Platform lifts enhance accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, especially in residential buildings. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of platform lifts, from vertical lifts to inclined stair lifts, to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Platform lifts are essential for improving accessibility, catering primarily to wheelchair users and individuals with reduced mobility, and are available in various types for different environments.

• Evolifts provides a diverse range of platform lifts, including the robust EVO1000S for heavy goods, the versatile EVO500S for customisable applications, and the EVO200 for navigating stairs, each designed with specific features to enhance usability.

• When selecting a platform lift, consider key factors such as weight limits, dimensions, customisation options, and the specific needs of the environment to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Introduction to Lift Types

Lifts are a vital feature in today’s residential and commercial buildings, making it possible for everyone to move easily between different floors. Whether in a busy office block, a public building, or a private home, lifts provide essential support for people with mobility issues, ensuring that no one is excluded from accessing any part of a building. Among the various types of lifts available, platform lifts stand out for their ability to deliver barrier-free access for wheelchair users and those with impaired mobility.

Platform lifts are specifically designed to offer easy access where traditional passenger lifts may not be practical or necessary. They come in several forms, including open platform lifts, which provide a simple, unobstructed platform for users; enclosed platform lifts, which offer additional safety and protection; and inclined platform lifts, which are ideal for navigating straight or curved staircases. Each type of lift has its own advantages, making them suitable for a wide range of environments, from compact residential settings to large commercial buildings.

In addition to platform lifts, passenger lifts are commonly used in multi-storey buildings to transport people quickly and efficiently between floors, while goods lifts are designed for moving heavy or bulky items. By understanding the different types of lifts and their unique benefits, building owners and managers can select the most appropriate solution to improve accessibility and meet the needs of all users.

Equality Act and Accessibility

The Equality Act 2010 sets out clear requirements for public buildings to ensure that access is fair and inclusive for everyone, including wheelchair users and those with impaired mobility. Under this legislation, building owners and operators are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to remove barriers and provide easy access to all areas of their premises. Installing platform lifts is widely recognised as an effective way to meet these obligations, as they can be fitted in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations to improve accessibility.

Platform lifts are particularly valuable in commercial buildings and public spaces, where compliance with the Equality Act is essential. By providing a practical and reliable means for wheelchair users to move between floors, these lifts help create an inclusive environment that welcomes all visitors. Passenger lifts and goods lifts can also play a role in enhancing accessibility, especially in larger buildings where transporting people and equipment efficiently is a priority.

When selecting the right type of lift for a public or commercial building, it’s important to consider the specific needs of the users and the layout of the space. The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy easy access and full participation in all aspects of the building. By investing in the appropriate lift solutions, building owners not only comply with the Equality Act but also demonstrate a commitment to improving accessibility for all.

Understanding Platform Lifts

Platform lifts, a cornerstone of modern accessibility solutions, fall into five broad categories that cater to various needs. Primarily designed for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility, these lifts provide an affordable alternative to traditional passenger lifts, significantly enhancing the independence of wheelchair users. Unlike stairlifts, wheelchair platform stairlifts feature intuitive controls, granting greater autonomy and ease of use while also focusing on transporting people. Additionally, the lift platform serves as an essential tool in these solutions, including conventional platform lifts, vertical platform lifts, low pit lifts, and disabled access lifts, which can help improve accessibility.

These versatile lifts can be installed in both residential and commercial buildings, including low-rise buildings, improving accessibility in their homes, office buildings, and public spaces. Their minimal space requirements make them an attractive option for existing buildings and new buildings alike. Platform lifts are low-pit lifts, unlike passenger lifts, which require deeper pits.

Whether it’s an open platform lift for a public building or an enclosed platform lift for a private residence, all these access lifts cater to a wide range of environments, including public buildings. Cabin lifts are also a great choice for enhancing mobility. Lift installation is a key consideration in these projects.

Evolifts offers a diverse range of platform lifts specifically designed to accommodate different architectural styles and usage scenarios. From vertical platform lifts that provide a smooth ride between different floors to inclined platform lifts that navigate staircases, there’s a solution for every setting. Each type of lift lifts vertically and brings its own set of features and benefits, making it crucial to choose the right one based on specific needs and constraints.

Let’s delve deeper into the eight types of lifts Evolifts offers, starting with the robust EVO1000S Platform Goods Lift, designed to handle heavy loads that are lifted with ease.

