Scooter and Wheelchair Lifts

Commercial Vertical Wheelchair Lifts and the ADA

2008-10-03T13:57:00.001-04:00

It is not only the law, but it is also very important that you make sure your business is handicapped accessible. This ensures that everyone no matter what their physical condition is can have full access to your establishment. Installing a wheelchair lift is an excellent way to ensure that your business is ADA compliant in a cost effective manner.

Wheelchair lifts, or vertical platform lifts as they are usually referred to, allow an easy way to ensure someone using a mobility scooter or wheelchair is able to access areas that differ in elevation.

One of the major advantages of using this type of lift, which is very similar to an elevator, is that there is usually very little home or business modification needed to install these lifts. The biggest concern is usually a secure base, which can be made out of wood or concrete.

These lifts have a small platform that can be raised vertically between two areas. They are commonly used outdoors on the front steps, so are frequently called porch lifts, but they can also be used indoors. There are also portable lifts available that are great for churches and schools. These lifts can be quickly moved, set up, and stored.

Making sure that everyone has the same opportunity to use your business is important for several reasons. Installing a traditional elevator or building a ramp can be very expensive and can take a long time to complete. This is one of the reasons that wheelchair lifts are so popular.

Porch Lifts and You

2008-09-19T13:39:00.002-04:00

People who use wheelchairs are generally not able to easily use the stairs. Due to government regulation, most public areas either feature elevators or ramps to allow complete access, but there are still many areas that have stairs. One area that is often hard to access is the front steps of a house. To help improve accessibility, a porch lift can be installed.

Porch lifts are very similar to elevators, but they do not require any major construction to install and are self contained. They are also called vertical platform lifts and wheelchair lifts. A solid metal platform is raised and lowered vertically to allow access to areas of differing elevations.

Most often these lifts are found on the outside of a home, but they can be installed indoors as well. Additionally, businesses frequently use porch lifts to ensure that they are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In commercial settings the lifts usually need to be inspected before they are used, but this is generally not needed for residential use.

A porch lift provides a great way to bridge the gap between two levels of a home safely and reliably.

Porch Lifts: Opening up Your Home

2008-09-12T17:18:00.001-04:00

A lot of people in the United States use manual and electric wheelchairs on a daily basis. For these people, and also those who use mobility scooters, a set of stairs can present a very large hurdle, which without the proper type of equipment, can be hard to overcome. The vertical platform lifts is one of the most common ways that this hurdle is overcome and can usually be installed with little or no actual construction.

A vertical platform lift shares many similarities with an elevator. In fact a vertical platform lifts is basically an elevator that is completely self contained and does not need a shaft. They are usually installed onto the front stairs of a home and so are frequently called porch lifts, but they can be installed indoors as well.

A platform is raised and lowered vertically to transport a person on a mobility vehicle, such as a wheelchair or mobility scooter. They are also used by people who have difficulty climbing the stairs and most have a weight capacity that can support multiple people at one time.

The base of a vertical platform lift is generally secured directly to a base that is made out of concrete or wood. Depending on how high up the lift goes, it also might be necessary to secure it to the side of the stairs as well. This is to prevent it from leaning and putting stress on the base, but is usually not needed unless you are lifting more that 4.5 feet.

Using a vertical platform lift can help to open up all areas of your home and will make your area completely accessible.

Vertical Wheelchair Lifts

2008-09-05T14:09:00.001-04:00

People who use mobility scooters and those that use wheelchairs are most often not able to easily use the stairs. The stairs can present a very large obstacle and can make many homes with front porches inaccessible. To help improve accessibility a vertical platform lift can be installed, which is a very cost effective alternative to an elevator.

Vertical platform lifts are very similar to elevators, but they are completely self contained, where an elevator requires a shaft. Vertical platform lifts are often referred to as wheelchair lifts and generally do not require any major home modification. They do need a strong base though, but the base can be made out of wood or concrete, and is much less expensive and less work than it would take to install an elevator.

Vertical Platform Lifts are also used in businesses. If you want to install the lift commercially, then you should check your local building codes. This is because wheelchair lifts frequently fall into the elevator category, so might have to be specially inspected. However, this is not required for home use.

