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.
