A vertical platform lift is a significant investment but is far less costly than installing a residential elevator. As an industry average, vertical platform lifts can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000, with $5,000 being a common ballpark price for a basic vertical platform lift. Residential elevators, in contrast, usually cost more than $20,000 once installation costs are factored in.
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If you're comparing options for wheelchair or medical scooter accessibility, it's important to understand the factors that influence VPL pricing and cost-effective alternatives if a platform lift is beyond your budget.
Residential wheelchair lifts tend to cost less than commercial vertical platform lifts, simply because commercial wheelchair lifts need to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements whereas residential wheelchair lifts only need to comply with building code requirements.
The intended location of the vertical platform lift will affect the price, as a rural installation service (for example Silverton vs. the city of Denver, Colorado) involves a longer drive time for the installation technicians.
Outdoor platform lifts generally cost more than their indoor counterparts because special weatherproof materials are required to protect the platform lift and its electrical components from the weather. Most outdoor platform lifts also come with a cover to protect them from the elements when not in use, which adds to the total cost.
There are several wheelchair platform lift types that offer different levels of protection. The more built-up the lift is, the higher the cost:
These are the most basic and cost-effective models. They comprise a platform and walls that move up and down a drive mast and are often used as porch lifts or an alternative to stairlifts for split-level homes.
An enclosed lift comes with a cage that encloses the entire journey of the lift from bottom to top. These models are often used outdoors where the roof at the top protects the user from the weather.
A shaftway lift can be used instead of a stairlift to move a wheelchair or mobility scooter user and their device between levels. The shaft construction must be completed by a professional builder and is separate from the purchase of the lift. At the top landing, the shaft can be open or enclosed.
Residential elevator platform lifts have the feel of an elevator without the high cost of elevator shaft construction. They are totally enclosed and are typically used for moving between levels indoors.
Rather than going straight up and down, an inclined platform wheelchair lift follows the run of the stairs to transport users and their vehicles between levels. Straight inclined platform lifts cost less to install than platform lifts on curved stairs.
Vertical platform lifts can cover vertical distances between 2 and 14 feet and can have one stop or multiple stops. It costs more to construct tall platform lifts and lifts with multiple stops than short, one-stop lifts because the wiring and configuration are more complex.
Most vertical platform lifts have a weight capacity of up to 800 lbs and a platform size of at least 36” x 48”, which is enough for most users and their devices. If you need a higher weight capacity or a larger platform, this will come at an additional cost.
All vertical platform lifts come with basic safety features like walls, gates, straps, and locks to keep the user from rolling off. The brakes should also be applied to stop the device from rolling around. At an additional cost, however, you can add features like obstruction sensors with an automatic shutoff, automatic doors, and one or more remote controls in addition to the onboard button.
If you buy a platform lift rather than rent it, you can customize the lift with the materials, colors, and design of your choice. You can also add stops, curves, or pretty much any feature you’d like for an additional cost. If your budget is tight, consider a more basic model with the standard colors and materials. However, if there's a feature you really want, it’s worth asking how much it will add to the bill. Depending on the request, it might not cost that much more!
To save money, some people shop for new or secondhand vertical platform lifts online. However, it's important to keep in mind that the price listed for a platform lift from a private vendor won't include the cost of installation, whereas the cost of a platform lift from a dedicated showroom often will. When comparing your options, make sure that you budget for professional installation.
If your remodeling costs are quickly adding up and a vertical platform lift would take you over your budget, there are a couple of cost-efficient alternatives.
A stairlift, or stair lift, transports an individual up and down stairs safely and comfortably on a seat that runs up and down a track. Stairlifts can be installed on straight or curved stairs. This might be a good option for a user who only uses their mobility device outdoors and can get around independently or with the help of a cane or rollator upstairs. Stairlifts often cost around half the price of vertical platform lifts.
A wheelchair ramp is a cost-effective alternative for a short vertical rise where space allows. Custom-built and rental wheelchair ramps are both available. Keep in mind that the maximum slope of a wheelchair ramp is 1:12 (one foot of rise for every 12 feet of length) and that wheelchair ramps in commercial settings must be ADA-compliant. A custom-built wheelchair ramp typically costs between one thousand and a few thousand dollars.
Whether you opt for a wheelchair ramp, stairlift, basic vertical platform lift, or hybrid platform lift with the works, there will be at least one mobility solution that meets your needs.