If you only need the lift for a short time or need to have the ability to easily move the lift, then a portable vertical platform lift might be a good option. The portable lifts are great for churches and schools, because within minutes they can be moved or set up.

Wheelchair Lifts in the Home and Business

2008-08-29T14:53:00.005-04:00

If you are someone that uses a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, you might not be able to easily access all areas of your home. Usually areas that have stairs are hard to overcome for those that use personal mobility vehicles. Often the front porch is the set of stairs that provides the biggest problem, which is why many people choose to install vertical platform lifts.

A vertical platform lift is a special lifting aid that is in many ways very similar to an elevator. However, unlike an elevator, if you plan on installing a vertical platform lift, there is generally no need to build a special shaft or modify the actual building. The lift is completely self-contained and only needs a sturdy wooden or concrete base.
Most of these lifts, which are often called wheelchair lifts, is capable of supporting around 750 pounds. The heaviest scooter you are likely to encounter weighs less than 250 pounds, so often several people are able to use the wheelchair lift at once. A few portable models are available, which are designed to be quickly moved or set up. These portable models tend to have a lower weight rating.

Individuals who own businesses commonly install vertical platform lifts as well. A commercial wheelchair lift will need to have a few extra features that are often not needed on residential lifts. Most importantly is a keyed entry, which will ensure that the lift is only used in a safe and proper manner. Businesses that want to install a lift should consult their local building codes, because often it falls into the elevator category, but this is not needed for a residential installation. Vertical platform lifts provide a quick and inexpensive way to make a business ADA accessible.

Using a wheelchair lift is an excellent way to improve independence and allow a person to access all areas, without being hindered by the stairs.

Putting Up a Porch Lift

2008-08-22T14:14:00.001-04:00

Using a mobility scooter or wheelchair is a very common way to improve a person's ability to get around. While these devices can typically take you over most types of terrain, they are not able to traverse the stairs, so it is usually necessary to install a porch lift.

Porch lifts, or vertical platform lifts, are a type of elevator that is used to allow people in wheelchairs or scooters to access areas of differing elevation. Unlike an elevator like you would find in an office building, porch lifts are completely self-contained. They do not require you to build a shaft and typically do not require any major modification to your home. They do however require a sturdy base that is made of wood or concrete, and depending on the height, it may be necessary to bolt the unit to the wall.

These lifts serve a very great service to many people all over the country. They are often used in commercial settings as well, because they provide a very cost effective alternative to an elevator, while still adhering to ADA regulations. They are easy to use and install and for commercial settings there are many features, like locks and manual override, which will ensure that the device is used properly and will never leave you without a means of entering and exiting the building.

Those that install and use a porch lift are able to easily and safely access their home, which helps to improve freedom and make certain that they can live independently.

Conquering the Stairs in a Vertical Platform Lift

2008-08-15T14:26:00.002-04:00

People who rely on wheelchairs or mobility scooters to get around are often faced with many obstacles when away from the home. Perhaps the largest obstacle is the stairs. If you area a business owner, then you are required by the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 to make certain that your building is accessible to those who are mobility challenged.

There are many ways to make certain that your business is accessible to people. If you have a set of steps leading to your business then you are obliged to provide wheelchair access to your building. While most buildings today are designed to be accessible, many built before the 90's are not as mobility friendly.

To help make your building more accessible, a vertical platform lift is often the best, easiest, and least expensive way to allow full access. A vertical platform lift, or wheelchair lift, is basically a self contained elevator that is designed to lift a person in a wheelchair or scooter across areas of different elevation. Unlike a traditional elevator though, the cost of purchasing and installing a vertical platform lift is much lower and does not require extensive construction.

If you intend to install a commercial vertical platform lift setting it is important to consult your local building codes, because in many states they fall into the elevator category. It is also imperative that you buy a unit with keyed access so you can lock it when not in use. There are several other safety features, such as upgraded door systems, that you should also make certain that you lift has.

Installing a vertical platform lift is often the easiest and least expensive way to ensure that your business is ADA compliant. Most often they can be installed much quicker and with less construction than a ramp system would be and they are always less expensive than a full sized elevator would be.

