How Does a Wheelchair Stair Lift Work?

Hydraulic Brakes - How Does a Wheelchair Stair Lift Work?

How Does a Wheelchair Stair Lift Work?

Wheelchair lifts are great accessibility solutions in any residential or commercial building when a lift or elevator cannot be installed. If you are looking to purchase a wheelchair stair lift, you should know how it works. These lifts are useful for accessing elevated platforms, stages, floors and more, both outdoors and indoors.

Hydraulic Brakes

Wheelchair Stair Lifts with Different Drive Systems

Wheelchair lifts have their own driving mechanism and are often classified according the drive system they use. There are vertical, inclined and portable models. Each differs in features, but their operations are almost similar. Some models work on three kinds of drive systems - A/C powered belt driven ballscrew, battery powered belt driven ballscrew and battery powered hydraulic. The main advantage of battery powered lifts is that they can be operated even during power failures. Most models come with an electric motor running on rechargeable batteries.

How a Wheelchair Stair Lift Operates

A wheelchair lift has a wide platform base to accommodate wheelchairs. The base can lock in position when the lift is on the move and ensure smooth up and down transportation for wheelchair users. They move up and down the stairs along a rail track fixed to the walls. When the lift is not is use, the lift platform can be easily folded up, leaving the stairs free for other users.

In A/C powered lifts, the unit is pulled along the stairway by a chain, with the backup of an electrically powered drive system. The user can operate the system with a simple, easy to handle lever. Automated brakes, locks, underpan sensors, and other features are included to ensure user safety.

• To make the equipment start, you just need to press the start button. You will be taken up or down, safely and comfortably over the stairs.

• When the gates of the lifts open, you can directly roll the wheelchair into the lift platform. The lift doors will close automatically closed once the wheelchair is in.

• To move up or down the stairs, just press the up and down controls.

• Once the lift reaches the landing area, the doors will unlock automatically.

In the contrary, the portable lifts are manually operated and need no motor or power. You can roll the wheelchair into the lift and push through the stairs directly, with the support of an attendant.

Get the Wheelchair Lifts Professionally Installed

The lift can be installed without making much structural changes to your building's architecture. If you are looking to install one at your setting, seek professional from an established mobility equipment dealer to ensure that your wheelchair stair lift is safely installed.