itself plus the overhead on each side. Some vertical platform lifts are used for exterior needs, such as bringing a wheel chair up to the porch. Others are used on the inside of the house, or inside a public building, or in the corporate offices. The wheelchair platform lifts can be made as stylish as needed to fit into any kind of environment. And they are versatile, as well. They can lift as high as 12 feet, and can be designed with stops on the way to the top.

Another requirement you need to fulfill, of course, is your local building code compliance, any permits you must obtain in this regard, and any state or federal regulations on wheelchair platform lifts for your type of building, be it a home, commercial business, or a public place.

Comfort provided by a vertical platform lift

Especially for someone bound to a wheel chair or a mobile scooter, the ability to simply drive up to the platform and be whisked up or down one floor in a minute without even getting of the wheel chair or mobility scooter, is priceless. Some mobility disabilities are such that a person is better off just staying in a mobility scooter or wheelchair for the entire day, and doing all household chores while sitting down comfortably. Or they could be going to work in a mobility scooter as well. The use of vertical platform lifts simply adds to the comfort for a person like that. Through a wheelchair platform lift a person with a disability will have as easy access to the building as a person with no disability.

Safety

The act of lifting the whole wheelchair up one floor on a platform certainly does not seem as safe as using a chair elevator and following the contour of the stairs. Despite the safety bars that are built on to a vertical platform lift, one must exercise caution using any wheelchair platform lift. Always make sure the brakes on your wheelchair or mobility scooter are engaged. If you are taking a chair, use the safety belt. If the wheelchair platform lift has flaps, be sure they are in the up position before the ride starts. Be sure to stay away from any moving parts during the ride. Most platforms do provide a safety bar. Be sure it is dropped in place before the ride. Hold on to it if you like. Familiarize yourself with a safety brake location, and the stop button location, if the stop button is provided. Be sure to perform maintenance checks as directed by the manufacturer.

Top manufacturers of vertical platform lifts

The top manufacturers of vertical wheelchair platform lifts are Bruno, Garaventa, Savaria, and TK Access.