Going Up in a Wheelchair Lift

2008-08-08T15:41:00.001-04:00

Climbing the stairs is not something that can be done in an easy manner for people who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. If they are able to climb the stairs, it usually means leaving their mobility device behind, which is why many people install a porch lift.

A porch lift is another way of referring to a vertical platform lift, which is a cost effective alternative to a personal elevator. The reason they are usually called porch lifts is because they are most often found on the front porch of a home.

Since a vertical platform lift is basically a self contained elevator, there are no expensive construction costs and usually they can be assembled and installed in a few hours. They feature a platform that is large enough for a mobility vehicle, such as an electric wheelchair, and often another person. The platform raises and lowers vertically at the push of a button and safely carries a person and their personal mobility vehicle.

Most vertical platform lifts support around five-hundred pounds and are able to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Most often a vertical platform lift is securely bolted onto a base of wood or concrete, but some portable models are available. The portable models do not have as high of a weight capacity or lifting height as other models do, but they can be quickly and easily set up or taken down. They are very popular in churches and schools.

It can be hard to get around if you use an electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter, but there is no reason that you should not have complete access to all areas of your home. If you need a quick and inexpensive alternative to an elevator than a vertical platform lift is a great choice.

Who Uses Vertical Platform Lifts

2008-08-01T11:00:00.001-04:00

People who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters usually have a hard time using the stairs. It is usually hard if not impossible for people who use mobility scooters to climb the stairs and they won’t be able to take their scooter with them. Those that are in wheelchairs might not be able to use the stairs at all and like those on scooters, even if they can climb the stairs, their wheelchair will not be able to come with them.

Many people choose to install vertical platform lifts in order to help make it possible to use their mobility vehicle inside their home and out. A vertical platform lift features a platform that a wheelchair or mobility scooter can be driven onto. The platform then lowers and raises the distance of the stairs to allow full access to two areas of different elevation.
Most vertical platform lifts are capable of supporting at least 500 pounds. This means in most cases, two people will be able to ride the vertical platform lift at once. This is great for caretakers and for family members who might also be mobility challenged.

When the platform lift only spans a distance of around 4 feet, it is usually only necessary to secure the base of the lift. You will need a solid wooden or concrete base, but in some situations a temporary base system can be created using only a few planks of wood. If the lift is spanning distances greater than 4 feet, it usually is necessary for the lift to be secured to the side of the stairs as well.

Not being able to use the stairs in your own home can be very difficult, but it isn’t a situation that you must learn to live with. A vertical platform lift can make your home completely accessible no matter what type of mobility scooter or wheelchair you use.

Porch Lifts

2008-07-25T15:08:00.000-04:00

If you or someone you love regularly uses a wheelchair or electric scooter, then you know first hand how difficult it can be to ascend the stairs. To help bridge the gap between different areas, many people choose to install a special type of mini-elevator called a vertical platform lift.

A vertical platform lift is a completely self contained unit that is installed next to a staircase. They are most commonly seen on the front porch of a home and so are called porch lifts. The individual in the wheelchair or mobility scooter must simply drive their mobility vehicle onto the porch lifts lifting platform. Once on the platform the platform lift is activated by a call button that raises or lowers the person vertically the distance of the stairs. Most can support around 500 pounds.
A vertical platform lift can mean the difference in being able to easily and freely leave your home and being stuck indoors or relying on someone to help you down the stairs. While most commonly found outdoors, in some cases these mobility elevators can be installed inside as well. They are often used by schools and churches to allow access to stadium seating or stages. They are also installed in many businesses to ensure ADA compliance.

Most vertical platform lifts are permanently installed to a secure wooden or concrete base. When lifting a distance over 4’ 6”, the lift must also be secured to the side of the stairs. Portable units are also available though. These are most commonly seen at schools or other public areas, because they can quickly be set up in different areas and just as quickly moved.

A vertical platform lift is a device that helps to improve the lives and mobility of many people who use mobility scooters and other types of mobility vehicles.

