Wheelchair home lifts
A wheelchair homelift is an ideal solution for individuals who require mobility support or improved access within the home. Providing a safe and easy way to move between two floors, wheelchair users can regain independence whilst enjoying the convenience of an elegant and practical homelift.
This type of homelift provides homeowners with a future-proofing solution either for themselves or loved ones. And, with flexible placement due to self-supportive structures, even smaller homes can take advantage of the benefits a homelift provides.
Key features of a wheelchair homelift
Easy accessibility
The ability to enter and exit either side of many wheelchair homelifts provides added flexibility for those who need it most. For homes where space is limited, single-side entry models are also a possibility, providing an even more compact solution.
Safety peace of mind
Safety edges, overload detectors, a backup battery and an integrated phone in many lifts provide complete peace of mind for users that they are safe and secure when using a homelift.
Advantages of an accessible homelift
A wheelchair homelift provides safe and secure access to two floors of your home, enhancing daily convenience and restoring independence.
- Integrated, low gradient non-slip ramps ensure smooth and effortless access for wheelchair users when entering and exiting the homelift.
- Many modern wheelchair homelifts, particularly those with a shaftless design, feature a self-contained rope-drum drive system. This innovative setup eliminates the need for motors or hydraulic pumps in applicable models, ensuring safe, quiet, and reliable operation while maximising space efficiency and simplifying installation
- Combining both practicality and elegance, so there’s no need to compromise on style over functionality.
- It is a future-proofing solution for those who may have accessibility needs in the future.
Disadvantages of an accessible homelift
To make an informed decision, it’s important to consider any relevant limitations of a wheelchair lift.
- To ensure it is compliant with regulations, there is a height limit typically extending up to 14 feet/4.2m (two floors) for residential wheelchair lifts.
- With access to enter and exit both sides of the homelift, a typical wheelchair homelift requires more space within rooms to allow a user to easily manoeuvre in and out.
- If your homelift of choice is a double-sided entry model, it will require more space within rooms to allow a user to easily manoeuvre in and out.
Legal and regulatory considerations
As with all homelifts, there are legal standards in place to ensure safety for domestic use. The British and European safety standard BS 5900, which relates to ‘through floor homelifts’ includes aspects such as the necessity for fire and smoke protection to be maintained between floors, no matter where the lift is parked. A reputable lift company will be able to clearly demonstrate its adherence to this and other regulatory requirements.
Top models and cost
When researching reputable brands within the homelift industry, it’s important to ensure you are clear on safety features, personalisation options and the overall cost of fitting in your home. Among the top brands, the S3 homelift by Uplifts comes highly recommended due to its freestanding structure and sleek design, safety features, dual doors and electrically powered self-contained drive system. Prices start from £19,500.
FAQs
What is the weight limit for a wheelchair homelift?
The weight limit for a wheelchair homelift will vary slightly by brand, so it’s important to ensure you double-check the specific limit when doing your research for the right one for you. Consider the weight of your wheelchair, including any batteries, when deciding.
What maintenance does a wheelchair homelift require?
It’s recommended that you have your homelift serviced each year to ensure it stays in good working order and is continually safe for use. Report any issues that arise with the manufacturer as quickly as you can to organise an engineer to come out and fix the problem.
What is a disabled access lift?
A disabled access lift is a name for any type of lift that assists those with mobility challenges or who use wheelchairs to move between floors of a home or building. It may refer to stairlifts, platform lifts or homelifts.
What is involved in a wheelchair access lift installation?
Although wheelchair homelifts are generally straightforward to install, there is a lot of planning involved to ensure that when the lift is installed, there is minimal disruption during, and after. After installation, it should be fully commissioned by the manufacturer, undergoing multiple safety checks to ensure it’s fit for use.
How many floors can a wheelchair homelift travel?
Most wheelchair homelifts are designed to travel between two floors. Larger homelifts can travel multiple floors, but these are most costly and complex to install.
If you would like to find out more about how a wheelchair homelift may benefit you or a loved one or discuss costs, you can request a free consultation.
Enhance your comfort and efficiency.
Discover the ease and sophistication of having a home lift in your home. Elevate your property’s worth while improving accessibility and convenience for all residents. Bid farewell to stair climbing and welcome seamless transitions between levels. Embrace a home lift for a smoother, more convenient lifestyle that simplifies daily activities and enhances overall living experience.