Wheelchair lifts are used for one primary reason: to transport wheelchairs from one location to another. The transportation can be from the bottom of a staircase to the top, from the ground into a vehicle, or to and from any location that a wheelchair cannot maneuver on its own. Wheelchair lifts are convenient because they eliminate the need for a person in a wheelchair to get out of their chair and transferred somewhere. They also eliminate the need to carry or lift a wheelchair into a vehicle or up a flight of stairs.

There are several types of wheelchair lifts designed for vehicles. Most popular are the platform wheelchair lift and the rotary wheelchair lift.

The Platform Wheelchair Lift

With a platform wheelchair lift, the wheelchair is rolled onto the lift and the lift either brings the person from a vehicle to the level of the street or from the street up to the height of the vehicle.

There are two types of platform wheelchair lifts: those that are automatic and those that are semi-automatic. Automatic platform wheelchair lifts have a single switch that causes the lift to unfold, rise, and lower all by itself. A semi-automatic lift raises and lowers with the operation of a switch, but the user must manually open and close the platform.

Rotary Wheelchair Lifts

A rotary wheelchair lift is more like a swing. It can be moved inside and outside of a vehicle and can be lifted up and down. This type of lift is very common and is used fairly easily in wheelchair accessible vans.

Choosing a Vehicle Wheelchair Lift

When choosing a type of wheelchair lift for a vehicle, it’s important to remember that certain lifts will work better with particular brands and sizes of vans. Also, determine whether an electric or a semi-electric option is a better choice. Another consideration is the type of climate where the wheelchair lift will be used. For example, if it will be used in a very cold and snowy climate, it may not be practical to purchase a semi-automatic wheelchair lift because unfolding it will have to take place outdoors in freezing temperatures and possibly during a snow storm.

The most important factor in deciding what type of vehicle wheelchair lift is the right one is determining whether or not transferring from a regular car seat to a wheelchair is possible. Depending on the specific situation, the correct type of wheelchair lift can be selected.

The Expense of a Wheelchair Lift

Wheelchair lifts can be expensive and may or may not be covered by insurance policies. However, depending on the circumstance as to why a person is using a wheelchair, all or part of the expenses may be covered. If a person is hurt on the job and as a result is in a wheelchair, workman’s compensation may help pay for a wheelchair lift. Or, if a person is a veteran, the Veteran’s Administration may provide coverage for the purchase of a wheelchair lift.

Stair Wheelchair Lifts

Stair wheelchair lifts are very useful in helping a person climb or descend a flight of stairs. Going up single step may even be difficult for some. Stair wheelchair lifts are a great asset to those in need of help. The only disadvantage of a stair wheelchair lift is that the user must have the ability to transfer from a wheelchair to the seat on the wheelchair lift. Also, a spare wheelchair may be needed at the top and/or bottom of the stairs. Wheelchair lifts usually run on rechargeable batteries and can be installed easily.

Wheelchair lifts are an essential piece of equipment for anyone in a wheelchair. They come in many varieties and there is undoubtedly a suitable type or style for everyone who needs one.