The most common disability in America is associated with limited mobility, as nearly 7 million individuals use assistive devices like wheelchairs. And, if you are a wheelchair user, you’ve likely become accustomed to the many obstacles that must be overcome in your everyday life. Whether trying to get up house porch steps or put your wheelchair into your car, there always seems to be something in your way. Thankfully, outdoor wheelchair lifts provide improved convenience and offer help. But how can you know what type of outdoor models are right for you?
Simply put, to make the best decision, you must first consider the different types, such as these listed below.
3 Important Types of Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts You Should Consider
1. Platform Lifts
Platform lifts for homes are what most people think about when they imagine wheelchair lifts. These serve a simple purpose: to bring you and your wheelchair from one level to the next. Like a simpler elevator, you simply ride onto the platform, shut the door, and push a button. When considering if these are right for your home use, think about your needs. Platform lifts are ideal for porches and other small vertical obstacles.
2. Incline Lifts
Incline lifts are often ideal for individuals who don’t have the space for a platform lift. This option offers the same benefit of getting you from one level to the next. However, you won’t sit on a platform and travel vertically up. Instead, this lift allows you and your wheelchair to glide along a staircase, causing you to travel diagonally along the contours of the stairs. In addition, when others need to use the stairs, these power chair ramps can conveniently be moved up and out of the way. If you’re in need of getting from one level to the next, but don’t have much space, this may be the ideal solution for you.
3. Auto Lifts
When you want to bring your wheelchair on the road, you’ll need a way to get it into your vehicle. To do this, you have quite a few options in terms of auto lifts. For example, your wheelchair can be stored inside the vehicle or held externally on a pull-behind platform. Regardless of which option you choose, an auto lift is ideal for increasing you mobility and allowing you to explore the world outside your home.
When you need to find the right outdoor wheelchair lifts, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. Making the right choice can help improve your mobility and give you access to every part of your home. Consider how much space you have, where you need the lift, and if you’ll be bringing the wheelchair on the road with you. Then, compare these needs with the different types available and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect solution.