Vertical Platform Lifts at Home

2008-07-18T16:32:00.000-04:00

There are many millions of Americans that rely on a mobility scooter or wheelchair in order to get around. These mobility devices can make it possible to go places like parks or shopping centers. Most of the public areas that you will go on your mobility vehicle will be made to be accessible, but if you can’t make it out the door because of your front steps, then you might not be able to go anywhere.

This is where a vertical platform lift comes in. A vertical platform lift is a mobility aid that can lift a person and their mobility vehicle up and down the stairs. It is installed next to the stairs and depending on the unit and its options some are able to lift at heights of over 12 feet. They are frequently called porch lifts, because it is most common to see them on the front steps of a home.

While these devices are basically personal elevators, they do not require that you build any sort of special shaft or covering for them. They just require a solid base made out of wood or concrete that can support the weight of the unit and its rider. When installing a residential vertical platform lift, you typically do not need any special permits, but in commercial settings it is treated similar to an elevator, so you will need to consult your local building codes.

A quality vertical platform lift is completely weatherproof and able to withstand hot and cold temperatures. Even though a porch lift is very durable and resistant to almost all types of weather, it is still a good idea to cut any overhanging branches. Also if it is installed over an overhang, you will probably want to make sure you have installed gutters over this portion of the home.

Vertical platform lifts provide a great way to retain your ability to use your steps if you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Wheelchair Lifts: Overcoming Obstacles

2008-07-11T14:23:00.000-04:00

It is estimated that over 300,000 Americans use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries. Well over two million Americans are in wheelchairs for various reasons and many more rely on mobility scooters to move around. This number is rapidly growing every day. For these people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters, the stairs present an obstacle that, without assistance, is insurmountable. Many of these people that rely on mobility vehicles also rely on vertical platform lifts to use the stairs.

A vertical platform lift is a special type of elevator that is mounted next to a set of steps. They are often called wheelchair lifts, because they are used to lift wheelchairs to the top of the stairs. Almost all of these lifts are designed for outdoor use, but can also be used indoors. The proper placement of these units is important though, and it is a good idea to trim any overhanging branches before installing the lift

These devices are capable of supporting a good deal of weight, and most support at least 500 pounds. Some portable units that are intended to be easily moved can not support quite as much though.

Vertical platform lifts are frequently found in homes, but many businesses also choose to install them, so that they can adhere to ADA regulations and to keep their business handicapped accessible. Commercial lifts are required to follow special codes set forth by the city or state, so if you are installing a commercial lift, you will need to consult your local building code.

These types of lifts are imperative to allow many people access to and from their home. Without them, they might not be able to easily and safely leave the home. In addition because they can be easily operated by the push of a button, it is possible to install a wheelchair lift and retain your freedom and independence.

Who Needs a Porch Lift

2008-06-27T14:49:00.000-04:00

People who use a personal mobility device, like a wheelchair or electric scooter, likely have difficulty walking without assistance. This means it might be painful, difficult, or even impossible to walk up and down the stairs. For these people a porch lift is a great way to create a sort of bridge between the inside and outside of the home.

Porch lifts are elevators that can be quickly and easily installed along the side of a stair case. They raise one or more people vertically up and down. When the platform is fully raised it will be level with the stairs landing and so the electric scooter or wheelchair can easily transition between the porch lift and the stairs.

Porch lifts are also called vertical platform lifts and some come pre-assembled and can just be positioned next to the stairs. A reinforced base is important and it should be made out of wood or concrete. It is possible to install some lifts by burying a few 2” by 4’ boards in the ground and securing the lift to the 2” by 4’ boards. This method will not work with every unit and should really only be used temporarily.

Most porch lifts can support at least 500 pounds, which means that most people will be able to use it with more than one person at a time. They are weather resistant as well and so will be able to be placed outdoors without worrying about rain or snow.

Vertical Platform Lifts and You

2008-06-20T14:38:00.001-04:00

It can be very difficult for those in wheelchairs and other mobility devices to get around obstacles like the stairs. In public, businesses are required to provide wheelchair access and parking, but many homes have steep front staircases that make entrance with a wheelchair very difficult.

