The Residential Vertical Platform Lift
The Handicare Sterling 9000 Deck and Porch Lift (Image courtesy of Handicare/Sterling)
The Residential Vertical Platform Lift (also called a porch lift) provides smooth and safe access to raised entries, decks, or different levels in your home. The smooth and quiet Bruno Platform Lift (VPL) has a 750 pound lifting capacity, and is large enough to handle the majority of mobility vehicles.
A vertical platform lift carries the whole wheelchair or scooter from one level of the home or outdoor property to another level. There is no need for a transfer from a chair or scooter, in order to enter a home or change floors within a home when a platform lift is in use.
Retirement Living says, “Vertical platform lifts are common in both homes and public spaces. In residential settings, they are often installed at porches, raised entryways, or to connect interior levels. In schools, churches, and offices, they provide an accessibility solution where ramps or elevators are not practical.”
Bruno residential platform lifts are available for height variations of up to 14 feet, offering a cost-effective access solution to enable you or a loved one to stay in your home when a mobility challenge occurs. A Bruno Residential Platform Lift is just the solution!
Generally, when planning to install a home wheelchair lift, you will need a lift with a clear floor area of a minimum of 30” by 48” (depending on the chair size), unassisted entry, and one that insures clear operation by the lift user. Controls should be easily accessible and properly located for safe operation. Providing safe and easy operation and maintenance-free reliability, the Bruno vertical platform lifts are code-compliant and able to be installed indoors or outdoors.
While a one-step into the front door can be fixed by a ramp, getting out into the yard or garden can be a significant challenge for a family member or guest in a wheelchair or scooter. You may be surprised to learn that both stair lifts and platform lifts are available to be installed on the exterior of the home. For an excellent video that illustrates the Bruno Residential Vertical Platform Lift operation, watch this Bruno Vertical Platform Lift video.
Call Stair Lifts Atlanta today at (770) 880-3405 or send us an email using our website contact form to see if a platform lift is right for you.
When a Vertical Platform Lift May Be the Right Choice
For many wheelchair and scooter users, stairs are not the only accessibility challenge. Raised porches, split-level entries, garages, decks, and changes in elevation around the home can make everyday movement difficult. Vertical platform lifts from Stair Lifts Atlanta provide a practical way to move between levels without requiring the user to transfer out of a wheelchair or scooter.
Unlike a traditional stair lift, which carries a seated rider along a staircase, a vertical platform lift raises and lowers the entire mobility device and its user. This can make vertical platform lifts from Stair Lifts Atlanta especially useful for individuals who cannot safely transfer to a stair lift seat or who need to remain in their wheelchair while entering or leaving the home.
Platform lifts may be installed indoors or outdoors, depending on the home and application. Outdoor installations can provide access to porches, decks, garages, and other raised entrances, while indoor installations may help overcome level changes within the home. Because every property is different, vertical platform lifts from Stair Lifts Atlanta should be selected based on available space, required travel height, entry and exit configuration, and the mobility device being used.
Vertical Platform Lift Installation
Vertical platform lift installation can provide an alternative way to move a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or person between different levels of a home or other building. Unlike a stair lift, which follows the staircase, a platform lift travels vertically between floors or elevations. This type of accessibility equipment may be considered for entrances, porches, decks, garages, split-level homes, and other areas where there is a change in elevation.
The appropriate lift depends on the building, the vertical distance involved, available space, and how the equipment will be used. A professional evaluation can help determine which type of lift and installation approach is appropriate for the property.
Planning for Installation
Careful planning is an important part of vertical platform lift installation. The installer needs to evaluate the proposed location, including the available space at the upper and lower levels, the landing areas, and the path the user will take when entering and exiting the lift.
The vertical distance between levels is another important consideration. Different lifts are designed for different travel heights, so measurements are needed before equipment is selected. The installation location may also affect whether modifications to an entrance, landing, deck, porch, or other structure are necessary.
