illustration of paratransit bus picking up wheelchair passenger

How Does a Wheelchair Lift Work?


Did you know that 3.6 million Americans have travel-limiting disabilities that keep them homebound?

A wheelchair lift is one of the best ways to combat this problem. It provides easy access to areas that may be difficult to reach, such as the door of a vehicle, staircases, and outdoor steps.

Read our wheelchair lift guide to learn how they work, the different types you can choose from, and where to get the best one for your needs.

How Does a Wheelchair Lift Work?

Wheelchairs can be too bulky to fit into small areas and difficult to get over any incline. Wheelchair lifts help solve this problem.

Wheelchair lift devices provide a surface for the rider that lifts into a vehicle so they can go where they need to. They're usually operated by a remote that controls when they come down or rise back up.

Wheelchair lifts require maintenance by a qualified professional after at least 750 usage cycles to keep them running properly. This includes inspecting all parts and replacing or repairing any that aren't functioning at their best.

What Types of Wheelchair Lifts Are There?

A wheelchair lift for a van helps riders access even the most easy-to-enter vehicle. A portable wheelchair lift for a car provides a similar level of accessibility and is easy to carry and store.

Vehicles aren't the only place you may need mobility assistance. There are also options for a wheelchair lift for the home.

Over 20,000,000 people have difficulty walking and/or climbing up or downstairs. This is why the wheelchair stair lift is such a popular option.

There are several types of stairlifts, and they're easy to customize based on the size and shape of your staircase. There are also outdoor options for decks and patios and standing options for anyone who can't sit for extended periods.

Prices range from $2,000-$10,000 based on factors such as the model or type of staircase. Other costs include installation and maintenance.

You can rent a wheelchair stairlift for temporary use. A pre-owned lift will be more affordable but deliver the same quality.

When choosing among the many options, there are two major factors to consider; the amount of space you can spare and your current physical capabilities.

You may also need a wheelchair lift to access your patio, deck, or other outdoor living space. Options include incline or vertical wheelchair platform lifts and outdoor stairlifts.

Where Can I Get a Wheelchair Lift?

Anyone experiencing mobility issues may have to come up with a way to provide better access to the places they need to reach. Wheelchair lifts are one of the best ways to achieve this.

There are several different types for use in all locations, from vehicles to the home and outdoors. They're easy to operate and transport but require regular maintenance to run at their best.

Once you understand how lifts work, you can choose the right option for your needs. Browse our selection of wheelchair lifts and contact us today for more information.

Related Articles:

LIVE CHAT WITH AN AGENT