A porch lift or vertical platform lift is one way to easily and quickly allow for an individual in a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or even just standing to go up and down the stairs. They are like elevators and a platform is moved vertically up and down the distance of the stairs. Unlike an elevator though, vertical platform lifts do not require complex and expensive construction to install.

Some models, like AmeriGlide’s Residential Vertical Platform Lift, comes preinstalled. All you need to do is position it and plug it in. Most others require more installation, but it is still something that can be done rather quickly and inexpensively. A porch lift is completely weather proof and can withstand hot and cold temperatures. Depending on the model, some are capable of lifting over 700 pounds at distances of up to 12’. AmeriGlide’s Residential Vertical Platform Lift can support up to 750 pounds and has a default lifting height of 28”. It can be configured to lift as high as 72”.

Many, since they will be used outdoors in areas where others can access, feature keyed entry and also have special safety features like pressure control and an emergency stop button.

Porch Lifts Described

2008-06-13T15:15:00.001-04:00

People, who do not use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, probably do not realize how difficult it is to navigate the stairs. Frequently the front steps can present the biggest obstacle, because they tend to be the steepest and highest. A wheelchair lift is often necessary to make certain that those that use mobility devices are never left stranded in their home.

Vertical platform lifts, also known as wheelchair lifts, are devices that are similar to elevators. A platform capable of carrying an individual in a mobility device, and sometimes their caregiver, lifts them up and down the stairs. This option can often be less expensive and safer than building a ramp.

In addition to finding these devices in residential settings, they are also frequently found in public areas. They are used in many schools, churches, and businesses as a means of ensuring that those who are mobility challenged are always able to access the location. They also frequently ensure that the business is in full compliance with established laws.

The lifting capacity of a porch lift is usually very substantial. Many like the AmeriGlide Tall Tower, can lift over 500 pounds of weight over distances up to12 feet. This is usually enough to carry 2 people and a mobility scooter or power chair. Other AmeriGlide lifts can support over 700 pounds.

Not being able to use your own front steps may seem like a foreign concept, but for those that use personal mobility devices, it is a very real concern. If you or someone you love uses a personal mobility device, then a porch lift may be an excellent investment.

Owning a Wheelchair Lift

2008-05-30T14:31:00.001-04:00

Many people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters can feel restricted or are forced to get assistance when entering or exiting their home. This is because many homes feature steps at all of their entrances. For these people a vertical platform lift can provide a means of navigating their homes without assistance.

A vertical platform lift is like a self contained elevator. They install along side a set of steps and depending on the unit can span distances that are greater than 12 feet high. They feature a platform that is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility device and can frequently also accommodate another individual. They lift vertically straight up and down and most support at least 500 pounds of weight. The platforms of vertical platform lifts often utilize a non-skid surface and special gates that make them very safe to use. They are typically installed on concrete or wood pads, but some models can be installed directly to the ground.

Vertical platform lifts are frequently installed in residential settings, but they are also found in public areas like schools and churches. This insures that the area is accessible to all individuals and is often required for many places that are not otherwise accessible to those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

A vertical platform lift, or wheelchair lift, is powered by electricity. Many are plugged directly into the wall, but actually are powered by a set of batteries. The batteries are constantly charging and if the power goes out, this ensures you will still be able to use the device.

There are many advantages to using and owning a vertical platform lift and they provide a valuable service to many people.

Vertical Platform Lifts Explained

2008-05-23T13:52:00.000-04:00

Running into a set of steps is like running into a brick wall if you use a mobility scooter or wheelchair. A stair lift, a device commonly used to traverse steps, is great, but it can only carry a person and not their mobility device. If you need to be able to use the steps with your mobility device than a vertical platform lift is probably for you.

Vertical platform lifts are frequently called porch lifts and wheelchair lifts. They are generally installed adjacent to a set of steps and raise or lower the person and their mobility device on a reinforced platform. Depending on the unit, most support about 550 pounds, but there are many available that can support much more than this. Usually the device is capable of supporting a person, their mobility device, and another individual.