Indoor and Outdoor Applications
A vertical platform lift can be installed in either indoor or outdoor applications, depending on the equipment selected and the site conditions. Indoor installations may provide access between floors, garages, basements, or other areas within a home.
Outdoor vertical platform lift models can provide access from ground level to a raised porch or deck. They may also be considered where a ramp would require substantial space or where the available property layout makes a vertical lift a practical alternative. Outdoor equipment must be appropriate for exposure to weather and the conditions at the installation site.
Bruno Commercial Vertical Platform Lifts VPL-3300 Series
Wheelchair and Mobility Access
One of the primary applications for a vertical platform lift is providing access for a person who uses a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The user enters the platform at one level, and the platform travels vertically to another level.
Platform dimensions, weight capacity, controls, gate configuration, and entry and exit arrangements vary among models. These details should be considered in relation to the equipment the individual uses and the physical layout of the property.
What the Installation Process Involves
Before installing a vertical platform lift, measurements and site conditions are reviewed so the equipment can be properly specified. Depending on the project, installation may involve preparing a base, modifying a landing, providing electrical service, or making other site-specific changes.
The installation requirements vary according to the manufacturer, model, travel height, location, and construction of the building. A professional installer can explain the requirements associated with the equipment being considered and identify any site preparation that may be necessary.
Choosing the Right Equipment
There are several types of vertical platform lift equipment available, with different configurations and features. Some models are designed primarily for indoor use, while others are manufactured for outdoor applications. Enclosed or partially enclosed configurations may also be available depending on the product.
The right choice depends on the individual’s mobility needs as well as the physical characteristics of the property. Factors such as platform size, travel distance, entrance configuration, available space, and intended frequency of use should all be considered.
Schedule a Home Assessment
A professional assessment is an important step before proceeding with vertical platform lift installation. An assessment allows the installer to evaluate the proposed location, take measurements, discuss the intended use, and determine the installation requirements.
For homeowners considering improved accessibility between different levels, a site evaluation can provide useful information before selecting equipment or beginning construction. Stair Lifts Atlanta can discuss available accessibility options and help determine whether a vertical platform lift may be appropriate for your home or property.
Any drawbacks to Vertical Platform Lifts?
There are vertical platform lift drawbacks. They require adequate installation space and may need structural modifications, can appear more mechanical than a residential elevator, and require ongoing maintenance of the drive and safety systems. Retirement Living says, “They are also generally limited to shorter travel heights than full elevators and may operate more slowly than some other accessibility options.”
A professional evaluation can help determine whether a platform lift, ramp, stair lift, or another accessibility solution is most appropriate for the home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertical Platform Lifts
1. Can a vertical platform lift carry a wheelchair or scooter?
Yes. A vertical platform lift is specifically designed to carry the user together with a wheelchair or scooter. This eliminates the need to transfer to a separate seat and can make vertical platform lifts from Stair Lifts Atlanta a good option for people who depend on mobility devices throughout the day.
2. Can vertical platform lifts be installed outdoors?
Many platform lifts are designed for exterior installation and can be used at porches, decks, garages, and other entrances. Accessible driveway and other outdoor site conditions, available space, elevation changes, and weather exposure should all be considered when planning the installation.
3. How is a platform lift different from a stair lift?
A stair lift carries a seated rider along the staircase, while a platform lift moves vertically and carries the user together with a wheelchair or scooter. Vertical platform lifts from Stair Lifts Atlanta may therefore be more appropriate when transferring from a mobility device is difficult or unsafe.
4. How do I know whether I need a ramp or platform lift?
The best solution depends on the height that must be overcome, available space, mobility needs, and property layout. A wood ramp or aluminum ramp may work well for smaller elevation changes when sufficient space is available. Where space is limited or the elevation is greater, vertical platform lifts from Stair Lifts Atlanta may provide a more compact accessibility solution.