For the disabled, the wheelchair-bound and the elderly climbing the stairs of their own homes is rather difficult, if not impossible. For effectively solving this problem and overcoming other different vertical barriers, you will need to install a wheelchair lift. However, the decision to acquire such a device is an important step – and not only because of its cost. Besides being a major financial investment, installing a wheelchair lift also means significantly modifying the interior of your house or vehicle.
That’s why you need to study and compare the prices and the features of all the available models before choosing which is the best one for your particular situation.
Of course, before going online and starting browsing the offers, you should know what kind of wheelchair lift you need. If you have enough space in your house, you can install a vertical wheelchair lift or even a wheelchair elevator. If the available space is a problem, you will need a wheelchair stair lift, also called an inclined wheelchair lift. If the staircase is wide enough, you can install a platform lift (foldable models are especially practical). If the platform cannot be accommodated on your stairs or if you don’t have enough space for the landing areas, then you can try installing a simple chair lift.
Disabled people who travel often or who need to go to school or to work every day might also need a vehicle lift: a car wheelchair lift or a wheelchair lift for vans.
An outdoor or external wheelchair lift is a good choice for those people who live on the second floor of a building and have access to their apartment only by using an exterior staircase. If the vertical obstacle is not too high, you can also use a wheelchair ramp.
Now let’s see which the main wheelchair lifts manufacturers are and what the market has to offer.
The AmeriGlide wheelchair lifts come in a wide variety: from stair lifts, bath lifts, scooter lifts, internal and external vehicle lifts and mobility scooters to vertical lifts and residential elevators. The price of a wheelchair lift depends on its features, starting at $1000 and going up depending on the model.
The Braun wheelchair lifts are another good choice. The BraunAbility Corporation offers various types of wheelchair lifts, mobility aids and wheelchair vans for personal and for public use.
The Bruno wheelchair lifts offer various models as well: stairlits, vertical platform lifts, vehicle lifts and turning automotive seating – an innovative mechanism that consists of a rotating vehicle seat that will help physically-challenged people to get in and out of their car.
Ricon also sells different types of wheelchair lifts: personal mobility aids, commercial lifts and vehicle lifts (including lifts for school buses).
Graventa Lift is another serious wheelchair lift manufacturer. You will find here evacuation chairs, home elevators, inclined platform and vertical platform wheelchair lifts, portable lifts and many other models.
The available diversity of wheelchair lifts can sometimes be overwhelming. However, is it definitely a good thing, allowing you to choose the most appropriate lift for your individual problem and the parameters of your house/car.
Of course, wheelchair lifts are expensive. As I said above, the price of a new model usually starts at $1000. Used models can be a little cheaper, but you’ll still have to invest a considerable amount of money for acquiring one. But don’t forget that this device will radically improve the quality of your life, allowing you to have an active, independent lifestyle. That’s why a cheap wheelchair lift is not always the best wheelchair lift. You will need a modern product that will be reliable, safe and extremely efficient. When buying your lift, don’t forget to check for warranties and maintenance services – reputable manufacturers always provide them.
In case you need an indoor or a vehicle wheelchair lift for a limited period, you can always check the wheelchair lift rentals. It will cost you less than buying your own wheelchair lifts. However, even if you buy a lift and then you don’t need it anymore, you can always sell it – there are many people who are looking for cheap used wheelchair lifts.