Should I Install A Wheelchair Lift Into My Building?
When starting a new building, it is important to include important features that may be more troublesome to add in the future compared to now. In order to promote inclusivity and accessibility to all, it is important to install wheelchair lifts for commercial buildings. Especially if your building will be accessed frequently by people on wheelchairs such as hospitals and elderly care centres.
What Are Wheelchair Lifts
Wheelchair lifts are a mechanical device specially designed for users with mobility difficulties. They provide greater convenience and accessibility to wheelchair users, allowing them to access other levels of the building without assistance.
Wheelchair lifts are usually powered by hydraulics or electricity. They are easy to use, so that wheelchair uses can operate them without assistance. This affords them with freedom to move around independently.
Most wheelchair lifts are mainly designed for use in hospitals and homes. However, installing wheelchair lifts for commercial buildings is common and helpful as wheelchair lifts have special features to meet the needs of wheelchair users. For example, wheelchair lifts move at a slower speed compared to regular commercial lifts and provide ample time for wheelchairs to safely board the lift before doors are closed. This ensures a smooth and safe ride for wheelchair users. Additionally, wheelchair lifts usually have a non-slip platform and ramps to guide wheelchairs onto the lift smoothly.
While commercial lifts can accommodate wheelchairs, dedicated wheelchair lift for commercial buildings provide a convenient and seamless experience for wheelchair users. Furthermore, there will not be a need to compete with able bodied users for the lift.
Types Of Wheelchair Lifts
Inclined Platform Wheelchair Lifts
Inclined platform lifts are usually installed on stairwells. This involves a platform that is installed to a diagonal railing of a staircase. It is suitable to be installed indoors and outdoors as well. This platform chair lift is versatile and can work on both straight stair as well as curved stairs.
Vertical Platform Lifts
Vertical platforms resemble regular commercial lifts but are specially designed for wheelchair users. They can be customised to fit commercial buildings and be installed as home elevators as well. These lifts can travel between levels.
They do not have the capacity of regular passenger lifts and do not move as fast to ensure wheelchair users a safe ride.
Step Lifts
Step lifts are generally installed beside steps. There are many variations to the step lifts, some are convertible into stairs, some are hidden platforms and some are simply a platform that moves up and down. The step lift is suitable for moving up several steps. It is not as suitable for large heights higher than 1m.
Ultimately, wheelchair lifts are better and more convenient for wheelchair users. If your building will be frequented by wheelchair users, installing a wheelchair lift is imperative. The most suitable wheelchair lift is heavily dependent on the current design on your building.
