Commercial Wheelchair Lifts In December 2023

Wheelchair users encounter multiple obstacles when navigating commercial properties. Utilising commercial wheelchair lifts is one method to increase their mobility.

This article illuminates these vital installations’ types, operations, and benefits.

Commercial Wheelchair Lifts and Their Importance

The importance of wheelchair lifts in public buildings, nursing care homes, and institutions cannot be overstated. These lifts provide a remedy to mobility issues by facilitating floor access.

Built to accommodate various requirements, they enable people with disabilities to overcome obstacles, making commercial properties more inclusive.

The Types of Commercial Wheelchair Lifts

Numerous wheelchair lifts are suitable for a variety of applications. Vertical wheelchair platform lifts, and inclined platform elevators are the most prevalent types. Inclined platform elevators are designed to follow the path of a straight or curved staircase.

In contrast, vertical platform lifts offer a straight lift solution. The choice between these elevators is frequently determined by the available bottom space required and the wheelchair user’s requirements.

Understanding the Installation Process

Installing a commercial wheelchair lift is an exact procedure a qualified crew performs. It entails evaluating the requisite space, identifying the most appropriate lift type, and ensuring its safe operation.

Whether the commercial wheelchair lift is intended for internal or external use only, it must be installed correctly to function as intended.

Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts and Their Utility

Outdoor wheelchair platforms facilitate wheelchair accessibility in outdoor settings. These elevators are designed to withstand the elements and provide a safe and convenient method of transportation.

They are helpful when installed where ramps or lifts need to be practicable or practical.

The Role of Platform Lifts in Commercial Properties

Platform lifts, such as wheelchair platform lifts and step lifts, are crucial in commercial buildings.

They are frequently installed when space is premium between floors or the building design necessitates a more flexible lift solution. These lifts are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring wheelchair users a comfortable voyage.

Maintenance and Service of Commercial Wheelchair Lifts

The maintenance of commercial wheelchair lifts is essential to ensure their durability and safe operation.

Regular maintenance by a qualified team can aid in identifying potential problems and resolving them before their escalation. This not only extends the commercial wheelchair lift’s lifespan but also ensures that it remains a reliable mobility solution.

Considerations for Wheelchair Users

When selecting a commercial wheelchair lift, it is essential to consider the wheelchair user’s requirements.

For convenient wheelchair access, they may require either step lifts, a wheelchair platform lift or an inclined platform lift, depending on whether the building has a straight or curved staircase. The lift must adequately accommodate the wheelchair user and always operate safely.

Internal and External Wheelchair Lifts

Commercial wheelchair elevators are suitable for both interior and exterior use.

Typically, enclosed outdoor wheelchair lifts are held to shield the user from the elements, whereas enclosed indoor lifts have a reduced footprint to accommodate the available space.

Whether installed indoors or outdoors, these elevators provide essential disability access to public and commercial buildings.

Space Required for Installation

Planning is required before installing commercial wheelchair elevators. The team must assess the available space, considering factors such as the number of storeys and the presence or absence of a straight or curved staircase.

For example, vertical platform lifts require more space than inclined platform lifts. The installation team should ensure that the wheelchair lift work and functions identically regardless of the building’s layout.

Diverse Needs and Commercial Wheelchair Lifts

Commercial wheelchair lifts accommodate a variety of mobility-related requirements. These elevators are manufactured in a wide variety to suit various applications.

From step lifts installed in schools to vertical platform lifts in nursing homes, these installations significantly impact the lives of individuals with mobility impairments.

Wheelchair Lifts in Commercial Properties

Installing commercial wheelchair lifts in commercial properties has become more prevalent as awareness of accessibility requirements has grown.

These lifts have proved dependable for wheelchair users, granting them greater freedom and autonomy. Businesses that prioritise accessibility have, in our experience, stronger relationships with their clients, customers and the building and surrounding community.

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We were blown away by the amazing customer service from Morgan Ellis. We dealt primarily with Gary and Alice who are some of the most professional people we have met. We instantly felt at ease with their friendly and emphatic nature but also felt assured that their prices were better than competitive. We did some looking around at other companies which in hindsight was a waste of time so if you’re reading this, don’t bother looking elsewhere and just go direct to Morgan Ellis. You won’t regret it. Thanks for a sterling experience Gary and Alice.

Very pleased with the Aritco lift, which we had installed into our new house for my 92 year old mother. It is very quiet, and easy to use. Morgan Ellis came out several times to measure and check everything was ok before fitting. Alice was at the end of the phone answering and dealing with our calls efficiently and promptly.

The pneumatic lift (PVE30) recently installed by Morgan Ellis Lifts is a very good lift – solid, good safety features and looks good. We were lucky that the lift fits into the existing central stairwell with very little building alterations required. People visiting our house have remarked on how good the lift is and how smart it looks. A lift was vital for us – my wife and I are getting on in years and ill-health and growing mobility issues meant something needed to be done urgently if we were to stay in our house. A stairlift was not a safe option for us. The engineers Drew and Jordan installing the lift were first-rate – knowledgeable and very experienced.

