Platform lift elevators are new and effective because they are a vertical mobility solution that assists individuals to overcome the architectural obstacles. The special lifts do not only concern convenience but also independence, security and accessibility in homes and business environments. 

Compared to a conventional lift which involves a lot of construction work and demands a huge amount of space, a platform lift is a small and flexible lift that can be installed easily into a building that is already in place. This renders it a perfect option in retrofitting homes and businesses as it provides a smooth means of movement across various levels. Platform lift elevator, home or commercial, is a great solution to an improved access with no loss of space and appearance.

What are Platform Lifts and How Do They Work?

Platform lifts or vertical platform lifts or wheelchair lifts are motorized platforms used to move people and in many cases their mobility devices between various levels of a building or home. The main difference between conventional elevators and these lifts is that the latter have a simple, enclosed or open platform design and an operating system that is self-contained. 

A platform lift does not need a full-height shaft or a separate machine room like a traditional elevator. This simplified design will not require a lot of structural changes and thus will be a great option when it comes to retrofitting into existing space.

A platform lift consists of the basic elements, which are a platform, a drive system (hydraulic, screw-driven or chain-driven), and a control panel. Upon the act of activation of the lift, the platform is moved in an upward or downward direction along a rail or in a shaft, with a smooth and safe movement between floors. 

This simple task makes this reliable and safe transportation of people in wheelchairs and scooters or any person who struggles with the stairs. A platform lift is also self-contained, which means it can be installed in less space and placed in any number of locations, including a garage, a porch, or a main living space, providing versatility in the context of many different architectural designs.

Benefits of Installing a Platform Elevator in Your Home

There are many benefits to installing a platform lift elevators which are not limited to mobility. The lifts make living better by offering convenience, safety, and higher value of property. The home that has an available vertical transport system is the home that can be future-proofed against the evolving mobility requirements to guarantee its comfort and functionality in the years to come.

• Improved Accessibility and Independence: 

A platform lift will enable persons with mobility issues to move around their home without any help. It also removes the necessity to use other people to move between floors, which raises a feeling of independence and self-reliance. This especially applies to wheelchair and scooter users because they can remain in their equipment when using the lift.

• Safety and Peace of Mind: 

Stairs may be a big risk of falling down, particularly among the elderly or physically challenged. A platform lift is a safe and stable means of getting between floors which significantly decreases the chance of being injured. The ride is safe and sound with such features as a panic button, safety sensor, and non-slip platform.

• Space-Saving Design: 

Platform lifts are designed in a small size as compared to the traditional large size. Their size is relatively small, which makes them appropriate in houses where space is a significant factor. They may be fitted in small spaces, against a wall or even outside to reach a deck or a porch.

• Increased Home Value: 

A residential elevator is a luxury that can greatly add value to a house. A platform lift elevator is a convenient and attractive feature that will attract a greater number of potential customers, in particular those wishing to have an accessible or multi-generational house.

Who Needs Platform Lifts and Why They’re an Ideal Solution

Platform lifts are specifically aimed at people and the environment that needs an effective and space-saving method of overcoming the vertical barriers. They are a convenient alternative to people who have difficulty with stairs but do not need the size, cost, or difficulty of a full-size commercial elevator.

Platform lifts are ideal for individuals who:

• Use a wheelchair or mobility scooter: 

The open platform is friendly to wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids, and people can remain in their chairs when being transported. This is one of the main functions which makes platform lifts an essential tool for wheelchair users.

• Have difficulty with stairs: 

The problem of stairs can be a major issue to the elderly, individuals who have undergone surgery, or individuals with chronic conditions. A platform lift is a safe, easy, and fast method of accessing various floors, which makes it easier and safer to live everyday.

• Need quick, accessible solutions for short distances: 

These lifts are ideal to overcome short distances vertically like a few steps to a raised porch, a split-level floor, or an elevated deck. They are simple to design and relatively cheap, which makes them a viable option in the given needs.

In addition to personal use, a platform lift elevators is also the ideal choice in small businesses, government buildings, and schools that should meet the accessibility guidelines without significant construction. They are a smart investment to increase accessibility among everyone because they can fit in narrow spaces and they consume energy efficiently.

Types of Platform Lifts for Home: Finding the Perfect Fit

The residential elevator types available in the market have varied variants and each variant is meant to satisfy particular needs and architectural demands. The selection of the appropriate one rests on such factors as the space you have, the number of the floors you should reach, and your preferences in terms of aesthetics.

