About Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts are hydraulic or electric devices that can lift a wheelchair to a higher level for easy access to vehicles and buildings. Most wheelchair lifts are built into a structure and remain in place for easy access. Wheelchair lifts are made to work with a simple push of a button to smoothly transport the chair and the user into a vehicle or building.

Choices

• The type of wheelchair used determines the kind of lift that's needed. Heavy electric chairs can weigh up to 400 pounds and require a more durable wheelchair lift such as the Vangater Series lift from BraunAbility. The lift is mounted on the side door of a van and can hold up to 750 pounds. Once the user is inside the van, the lift raises and folds with the touch of a button and the door slides closed behind it. A less expensive hitch-mounted lift that runs under $300 by U.S. Medical Supplies is ideal for manual chair users who can transfer out of the chair and stand long enough to attach the chair to the back of the vehicle. People who rely on drivers and helpers can transfer out of the chair into the car and have the driver easily attach the chair to the back of the vehicle.

Retrofit

• Most wheelchair lifts can be retrofitted to any type of vehicle, although most wheelchair users prefer to drive vans that can accommodate the chair. Many automobile manufacturers will rebate the cost of a lift from the price of a new vehicle if they cannot install the lift themselves. Electric wheelchair lifts for vans and cars can cost between $800 and $3,500.

Independence

• Many wheelchair users drive vans with hand controls and appreciate the independence afforded them by a wheelchair lift. Using a remote control, they can slide open the side of a van door, lower the lift, enter the van and lift themselves up into the vehicle. Another button allows them to raise the lift. They can roll into the empty place behind the steering wheel, lock their chairs into place and drive away.

Public Buildings

• Many older public buildings not equipped with ramps that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) utilize wheelchair lifts. Portable lifts, such as those developed by Ascension, can be moved around from room to room and set beside stages and risers for easy access. The wheelchair user simply rolls onto the lift and is lifted up to the surface.

Installed

• Wheelchair accessible vans can be purchased new and used from a number of dealers. The lifts and ramps are built into the van and no retrofitting is required. Safety standards are higher when you have the van converted right off the assembly line. Companies such as AMS Vans sell conversion-ready accessible vans that come with a limited warranty for up to 70,000 miles. They resell used vans and operate a number of showrooms around the country.