Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lifts
Northstar Lifts offers a variety of vertical platform wheelchair lift customizations and configurations for any architectural structure. Vertical platform lifts are designed to provide cost-effective access into or within private homes or public buildings.
On-Site Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lift Evaluations
Versatile and cost-effective, vertical platform lifts are available in a variety of sizes, configurations, and drive types. They can be installed either indoors or outdoors, and are made to withstand the elements, even in harsher climates like upstate New York. Northstar Lifts provides on-site vertical platform lift evaluations to best optimize installation and maximize your budget.
Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lift Configurations
Vertical Platform Lifts are highly configurable solutions to provide wheelchair access to most structures. Wheelchair lifts are an efficient use of space (less room than ramps or elevators with machine rooms), and often require less site modification than other accessibility solutions. Some options include straight- thru, adjacent, or same side on/ off access; shaft ways by others or glass and aluminum enclosures, and screw drive or hydraulic drive systems.
Call today for an expert measurement and design for your vertical platform lift!
Unenclosed Lifts
Unenclosed lifts are available for up to 60 inches of travel. They have safety gates, and obstruction sensing under-pans to stop the lift if something gets in the way of downward travel.
Enclosed Lifts
Enclosed lifts come with their own shaft way; typically aluminum or steel framing with either steel panels or see-through plexi- or safety glass panels. Platform lifts that have their own enclosure eliminate the need to construct a shaftway. Enclosures can be solid or glass panels to create openness while in the lift. Take a look at our gallery for some ideas on uses both indoors and out!
Shaft way Lifts
Shaft way lifts are designed to be installed in a drywall or other type of shaftway, can travel up to 14 feet and stop at intermediate landings. Vertical platform lifts in a shaftway allow for travel greater than 60” in height (up to 14 feet), and are a good solution for floor to floor travel. Doors may be aluminum and glass, or steel or wood fire rated depending on the building configuration and requirements. The shaft way can be open at the upper landing with a gate instead of a door for a more open appearance.
Available Lift Customizations
- Different platform sizes- stock and custom available
- Straight thru on/off, adjacent access or same side on/off configurations
- Toggle switch or elevator style push button controls
- Safety gates, glass, or fire-rated doors
- Hydraulic or screw drive systems
- Power door or gate openers
- Courtesy lights on the platform
There are many options. Let us help you find the unit that is best for your specific needs.
Vertical Platform Lifts For Your Home
Most homes in upstate New York are built with steps up to a porch or landing, and often another step up into the home. This becomes a serious obstacle should someone in the family become mobility impaired, and often a ramp is not feasible due to space or length (a ramp should have a 1:12 pitch- 1 foot of ramp for 1 inch of rise. For example: a 36” door threshold height requires a 36’ ramp!). Residential vertical platform lifts or inclined platform lifts are the most effective solution for many homes. A wheelchair lift can provide access to a raised porch or deck or from a basement or garage to an upper floor, and can travel up to 14’!
Advantages
Most vertical platform lifts or inclined platform lifts operate on a standard 120v household circuit, and many are actually battery- powered, allowing them to operate even during a power outage! Auto folding ramps, gates with interlocks, push button or paddle switches, and platform courtesy lighting are some of the many options available.
- A smaller footprint compared to a ramp
- For higher rises (<36”) a platform lift is more cost effective than a ramp!
- These units are designed to be installed outdoors and stand up well to harsh winters
- Easier than pushing a wheelchair up a ramp
- Snow removal is easier or can be eliminated with a cover