Wheelchair Lifts – 3 Key Factors to Consider in Wheelchair Lift Selection

There are many wheelchair lift factors to consider in the selection process.

1. First and foremost, the platform length of the wheelchair lift must be sufficient to accommodate the mobility device being lifted from one level to another.

a. If the mobility device is a scooter, tilt wheelchair, wheelchair with leg rests then straight on the platform and straight off the platform is necessary.

b. If the mobility device is a manual wheelchair, then it is a possibility to consider a 90 degree exit from the platform.  But, the ideal flow of the wheelchair is also straight on and straight off the platform.

c. If the mobility device is a power wheelchair, then the weight of the user and the chair is important since some wheelchair lifts have a capacity of 500 lbs.  Another factor is that you may require a dedicated 20 amp fuse if you are considering a plug in style wheelchair lift model.

2. Ground slope in the approach to the platform must be relatively a gentle slope.

a. If the person using the lift propels the wheelchair  themselves then the slope approaching the platform needs to be less than a 1 to 12 slope on enable them to be able to manage moving the wheelchair onto the platform.  This is also the case for the situation where a person pushing the wheelchair is elderly or does not have the strength to push a wheelchair up a steel slope.

b. If the user is moving a scooter or power chair onto the platform then the slope is not as important a factor.

3. Safety issues are important.

a. A gate at the top of the lift is common to be a legal requirement in many states for residential application.  In Canada, this requirement is not mandatory except in commercial applications.  However, a gate of some description is a good idea in all wheelchair lift installations.  This is so that when the platform is at the lower station, that a person standing at the top landing can not fall down onto the platform.

b. Underneath the platform, almost all wheelchair lift manufacturers have a safety pan that will stop the lift if the pan is engaged with any type of obstruction.  This is extremely important to prevent injury if somehow an animal or small child ended up under the platform.

Learn more about wheelchair lift models available.

Two Wheelchair lift Case Studies

There are two types of wheelchair lifts. One is a vertical platform lift that a wheelchair user drives up on, a button is pushed, and the lift takes the rider from one level to another. The other type of wheelchair lift is an incline wheelchair lift that is attached to a track that is mounted to a load bearing wall. To buy wheelchair lifts on line is questionable do to the customized requirements of each job site, size and weight of equipment being lifts and the wheelchair users physical needs.

Here are two wheelchair lift case studies:

A Gardena, California family was faced with getting into and out of their mobile home with a wheelchair after a stroke left the husband unable to walk. Ramps took up too much space and were too steep for the wife to manage.

Solution: SILVER CROSS Los Angeles provided a vertical platform lift (aka Porch Lift) for access to the rear door of the home, which left enough room for the existing stairs and left the carport free for the family car to be parked there.

A Torrance, California woman needed the lowest-possible cost wheelchair access to her home without advertising the fact that someone in the home was disabled.

Solution: SILVER CROSS modified the step entry into the main house and provided a wheelchair lift to access it. These modifications were discretely installed in the garage, out of sight, and with enough room left for the car.

There are many used wheelchair lift retailers than can assist in finding a lower cost alternative to a new wheelchair lift.