When considering ways to improve your home’s accessibility, most owners will automatically consider installing a traditional elevator. However, many don’t realize that a residential vertical platform lift can be a smarter and more affordable solution. These lifts provide the same level of convenience and mobility as an elevator but with several additional benefits and features.
A vertical platform lift is a cost-effective alternative for homes with elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, or anyone looking to enhance the accessibility and convenience of their living space. If you’re considering any type of home accessibility upgrade, RAM Elevators can help explore the key differences and benefits between elevators and vertical platform lifts and why the latter may be the perfect affordable solution for your home.
Key Differences Between Elevators and Vertical Platform Lifts
- Design and Functionality:
- Elevators are typically designed for transportation between different floors in a building. They come in various styles and sizes, including traditional cab options, which require a shaft, motor, and significant structural modifications to the home.
- Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs) are simpler in design. They consist of a platform that moves vertically along a tower or mast, providing a smooth way for those who use wheelchairs or have difficulty navigating stairs to move between levels.
- Installation Requirements:
- Elevators often require more extensive structural changes, such as constructing a dedicated shaft or space for the mechanical components. This can be both time-consuming and costly, especially in existing homes that need retrofitting.
- Vertical platform lifts are generally easier and quicker to install. They don’t need a shaft install and can often be integrated into the home with minimal alterations- making them an excellent choice for older homes or ones with limited space.
- Space Efficiency:
- Because elevators require a shaft, they often take up more space in a home. The structural footprint includes not just the cab but also space for door clearance, mechanisms, and, in some cases, a machine room for the pulley and electronics.
- Vertical platform lifts are much more compact. They can be installed indoors or outdoors and require less space than a traditional elevator, making them ideal for homes where conserving space is a priority or the mechanical room is outdated.
- Cost Considerations:
- Elevators tend to be more expensive, not only because of the equipment itself but also due to the extensive installation process. The costs can quickly add up when considering structural modifications, electrical upgrades, and maintenance.
- Vertical platform lifts offer a more affordable alternative. They are less expensive to purchase and install and generally require less maintenance, which translates to lower ongoing costs for homeowners. They’re also simpler to maintain too!
- Accessibility and Safety:
- While elevators provide a certain level of accessibility, they’re not always made with the specific needs of individuals with mobility challenges in mind. Elevators often have entry thresholds and may not accommodate larger mobility devices.
- Vertical platform lifts are specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters and come equipped with safety features such as non-slip platforms, safety gates, and emergency stop buttons. Thus, they are a reliable choice for anyone looking to enhance their home accessibility and reliability.
Why a Vertical Platform Lift May Be a Better Residential Solution Than an Elevator
For many homeowners, especially those with accessibility needs, a VPL offers several key advantages over a traditional elevator. The most compelling reasons include cost-effectiveness, space efficiency, and ease of installation. Additionally, a vertical platform lift provides a high level of safety and accessibility without considerable inconvenience or downtime to your home life.
Vertical platform lifts can also be installed in both indoor and outdoor applications, providing accessibility to your entire home that an elevator cannot offer. Whether you need to navigate between floors inside your home or access an elevated deck in your backyard, a VPL can be fully customized to fit your specific needs and cater to your unique mobility considerations wherever you may need them.
Moreover, one of RAM’s flagship products, The Flex-Lift™, is available in a variety of styles and configurations, allowing you to customize a model that complements your needs and home aesthetics. This makes The Flex-Lift™ not only a practical solution but an attractive one that can be fully customized to fit your specific needs and requirements to support your mobility at home.
Let RAM Elevators Help You Find The Right Home Mobility Solution!
When considering options for improving accessibility and mobility within your home, a vertical platform lift might be the superior choice over a traditional elevator. Its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and design flexibility make it ideal for owners who need to support their mobility.
RAM Elevators has been your trusted source for residential vertical platform lift solutions for almost 30 years. With our commitment to quality, innovation, and satisfaction, we know we can provide you with a lift that will not only improve your functionality but also enhance the value and accessibility of your home. Visit our website to explore our range of residential vertical platform lifts, or talk to one of our home installation experts to discover how we can help you create a more accessible and comfortable living environment in your home!