The installation of these devices is typically fairly easy. Some come completely assembled so it is only necessary to secure the base of the porch lift. Almost all non-portable porch lifts must be secured to a sturdy base. Concrete or wood is typically used, but there are some other alternative installation methods available. The base will have to be able to support the weight of the platform lift and its occupants, so you do not want to skimp when securing the base. Depending on the lifting height, you may also have to secure the device to the side of the stairs.

A vertical platform lift is something that can greatly help a person who uses a mobility device.

Types of Vertical Platform Lifts

2008-05-16T14:11:00.000-04:00

A vertical platform lift is often called a porch lift because they are frequently installed on the front porch. They are used to lift a person and their wheelchair or mobility scooter up and down the stairs. They are also frequently found in public places like schools and churches.

Depending on the model of vertical platform lifts, they can lift a considerable amount of weight. A quality porch lift will lift at least 500 pounds. Some models, frequently commercial lifts, can support a much higher weight, closer to 750 pounds. They are often used to carry an individual using a mobility device as well as a standing individual.

A vertical platform lift used in commercial settings is required to meet special safety requirements. Before installing one for commercial use, ensure that you have checked your local and state building codes. Frequently they are covered under the elevator section. They need to be secured with a lock to make sure that they are not used in unauthorized manners, and it is a good idea to install a protective door and barriers to protect against accidental falls.

Many porch lifts now incorporate a battery backup, which can be very important if you live in an area that frequently has power outages. Many units also now come with wireless remotes which can be handy, but if you frequently loose the TV remote than you might want to stick with the more traditional call buttons, which are mounted on the device.

Vertical platform lifts are used by many different people throughout the United States and abroad. If you or a loved one has trouble using the stairs than a vertical platform lift might be for you.

Wheelchair Lifts in Use

2008-05-07T09:54:00.004-04:00

For many people that are in a wheelchair, or frequently use a mobility scooter, the stairs can present a very intimidating obstacle. Without some sort of assistance, it is likely that a set of stairs can make an area to be inaccessible for someone in this position. A wheelchair lift is usually the easiest and most efficient solution to this problem.

wheelchair lifts, or vertical platform lifts as they are frequently called, lift the wheelchair or scooter, rider and all. The rider must just steer their mobility device onto the loading platform, then by pushing a call buttons similar to those found by an elevator, or using a wireless remote the lift is activated and the platform rises or lowers vertically. Most units support enough weight that they can carry 2 people and 1 mobility device at the same time.

A wheelchair lift can generally be easily installed to outside steps, and on many indoor steps, with ease. Since the device lifts a platform vertically in the air, the steps must have a landing that is accessible from the ground. Depending on the model, these units can lift up to or more than 12 feet and support well over 500 pounds.

There are a few different categories of wheelchair lifts. Portable wheelchair lifts, as the name implies, are designed to be moved easily and quickly. Commercial wheelchair lifts are designed with building code in mind. They typically have locks to prevent unauthorized use, manual overrides, and are of a more heavy duty design. Residential lifts for the home usually do not support as much weight as a commercial lift or go as high, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Portable Vertical Platform Lifts

2008-05-02T14:52:00.001-04:00

A portable platform lift is used to carry individuals in wheelchairs or mobility scooters up and down the stairs. As the name implies they travel straight up and down and the individual sits on a platform. There are many different types, but for some the portable version will be the best choice.

A portable vertical platform lift can be easily moved and does not require any permanent installation. These units typically plug directly into the wall, but there are some that are completely manual. Most ones that are electric powered also have a manual override in case the power goes out. Portable units are perfect for schools, churches, restaurants, and other public areas. Many businesses buy them because they have several areas that may need a platform lift and it is less expensive to buy one and move it.

A portable platform lift functions in the same manner as a non-portable unit, but they generally do not lift as high. If you need a lift that can span larger distances generally more than about 6', you will likely have to secure it to the ground.

Residential Vertical Platform Lifts

2008-04-25T09:22:00.001-04:00

A vertical platform lift is basically a personal elevator. A platform is utilized that raises and lowers vertically the distance of a set of stairs, or areas of different elevations. In residential settings they are frequently used as a means of traversing those often narrow and treacherous porch steps. This is why you frequently hear them referred to as porch lifts. Regardless of what you call them, they are responsible for helping people from all over the world maintain the same quality of life that they are, and have been, accustomed to.

