Inclined Platform Lifts vs Vertical Platform Lifts

Disabled access lifts, including vertical platform lifts and inclined platform lifts, make it easier, safer and more convenient for people with restricted mobility to move between building storeys. Because of this, they’re beneficial to both residential homes and commercial buildings, including offices, shopping centres, hospitals and hotels.

If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair, it may be time to consider having a platform lift installed at home. They can prevent the risk of stairs-related accidents and help you move between floors independently, which can be truly life-changing.

While the benefits of disabled access lifts are clear, you may be wondering which type is best suited to your needs. Discussing your requirements with professional lift engineers will help you decide between some of the most common options, such as whether you require a stairlift or platform lift. If the advice is to choose a platform lift, there are two options to consider: inclined and vertical.

Inclined platform lifts vs vertical platform lifts for disabled access

There are very few differences between inclined and vertical platform lifts. They are both designed to help people who use wheelchairs move between floors and building levels safely and conveniently, with a sturdy platform for support and raised side panels for safety. The only major difference is in the direction they travel:

●A vertical platform lift is one that moves up and down levels vertically, like the passenger lift you might take in a hotel, for example.

●An inclined platform lift is one that doesn’t travel up and down vertically. As the name suggests, inclined platform lifts typically move at an incline, usually because they follow stair tracks.

Because inclined and vertical platform lifts are so similar in design, they offer many of the same benefits. This means that one isn’t typically better than the other. However, you still need to consider your requirements carefully to choose the right one for you. After all, there are some circumstances where installing an inclined lift would be more appropriate than a vertical lift and vice versa.

For instance, if you need a platform lift to help you get from your garden into your house safely, then a vertical platform lift is likely the most convenient and cost-effective option. You might opt to install a vertical platform lift if there’s not enough space for a wheelchair ramp.

However, if you need a lift that follows a flight of stairs, perhaps because your home doesn’t have the appropriate space or layout to accommodate a vertical lift, then your chosen lift engineers will likely suggest an inclined platform lift. This can be fitted to follow the existing stair tracks.

If you’re not sure whether a vertical or inclined lift would suit your requirements best, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ADL Lift Services today. Our professional lift engineers specialise in designing and fitting reliable lifts for residential and commercial buildings, including disabled access lifts such as stair lifts, platform lifts and overhead hoists.