Inclined platform lifts

Inclined platform stairlifts follow the incline of the stair and incorporate a fold-down platform which enables a wheelchair user to ascend and descend a stair independently whilst remaining seated in a wheelchair. The platform is mounted on continuous support rails, which can fixed on either the inside or outside of the stair and may be fitted to the stair treads, supporting walls or to a balustrade.
Inclined platform stairlifts can be installed to a wide variety of stair configurations, including straight flights (Minivator 7000), dog-legged stairs with intermediate and half landings and curved flights). (Minivator 8000)
Continuous pressure buttons are required to operate the lift which should also be key switch protected.

These lifts should only be provided in environments where building management supervision and assistance is available and the unit should incorporate a manual winding mechanism to enable the platform to be returned to its rest position in the event of power failure. Several floor levels can be served by one installation, although Approved Document M suggests that they should serve an intermediate floor level or a single storey only. They should not be installed where they restrict safe use of the stair by other building occupants.

Inclined platform lifts may also be called: Wheelchair stairlift, Inclined wheelchair platform lift or wheelchair platform stairlifts.

An inclined platform stairlift should not be confused with a stairlift which are not generally recommended for installation in public buildings because the Disability Discrimination Act calls for independent access: a wheelchair user would need assistance to transport their wheelchair between levels thereby eradicating any possibility of independent access.