After researching how much a vertical platform lift costs in your area, consulting with a physical therapist and experienced mobility expert is the best way to find the wheelchair accessibility solution that works best for your budget and your home.
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Aerial lifts — also known as aerial work platforms — are a type of equipment you can use to work at above-ground heights. They are more stable and accommodating than a ladder, yet more mobile and temporary than scaffolding. By using an aerial lift, one or more workers can take their tools and supplies with them and complete a task from the safety of the elevated platform.
There are several types of aerial lifts and you can find them across many industries and applications. For example, you might use an aerial lift:
With so many possible uses, it is essential that you know how to choose the right aerial lift for your job or project. Keep reading to learn more about the most common types of aerial lifts and how to choose the best one for you.
Although all aerial lifts function similarly, there are a few different kinds to consider when choosing the right type of aerial lift for your project. Three common types are boom lifts, scissor lifts and vertical personnel lifts.
Boom lifts are very versatile and easily adaptable to most workspaces, particularly those outdoors. For example, boom lifts are what firefighters use to extinguish second-story flames and rescue cats from trees, but you can also use one to complete everyday tasks like painting the side of a building. Boom lifts can move horizontally or vertically, eliminating the need to re-lower and reposition continually. This convenience can help you save time and complete tasks far quicker.
Two types of boom lifts include:
Towable variations of both telescopic and articulating boom lifts, often called cherry pickers, are usually small enough to haul with a utility truck.
Scissor lifts use a series of metal, accordion-like bars to raise the platform directly above the base, making them suitable for vertical projects. Scissor lift platforms range in width and can be narrow or wide. You can also pair some scissor lifts with a horizontal extension deck to access more work area. Because these lifts move straight up and down, they make for a very stable work platform and can handle heavier loads, though they are not as capable of reaching challenging areas. Should you need more weight support, you can get a scissor lift constructed out of even stronger bars.
The two main types of scissor lifts include slab and rough terrain:
A vertical personnel lift — also called a vertical mast lift or man lift — is different from boom and scissor lifts because the work platform is designed to accommodate one worker at a time. Though sizes and weight capacities vary, most personnel lifts are compact and lightweight for easy transportation and set-up. For this reason, they are often the go-to lift for small-scale indoor projects, such as interior building maintenance.
Two types of vertical personnel lifts are:
To choose the right type and size of aerial lift, you need to consider the terrain and layout of your work location, the height you need to reach, the size of your workspace and the maximum capacity you require.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best aerial lift for your project is the location you’re working in, including:
Calculate the maximum height you need your aerial lift to reach. While each lift has its own dimensions, some types of aerial lifts are better suited to certain heights than others. For example, most one-person vertical personnel lifts will not be able to reach as high as an articulating boom lift.
If indoors, the size of your workspace includes the measurement between the floor and the ceiling, the width and height of doors or other entryways and the total square footage of the area where you will be using the lift. Don’t forget to calculate in any low-hanging items, such as lights or beams, as well as any obstacles.
You should also calculate how much space you or a worker will need on the aerial platform itself. For instance, if you’re installing something large — like a window or ceiling panel — you might require more space on the platform to move around and store your tools. Smaller, more narrow platforms are better suited for tasks that do not require bulky equipment.
By carefully calculating your required lift capacity before choosing your aerial lift, you can save yourself the time and frustration of returning or replacing an undersized lift. It will also help you avoid wasting fuel on oversized equipment. To determine how much weight you need your aerial lift to accommodate, consider the following:
Aerial lifts can be either diesel or electrically powered, and you should choose an energy source depending on the area where you’re working and the level of power you require. Consider these other differences:
Once you know which aerial lift is best for your needs, you have another important decision to make — buying or renting. The choice comes down to a few different factors:
With these considerations in mind, renting an aerial lift is often the best option for you or your business. Rentals allow you to experiment with different aerial lift types and uses to complete one-time tasks or projects that require multiple types of equipment. Aerial lift rentals are also a great way to get a feel for the equipment before buying.
One of the most significant benefits of renting over purchasing is that the initial investment cost is lower, making it great for those who need to get started on a project quickly with a smaller budget.
For a one-time project or temporary use, rentals are an excellent way to cut costs without sacrificing the performance you need.
Are you interested in learning more about Hydraulic Mobile Scissor Lift? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!