Platform Wheelchair Lift vs Wheelchair Ramp
Accessibility is key for anyone who uses a wheelchair around the country. Although ramps might have been the most common choice in this area traditionally, wheelchair lifts are becoming more popular. This can be especially true for the homes of wheelchair users who live in urban areas with dense populations and not much space.
If you use a wheelchair and are thinking about making it easier to get in and out of your property, you may well be wondering whether to install a ramp or lift. But what does each option offers, and which is better?
Wheelchair lifts
Also known as a vertical platform wheelchair lift, these are a compact solution and only need around a 5′ x 5′ area to operate in. This makes them the best choice for people who do not have a lot of space or live in cities where there is not enough room in most houses for a wheelchair ramp.
In addition, lifts are easy to operate and come in a range of stylish designs. They are also easier to remove if you ever sell the property at a later date. Perhaps the best part about them for wheelchair users though is the safe entry they give to the upper floors of a property. As the lift fits flush to the floor when it has reached the upper level, there is no need to navigate any final steps or wedge ramps to get inside.
Wheelchair platform lifts are typically found in restaurants and churches. They have a platform that raises and lowers the person and have an elevator-like appearance. They might be entirely open, wholly enclosed, or partially enclosed.
Although they are generally found in professional settings, platform lifts for wheelchairs are excellent for applications in homes. Due to its ability to allow access to decks and porches, platform lifts are occasionally referred to as “porch lifts.” They are also useful for garage staircases.
But how do these lifts work? You will usually see them installed at the back or front porch of the property. Some users, however, choose to install a lift in their garage for the unique benefits this offers. Along with being protected from poor weather when using it, for example, garage-installed lifts still leave enough room to park your car. The lift itself normally sits on a pad made of concrete and can reach a lifting height equivalent to most first and second-level floors.
Wheelchair ramps
The other option any wheelchair users have in terms of accessibility to their home is ramps. Although these can be an economical choice and a familiar option, they do come with a few drawbacks. To begin with, they do not always look the best and can be quite obtrusive in terms of your home’s kerb appeal.
In addition, the regulations around wheelchair ramps can make them an option which is not suitable for everyone. Modular ramp systems, for example, need one foot of ramp for one inch of rise. Due to this, many people find they simply do not have the room to fit a compliant ramp system. If you think a house with seven steps needs a ramp around 50 feet long, you can see where the issue lies for many homeowners!
Wheelchair lifts vs Wheelchair ramps – which is best?
As with most things in life, the ultimate decision is a personal one and rests on which solution you feel most comfortable using – and which is most suitable for your home. Lifts are the preferred choice for many now because of their space-saving design, easy access to upper levels of the property and aesthetic appeal. You may, however, prefer a ramp if space is not an issue and you are on a more limited budget.
Wheelchair lifts from Axess 2
If you think a wheelchair lift will work best for you, then why not let Axess2 help? We offer high-quality wheelchair lifts and focus on providing excellent service to our customers. Get in touch on 01200 405005 for more details on our platform and access lifts.