The essential guide to buying a wheelchair lift in the UK
For many public buildings in the UK, buying a wheelchair lift is essential. A wheelchair lift allows those who use wheelchairs to access buildings or areas within buildings that are not accessible by other means. If you’re looking into buying a wheelchair lift in the UK, this guide covers all the basics you need to know.
Types of lifts
One of the first things to consider when buying a wheelchair lift is which type of lift will be best for your needs. There are three main types of lifts available: platform lifts, incline lifts, and through-floor lifts. Platform lifts look like elevators and move people between two different levels inside or outside a building. Incline lifts run on a track up and down stairs; they can be installed externally or internally. Through-floor lifts travel between two levels through an existing hole in the floor; these are great for providing access between floors without needing to make any major changes to the building itself.
Safety considerations
It’s critical to take safety into account when choosing a wheelchair lift, and only ever have one installed by experienced professionals. All wheelchair lifts should have built-in safety features such as emergency brakes, safety sensors, and non-slip surfaces on platforms or steps. It’s also important to check that your chosen model meets all relevant safety standards set out by the British Standards Institute (BSI).
Where to buy
When it is time to buy your wheelchair lift, there are several options available. You can purchase directly from manufacturers or distributors, rent one from an equipment provider, or even buy secondhand online. While you may think buying secondhand will be more cost-effective, it does come with some risks. Any used equipment should be carefully inspected by an expert before purchasing and you will need to ask for proof that it has been maintained properly before buying. Another issue with secondhand equipment is that it has not necessarily been designed with your building in mind, and the work that needs to be carried out to make it a suitable fit for your building may push up the cost considerably. For overall safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness, it is always best to buy new from a specialist supplier. You can request a quote from Sesame Access Systems, a leading supplier of wheelchair lifts in the UK and worldwide.
Buying a wheelchair lift in the UK doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as you do your research first! Take time to consider which type of lift is best for your needs and don’t forget about safety when making your decision. Finally, decide whether you want to buy new or used equipment and then shop around for the best deals so that you get value for money without compromising on quality or safety standards. With this guide in hand, you should now feel confident enough to start shopping around for the perfect wheelchair lift!
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Our sincere thanks go out to all of you who have read our wheelchair lift blog. We hope that you have found this article useful and that it has given you some valuable information regarding lifts. If you are looking for more information about wheelchair lifts, we encourage you to read our other blogs on this topic, such as Why Lift Servicing Is So Important for Lift Owners, to learn more.
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If you'd like to chat about your needs for access systems, Sesame Access Systems is always happy to help.
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A review of Sesame Access - UK's leading supplier of listed buildings’ wheelchair lifts to the entire United Kingdom
If you need a DDA lift for a listed building or iconic property in the UK, Sesame Access is the clear choice.
We have extensive experience in working with listed buildings and can create a solution and stairlifts prices that meets your needs while preserving the building's historical integrity. We have worked on projects all over the country, including buildings that are hundreds of years old, so you can trust us to take care of your unique property.
These wheelchair lift FAQs will help you get all the answers you need!
What is the cost of a wheelchair lift?
Wheelchair lifts can cost from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on size and complexity. The cost of a lift is influenced by factors like weight capacity, operation, and installation method. Our staff is more than happy to give you a free quote if you contact us. We can provide you with detailed information about the available lifts, including their features and benefits.
What is the safety of lifts compared to stairs?
Lifts are a safer alternative to stairs, and they are essential for many people with limited mobility or disabilities because they make buildings more accessible and safer for all. Safety features make lifts much easier to operate and provide greater peace of mind while they are in use, such as buttons for calling the lift, and sensors that stop the lift if something or someone is in its way while it is in use. As an added benefit, specialist lifts are large enough to accommodate wheelchairs, so they are a perfect choice for those with disabilities.
If I want to use a wheelchair elevator, what size should I choose?
The size of the wheelchair elevator needed for your business will vary based on factors like the number of people it will need to accommodate, the width of wheelchairs, and the space available within the building for the elevator. You will need a special-sized elevator to accommodate typical users' wheelchairs, as most standard elevators are only 18 inches wide.
Here at Sesame Access Systems, we would be happy to assist you in learning more about the different sizes of wheelchair elevators available to you. We can provide you with a range of sizes, from small personal lifts to larger commercial models.
How long does a wheelchair lift last?
Wheelchair lifts should last for 25 years, more or less. Factors like use, material, servicing frequency, and climate can all affect how long a wheelchair lift lasts.
It is common for wheelchair lifts to be made of steel or aluminium, both of which are durable and able to withstand a great deal of wear and tear. Proper maintenance is still important to ensure the lift continues functioning properly for as long as possible. Qualified professionals should perform routine cleaning and inspections to identify potential problems before they become too severe.
How do wheelchair lifts work?
A motorised device in a wheelchair lift lifts a wheelchair and its occupant to travel between floors in a building. Public buildings and areas, such as hospitals, schools, government buildings, and shopping malls, often have wheelchair lifts.