Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts In December 2023

Understanding the world of wheelchair users can shed light on the numerous daily obstacles they face. A significant barrier is traversing outdoor spaces, especially when stairs are involved. This is where wheelchair lifts for the outdoors come into action.

These lifts, also known as outdoor wheelchair lifts provide an essential utility by facilitating wheelchair users’ access to all outdoor environments. Exterior wheelchair elevators are intended for both indoor and outdoor use.

These devices allow individuals with limited mobility to appreciate outdoor spaces without worrying about access. They have become essential mobility apparatus, especially for those who use an electric wheelchair.

Key Features of Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts, especially outdoor platform lifts, are designed with various features to accommodate wheelchair users. Platform sizes vary, and charges have maximum weight capacities, assuring everyone’s safety and comfort.

The low-rise platform lift’s ability to operate smoothly on brief flights of stairs is crucial. In this situation, a low-rise platform lift is the safest and most dependable option for those with mobility issues.

Platform stairlifts, including vertical platform lifts, are an excellent choice for outdoor applications. These lifts are frequently implemented in commercial buildings and are designed to accommodate curved staircases.

Several users favour the outdoor wheelchair platform lift because it provides simple and safe wheelchair access to all building levels.

Installation and Operation of Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts

Installation is a crucial consideration when evaluating wheelchair-accessible outdoor elevators. Professional installation is required to ensure the safety and longevity of these elevators, which can be attached to various surfaces.

Depending on the lift type, the first step of lifts and installation may involve securing the ride to the structure and connecting it to a power source.

Outdoor wheelchair lifts are simple to operate. Most outdoor lifts are now designed with controls that wheelchair users can efficiently handle.

This simplicity guarantees that the lift provides disabled access and the required assistance without causing unnecessary complications.

Regulations and Compliance

In the United Kingdom, all wheelchair elevators, including outdoor wheelchair lifts, must adhere to specific building codes. The purpose of these regulations is to protect users and the general public.

In addition, elevators must be compliant with the Equality Act, which mandates equal access regardless of physical ability.

Installing outdoor lifts can significantly improve the accessibility of commercial buildings for people with disabilities.

However, the lift services must adhere to all applicable regulations. This increases safety and protects the commercial building proprietor from potential legal issues.

Choosing the Right Lift

When deciding on an outdoor wheelchair lift, several essential factors must be considered. The range of design options is extensive, from platform stair lifts for a brief flight of stairs to vertical platform lifts for multiple floors.

It is crucial to consider the specific requirements of the wheelchair user, the available space, and the structure of the building. Wheelchair platforms are designed to accommodate a variety of users and circumstances.

Whether you require a full wheelchair lift for a user of an electric wheelchair or a person with limited mobility, options are available. A wheelchair user’s life can be significantly improved by selecting the appropriate outdoor wheelchair lift from various options.

Maintenance and Service of Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts

Outdoor wheelchair lifts, like any other mechanical device, require regular maintenance and service to ensure their durability and dependability. Lift maintenance consists of common platform, motor, and control inspections.

Providers frequently offer lift services and service packages that prevent potential problems and provide a lift that is always in optimal condition. Elevators exposed to the elements require special attention to maintenance and service.

Outdoor wheelchair elevators must withstand the rigours of weather, which can impact their functionality. Regular maintenance can detect potential issues early, ensuring the lift’s continued safety and functionality.

Considerations for Different Types of Stairs

The type of stairs you have can affect the wheelchair stair lift you require. A platform stair lift, for instance, is suitable for linear stairs, whereas a wheelchair stair lift may be the best option for a curved staircase.

Step lifts, or low-rise platform step lifts, could be the most effective solution for brief flights of stairs. In addition, some staircases may necessitate a more complicated installation process.

For instance, installing a lift on a curved staircase may necessitate extensive building modifications. Professional installation is always required to ensure the lift’s safety and proper operation.

Weight and Capacity Considerations

It is essential to consider the maximum weight capacity when selecting a lift. Most charges are designed to accommodate the weight of a wheelchair user, but specific weight capacities can vary.

This is especially important if the user has a large electric wheelchair that may exceed the weight limit of the lift.

Commercial wheelchair lift platforms can vary in size range, affecting the lift’s use range and total weight capacity. Larger venues may be able to accommodate heavier wheelchairs or multiple users, but they may require additional space and a more powerful power source.

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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.

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Outdoor Use and Weather Resistance

Outdoor wheelchair elevators are constructed to withstand varying weather conditions and are intended for outdoor use. Typically, they are built with weather-resistant materials and components to withstand rain, snow, and UV radiation.

This outdoor durability guarantees that the lifts can provide dependable service throughout the year, regardless of the conditions.

Even with these weatherproof features, routine maintenance on your outdoor lift is necessary. This can aid in preventing any weather-related damage to the lift and ensure it remains pristine.

The Impact on Wheelchair Users

Outdoor wheelchair lifts can significantly enhance wheelchair users’ quality of life. They offer the freedom to navigate outdoor spaces with greater independence.

In addition, these outdoor platform lifts provide wheelchair access to buildings, homes, and other structures, facilitating full social participation.

According to our research, implementing an outdoor wheelchair platform lift can completely transform the life of a wheelchair user.

"Wheelchair lifts, especially outdoor platform lifts, are designed with various features to accommodate wheelchair users.

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Wheelchair Platform Lifts – A Closer Look

Wheelchair platform elevators are crucial for individuals with impaired mobility or impairments. They make traversing various levels, indoors or outdoors, much more straightforward.

These elevators are designed for internal and external use, allowing users to navigate multiple environments easily. From commercial structures to private residences, wheelchair platform elevators can be installed on virtually any stair type.

Typically, the installation procedure is straightforward and performed by trained professionals to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness.

Once implemented, these lifts can transform the life of a wheelchair user by becoming mobility equipment providing access to previously inaccessible areas.

Wheelchair platform elevators are also essential to the disabled access strategy of any building. By allowing wheelchair users to navigate staircases, these lifts increase the accessibility of space.

A charge can significantly affect equal access, whether for a brief short flight of stairs or multiple levels. Building regulations govern the installation and use of wheelchair platform elevators in the United Kingdom.

These regulations ensure that lifts are installed correctly and safely, putting the user’s safety first. Not only is compliance with these regulations a legal requirement, but it also provides users and building owners with peace of mind.

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

What is a step lift?

A step lift is a mobility apparatus designed to assist individuals, particularly wheelchair users, in ascending and descending short flights of stairs. A step lift operates over a shorter vertical distance than a full-sized lift, making it suitable for situations where only a few steps must be traversed. It is a practical solution that is simple to implement in residential and commercial settings.

How can a step lift assist with a short flight of stairs?

A step platform stair lift is an excellent option for short staircases. It provides a simple, secure, dependable method for wheelchair users to ascend or descend a few steps. With a step wheelchair stair lift on, a brief flight of stairs can be easily navigated, enhancing a person’s mobility and independence.

How does a lift suit different environments?

Lifts, such as wheelchair platforms and stair lifts, adapt to various environments. They are flexible and can be installed in multiple settings, including residential and commercial structures. The maximum capacity, available space, the height of the stairs, and the user’s specific requirements are considered to ensure that the lift is ideally suited to the environment.

Can lifts be mounted on any staircase?

Yes, lifts can typically be installed on a variety of stair types. Whether the staircase is linear or curved, indoor or outdoor, a professional installer can adapt the lift to the particular design. However, the installation will depend on several variables, including the staircase’s dimensions, design, and the building’s structural soundness.