Wheel Chair Porch Lift

For easier access to your porch

A wheel chair porch lift gives individuals with limited mobility or in wheel chairs the freedom to enjoy their porch - like my Dad needed when he was ill.

These lifts are also referred to as a vertical wheel chair lift, platform lift, or deck lifts.

Manufacturers, like Bruno wheel chair lifts, offer you many different options and height capabilities.

Picture above of the "Trust-T-Lift" is from RAM Manufacturing LTD

A vertical wheel chair lift like the one pictured above (Trust-T-Lift from RAM Manufacturing LTD) usually consist of a platform that travels up and down a stationary tower thereby raising or lowering an individual to a different height.

The individual simply rolls onto the lift platform, pushes the lift button to rise to porch level and then rolls off the lift.

Depending on the height the lift platform needs to travel, the whole process shouldn't take more than 30 to 60 seconds. Porch lifts can extend from approximately 3 feet 14 feet in height.

Most vertical wheelchair lifts are designed for straight-through access. The wheelchair enters on one side of the platform and exits through the other at destination.

As some homeowners may need an adjacent access capability (for corner installations) or same side access, we recommend you contact a contractor prior to ordering your lift to ensure this configuration will work on your home. Then contact the lift supplier to ensure the access option you need is available.

• A cold weather option for temps down to -20 (F)



• Canopies to keep you out of the elements



• Different platform sizes and configurations so you can choose what is best for your specific needs



• Battery-powered backup capabilities for power outages



• Telephone capability for use in emergencies



• Platform gates for safety

Important Safety Considerations

• Most lifts are operated by a control panel which has an emergency stop switch, an up/down switch, and a key switch to control power to the unit.
• There is also a safety device beneath the left which will automatically stop operations when touched to prevent the unit from crushing pets, kids, or anything that may inadvertently find itself under the lift.
• Most units also have a switch at the top so you can control the unit from either height.
• Weather can be a factor. Although built for exterior use, snow can build up underneath and cause problems. To prevent this, the lift should be left in the down position, especially in snow country.



• Care must be taken when the lift is in the down position because there will be no protection on the porch or deck to prevent someone from falling. Placement of a self-closing gate is the most common remedy for this potential safety issue.
• In addition, some building codes require special slabs be poured upon which the unit will sit. Check with your local codes department to determine the specific requirements for your area.

Wheel Chair Porch Lift Installation Considerations

• Most porch lifts require a solid, smooth, and level mounting surface, preferably concrete. The area should extend at least 12 inches larger than the base of the lift itself.
• You should also make sure that the toe plate will land on a solid surface, this will usually require an additional 12 to 24 inches on the entrance side of the lift to accommodate a wheel chair. The mounting surface must be solid enough to support the lift and it's maximum rated load.
• The travel wall is the wall below the upper entrance/exit point of the elevator. This wall should be vertical and smooth the entire distance without any protrusions of any kind. In addition, a 15 amp 100 vac is required for power.

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