EVO1000S Platform Goods Lift (1000kg)

The EVO1000S Platform Goods Lift is a powerhouse designed for transporting heavy goods between floors in commercial settings like warehouses and factories, and also nursing and care homes. With its large platforms and extra-wide glazed doors, this lift ensures that even the bulkiest items can be moved smoothly and quietly, including beds and stretchers. Manufactured in Sweden, it promises low maintenance and easy installation without the need for a separate machine room, making it a practical choice for businesses looking to streamline their operations.

This type of lift is particularly beneficial in environments where efficiency and reliability are paramount. Its robust design and smooth drive system enhance productivity, while its quiet operation ensures minimal disruption, even in the busiest settings. For those looking to improve logistics and workflow, the EVO1000S stands out as a versatile and dependable solution, especially when considering low-speed lifts.

EVO500S Screw & Nut Platform Lift

The EVO500S Screw & Nut Platform Lift offers versatility and reliability for both residential and commercial applications for up to five people. Its screw and nut mechanism ensures a durable and smooth operation, making it a dependable choice for various settings. This lift can be customised to fit different architectural styles, providing flexibility and aesthetic harmony in any environment.

For homes and businesses alike, the EVO500S enclosed platform lift adapts seamlessly, accommodating unique requirements and enhancing accessibility. Its robust design and customisable features make it a go-to option for those seeking a lift that blends functionality with style. Whether it’s for a modern office or a traditional home, the EVO500S meets the challenge with elegance and efficiency.

EVO350 Tech Lift M4 Platform Lift

Combining advanced technology with user-friendly features, the EVO350 Tech Lift M4 Platform Lift is suitable for both commercial and residential settings to overcome changes in level up to 1500mm. This open platform lift offers efficient vertical transportation with a focus on safety and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for various applications. Its advanced features ensure a smooth and reliable ride, enhancing the overall user experience.

For those seeking a lift that marries innovation with practicality, the EVO350 Tech Lift M4 stands out. Its state-of-the-art technology and emphasis on safety features make it a reliable addition to any building, ensuring that accessibility is both seamless and secure.

EVO300 Platform Step Lift

Designed to navigate low changes in level up to 1000mm, the EVO300 Platform Step Lifts are perfect for overcoming small steps or level changes by providing smooth transitions between different floor levels. Its compact design makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, providing a versatile solution for various accessibility needs. The lift features a guarded platform to enhance user safety, ensuring that even minor obstacles do not impede mobility. Additionally, it operates at a reduced speed for comfort and safety, enhancing overall accessibility.

For environments with small steps or level changes, the EVO300 offers a practical and efficient solution. Its ability to function in diverse settings, combined with its compact design, makes it an essential tool for improving accessibility in both residential, commercial and public spaces.

EVO300P Portable Platform Step Lift

The EVO300P Portable Platform Step Lift offers flexibility for temporary or changing accessibility needs, providing smooth transitions between different floor levels. This portable version of the EVO300 is easy to set up and move, making it ideal for events or locations with varying requirements, with a maximum travel height of up to 1000mm. Its small footprint and ease of use ensure that it can be deployed quickly and efficiently, providing immediate accessibility solutions. The guarded platform enhances user safety by preventing falls during operation. The lift operates at a reduced speed for added comfort and safety, making it suitable for controlled, short-distance travel.

Perfect for temporary installations or locations where needs frequently change, the EVO300P delivers unmatched flexibility. Its portability and ease of setup make it a valuable asset for improving accessibility on the go, ensuring that impaired mobility challenges are addressed wherever they arise.

EVO200 Inclined Platform Stair Lift

The EVO200 Inclined Platform Stair Lift is tailored for navigating staircases, providing a safe and comfortable solution for individuals with mobility challenges. Its inclined design allows it to follow the natural path of stairs, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. Inclined platform lifts are suitable for straight or curved staircases. This lift offers a versatile solution for various building layouts.

For those with mobility issues, the EVO200 Inclined Platform lifts transform stairs from a daunting obstacle into an accessible pathway for mobility scooters. Its ability to adapt to different staircase designs ensures that accessibility is not compromised, providing a reliable and safe way to navigate between floors.

EVO Premium Home Lift

The Premium Home Lift is a versatile and customisable solution designed for modern residential spaces. Built to travel up to 13 metres across six stops, it suits a wide range of home layouts and can accommodate up to five standing passengers or a wheelchair user with or without an attendant.

With a wide range of platform sizes and a variety of finishes, including the stylish full-height platform wall with mirror and LED lighting, this lift can be tailored to suit both space and interior design preferences. It is engineered with patented screw and nut technology for reliability.

