The Ultimate Guide to Wheelchair Lift: Everything You Need to Know

A wheelchair lift is a piece of equipment that elevates handicapped people upstairs and brings them downstairs. It helps people with restricted mobility move upstairs to access the basement, balcony, and higher floors in the home or office.

Usually, wheelchair lifts are installed in staircases, both indoor and outdoor, depending on the need. The installation and operation methods of a wheelchair lift also depend on the building structure.

When it comes to purchasing a wheelchair lift, the hydraulic variants are the best options. You can use such wheelchair lifts in residential as well as commercial buildings.

A hydraulic wheelchair lift works with a hydraulic fluid, which needs replacement occasionally. Typically, hydraulic-powered units are more durable and cost-effective. As such, it is advisable to purchase a hydraulic wheelchair lift rather than an electric wheelchair lift, which often poses challenges while installing.

When you think of a wheelchair lift, the most likely picture that comes to your mind is a platform lift, also known as a vertical wheelchair platform lift or wheelchair porch lift, enabling wheelchair users to get from one level to another.

The Working Mechanism

The spontaneous question that might have arisen in your mind is—how does a wheelchair lift work?

There are two working mechanisms of a vertical platform wheelchair—the screw drive and the hydraulic.

The screw drive method involves a motor, screw shaft, and large nut. The motor rotates to move the screw shaft, which lifts or lowers the nut, forcing the platform to move up and down.

In the hydraulic method, the system pumps hydraulic fluid out and to the reservoir. It drives the cylinders to move up and down. Then the platform is motored to move up and down.

How to Choose the Right Wheelchair Lift?

Safety is a pivotal point to consider when choosing a wheelchair lift. It is also advisable for you to consult a professional before you invest in such a lift. But there is a slew of factors to consider before investing in such a lift. It will enable you to land on the right one.

Here are the factors that you should consider:

Investigate Your Building Structure

The first thing to consider is your building’s structure, and design as that will give you a fair idea of whether you should install the wheelchair lift indoors or outdoors. If there is an upstairs between your home and the ground, you can install the wheelchair lift outside. And if your need is the up and down movement along the indoor stairs, you can install the machine indoors. Besides, make sure that you assess the lifting height in your home.

Search Reliable Manufacturers

Once you finalize the installation site, it is now time for you to select a reliable manufacturer from a pool of hydraulic wheelchair lift manufacturers. A reputed and reliable manufacturer will not only provide you with a high-quality wheelchair lift at an economical price, but it can also offer a broad range of services for you, from the installation of the machine to prompt assistance during the warranty period.

Compare Different Models

Do not buy a wheelchair lift in haste. Spend some time studying the various models available in the market. Compare the multiple models of wheelchair lifts for buildings and choose the model that best suits your needs.

It will help if you consider the following factors in the context:

• Working performance
• Safety aspects
• Ease of installation
• Maintenance frequency
• Lifetime
• After-sales services offered by the manufacturer
• The price and your affordability

Besides, ensure that your prospective wheelchair lift bears the following must-have features:

• Self-closing doors
• Anti-slip floor
• Push button to call the lift operator
• Switch to prevent unauthorized use

Some Vertical Wheelchair Lift Options

You will get many vertical wheelchair options to choose from, and here are some:

Commercial Vertical Platform Lift

They are versatile and affordable wheelchair lifts that you can use indoors as well as outdoors. They are ideal for short wheelchair travel requirements. If you own a commercial establishment, you can give your handicapped people the facility to go up and down or move between floors inside the building with such wheelchair lifts.

Enclosed Vertical Platform Lift

These wheelchair lifts offer protection against outside elements while moving up and down, whether commercial or residential. These lifts have an enclosure to protect against sun, rain, and snow and be used indoors and outdoors.

Hoistway Enclosed Vertical Wheelchair Lift

The lifts are energy efficient and hence the perfect choice if you want to reduce electricity bills. These lifts operate smoothly and quietly, and the installation process is easy. You can use the wheelchair lifts indoors as well as outdoors.

Residential Vertical Platform Lift

These lifts are ideal for low-rise uses and ease people using wheelchairs to go upstairs. If any of your family members are recovering from an injury or surgery, you can rely on such wheelchair lifts. You can use them inside and outside. You can regard them as the perfect vertical lifts for the home.

Conclusion

A hydraulic wheelchair lift is essential in a building to enable handicapped people to move to and from upstairs with ease. Ensure that you make your purchase from a reputed hydraulic wheelchair lift supplier to get quality and the right equipment. While the right wheelchair lift will give convenience, comfort, and flexibility to handicapped people, the wrong one will only bring troubles for you.

In Saudi Arabia, Sab Tech provides best-in-class hydraulic wheelchair lifts, convenient and easy to provide reliable lifting inside and outside from one level to another level.