According to law, people in wheelchairs must have access to all floors of a building. ADA-complaint wheelchair lifts are designed to ensure such persons safe and comfortable vertical transportation in buildings. They come in different models and can be installed both outdoors and indoors. Therefore several factors have to be considered when choosing wheelchair lifts for residential use.

Choosing Wheelchair Lifts for Residence - Things to Consider

• Model

Whether for internal or external use, there are specific models available. You have to decide whether you need a vertical platform lift, inclined platform lift or a portable lift.

Vertical: These lifts can be enclosed, located in a shaftway, or stage or opal models. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, they come equipped with all necessary safety features. The advantage of vertical lifts is that the person in a wheelchair can be transported between floors without having to get out of the wheelchair. A vertical wheelchair lift can be powered by hydraulics or electricity.

Inclined: The major advantage of good quality inclined wheelchair stair lifts is that they can be easily installed in any existing stairway without need for any major alteration. There are models available to suit both straight and curved stairways. When the lift is not in use, it folds up to prevent the stairway from being blocked.

Portable: are also portable wheelchair lifts for straight as well as curving outdoor and indoor stairways. It is suitable when there is not enough space for a ramp. They are easy to operate and are available in a range of configurations. Manually powered models are very reliable and virtually maintenance free.

• Weather-resistant
  If you are choosing among outdoor wheelchair lifts, make sure that the equipment you buy can resist weather and climatic conditions.


• Brand - Quality is always assured with premium brands. You should study and compare the features of the wheelchair stair lifts offered by different companies. ThyssenKrupp Access, Savaria and Adaptive Engineering are top manufacturers of popular residential mobility devices.


• Loading Capacity - Whichever model you choose, you should look at the loading capacity, which varies from model to model. Consider whether the model you choose have the capacity to carry any kind of wheelchair. Many models can accommodate sports wheelchairs, conventional adult wheelchairs, power wheelchairs and child wheelchairs.


• Safety Features and Operating Mechanism - Thoroughly check out the operating conditions of the lift to ensure flawless performance. Ensure that it is easy to operate and comes with all necessary safety features. In general, a standard wheelchair stair lift has safety features such as safety armrests, split rail, alarm, self support posts, slack cable switch, emergency stop button and much more. Certain models even come with a mechanical emergency brake. Make sure that the model runs on AC and DC power.


• Reliability - While installing an accessibility device at your home, reliability of the product is very important for the safety of the users. Therefore, when you purchase wheelchair stair lifts, ensure they are complaint to ADA standards and come with standard warranty period.


• Degree of Structural Modification - Installation is as important as product selection. It is very important to install the lifts accurately to ensure safe and comfortable transportation. Established dealers provide quality installation service, and can work with your architect or builder to set up the lift in a cost-effective manner or with the least structural modification.

Find a Dependable Dealer

Choosing the right wheelchair lifts for residential use can help people with disabilities overcome the difficulties associated with accessing different floors, elevated porches and platforms. To install one at your home, make sure that you approach a competent dealer in the industry that supplies branded products. Ensure that your device comes with proper warranty and that your dealer will take care of mandatory maintenance and testing.