Vertical Platform Lifts
Vertical Platform Lifts (or VPLs for short) are an important and versatile device in the EHLS toolbox of accessibility solutions. VPLs, like the TKAccess PL-S unit pictured below, consist of a platform attached to a tower that houses an electric motor and drive mechanism. When activated by the user, the platform moves vertically up and down along the tower. VPLs are similar to elevators but they do not have an enclosed cab and they use constant pressure rather than push and release controls.
Though VPLs are often an excellent solution for vertical lifting problems, they do have certain limitations. Industry codes limit their maximum lifting height to 12 feet and they can stop at no more than 3 landings. When these limitations are a problem or when a client prefers a more refined appearance we often suggest using a residential elevator instead.
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- Typical VPLs can carry can loads ranging from 550lbs. to 750lbs.
- Standard VPL platforms measure 36"W x 48"L but other sizes are available
- When configured properly VPLs may be used outdoors
- VPLs use constant pressure controls
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Porchlifts
Porchlifts are a specialized category of vertical platform lift specifically designed to provide access to exterior doorways. Porchlifts have a maximum lifting height of about 6 feet and are an ideal alternative to a ramp especially in urban settings where space is often limited. In this picture we see the TKAccess PL-RA Residential Porchlift ready and waiting for a wheelchair to roll onto its platform. EHLS also offers a newly introduced porchlift manufactured by Bruno Independent Living Aids.
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VPL/Porchlift Safety issues
User safety is a top concern in all EHLS accessibility projects. The lift equipment we use and our installation methods comply with all applicable safety standards required by local and national building codes. Unfortunately in the course of our business we encounter far too many VPLs installed by other firms that do not meet minimum safety standards. Don't compromise your safety - call EHLS and rest easy knowing that your new lift will be installed properly.
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Pictured here is the new Bruno VPL3100 PorchLift, a good example of a safe well-made lifting device. Note the solid metal walls on either side of the platform, the gate at the top landing and the fully enclosed tower. These are all important safety features that some lifts do not offer. All of our top landing gates have an interlock that prevents the gate from being opened if the lift platform is not present. Without the combination of gate and interlock a person on the upper landing could easily fall to the surface below. The solid metal walls on the platform keep legs and arms out of harms way. The fully enclosed tower protects users from the moving parts inside. Finally note that this lift rests on a concrete base. A solid foundation prevents the lift from shifting and is an essential part of a safe installation.
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Compare This Lift With The Bruno
Here is an example of a lift that lacks standard safety features and is not code compliant. Instead of solid walls on the platform we have metal bars that contribute little to rider safety. There is no gate at the upper landing which means someone could step out of the doorway and tumble to the ground below. The tower enclosure has a gap large enough for a hand or arm to get caught in.
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Before signing a contract with any company be sure to find out exactly what kind of lift they plan to use and how it will be installed. Ask if their lift equipment is code compliant. Make sure they plan to support the lift on a concrete foundation. Or, better yet, contact EHLS and have the job done right.
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Operating a VPL
Vertical lifts are safe, simple and easy to operate. In this picture we see 10 year old Sarah rolling her sister Hannah off a Savaria 1504 VPL platform onto the first floor of their home. The Savaria VPL is enclosed in a hoistway and gives Hannah access to three different levels including the main floor, the garage level and the basement play area. Having the lift allows Hannah to take part in family activities throughout the home.
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This photo shows the control panel for the Savaria lift Sarah and Hannah use. The lift stops at three different floors and we have a button for each numbered one, two and three. Unlike elevators VPLs have constant pressure controls which means the user must push and hold the button until the lift reaches the selected floor where it will stop automatically. We also see a lock and key that can be used to control access to the equipment. Finally there is a large red emergency button that stops the lift immediately when pushed.
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Here we have a picture of the 1504's call station on the main floor. This button allows a rider to call the VPL platform to their floor from a different level. Each of the floors served by the 1504 has its own key operated call station.
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What Is Involved In a VPL Installation?
VPL projects come in a multitude of shapes and sizes so it is difficult to make general statements that apply to all. However there are some useful observations we can make in response to this question. To begin it is helpful to separate VPL projects into two distinct operations. The first step is to prepare the site and get it ready for the equipment. The second and usually far easier step is the installation of the lift itself. If installing a lift is going to be complex or difficult it is almost always because of issues involving the site preparation phase of the project. Here we see an EHLS carpenter framing a hoistway for a new VPL installation.
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Installing a lift outside a home or in a structure under construction tends to be much easier. The good news is that EHLS has the experience and knowledge necessary to plan, manage and successfully install a VPL for you wherever it may be needed.
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How Much Do VPLs Cost?
This question is closely related to the installation issues we discussed in the previous section. The cost of the lift equipment itself is predictable and doesn't vary much from job to job. Site preparation costs, on the other hand, can vary wildly from one project to the next. As you would expect installing a lift inside an existing structure tends to have the highest cost. Site prep costs for porchlift installations outside the home are usually lower. Given the wide variation in jobs the only way to get an accurate price is to schedule a site visit by one of our representatives. We'll be happy to visit your home, assess your needs and prepare a written proposal with a firm price. As always the visit is free and you are under no obligation to accept the proposal.
That said we can offer price ranges for different types of projects. These prices include the cost of the lift equipment, site preparation and applicable taxes. Most outdoor porch-lift installations start around $5,500 and can go as high as $8,000 or more though that is unusual. The cost to install a VPL inside an existing home generally starts at about $18,000 and can go as high as $30,000 for particularly complex jobs.
