Those who utilize a wheelchair for some or all of their movements may need some additional equipment installed in their home to provide optimal assistance, and the single most well-known such product is a wheelchair lift. Also called a vertical platform lift, a wheelchair lift helps someone in a wheelchair enter or exit a building, or move between levels – and knowing some basics on how these devices work is important if you or someone in your home requires one.

At A+ Elevators & Lifts, we’re proud to offer a huge selection of wheelchair lifts for clients around Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Boise, Reno and many nearby areas. We’re happy to provide information on all of our wheelchair lift products, which come in both vertical and inclined lift formats. Here are some common questions we often get from clients about our wheelchair lifts.

What’s The Difference Between a Vertical and Incline Wheelchair Lift?

Generally speaking, wheelchair lifts come in two main formats: vertical lifts and inclined lifts. A vertical lift moves straight up and down between levels or into/out of a building, while an inclined lift moves along a slanted track, allowing for wheelchair access across sloped areas like ramps.

Inclined lifts are often used for single-story homes where one level has a higher elevation than the other, or for accessing sloped driveways or entries. Both types are safe, reliable and provide independence, so the choice depends on your specific access needs and home layout.

What’s The Difference Between a Wheelchair Lift and an Elevator?

Another common question is how wheelchair lifts differ from standard elevators. While both move between levels, a wheelchair lift is designed specifically for wheelchair users and has a larger platform to accommodate wheelchairs. It also moves at a slower speed for safety and comfort.

Regular elevators are faster and can fit multiple people, but aren’t wheelchair-accessible without major modifications. For most residential wheelchair lift needs, a dedicated lift is more practical and affordable than converting an elevator.

What is an Installation Pit?

For many wheelchair lift installations, an installation pit is required. This is a recessed area, typically in the floor, where part of the lift mechanism is housed. The installation pit provides stability and support for the lift, and allows it to descend below the floor level.

The size and depth of the installation pit will depend on the specific lift model and application. Our experts can evaluate your location and determine if an installation pit is needed, and if so, how large it should be for your lift to function properly.

What About an Entry Ramp?

In other cases, an entry ramp may be preferable or necessary instead of an installation pit. An entry ramp provides a sloped path for wheelchair access, and can be a good option if there are multiple entry points or if a pit isn’t feasible for your needs or budget.

We offer a range of residential entry ramp products to suit any home, including modular ramp systems, permanent concrete ramps and more. Whether a lift, ramp or combination of both is right for you, we can evaluate your unique access needs and recommend solutions to meet them. Please contact us to learn more or request a free consultation.

How Much Weight is Supported?

While the answer here will vary between specific wheelchair lift models, most standard wheelchair lifts can support at least 300-500 pounds. This is enough for the weight of an average wheelchair and user. If a heavier wheelchair or user is involved, certain heavy-duty models can support up to 800 pounds or more.

It’s important to choose a lift with a weight capacity that exceeds the combined weight of the wheelchair and user for maximum safety. If you’re unsure of the exact weight requirements, contact us for a recommendation based on your specific needs.

What Are Some Signs a Wheelchair Lift is Needed?

How can you tell if installing a wheelchair lift would be helpful or necessary? Some common signs include:

– Living in a multi-story home and having difficulty accessing upper levels due to stairs

– Having a sloped entryway, ramp or driveway that’s difficult to navigate in a wheelchair

– Needing a safer, more convenient option for entering/exiting the home than using stairs

– Requiring independence and easy access, especially if help isn’t always available

– Wanting to increase home accessibility and value if planning to sell in the future

If you or someone else in your household regularly uses a wheelchair and struggles with any of these issues, a wheelchair lift is likely a good solution to consider.

For many people, wheelchair lifts are an easy and affordable way to gain independence and make their home more wheelchair-accessible. Contact us today at A+ Elevators & Lifts to learn more about the options available or to request an in-home consultation for your needs in SLC, Cheyenne, Boise, Reno or surrounding cities.