Wheelchair Lifts
- If I use a wheelchair, is there a kind of lift that will help me go up and down floors in a multilevel home?
- What is involved in the installation of a wheelchair lift?
- Is there a lot of construction required to install a wheelchair lift?
- How long will it take to install?
- What kind of service does Higher Mobility provide after you install a wheelchair stair lift?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of the equipment and installation?
- What if the power fails while I’m on the lift?
- What are things to look for when choosing an installer?
1. If I use a wheelchair, is there a kind of lift that will help me go up and down floors in a multilevel home?
PCDE HPCDE Wheelchair Lift
Yes, platform lifts large enough to accommodate a wheelchair and its user are available.
Some platform lifts have folding edge flaps that drop down and act as ramps to allow for variations in floor levels. These flaps also prevent the wheelchair from going over the edge of the platform.
Many wheelchair platform lifts are designed and built to order. Others may be of a standard platform and carriage, with the only special requirement being the length of tower.
The lift consists of a “carriage” and the tower it runs on. In most designs the carriage is pulled by a cable or chain, or driven along the inclined rail by a rack and pinion system or other drive arrangement.
2. What is involved in the installation of a wheelchair lift?
The tower is a necessity made of heavy construction to support the load, and the drive system is usually accommodated within the tower or aluminum extrusion. Some models have steel cables inside the tower, while others have chains; yet others may use a rack and pinion system. The rails inside the tower may weigh more than 65 pounds, depending on their length while the complete unit may weigh as much as 2,000lbs.
In most installations they are attached to the walls and floor using brackets.
Some units may require a dedicated 220v outlet, but the smaller units can operate off a standard 110v outlet.
3. Is there a lot of construction required to install a wheelchair lift?
Each situation is different. In situations where a wheelchair lift is being installed to service multiple floors over 8 ft. in height, it is recommended to construct a hoistway to house the unit.
4. How long will it take to install?
A typical installation takes approximately two days, but an installation that is more involved install can take up to two weeks. Allow 2-4 days
5. What kind of service does Higher Mobility provide after you install a wheelchair stair lift?
For the first two years after installation we provide free of charge service for parts or labor covered under the factory warranty. After the factory warranty expires, we offer service agreements to ensure that your equipment is regularly inspected and working properly. Learn more about repair and maintenance services.
6. Will my insurance cover the cost of the equipment and installation?
Unfortunately, many insurance providers don’t view home lifts and elevators as health care essentials, but many insurance plans cover some of the costs of installation and equipment. If you are a veteran, the VA does provide coverage for some home modifications for mobility equipment. Learn more at http://www.va.gov/.
7. What if the power fails while I’m on the chair?
CDE HCDE Wheelchair Lift
Domestic wheelchair lifts are usually powered from rechargeable batteries and use direct current (DC). A DC wheelchair lift will continue to function during a power outage, provided the batteries are sufficiently charged. With most DC models the batteries are accommodated within the tower. Some models, however, are designed with three phase motors. An inverter system is used to convert the DC energy to three-phase alternating current.
8. What are things to look for when choosing an wheelchair lift installer?
First and always, with any contractor, ask for a Certificate of Insurance. Next, ask that they provide you with a copy of their Contractors License or Registration. Finally ask for three references that have had stair lifts installed within the last three months. Don’t buy into “pressure situations”. Any provider who you feel is pressuring you or wanting you to make a decision today usually is charging too much and doesn’t want you to shop around. Always, always, get three estimates. You don’t necessarily have to purchase the least expensive unit but it gives you a chance to compare companies and services and can help you find a contractor you are comfortable with and trust.
Higher Mobility sells, installs, and repairs wheelchair lifts designed, engineered, and manufactured in the US by one of the world’s leading lift and elevator companies, ThyssenKrupp Access.
Contact Higher Mobility to schedule a free consultation: 1-888-662-5489.
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