Vertical Platform Lifts for Your Wheelchair

It is a sad reality that people do not appreciate what they have, and only realize its worth when they lost it. The same goes with our mobility and independence. We, able bodied individuals, perform our daily activities without having to struggle or exert too much effort. Lucky for us, I guess. But for those with limited mobility and freedom, like the elderly and the physically challenged, each activity, even the simplest one, can mean a very big challenge or struggle for them to face.

For those who are confined in the seats of their wheelchairs, climbing the stairs is definitely out of the picture. So, how do they transfer up and down to different floor levels?

Establishments should accommodate guests with impaired physical mobility since this is mandated by law. This is basically the reason behind the existence of elevators and ramps in their buildings. And lately, vertical platform lifts have become available for individuals who move about with their wheelchairs.

There are many types of vertical platform lifts (a.k.a. wheelchair lifts) that can be installed in a property, whether public institutions or residential homes, to assist a person mounted on a wheelchair overcome a few steps or other similar perpendicular barriers.

The powered device has a stage or platform that perfectly fits a wheelchair. The platform is enclosed with walls to prevent the contained wheelchair from stirring while the lift is ascending or descending.

Some countries, like the United States of America, regulate the utilization of vertical platform lifts by setting benchmarks for these devices.

One solid example of a vertical platform lift is the Multilift Vertical Wheelchair Platform Lift introduced by Savaria Concord. This sturdy device makes use of an ACME drive system that ensures a reliable and safe operation for its eventual users. This lift can be best used for both outdoor and indoor applications, and for both private and public properties.

The above mentioned lift has a standard beige color and can carry a load of as much as 750 pounds or 340 kilograms of weight. It has dimensions of 34 inches (864 millimeters) for the width and 54 inches (1,372 millimeters) for the length. It can travel about 8 feet for every minute or 0.04 meter per second. It has two openings (front and rear) for entrance/exit and requires constant pressure on the car buttons to operate on 110-120 VAC. The drive system that this platform lift utilizes includes back-up nuts and ACME screws.

For safety purposes, this lift features a non-slip platform with 42 inches (1,067 millimeters) high guard panels and roller shoes for additional guidance. It also has automatic dual safety ramps on its platform and a safety sensor. Moreover, it has a manual emergency brake to lower/raise the device in case the drive system fails. The Multilift Vertical Wheelchair Platform Lift is specially designed to abide by the lawful requirements of most safety code in installing and operating such device.

Installing a vertical platform lift is one great way to help wheelchair-bound individuals experience further liberty. When you plan of having one, make sure to confirm the quality standards of that model.