If you’ve been researching how to stay as independent as possible, you may have looked up information on vertical wheelchair lifts or ramps
If you’ve been researching how to stay as independent as possible, you may have looked up information on vertical wheelchair lifts or ramps. Ramps, in particular, have been a familiar choice for a while. However, in more recent years, vertical wheelchair lifts have been rising in popularity for many reasons. Homeowners are now becoming privy to how vertical wheelchair lifts promote independence and assist a homeowner in aging in place. If you’re unsure whether to choose a wheelchair lift or ramp, here is what you should know.
Vertical Wheelchair Lifts Take Up Less Space
If you’re concerned about saving space, a vertical wheelchair lift is the better option. A wheelchair lift takes up much less space than a traditional ramp does. With a ramp, you need to have at least a one-foot length section per one inch of rising. Therefore, for a 12-inch rise, a 12-foot ramp would be necessary. Not all homes or businesses can accommodate this kind of space. With a vertical wheelchair lift, all you need is a 5×5ft square concrete pad with the lift itself varying between 48-53 inches installed on top of the base slab. It’s more convenient to ride a lift vertically versus needing to maneuver down a long ramp.
Safety: What to Consider
For anyone who uses a wheelchair ramp, traveling up the slope of a long ramp can be dangerous. It takes a continuous forward motion to navigate a ramp. If a person uses too much speed, this could be potentially dangerous. If snow or ice is on the ground, navigating through a ramp becomes even more hazardous. Vertical wheelchair lifts have many safety features, including that their design is suitable for all weather conditions. In addition, they have a sturdy design with durable materials.
Three Advantages of Vertical Wheelchair Lifts (That We Haven’t Already Mentioned)
- Quicker Installation and Money-Saving Benefits: A lot of material and labor goes into installing a wheelchair ramp that’s 12 feet or longer. You can save some change by opting for a vertical wheelchair lift. However, you can also look forward to the fact that installation is quicker.
- User Friendly: You can use a vertical wheelchair lift without the help of others, which brings us back to the point that wheelchair lifts assists with independence. With a wheelchair ramp, you may at least want someone keeping a careful eye on you as you maneuver in your home.
- A Better Chance of Aging in Place: Nowadays, people are becoming savvier and smarter about staying in their homes. They understand that remodeling or modifying their home can help them become one step closer to staying in a place that’s familiar to them all while remaining self-sufficient to a degree.
Preferred Elevator: We’re On the Up and Up!
For over a decade, Preferred Elevator has served residents in Central Maryland, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. You can rely on our experienced home installation team and quality products.
For our commercial elevator clients, we also provide annual inspections of your equipment to adhere to standards established by the state of Maryland. During these inspections, we make sure that your commercial mobility product is functioning correctly and efficiently. We’ll also go over all safety devices and customized features offered within your plan!
Get in touch with us! Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8 am -5 pm. Reach us by phone at 410-238-2555, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
