More then one and a half million people in the United States live within the limitations of a wheelchair every day. Some sources say that there may be up to 100 million wheelchair users around the world. People may be confined to a wheelchair after leg or spinal injuries, as a result of illness complications, or even due to a genetic condition. Whatever the reason, wheelchairs allow the disabled to overcome their handicaps and live their lives more independently.
Unfortunately, our world is not naturally suited for wheelchair use, and in the past, manmade structures presented barriers and obstacles to wheelchairs as well. Stairs, different building levels, and vehicle entries are difficult for wheelchair users to negotiate.
A wheelchair lift is a mechanical device that helps to overcome these manmade barriers. It can lift (or lower) a wheelchair onto normally inaccessible places. Most wheelchair lifts are electrically powered by either a battery or the building's electrical supply. The wheelchair lift provides easy access for anyone in a wheelchair, or even those who just have difficulty stepping up. Lifts are also a perfect solution for individuals who use an electric power scooter.
Wheelchair lifts come in two basic designs: the wheelchair platform lift and the wheelchair stair lift. Wheelchair platform lifts resemble a small, open elevator. They have a partially enclosed platform large enough for a wheelchair. A wheelchair user enters the platform area through a door or gate. After closing the door (and sometimes securing the wheelchair), they are lifted or lowered to the level they choose, where they roll out of the lift. A wheelchair platform lift is a reliable and cost-effective solution for both public buildings and private homes. It's somewhat more expensive than installing a wheelchair ramp, but it takes up much less room.
Wheelchair stair lifts are also known as inclined platform lifts. They have elements of both a wheelchair platform lift and a stair chair lift. They provide accessibility for people in wheelchairs like a vertical lift, but operate on an incline up and down a stairway like a standard stair chair lift. Wheelchair stair lifts don't require riders to transfer themselves from their wheel chair to the stair lift chair. Many times, wheelchair stair lifts are custom-built for each customer's stairway. They are a good alternative when there's not enough room to install a vertical lift or elevator.
Buildings and homes aren't the only place wheelchair users and electric power scooter riders need help. Wheelchair lifts are also very useful for entering and exiting vehicles. The design of wheelchair lifts differs depending on the kind of vehicle you use. They may be permanently installed or portable. Some lifts swing away from the vehicle to allow normal access. Vehicle wheelchair lifts may be automatic or semi-automatic. Even recreational vehicle travel is possible again for wheelchair users. A common customization includes installing an RV wheelchair lift and making the entrance and aisles wide enough to handle the wheelchair's width.
Most vehicle manufacturers offer financial assistance if you want to modify your car, truck, or van for increased mobility. For example, the Hyundai mobility program offers up to $1,000 for "adaptive equipment" installed on a new Hyundai. Wheelchair lifts qualify as adaptive equipment.
When choosing your own wheelchair lift, you should spend some time comparing wheelchair lift specs. Dimensions, speed, motor power, load rating, and maximum height are all important wheelchair lift specs that may help you decide on the best model for you and your particular situation.
A wheelchair lift can overcome a variety of manmade obstacles for everyone