For those who have movement or accessibility concerns and need some help moving up and down both inside and outside their home, there are a few options that are available depending on the precise need. Two of the most robust and well-known here, but which have some important differences you should know about if you’re choosing between them, are the home elevator and the vertical platform lift.

At A+ Elevators and Lifts, we proudly stock a wide variety of both home elevators and vertical platform lifts – and we’re standing by to take your call and help you decide between them or any of our other accessibility products. What are some of the basics on how each of these items works, and their simple differences to keep in mind when considering one, the other or perhaps even both? Here’s a basic primer.

Defining Both Options

For those who are just learning about these two items, let’s define each as a simple baseline.

Home elevators, also called residential elevators, are products that, as the name implies, have been designed and engineered to move persons up and down within their home. Typically they are finished in a variety of styles, including wood or stainless steel cabinetry, so they blend with any decor. They are meant to move people up and down when there is more than one floor in the home, allowing for a smoother transition.

A vertical platform lift is slightly different in that it does not have the same type of cabinetry or design. It looks more like a small platform, with a guard rail around it and a keypad which allows you to move up and down with ease from one floor to another safely. This product is perfect for those with movement or accessibility concerns who need only a few steps to be elevated or lowered.

Design and Cab/Shaft Differences

The kinds of cab or shaft design you’ll find in home elevators are typically much more varied than those found in a vertical platform lift. Home elevators generally have full cabinetry and door designs, including multiple finishes to choose from, with the ability to customize options like color, control panels, and other features. They also have cabs that are completely enclosed, which provides a feeling of privacy and safety.

In contrast, vertical platform lifts typically have a more open-air design that allows for easier access to the platform. This makes them better suited for outdoor use or in areas where there is not enough space to accommodate an enclosed cab, although they can be enclosed if necessary. They also don’t require as much installation space, making them perfect for smaller homes or areas with limited space.

When it comes to shafts, elevators will always require them – but lifts often won’t. This is a very important difference to note when making the decision between the two.

Where They’re Often Used

When it comes to home elevators, interior use is typically the primary purpose. They can be used to move from one floor of a home up and down, or even in commercial settings where the need for elevators is even greater due to the volume of people who may frequent the establishment.

Vertical platform lifts are often more appropriate for exterior use, such as decks, porches and even patios. For instance, they will regularly be used to help someone who uses a wheelchair access an elevated entryway without having to go up and down a set of stairs.

Safety Features and Price Points

When considering either of these items for your home, safety is always a top concern. Elevators typically have more features when it comes to safety, such as emergency stop buttons, alarms, and protective side panels.

Vertical platform lifts, on the other hand, can be equipped with similar features but do not always require them. This makes them a bit more cost-effective and can be great for those on a budget.

Space Required

For smaller homes, or those with limited space, vertical platform lifts are the obvious choice due to their smaller design and footprint. They don’t require as much space to install and can be perfect for providing ease of mobility within tight quarters.

In contrast, elevators will always require more installation space in order to accommodate the cab and shaft designs. This means that they may not be the best choice for those who are limited on the amount of room they have to work with.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Another important factor to consider when selecting between the two is maintenance and upkeep. Home elevators will typically require more in terms of regular maintenance, as they are a bit more complex than platform lifts and have more features that need to be serviced regularly.

Platform lifts are generally easier to maintain, requiring less frequent servicing and fewer components that need attention. This can be great for those who want to avoid the hassle of more frequent maintenance and inspections.

Ultimately, when choosing between home elevators and vertical platform lifts it is important to understand the differences in design, cab/shaft designs, safety features, space required, and maintenance requirements. By taking into account all these factors, you will be able to make an informed decision that is right for your specific needs.

For more here, or to learn about any of our elevators, platform lifts or other accessibility products, speak to our team at A+ Elevators & Lifts today.