Many people who are elderly, suffer from arthritis, or muscular related diseases use mobility devices like mobility scooters and wheelchairs. These types of mobility aids can greatly increase mobility and the areas that are accessible. These types of devices can be used to travel many different types of terrains, but they are almost never outfitted to travel over the stairs. In these instances a vertical platform lift can be installed to help with this problem.

Vertical platform lifts are often called porch lifts because they are commonly installed on the front steps of houses. They, using a small platform, support the person and their personal mobility device and move them up and down the stairs. Most can support over 500 pounds, which is generally enough to transport 2 individuals and one mobility scooter at a time. There are several units available commercially and residentially that can support up to 750 pounds.

Porch lifts can be installed fairly easily. They typically only require a solid base of concrete or wood and are easily secured to this base. Depending on the lifting height and the model of porch lift, it may be necessary to also secure the unit to the wall of the stairs. Some porch lifts are portable and can be moved easily and in a matter of minutes. These portable vertical platform lifts are commonly used at schools and in churches. A portable unit typically has a lower lifting height and also may not be able to support as much weight as a non-portable unit.

Vertical platform lifts provide a very valuable service for those who use mobility scooters, electric power wheelchairs, or other personal mobility vehicles. It can open your home up with the rest of the world, or ensure that your business is accessible to those who are mobility challenged.