Ideal for homeowners planning for future mobility needs, the Premium Home Lift offers quiet operation, low running costs and an energy-efficient 'A' rating, making it a practical, long-term investment in comfort and accessibility.

Best Value Home Lift

The Best Value Home Lift offers a compact and cost-effective solution for homeowners seeking reliable vertical access. Designed to fit discreetly into almost any property, it delivers on both affordability and performance without compromising on comfort.

With travel up to 15 metres and support for six stops, this lift is available in three platform sizes to suit your available space. It can carry two people standing or one wheelchair user, making it ideal for small households or those with limited room.

Despite its small footprint, the lift is packed with features including customisable finishes, SmartLift app integration and energy-efficient operation. With low maintenance needs and precision engineering, the Best Value Home Lift is a practical and sustainable choice for everyday home use.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Platform Lift

Choosing the right platform lift involves several key considerations. The weight limits of the lift are crucial for ensuring it can accommodate users and any equipment they might need. Understanding lift dimensions is vital to ensure that the lift fits within the available space and meets specific application requirements. Customisation options may also be necessary to tailor the lift to unique architectural styles and needs.

Space availability and required clearance are essential factors when selecting the size of a platform lift. Some lift types, such as enclosed platform lifts and traditional hydraulic lifts, require more space due to their structural design, including the need for an elevator pit or enclosing structures. The size of the lift shaft is also an important consideration for installation, as it must accommodate the chosen lift type and ensure accessibility. For buildings where excavation for a pit is impractical, pitless lifts offer a practical solution, requiring minimal space and allowing for easier installation.

The intended usage and number of users should influence the choice of lift size, ensuring optimal performance and safety. It’s also important to consider the specific needs and requirements of the building to determine the right type of lift.

Emphasising the features, benefits, and uses of different types of platform lifts can help in finding the best lift for home or business needs. Whether it’s for improving accessibility in a residential setting or complying with commercial building regulations, selecting the right lift is a crucial step toward enhancing mobility and independence.

Why Work With Us?

EVO Home Lifts brings over three decades of engineering expertise to the design, supply and maintenance of platform lifts for domestic and commercial use. All lifts are built to exacting standards and installed across the South of England by our specialist team, ensuring each system is precision-engineered, reliable and built for long-term performance.

We operate with a low-volume, high-focus approach, offering tailored consultation and project oversight from the Managing Director down to the final installation. All of our lifts are CE-certified and compliant with ISO 9001 and BS 6440, demonstrating full alignment with Europe’s most stringent safety and quality regulations.

Whether it’s a compact home lift or a high-capacity goods platform, our solutions feature energy-efficient drive systems and minimal maintenance requirements as standard. By combining high-specification engineering with practical, user-focused design, we aim to deliver accessibility with minimal disruption to existing structures.

Contact us today to speak with our expert team and arrange a free consultation. We're here to help you improve accessibility with a lift that fits your needs, your property and your budget.

Summary

In summary, platform lifts offer an indispensable solution for improving accessibility in various settings. With eight distinct types available from Evolifts, there’s a lift designed to meet every need, from heavy-duty goods lifts to compact residential models. Each lift type brings unique features and benefits, making it essential to choose the right one based on specific requirements and constraints.

By understanding the features and applications of each type of lift, users can make informed decisions that enhance their independence and mobility. Whether for home, office, or public spaces, the right platform lift can transform accessibility, ensuring that everyone can navigate different floors with ease and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main categories of platform lifts?

The main categories of platform lifts are vertical platform lifts, inclined platform lifts, open platform lifts, enclosed platform lifts, goods lifts, and residential home lifts. Each category serves specific accessibility needs and application requirements.

How do platform lifts benefit wheelchair users?

Platform lifts significantly enhance independence for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility by providing an affordable and practical means to navigate between floors effortlessly. This access promotes greater mobility and inclusion in various environments.

What makes the EVO1000S Platform Goods Lift ideal for commercial settings?

The EVO1000S Platform Goods Lift is ideal for commercial settings due to its large platforms, extra-wide glazed doors, and smooth, quiet drive system, which facilitates the efficient transport of heavy goods and stretchers in environments like warehouses, factories, nursing homes, care homes and hospitals.

Can the EVO500S Screw & Nut Platform Lift be customised?

Yes, the EVO500S Screw & Nut Platform Lift can be customised to match different architectural styles, making it versatile for both commercial and residential uses.

What factors should be considered when choosing a platform lift?

When choosing a platform lift, one must consider weight capacity, lift dimensions, space availability, intended usage, and the specific needs of the building, including automatic controls, to ensure optimal functionality and safety.