Q: What type of lift is the Windsor Mobility Lift?
The Windsor Mobility Lift is a bespoke platform lift designed and manufactured by Sesame Access. It is not a retracting stair lift but a vertical platform lift with permanent 1100 mm-high handrails, a platform gate, and an optional upper landing gate or rising barrier.
Q: What is the maximum rise height of the Windsor Lift?
It can achieve a rise of up to three metres, making it suitable for multi-level access in public buildings or private properties.
Q: What makes the Windsor Lift different from other Sesame platform lifts?
Unlike the Pimlico Lift or Richmond Rising Platform Lift, which use rising barriers that retract below ground, the Windsor Lift has fixed handrails and a fixed platform gate. Its closest relatives are the Trafalgar Access Lift and Cavendish Platform Lift, which also prioritise minimal pit depth and solid barrier protection.
Q: What are the platform dimensions?
The usable space on the platform is 900 mm wide by 1534 mm long. The total outer platform size (including handrails and gate) is 1115 mm wide by 1641 mm long.
Q: What are the standard pit dimensions?
The pit for the Windsor Lift is 1247 mm wide by 1765 mm long. When using bellows rather than roller shutter blinds, the pit increases slightly to 1427 mm by 1855 mm. Minimum pit depth with a standard hydraulic system is 650 mm (including cladding).
Q: Can the Windsor Lift work with shallow pit depths?
Yes. For very shallow pits, Sesame can use bellows or roller shutter blinds. The minimum pit depth for the platform gate mechanism is approximately 630 mm plus cladding, and for the upper landing automatic gate the minimum pit depth can be reduced to 240 mm, as demonstrated in projects such as City Gate South and Dino House.
Q: How does the Windsor Lift comply with British Standards?
It is built to meet BS 6440:2011, which requires gaps between moving parts and surrounding walls to be less than 10 mm or greater than 100 mm. The Windsor Lift’s ledges, gates, and barriers are designed to maintain these safety tolerances.
Q: What finishes are available?
Clients can choose between glass, stainless steel, brass, or custom architectural finishes. Aged mild-steel mesh gate frames and bespoke railings, similar to those used at Wapping Power Station, can be applied to match surrounding architecture.
Q: Can the lift be used with existing upper landing doors?
Yes. The Windsor Lift can rise to meet existing upper landing doors or bespoke Sesame automatic gates. Both manual and automatic gate options are available, each built to integrate with surrounding finishes.
Q: What safety features are included?
Safety edges, pressure sensors, and optional scanning devices can be added to detect obstacles or crush hazards. A maintenance panel allows engineers to access hydraulic rams and manually lower or raise the lift if required.
Q: What is the safe working load?
The standard safe working load is 350 kg, supported by a robust twin or quadruple scissor mechanism capable of handling additional weight depending on finish materials such as stone or metal.
Q: What drainage and maintenance access is required?
All Sesame lifts, including the Windsor, follow the same drainage requirements as the Waterloo Lift and other external installations. Access from below the platform or via a removable skirt is preferred for maintenance.
Q: Is the Windsor Lift suitable for both internal and external use?
Yes. The design can be adapted for either internal or external installations. All drainage and electrical components are specified for the intended environment.
Q: What accessibility standards does it meet?
The Windsor Mobility Lift complies with UK Building Regulations Part M and BS 8300, ensuring it is suitable for both standing and seated users in public access environments.
Q: Can the Windsor Lift be customised for heritage or listed buildings?
Yes. Like other bespoke Sesame models such as the Belgravia Disabled Lift and Whitehall DDA Lift, the Windsor Lift can be tailored with materials and finishes that satisfy conservation requirements and planning approval for heritage sites.