Enhancing accessibility with wheelchair lifts

For businesses that are in the process of fitting out or refurbishing their buildings, wheelchair lifts can be a great way to make spaces more accessible for those who use wheelchairs. In this blog post, we will look at the best platform wheelchair lifts for fit-outs and refurbishment projects.

Types of Wheelchair Lifts

The type of platform lift you need depends on the layout and design of your building, as well as your budget. There are several types of platform wheelchair lifts available on the market, including vertical platform lifts, inclined platform lifts, and through-floor lifts. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider what type would best suit your needs.

Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)

This is one of the most popular types of platform lifts available on the market today. This type of lift is perfect for any setting as it requires minimal construction work and can be installed both indoors and outdoors with ease. VPLs come in a range of sizes and can be custom-built to suit your specific requirements. They have an integrated manual emergency lowering system in case of power failure, along with numerous safety features such as anti-slip surfaces, overspeed governors, emergency stop buttons, and more. The VPL has been designed to be low maintenance, reliable, easy to install, and cost-effective in comparison to other types of access solutions like ramps or lifts.

Inclined Platform Lifts (IPLs)

These are designed for staircases that have curves or turns along them. They travel at an angle rather than vertically like VPLs do, making them ideal for areas with limited space or tight turns. IPLs also feature safety features such as sensors that detect obstacles in the path of the lift. Like VPLs, IPLs are powered by electricity and can carry up to 750 kilograms (1,650 pounds).

Through-Floor Lifts

Through-floor lifts offer access between two floors without using a staircase at all. This type of lift is ideal for buildings where there is no room to install a ramp or staircase due to space constraints or other factors such as a lack of structural support in walls or ceilings. Through-floor lifts require a shaftway where they can be installed but provide a safe way to transport people from one floor to another with minimal disruption to existing architecture or structure.

Wheelchair lifts provide an effective solution for businesses looking to make their spaces more accessible for those who use wheelchairs; however, choosing the right type of platform lifts for your project can be tricky! It’s important to consider factors like space constraints and budget when deciding which type would best suit your needs before purchasing any equipment; only then should you start shopping around. With careful consideration when selecting wheelchair lifts, you will ensure that you have chosen the best option available that meets your accessibility needs while staying within budget.

If you haven't already, check out our latest blog about wheelchair lifts!

Our sincere thanks go out to all of you who read our wheelchair lift blog. We hope that this post has provided you with some valuable information on lifts that you can use. If you would like to learn more about wheelchair lifts, you may be interested in reading some of our other blogs, such as Why Lift Servicing Is So Important for Lift Owners.

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Whenever you'd like to chat about your needs for access systems, Sesame Access Systems is always happy to help.

We have several services that we offer, and we're confident that we can help you find the best solution for your situation. If you require an access system solution that is customised to your requirements, get a quote today. If you have any questions or would like to contact us, please call +44 (0)1784 440088 or fill out this form at sesameaccess.com/contact.

A UK-leading supplier of wheelchair lifts for listed buildings, Sesame Access Systems is on your side for assistive technology

No other company in the UK can match Sesame Access when it comes to supplying DDA lifts for listed buildings and iconic properties.

Our team of experts has extensive experience with listed buildings and can design a solution and provide reasonable stairlifts prices to meet your needs while preserving the building's historical integrity. We have worked on a wide range of projects across the country, including properties that are hundreds of years old, so you can trust us to look after your unique building.

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 anywhere from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the size and complexity of the lift. The price of a lift is determined by factors such as weight capacity, operation, and installation method. You are welcome to contact our staff if you would like to get a free quote. You can also contact us if you would like further information about the available lifts, including the features and benefits they offer.

Are lifts safer than stairs?

Lifts are safer than stairs, and they are an essential part of life for many people with limited mobility or a disability. Several features make lifts much easier to operate and provide greater safety 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. In addition to this, lifts are usually large enough to accommodate a wheelchair, so they are ideal for people who need assistance moving around.

Could you please tell me the size of the wheelchair elevator that I need?

Consider factors like the number of people the wheelchair elevator can accommodate, the width of the wheelchair, and the space available for the access system when choosing the size for your business. Generally, elevators are sized for wheelchairs that are 18 inches wide. If your typical users' wheelchairs are wider, you will need a special-sized elevator.

The team at Sesame Access Systems can provide you with more information about the sizes of wheelchair elevators available in the market. From small personal lifts to larger commercial models, we offer a variety of sizes to meet your needs.

What is the average lifespan of a wheelchair lift?

The lifespan of a wheelchair lift should be at least 25 years. Several factors can impact the lifespan of a wheelchair lift, including use, material, servicing frequency, and climate.

A wheelchair lift is commonly made from steel or aluminium, both of which can withstand a great deal of wear and tear. Proper maintenance is still important to ensure the lift functions properly for as long as possible, and this cannot be overlooked. Routine cleaning and inspections by qualified professionals can help identify potential problems before they become too severe.

In what way does a wheelchair lift work?

A wheelchair lift is a motorised device that lifts a wheelchair and its occupant to different levels of an elevated building. Public buildings such as hospitals, schools, and government buildings, and public areas like shopping malls, often have wheelchair lifts.