What is a Porch Lift?
A porch lift, or vertical platform lift, is an exterior home elevator without an enclosure. They are usually, but not always, installed outside to provide access to a porch or deck for a wheelchair or medical scooter user. These lifts are robust and can be used outside regardless of the weather. They are proven to work well even in extreme Canadian climates.
Porch lifts take less space than a ramp system. A porch lift vertical platform lift requires roughly a 5′ square area regardless of the height it needs to climb. A ramp’s size increases significantly with every step it needs to clear so space can become an issue. If you use a manual wheelchair and your primary caregiver isn't strong, pushing you up an incline may be extremely difficult, so a porch lift is a much better solution.
How does a porch lift work?
To use the porch lift, you simply roll onto the lift platform, push and hold the lift button to raise to the deck or porch level and then roll off the lift. Most porch lifts allow for about 3'-4' of travel, but some can go as high as 12'. You'll want to get the shortest unit possible for the amount of height you need.
Are Porch Lift Platforms Safe?
When installed properly, porch lifts are quite safe and can be operated by a single person so you don't necessarily need to be dependent on a caregiver. If you can move yourself in your mobility device and hold down a button, you can easily operate a porch lift.
There is a short metal ramp that folds up when the lift platform is raised, providing a safety barrier so you don't roll off the platform when it's in motion. It is also important to install a gate at the top to eliminate pinching while travelling downward and to guard against falls off the deck when the porch lift elevator is in the down position.
On the lift platform there is a small control panel with an emergency stop switch, an up and down switch and a key switch to power up the porch lift. The unit will not work without the key, so you need not worry about kids, or others using your porch lift without your permission. Under the lift platform there is a safety pan which, when it comes in contact with an obstruction, will immediately stop the porch lift elevator from decending to help avoid accidents.
Many porch lifts have call/send switches which can be installed at the bottom, top, or both locations. Having a switch at the top of the lift is handy to be able to send the porch lift down when not in use preventing debris build-up under the lift platform. Having a switch at both ends is useful when there is more than one person using the lift and it can be called down if it is in the up position or vice versa.
While porch lifts look similar and work in much the same way, there may be differences in their size and capacity. Keep in mind the lift will be lifting you, your wheelchair or scooter and possibly a caregiver. Make sure you account for all of these to determine the lift strength of the lift platform you'll need.
We would love to help you increase your independence and safety by installing a porch lift vertical platform lift for your home or business. Contact us by submitting the form below and we'll be happy to help you discover the possibilities or even provide a rental solution!