Wheelchair Lifts – 3 Key Factors to Consider in Wheelchair Lift Selection

There are many wheelchair lift factors to consider in the selection process.

1. First and foremost, the platform length of the wheelchair lift must be sufficient to accommodate the mobility device being lifted from one level to another.

a. If the mobility device is a scooter, tilt wheelchair, wheelchair with leg rests then straight on the platform and straight off the platform is necessary.

b. If the mobility device is a manual wheelchair, then it is a possibility to consider a 90 degree exit from the platform.  But, the ideal flow of the wheelchair is also straight on and straight off the platform.

c. If the mobility device is a power wheelchair, then the weight of the user and the chair is important since some wheelchair lifts have a capacity of 500 lbs.  Another factor is that you may require a dedicated 20 amp fuse if you are considering a plug in style wheelchair lift model.

2. Ground slope in the approach to the platform must be relatively a gentle slope.

a. If the person using the lift propels the wheelchair  themselves then the slope approaching the platform needs to be less than a 1 to 12 slope on enable them to be able to manage moving the wheelchair onto the platform.  This is also the case for the situation where a person pushing the wheelchair is elderly or does not have the strength to push a wheelchair up a steel slope.

b. If the user is moving a scooter or power chair onto the platform then the slope is not as important a factor.

3. Safety issues are important.

a. A gate at the top of the lift is common to be a legal requirement in many states for residential application.  In Canada, this requirement is not mandatory except in commercial applications.  However, a gate of some description is a good idea in all wheelchair lift installations.  This is so that when the platform is at the lower station, that a person standing at the top landing can not fall down onto the platform.

b. Underneath the platform, almost all wheelchair lift manufacturers have a safety pan that will stop the lift if the pan is engaged with any type of obstruction.  This is extremely important to prevent injury if somehow an animal or small child ended up under the platform.

Learn more about wheelchair lift models available.

Freedom Of Mobility With A Wheelchair Lift

Freedom Of Mobility With A Wheelchair Lift

Many people today have been looking to the purchase of a wheelchair lift instead of the installation of a bulky wheelchair ramp. Having to travel in and out of your home if you use a wheelchair is difficult enough. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you are going to get in and out of your house in a safe manner. This is why a wheelchair lift is a great option for so many people today with limited mobility.

When you find that it is time that you purchase a handicap product such as a wheelchair lift, you need to be sure that you look through all of the types of wheelchair lifts that are available to you today. If you have a hard time leaving your home very often, then you may want to look into the different ways that you can buy wheelchair lifts online. Inclined wheelchair lifts and all sorts of easy to use products can all be found online, and then can be delivered to your door for installation with a simple click of your mouse. This is a fabulous alternative for a person who is unable to travel to a retail location to find the perfect wheelchair lift for their home.

Whether you are looking for a wheelchair lift to use with your vehicle, one to use to get in and out of your home, or both, there are a number of great models with lots of options for you to choose from. Depending on the type of health insurance you have, you might even find that all or at least a portion of the cost of a handicap product such as an inclined wheelchair lift may be taken care of for you. If not, then you will be pleased to know that there are also many great used wheelchair lift retailers and makers out there today that you can work with to get the product that is just right for your needs as well as your budget.

The great thing is, when it comes to all of the home healthcare products on the market today, there are always advances being made in the style and ease of use. Wheelchair lifts are definitely no exception. Many people are finding that the installation of one of the many types of wheelchair lifts on the market is the best decision that they have ever made. If you find that yourself or a loved one could benefit from such a handicap product, then it is something that you should think of looking into!

After you have done all of the proper research on the various models and you end up purchasing your wheelchair lift, it is equally important that you know exactly how the model works. Even if you go through used wheelchair lift retailers and makers or buy wheelchair lifts online, you should still be sure that you can arm yourself with the proper knowledge to run the product smoothly. After all, the proper use and understanding of your handicap product will ensure your safety as well as the safety of others around you.

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