If you are thinking of purchasing a residential porch lift, there are several factors that should be considered. It is important to first consider the distance that must be spanned. Since a porch lift travels vertically, it is important that there is a suitable landing that can be used at the top of the stairs. It is also important to consider who will be using the vertical platform lift. This is in order to find one that will have the proper weight capacity. Include the weight of any mobility devices that will be used on the vertical platform lift when calculating your weight requirements. This includes mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and electric power chairs. Many people like to use the vertical platform lift with their loved one or their ward, so it is important to include the weight of all people who will be on the porch lift at any given time.

The distance that the porch lift can travel vertically varies by make and model. AmeriGlide, a leading manufacturer of home medical equipment, makes several different models of vertical platform lifts. They are an industry leader and make both residential and commercial platform lifts. One model that is very popular is the AmeriGlide Hercules. The Hercules can support up to 750 pounds, is weather proof, and features an auto-folding ramp. One of the reasons it is so popular is that it comes fully assembled. Installation pretty much involves putting the unit where you want it and securing it to the ground. It has a lifting height of 28 inches, which can be upgraded up to 72 inches.

Another popular model, also manufactured by AmeriGlide, is the Atlas Vertical Platform Lift. It supports 550 pounds and has a lifting height of 96 inches, which can be upgraded to 144 inches. It is weather proof and extremely well made, with a manual override available in case there is a power outage. This unit, in part because of its high standard lifting height and its dependability, is one of the most trusted and used vertical platform lift available today. It can be configured for straight through access, in which the occupant rides straight on and then straight off with out turning or it can be used in an adjacent access configuration.

A vertical platform lift can greatly increase mobility and allow you to retain your independence. For many it opens doors that were otherwise unreachable, both mentally and of course physically. Their modern look is a positive addition to most homes they are designed to work without fail in rain, snow, hail, sleet, and Sundays.

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Vehicle Lifts for Manual Wheelchairs

2008-04-18T11:36:00.003-04:00

An often overlooked type of wheelchair lift is those for manual wheelchairs. A manual wheelchair, depending on the model, can generally fit in the trunk or backseat of a car. It can actually be much more convenient to purchase a hitch mounted wheelchair lift. This may seem like overkill, but there are some definite advantages.

By using a hitch mounted wheelchair lift for your manual wheelchair you greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to get your wheelchair out and also to put it up. The other major advantage it eliminates the need to lift your wheelchair off of the ground and into the trunk. Even though the wheelchairs do not weigh anywhere near as much as a mobility scooter or a power chair, they can still weigh in excess of 50 pounds. In addition they are often bulky and clumsy to maneuver.

One very popular model is the Tiny Tote 100. It mounts easily to class I, II, and III hitches and can support up to 100 pounds. It features a simple to use handle, and is very affordable.

Vehicle Wheelchair Lifts

2008-04-11T11:36:00.003-04:00

There are several types of wheelchair lifts that help people with mobility related problems retain their independence. Vertical Platform Lifts, or Porch Lifts as they are sometimes called, are mounted on the ground or floor of a building to help people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters access areas of varying elevation. These types of lifts lift both the mobility vehicle and its driver.

Another type of wheelchair lift is the vehicle lift. Vehicle lifts make the transportation of your mobility scooter or power wheelchair possible. Vehicle wheelchair lifts are either mounted internally or externally. External vehicle lifts are usually attached to the hitch and are very simple and straightforward to install. Internal vehicle wheelchair lifts are a little more complicated to install because they mount either in the trunk or the body portion of vans.

One popular manufacturer of vehicle wheelchair lifts is AmeriGlide. They manufacture several different types, but one of their most well received models is the Backpacker Plus. The Backpacker Plus is an internal lift and supports up to 325 pounds. It is a drive on, drive off model, which means to load your mobility scooter or power chair you drive it onto the platform, strap it down, and then lift it up. When it comes time to unload you can drive straight off so you do not have to worry about backing your mobility device off the platform.

