About Vertical Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair ramps opened up new accessibility to people in wheelchairs, but sometimes ramps aren't possible or convenient in a given location. That's where vertical wheelchair lifts come in handy.

What Vertical Wheelchair Lifts Do

• Vertical wheelchair lifts are, in essence, small elevators for wheelchairs, in which the wheelchair user rolls onto the lift's platform and is lifted up or down a level. Some wheelchair lifts are powered by electricity, some by hydraulics.

Why a Vertical Wheelchair Lift is Helpful

• Vertical wheelchair lifts provide greater mobility for the wheelchair-bound. They are easier and often safer to use than wheelchair ramps. They are also less expensive to install than traditional elevators. They don't take as much space as ramps, and can span a height difference of up to 14 feet, which would be difficult for a ramp to manage.

How to Choose a Vertical Wheelchair Lift

• Determine what type of vertical wheelchair lift you need: an open or enclosed platform. See what will work best with the difference in level you are trying to overcome. Make sure the lift you choose has basic safety features such as an emergency stop switch and a battery backup if power fails.