Types of wheelchair lifts and when to use them

There are three main types of lifts that you should be considering to provide access for the Public.

When to use a Passenger lift lifts

Whether looking at new build or retrofit your first choice should be to install a passenger lift. The first option is to install a passenger lift.

Whilst this is invaribly the most costly option it is the one that can service the widest range of the public and can allow for a significantly higher loading. Only when a location can demonstrate that this is not a viable or feasible solution for them can they look at a lower specification lift: a vertical platform lift

Minivator specilaise in the supply of lifts designed primarily for wheelchair users and cannot supply a passenger lift. For further information on passenger lifts we woud recommend visiting www.leia.co.uk. This is the Lift and Elevator Industry Association, of which we are members, whilst membership is restricted to manufacturers it is good starting point to find out more about passenger lifts.

When to use a Vertical Platform Lift

Part M recommends that if one cannot practically use a passenger lift to provide access for wheelchair users the next soultion to invesitgate is the installation of a vertical platform lift: only when this route is proven not to be reasonable can one look at cheaper alternatives such as an inclined platform access lift.

When to use an Inclined Platform Lift

The provisions in Approved Document M indicate that the provision of an inclined platform lift should only be considered in exceptional circumstances, when it is not possible to install either a passenger lift or a platform lift.

This document indicates that wheelchair platform stairlifts should not be considered for installation in new developments: they are only permissible for existing buildings where no other type of lifting device is practical.