Platform lifts are essentially designed to help less able people to move independently around buildings, thereby eliminating the need to relocate. They help them in getting over obstacles such as small floor level changes and steep staircases. An investment in platform lifts in Chicago and Roselle, Illinois pays off by making premises, goods, and services accessible to people with mobility problems.
A poor selection can prove expensive and risky for the elderly, and other people with mobility difficulty, so careful selection is essential. Handing it to an experienced building contractor can be the best decision, especially if the unit is part of a more significant project. For standalone lift jobs, it can be more cost-effective to deal directly with expert professionals.
Now, choosing the right platform lift is not an easy feat. There are a lot of factors to consider, and a poor selection can have terrible consequences. On top of that, poor installation can prove equally fatal, resulting in accidents and injury. Fortunately, all these problems can be better avoided by handing it to the expert installers. Many reputable companies perform all such tasks – from an early consultation right through to design and installation.
Many people who require platform lifts ask the same initial questions. Let’s check them out:
How do platform lifts differ from conventional passenger lifts?
One of the significant differences between platform lifts and passenger lifts lies in their operational controls. Push buttons on a platform lift carriage should require continuous pressure to function as opposed to their traditional counterparts.
Whereas a traditional unit usually takes twenty seconds to travel to a height of three meters, platform lifts are limited to a maximum travel speed of 0.15 meters per second. Other than that, platform lifts come in with a peripheral safety edge, which brings the platform to a standstill if it encounters an object or person. However, they don’t have an enclosed cabin.
What types of platform lift are available?
The market is chalk-a-block with different lift models of varying dimensions, something to suit even the most demanding of requirements. Some travel vertically while some versions have folding platforms on straight or curved rails to transport less able people up flights of stairs.
When is the platform lift appropriate?
These lifts are sturdy, robust, and easy to install. More importantly, they are compact and cost-effective. Thus they are ideal for less-intensive scenarios that do not warrant a traditional passenger lift.
Many platform lifts come up without any supporting wall. These lifts work for listed buildings contingent upon laws that protect historical integrity and restrict physical changes.
When do you specify a platform lift instead of a ramp?
Ramps are a simple access solution and can save money and effort associated with installing a platform lift. They have their share of limitations as well.
Ramps often require a long stretch to provide a slope gentle enough for wheelchair users to get about without assistance, and the space requirements preclude them from international projects.
Platform lifts work for applications with limited space or demanding access requirements. Read a little bit about Savaria home elevators in Chicago and Roselle, Illinois.
Are there platform lifts suitable for external use?
Yes, there are platform lifts that can be installed outside. There are also units available for indoor and outdoor applications.
Access Elevator (WI) 