Vertical Platform Lifts: The Safe Stair Elevator

2008-04-04T12:22:00.001-04:00

For those in a wheelchair one of the most difficult things to do can be to enter and exit our home. Often times the front stairs are much steeper and narrower than the inside steps and this can make it harder or impractical to build a ramp to enter your home. For others it puts too much strain on the body to use a ramp and usually a stair lift won't work with a wheelchair. There is a solution and that solution is vertical platform lifts.

Vertical platform lifts are often referred to as wheelchair lifts. They are in essence an elevator, usually installed outdoors, that raises the individual on a small reinforced steel platform. Most residential units utilize an electric motor to lift the unit using a very efficient gear system called a worm gear. Usually very little maintenance is required, but it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Vertical platform lifts are generally designed to be permanent fixtures in that they should be bolted to a sturdy base made out of concrete or lumber. There are some exceptions to this however. Some units are available that are portable and can be moved very easily and require little installation or setup. The unit is on wheels, but can be securely bolted to a base if they are not going to be moved or depending on the lifting height. These types of units are great for churches, schools, and restaurants.

With certain units it is possible to create a temporary base. This is ideal if you need to quickly set up your new vertical platform lift or if you are about to move to a new home and do not want to install your new vertical platform lift twice. It is imperative that you consult your manufacturer’s installation instructions to see if your unit is compatible with this type of installation, but a temporary installation can be done on certain units by burying two pieces of rough cut lumber in 2 inches of sand or gravel so that the top of the boards are level with the ground. The distances and measurements of the boards will be provided by your manufacturer if this type of installation is possible with your vertical platform lift. Most units should also be secured to the side of the stairs or house if they are lifting a distance greater than 52 inches.

Whether you are purchasing a new vertical platform lift for your self or for a friend or family member it is imperative that you honestly access the expected weight load. If you are going to be using the wheel chair lift with two people than access the max weight that of the heaviest people that could be on the lift at any given time as well as the weight of the wheelchair. Generally most lifts will support at least 500lbs and it is possible to upgrade the lifts so that they hold more weight.

A vertical platform lift is a great investment and can let you establish a normal everyday routine.

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Installation of Vertical Platform Lifts

2008-03-28T10:19:00.001-04:00

Many times, especially in older homes, the stairs leading up to the front door can be pretty steep and narrow. This can make it very hard for those suffering from arthritis and other muscular disabilities to enter their own home and near impossible for those with wheel chairs. Vertical Platform Lifts solve this problem by raising the individual to the top of the stairs.

Vertical Platform Lifts are installed parallel to the stairs and depending on the model often very little actual assembly is required. It is imperative, however, that a smooth, level, and unyielding base is used. The base should be able to support the maximum load capacity of the lift and the lift itself. So if the lift itself weighs 250 lbs and has a capacity of 500lbs then the base must be able to support at least 750 lbs. Always air on the side of caution, but usually a solid deck or concrete deck would be a suitable base. It is also important that the travel wall, the wall below the upper entry point of the elevator, is free of protrusions, fairly smooth, and gaps.

If you are getting the lift because you or someone you love is in a wheel chair than you should have an idea of whether you want the lift to provide adjacent access to your stairs or if it should provide straight through access to your stairs. Adjacent access means you would enter the lift on the ground, turn 45 degrees and exit the lift at the top of the stairs. With straight through access you drive your wheelchair strait onto the lift and once lifted drive straight onto the stairs landing. This is also an important consideration if you are planning to use the lift to help carry household supplies and groceries. It is important to mention this when ordering to ensure that you get a compatible model.

Once you have done a little planning and preparation, the actual install is seamless. Generally it can be done in a few hours, but make sure to fully read the instructions provided by the manufacturer and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most manufacturers have certified installers that can come and set up their equipment. The Vertical Platform Lifts often come fully assembled or with minimal assembly required and plug into a regular 110 volt outlet. Generally the base of the lift is secured to the smooth and level foundation. Make sure to consult your manufacturer’s instructions for specific distances, but depending on the lifting height of the lift, it may be necessary to secure it to the building as well as the ground.

A vertical platform lift can provide many years of dependable service and open up whole new worlds to those in wheelchairs or those who are mobility challenged.

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