What are the different types of platform lifts?
Platform lifts are an important part of public buildings to ensure accessibility and facilities are available for those who may use a wheelchair or have impaired mobility – this is in line with the 2010 Equality Act. But, with so many different types of platform lift available on the market, it can be difficult to know which might suit your building and purpose the best.
If you’re looking at installing a lift you’ve come to the right place, as today we’re going to shed some light on some of the most common platform lifts and how they can be used.
What is a platform lift?
There are a range of different types of lift out there, but amongst the most popular is the platform lift, which can easily be applied to both residential and commercial properties.
In general, platform lifts are designed to transport people from one floor level to another with ease. This can promote independent living for wheelchair users or those with impaired mobility or be ideal for families with young children where prams may be required. An alternative, yet very effective use of the platform lift is the movement of heavy goods and merchandise, more commonly seen in commercial buildings rather than the home.
What are the benefits of a platform lift?
There are a wide variety of benefits to installing a platform lift, whether that’s in a residential or a commercial building, including:
- Safety – Whether it’s preventing unnecessary injury through moving and handling heavy goods, or you’re relying on a platform lift to move around safely, platform lifts can offer a huge level of security, especially to those who have impaired mobility.
- Independence – Getting around by yourself can be difficult or completely impossible if you are in a wheelchair or have impaired mobility, which can often strip individuals of their independence. The installation of a platform lift can give back confidence that may have
- Efficiency – If you’re regularly handling heavy goods up and downstairs, it can be helpful to have the reliability of a platform lift to move goods in a timely and safe manner.
- been lost and can aid people in going about their lives more efficiently.
The different types of platform lift available
Although all platform lifts are primarily designed to do the same thing, there are in fact a number of different options to choose from. Some of the most popular types of platform lifts include:
- Fully enclosed platform lift – these are perhaps the most common and recognisable type of lift on the market and can otherwise be described as a sort of ‘cabin’ that transports people and goods up and down. Fully enclosed platform lifts do as they say on the tin and are completely enclosed, making them a safe option as a wheelchair lift, as well as for the transportation of goods.
- Inclined platform lift – this type of lift is also be known as a stairlift and can be used on both internal and external stairs to transport wheelchair users up or down straight or curved stairs. This kind of platform lift is open and can usually be conveniently folded away when not in use.
- Open wheelchair lift – partially open, this lift is designed to transport users very short distances (no more than 3 metres). These lifts can often be found internally and externally to transport wheelchair users up ledges where a ramp is not present.
- External platform lifts – designed to aid access to multi-storey buildings, external platform lifts can be fitted to the outside of both commercial and residential property.
Are you thinking of investing in a platform lift?
Whether you’re the owner of a commercial building or want to add an additional level of accessibility around your home, platform lifts are a fantastic and cost-effective way of doing just that.
Level Access Lifts have been supplying platform lifts for over ten years, and have a wide range of options available for your platform lift requirements – so why not check them out today for an affordable way of enhancing your home or building?