• Vertical Platform Lifts: 

This is the most widespread type of lift, and they move vertically in a self-enclosed shaft. They provide a straight path between two levels and are perfect in overcoming the changes of single stories or linking a basement to the primary living space. 

They may be fitted with a complete enclosure to give a more conventional elevator feel or in the open form. It is a great kind of lift used in homes when an individual wants a simple and effective elevator.

• Inclined Platform Lifts: 

This one is designed to resemble the slope of a staircase, and it is a great space-saving alternative to straight staircases. They are fitted with several stories in one unit and hence they are applicable in multi-story houses. An inclined lift would be a good option when a person wants to use his/her staircase to move around without making changes in the structure of the home.

• Through-the-Floor Lifts: 

As the name implies, these lifts are placed through a hole made in the floor and move between two floors. The platform may be folded down to the floor below when not in use, which will give it a smooth and non-obstructive appearance. It is a highly sought after residential elevator model by people who prefer to keep their space clean and save space. They are regarded as a contemporary and classy answer to home access.

• Wheelchair Stairlifts: 

This is really a separate category, but also worth mentioning. They are small lifts which move up and down a staircase and offer a sitting platform to the users. They are an excellent choice when one does not require a complete platform lift but has stair problems.

How to Choose the Right Platform Elevator

Selection of the appropriate platform elevator is an important decision that involves consideration of a number of factors. With the assessment of your needs, the layout of your home, and the characteristics of various models, you will be able to determine the solution that will offer the best fit to your scenario.

• Assess Your Mobility Needs: 

The initial step is to examine the mobility requirements of the user. Are they in a wheelchair or do they just need a safer means of going up and down the stairs? This will make your decision on whether to use a full platform lift or a seated stairlift. The platform size will also matter; it should be big enough to be comfortable to the user and any mobility equipment.

• Evaluate Your Home’s Layout: 

The design of your home will also be a factor in the kind of lift that will be most appropriate. As an illustration, a vertical platform lift is suitable in homes where an open corner is present or a large closet that may be turned into a shaft. 

An inclined lift could be the most appropriate solution in a house that has a straight staircase. A through-the-floor lift will be ideal for a multi-story house with a small area since it can be hidden when not in use.

• Consider Drive System and Features: 

Platform lifts are available with various drive systems such as the hydraulic, screw-driven and chain-driven. The hydraulic systems are characterized by a smooth ride whereas the screw-driven systems tend to be smaller. 

Safety features to consider include emergency lowering, backup battery and obstacle sensors. The lift aesthetics also plays a role, and the finishes and colors can be customized to suit your home.

• Consult with Experts: 

It is important to hire the services of a professional elevator company. A specialist will be able to evaluate your house, suggest the most appropriate residential elevator types, and make sure that the installation process is safe and does not contradict all the rules. They also can offer advice to maintain and repair your investment to make sure that it is in good working condition many years to come.

Why Skyrise Elevators are the Best Platform Lifts for Your Home

Skyrise Elevators is a company that you can count on when choosing a good and stable platform lift elevator. Skyrise as a major Australian-owned and controlled firm deals with the provision of innovative and adaptable vertical transportation approaches to both residential and commercial buildings of all dimensions. The lifts have been known to be quiet, small footprint, and fast to install, which makes them the best option to use in contemporary living.

Skyrise Elevators also provides various lift services including new installations, maintenance and repair, by expert and approved technicians. We take pride in our design of custom, ready-to-go solutions, which are energy efficient and at the same time, crafted to fit your architectural vision and functionality needs. 

At Skyrise Elevators, you are not just purchasing a lift, but a safe, dependable and professionally designed solution that will not only elevate your house, but your experience too.

Conclusion:

Platform lift elevators are an all-purpose and important product to improve accessibility and independence in modern houses and businesses. They are a safe, convenient and space saving option to traditional elevators, hence a good option among individuals with mobility problems. The advantages of this type of lifts are evident since they help with making the houses safer or even add value to the property and offer a huge variety of residential elevator types. 

Whenever you are set to invest smartly into the future and accessibility of your home, it is best to make a well-known choice of a partner such as Skyrise Elevators to make sure you receive an innovative, reliable, and professionally-installed solution.