Unable to find single floor living to suit our mobility needs in later life, we began to look at ways in which we could live comfortably and safely in a traditional house with stairs. So when we met up with Morgan Ellis, we saw a range of domestic lifts from a number of different manufacturers, tried them out and chose a Terrys Lifestyle lift. We loved the design, ease of use and the way it fitted faultlessly into our new house – a great choice that we have never regretted and a great enjoyment of our new mobility living experience.

We are so thrilled with our new Stiltz lift. The base is in our sitting room but is reasonably unobtrusive. It is quiet and easy to operate. Morgan Ellis Lifts were very helpful to deal with and it was installed in two days by a highly efficient, thoroughly pleasant team who were very easy to have around our home.

Learn More About Morgan Ellis Lifts

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Call Morgan Ellis Lifts on 0333 567 1809 to discuss your options

Aftercare and Maintenance

Maintenance is essential for the longevity and secure operation of commercial wheelchair lifts. Regular maintenance by a qualified team can identify potential problems early on, ensuring that the ride continues to serve its intended purpose effectively.

According to our research, regular maintenance reduces the long-term costs of significant repairs or replacements.

Commercial wheelchair elevators have transformed our approach to disability access impaired mobility and accessibility in commercial buildings.

By providing a practical solution to mobility issues, they have made public buildings more accessible and inclusive for all individuals. We anticipate these lifts will remain a standard feature of all commercial properties.

Functioning of a Wheelchair Lift

It is understanding how a wheelchair lift functions can shed light on its effectiveness.

A wheelchair lift is, at its most fundamental, a platform that moves vertically or along stairs to facilitate easy wheelchair access up to various levels. It is a simple yet ingenious solution to a problem encountered by individuals with limited mobility.

Notably, commercial platform elevators offer a variety of advantages, such as internal and external use, simple operation, and the capacity to accommodate various types of wheelchairs.

They function identically whether installed indoors or outdoors and can be tailored to the user’s specific requirements.

"Numerous wheelchair lifts are suitable for a variety of applications."

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The Flexibility of Commercial Platform Lifts

Commercial platform lifts and elevators are extraordinarily versatile. They can be implemented to service a variety of floors, ranging from a single level to multiple levels, making them a practical solution for various buildings.

Depending on whether the platform lift is vertical or inclined, the installation procedure typically involves the creation of a lift shaft or installing guide rails. This process necessitates expert input to ensure step lift safety and correct operation.

Outdoor Applications of Commercial Wheelchair Lifts

Commercial wheelchair elevators are not limited to indoor use. They are also helpful for outdoor applications, such as providing access to elevated entrances and outdoor facilities in assisted living facilities.

These lifts are weather resistant and provide mobility that staircases or portable lifts may not be able to provide. Outdoor wheelchair elevators effectively increase wheelchair users’ access to and participation in outdoor spaces.

Wheelchair Lifts and Stairs

Stairs can present a significant obstacle for wheelchair users. Stairs can be made accessible by building and installing a wheelchair lift.

For instance, a stair-climbing inclined platform lift provides a smooth and secure journey to the wheelchair user.

As with any lift, proper installation and routine maintenance are required to ensure the lift functions as intended and provides years of dependable service.

Commercial Wheelchair Lifts in Care Homes

Residential care facilities are one of the most critical settings where commercial wheelchair lifts can make a significant difference.

These lifts can significantly enhance their quality of life by providing residents with a safe and comfortable means to travel between floors. They ensure that the nursing home is accessible, inclusive, and meets its residents’ requirements and diverse needs in the same way and an efficient manner.

Building Client Relationships Through Accessibility

Providing accessible wheelchair lift access in a commercial environment is a legal requirement and an opportunity to strengthen client relationships.

Businesses can demonstrate appreciation for all consumers, regardless of mobility status, by committing to accessibility.

Commercial wheelchair lifts demonstrate this commitment, conveying a powerful message to customers regarding the company’s values.

Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Does a Wheelchair Lift Work?

A wheelchair lift is a motorised platform lift that transports a wheelchair and its occupant between levels. It functions identically regardless of whether it is installed indoors or outside. The user wheels their wheelchair onto the platform lift, secures it if necessary, and then uses a control panel to initiate movement. It is a simple yet effective solution for individuals with limited mobility.

What Range of Options is Available for Commercial Wheelchair Lifts?

There is a vast selection of commercial wheelchair lifts to accommodate a broad range of requirements and environments. This selection consists of vertical platform lifts, ideal for vertical travel in a direct line, and inclined platform lifts, intended to follow the path of an existing staircase. The best option will depend on the user’s specific needs and the building’s layout.

How is a Wheelchair Lift Installed?

Wheelchair lift installation involves multiple stages and should always be performed by a trained professional. Typically, it begins with a site evaluation to determine the optimal lift type and installation location. Afterwards, the required structural modifications are made, and the lift components are installed and rigorously tested to ensure safe and dependable operation.

How Can Wheelchair Lifts Benefit Clients?

By demonstrating a company’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, wheelchair elevators can be of great value and service to customers. When customers see that a business has accommodated those with mobility issues, it inspires a sense of trust and esteem. It demonstrates that the company values all customers equally and proactively meets their diverse requirements.