For homeowners who use wheelchairs or mobility devices, the biggest obstacle often isn’t the living room or the hallway. It’s the four or five steps separating the driveway from the front door. You may move comfortably, safely, and independently inside your home–but the moment you reach your front steps, everything stops.
While installing wheelchair ramps might seem like the best answer at first, this isn’t always the right solution. In many cases, once you factor in the required rise and run, families discover they would need a long, winding ramp that takes over the yard or driveway. That’s when outdoor accessibility solutions, especially outdoor platform lifts, start to make far more sense.
If the inside of your home is already accessible, but your entryway is the main barrier, this guide will help you understand your options and offer tips on how to choose a safe, weather-friendly solution that fits your space and lifestyle.
The RAM Flex Lift
Our product, the Flex Lift, is the ideal outdoor accessibility solution for wheelchair users for two reasons: all-season reliability and endless customization.
Weather is often the biggest concern for outdoor mobility equipment, especially in Canadian and northern U.S. climates where snow and ice are part of daily life. RAM’s Residential Flex Lift is uniquely designed for winter reliability, featuring:
- Zero-Load Start, allowing the lift to run smoothly even in extreme cold
- Non-skid, open platforms that let snow fall through instead of collecting it
- Components designed to resist ice buildup
Additionally, our Flex Lift has nearly 70 different customization options, including both unenclosed and enclosed designs. We’ll highlight the features of these two outdoor lifts below.
If you have hesitations about using a lift outdoors, RAM’s guide on debunking common worries about outdoor lifts can give you more clarity and peace of mind.
Option #1: Unenclosed Vertical Platform Lift / Porch Lift
An unenclosed vertical platform lift, often called a wheelchair porch lift, is one of the most practical ways to bypass porches, decks, or raised entryways up to about 14 feet. It provides a smooth, powered rise from ground level to your front door, without the sprawl of a ramp.
Best for:
- Raised porches
- Deck landings
- Garage entryways
- Homes with limited yard space
Why choose this option:
- Cost-effective compared to large ramps or full outdoor elevators.
- Fast installation, often in a few days or weeks.
- Small footprint that doesn’t block driveways or walkways
Option #2 Enclosed Outdoor Lift
For homes in regions with extreme cold, heavy snow, or frequent rain, an enclosed vertical platform lift provides an additional level of comfort and protection. These systems offer vertical travel within a sheltered structure, just like an outdoor elevator. RAM’s Flex Lift can be enclosed in aluminum or glass with optional full-size doors on each landing for easy access. Additional customizations include roofs, lighting, and custom colours to match specific design preferences.
Why choose an enclosed vertical platform lift:
- Complete protection from rain, snow, and wind
- Smooth, comfortable travel in any weather
- A more contained, private experience
- Functions like a small outdoor elevator, but without the full price tag of a traditional one
This option is ideal if you want something that blends more cleanly with your home’s exterior or if the climate is a major concern for you.
Which Outdoor Platform Lift Is Right for You?
| Feature | Unenclosed | Enclosed |
| Weather Protection | Snow-through platform; open-air design | Fully enclosed, weatherproof |
| Best For | Mild climates, quick access, porches, decks | Cold climates, heavy snow, frequent storms |
| Footprint | Small; does not block driveways | Larger, requires structure |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher investment |
| Installation Speed | Fast (often in a day) | Moderate (requires enclosure) |
| Comfort Level | Open ride | Private, enclosed ride |
If you want a deeper understanding of how these lifts work in real homes, you can explore RAM’s full range of exterior home elevators and lifts for additional examples and configurations.
Request a Quote for an Outdoor Elevator or Platform Lift
You deserve an entryway that feels just as accessible as the inside of your home. Whether you’re considering an outdoor elevator, an outdoor wheelchair platform lift, or a simple porch lift to get safely from the driveway to the front door, RAM can help you choose a solution that fits your climate, budget, and space.
If you’re ready to explore your options or need help deciding what works for your entryway, request a quote today and get personalized support from our team.