A wheel chair stair lift is sometimes also called an inclined platform lift. The wheel chair stair lift is like a cross between a vertical platform lift and a stair chair lift. It provides accessibility for people in wheelchairs like a vertical lift, but operates on an incline up and down a stairway like a standard stair chair lift. It improves on the stair lift for people with wheelchairs because they don't have to transfer themselves from the wheel chair to the stair lift chair.
A wheel chair handicap stair lift also provides a good access solution when existing building space won't permit the permanent installation of a vertical wheel chair lift or an elevator. Wheel chair stair lifts are often designed and custom-built to conform to each customer's stairway. Since stairways can come in a wide range of configurations, like straight, curved, or even multiple-stories, it's important to tailor the lift to each location. A good fit helps to ensure smooth operation of the lift.
The ThyssenKrupp "Carrier Lift" is an excellent example of a wheel chair platform stair lift. It has a lifting capacity of 450 pounds. The lift can be operated either by an attendant or by the passenger. It also includes a continuously-charging battery backup system, a useful feature in any stair lift. Without a battery backup, a power outage could strand wheel chair users on a particular level, or even in between levels. Batteries allow the lift to continue operating even without electrical supply from the mains.
The Carrier Lift wheel chair platform stair lift can also include a fold-down seat so that people who don't use a wheel chair but still have difficulty with stairs can use the lift to gain access to upper and lower levels.
Gartec, a lift manufacturer located in the UK, also makes a wheel chair handicap stair lift. The "Platform Stairlift" can be installed indoors or out. It is designed for use on straight staircases. It also features control by an attendant or the passenger.
Most wheel chair stair lifts can be folded out of the way when they aren't being used. This feature provides space for others to use the staircase. Platform stair lifts can be installed on the right or left-hand side. Unlike stair chair lifts, platform lifts are usually attached to the wall instead of the stairs themselves.
All wheel chair stair lifts are equipped with safety features. These include short ramps that allow easy access to the platform but then fold upright during movement to hold the wheel chair steady. The lifts can sense if something is blocking the path and stop automatically until the obstruction is removed. This will protect the lift from the possibility of motor burnout if the item is heavy and could prevent the lift from moving. It also protects the "obstruction" if it happens to be a pet or a small child.
Most wheel chair handicap stair lifts can also be purchased with barrier arms that fold down while the platform is moving, then automatically fold up and out of the way when the desired level is reached. It's even possible to add an audible alert and indicator lights that will signal the movement of the lift.
Wheel chair platform stair lifts provide comfortable, safe and easy access to different building levels. They can be installed in limited spaces, they leave room for regular stairway use, and they benefit not only wheel chair users, but also ambulatory users who have trouble climbing stairs.
A wheel chair stair lift provides stairway access for both wheel chair users and users who can walk in a single device