There are many different types of wheelchair lifts, and not all of them are equal. When you’re looking for one, you need to make sure it will fit your specific needs. You also want to make sure that the lift is safe and secure for your wheelchair.
If you don’t know much about a wheelchair platform lift, here’s a brief rundown on how to tell the best ones:
Quality Mounting
The mounting system is what keeps the wheelchair secure while it is being brought up or down from different levels. This means that if the mounting system fails, then your wheelchair could fall out of control while going up or down from one level to another. In order for this not to happen, you need to make sure that the mounting system has been tested and certified by an independent agency in order for them to pass safety standards for wheelchair lifts.
The Hoist Way
The hoist way is the path taken by your wheelchair lift when it transports you from one level to another. Ideally, this path should be smooth and straight so that it doesn’t jostle your body around too much during transport. You should also make sure that there are no obstructions in the hoist way such as furniture or other objects that could become wedged under the chair as it moves through space.
Safety Interlocks
The safest lifts have safety interlocks that prevent the chair from falling if the hoist fails or gets disconnected. The interlock system should also prevent the chair from being lowered while someone is still on board. If you have small children or pets in your home, check that this feature is available before purchasing a wheelchair lift.
Wiring
The wiring on a wheelchair lift can be an indication of its quality and longevity. A good wiring harness will have high-quality components, including thick wire and proper connectors. The wires should also be color coded so that they can be easily identified.
Service & Maintenance
The best wheelchair lifts are easy to maintain and use, which means they come with comprehensive manuals and instructions. If you prefer not to do your own maintenance work, it is important that you find a company that offers servicing options for your lift so you don’t have to do everything yourself.
Pulley System
The pulley system is what helps your wheelchair move smoothly up and down on its own without you having to push or pull it yourself. This part of the lift must be in top shape so that it works properly when needed. It needs to be inspected regularly as well so that any problems can be fixed before they become too big of an issue for you to deal with on your own.
Weight Capacity
This is an important thing to consider when buying a wheelchair lift because it can determine how much weight the lift will be able to carry. If someone is over-weight or has a condition that causes them to gain weight quickly, it may not be worth buying a lift that isn’t capable of carrying their weight comfortably.
If you have an average-sized person who isn’t overweight or gaining weight quickly, then this isn’t as big of an issue. However, if you have someone who weighs over 300 lbs., then it might be beneficial to get a lift with a higher weight capacity so that they can fit comfortably into the wheelchair without straining their back or knees.
Conclusion
It is quite true that there are numerous manufacturers of wheelchair lift. When you think about it, this is not so surprising considering how important wheelchair lifts are and how such a significant proportion of the population will be in need of one at some point in their lives. So, when looking for a wheelchair lift, it is important to understand the different types of lifts and their benefits. The best way to do this is to take into account your specific needs, as well as your budget. Each lift has its own recommended specifications, which are listed on each product page.
