4 Types of Platform Lifts

4 Types of Platform Lifts

Open Platform Lifts

They are designed to offer accessibility solutions for people with mobility challenges. It allows them to transport between different floors in both public and private spaces. They come in different types, including hydraulic lifts, screw-driven lifts, and electric belt drives.

Key Features

Design: Open platform lifts have an open design, barrier-free platform, which makes it suitable for people with disability issues. It is easy to install and suitable for areas with space constraints because it does not require traditional lift shaft.
Applications: The open design makes it suitable for various environments, including residential buildings, offices, and public facilities.
Load Capacity: Most open platform lifts can handle loads up to 400kg which makes them suitable to accommodate wheelchair users.
Safety Features: Open platform lifts are often designed with safety ramps that fold automatically as the lift begin to move. It has proximity edges to prevent crushing and some are designed with automatic descent in case of an emergency.

Enclosed (or Cabin) Platform Lifts

Enclosed platform lifts move within a closed structure to provide a secure environment for users. The design offers safe and efficient vertical transportation for people with disabilities. Due to their structure, they often require more space than unenclosed lifts.

Key Features

Design and Structure: Enclosed platform lifts are designed to move within an enclosed structure, which completely surrounds the lift. The enclosure serves as safety barrier, providing improved security to prevent falls or contact with moving parts. The design offers better security compared to open lifts.
Applications: Enclosed platform lifts are suitable for residential and public buildings. Some models can be used outdoor with features such as sloped roofs for weather protection.
Capacity: Most enclosed lifts can travel heights up to 15 meters and can accommodate loads up to 500kg, depending on the model.

Low Pit Lifts (Low-Speed Lifts) or Shallow Pit Lifts

This type of lifts are designed to provide vertical transportation in areas where space is limited. There are different types of low pit lifts. They include:

Machine Room-Less Traction lifts: These lifts are compact, making it require less space for machinery. It is ideal for buildings with limited space.

Pitless lifts: These lifts works without a pit, instead it uses small ramps to access the lift platform. This type of lift is advantageous in buildings where digging is a bit unrealistic.
Hydraulic Lifts: These lifts uses hydraulics to lift the platform. They are popular for their efficient operation and are commonly used in residential buildings.

Key Features

Design: Shallow pit lifts are designed to operate with a pit depth as low as 100 mm, compared to traditional lifts, which often require pit depth of 2000 mm or more. The shallow pit significantly reduces the need for excavation. This feature is beneficial in existing buildings that involve complex modifications.
Applications: These lifts are applicable in both residential and commercial environments, providing efficient vertical transportation without deep pit or extensive construction.
Ceiling Height Adaptability: These lifts can be designed to operate even if it lack spaces above them. This makes it applicable for buildings with low ceilings. Some models can be installed with a height as low as 2500 mm (8.2 feet) of overhead space above, while still complying with safety regulations.
Load Capacity: Typically, low pit lifts have a load capacity between 340-500kg. This makes it suitable for transporting people with disabilities.

Inclined Platform Lifts (IPLs) or Wheelchair Stairlifts

Inclined platform lifts or wheelchair stairlifts is designed specially to aid the transportation of wheelchair users up and down the stairways. There are different types of inclined platforms including:

Types of Inclined Platform Lifts

Straight or standard Inclined Platform Lifts: These lifts are designed for straight staircases. They are generally easier to install and require less customization
Curved Inclined Platform lifts: They are specifically designed for staircases that have curves or bends or. Unlike straight or standard platform lifts, they are custom designed to follow the shape and edges of the stairway. This makes them suitable for buildings with more complex architectural designs.
Portable Included Platform Lifts: Portable inclined platform lifts are designed for flexibility and convenience, providing users ability to transport between different staircases or locations. These lifts are generally lightweight and come with wheels or easy to assemble components. These lifts do not require permanent installation. As a result, they can serve as a temporal solution in events. They are suitable for buildings where permanent modifications are impractical such as schools, or public spaces.

Key Features

Design: IPLs are designed with a flat platform that transports up and down a rail attached to the side of a stairway. The platform stays level and has a large capacity to handle a wheelchair. This design offers safe and comfortable movement along the staircases.
Applications: They serve as a practical solution for improving accessibility in both residential and commercial buildings.
Folding Mechanism: Most IPLs have a folding design that enables the platform to be lifted when is not utilized. This design helps to keep the staircase clear for pedestrian traffic, especially during rush hour.
Versatility: Inclined platform lifts are appropriate for different architectural layouts- they can be installed on straight or curved staircases. Moreover, depending on the model, they can be used outdoors.