Vertical Platform Lift

The Residential Vertical Platform Lift

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.

Any drawbacks to Vertical Platform Lifts?

Vertical platform lifts do have some 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. 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. 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 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.