Are you looking for ways to make your home age-in place and mobility-friendly? With North Americans facing an aging population, more and more people are considering the realities of making their homes accessible at every age. Home lifts (also known as vertical platform lifts, or VPLs) offer a fantastic mobility solution that’s less invasive and more affordable than full-elevator installations.
From helping you handle raised front entrances, a few steps from the garage to your inner door, or even being able to comfortably navigate your porch that sits several feet off the ground, RAM Elevators + Lifts’ innovative Flex Lift VPL makes it easy to remove barriers and travel up to 14ft off the ground with ease.
Learn more about how VPLs can help offer practical solutions at home below.
When a Few Steps Become a Daily Obstacle
The vast majority of Canadian and American homes include small elevation changes that are easy to overlook when you first buy, but can quickly become tricky to navigate when mobility challenges arise. Whether you’re a veteran dealing with long-term injuries, facing recovery after an accident, or simply looking to feel as comfortable as possible as you get older, there are plenty of small factors that can add up over time. From elevated front doors to deck stairs and more, vertical platform lifts address these challenges by moving straight up and down, providing safe access without the long footprint required for a ramp.
How Residential VPLs Work
A vertical platform lift functions much like a small elevator designed specifically for accessibility. Unlike an elevator, however, they do not use an enclosed cabin. Instead, the user stands or sits on a secure platform that travels vertically between levels. Safety gates, guard panels, and simple controls help ensure the lift operates safely and comfortably.
Because these systems travel shorter distances (up to 14ft) than traditional elevators, they are often easier to install in residential settings and are often used for:
- Front entrances and porches
- Garage-to-home transitions
- Deck and patio access
- Split-level homes
In each case, the goal is the same: restoring safe access to areas that would otherwise require stairs, providing you with comfort and peace of mind.
A Flexible Solution for Indoor and Outdoor Use
One of the top advantages of residential VPLs is their versatility! RAM’s Flext Lift Model is as flexible as its name indicates, and can easily be installed in or outdoors for optimal convenience. Outdoor installations are great for raised entrances and backyard spaces where a ramp would be cumbersome and provide the access you need to navigate comfortably.
Flex Lift is designed to support both residential and light commercial applications. With travel distances of up to 14 feet and a lifting capacity of 750 pounds, the FlexLift provides dependable access in a compact design that fits into almost every home!
Engineering Designed for Real Homes
Accessibility equipment should integrate smoothly into everyday living spaces, not cause headaches.
FlexLift is engineered with an all-electric, fluid-free drive system that eliminates odors and the maintenance challenges that can come with hydraulic lifts, all while providing year-round (yes, even in winter!) support that gives you freedom and mobility at home.
Accessibility That Supports Independent Living
By removing the barrier created by stairs, a VPL makes it easier to enter and exit the home safely. They also allows outdoor spaces, garages, and different levels of the property to remain fully usable for everyone. Discover how Flex Lift can transform and empower your space by contacting us today!