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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 called vertical lift, platform lift, or deck lifts.

porch trust t lift

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

Porch lifts 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 to over 12 feet in height.

Purchasing Tips: Consider purchasing a wheel chair porch lift that will serve your needs but at the minimum height necessary to save on costs. Porch lifts can handle wheel chairs and scooters and can lift and lower up to 600 pounds.

If you need a porch lift to reach a 4 foot 3 inch height, consider adding height to the foundation rather than opting for the next higher reaching unit. It could save you hundreds of dollars.



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.
  • Trus TLift

  • 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.


Don't forget to take normal safety precautions on your porch; we have porch safety ideas for doing just that also!




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