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Choosing A Wheelchair Lift

Electric wheelchair lifts are a simple way to overcome the mobility problems that stairs represent for a wheelchair bound person. Unfortunately, electric wheelchair lifts are also quite expensive and may not always be a viable option. On the other hand, wheelchair ramps are much less expensive, but they are not always a practical solution.

Electric Wheelchair Lifts- Advantages and Disadvantages

One benefit of an electric wheelchair lift is that a lift requires very little space. As you can imagine, when there is not enough room to add a ramp, then spending the money on the lift is the way to go. Wheelchair lifts are also very easy to operate. Electric lifts typically have only two buttons, one for up, and one for down. The lift is also guarded with a key, much like a car ignition. The lift cannot be operated unless the key is turned on. This helps to keep people from goofing around on the lift and prematurely wearing it out.

The primary disadvantage of choosing a wheelchair lift over a ramp is the price. Wheelchair lifts can easily cost thousands of dollars depending on the make and model that you choose. Another disadvantage of a wheelchair lift is that it can breakdown. While lifts are known to be extremely reliable and to last for many years, there is always the chance that a lift can breakdown leaving a person stranded. Installation of lift is not a do-it-yourself job. The good news is that the installation of the ramp is often included in the price of the lift.

Wheelchair Ramps- Advantages and Disadvantages

Wheelchair ramps are easy to build, or to have built for you. Either option will certainly be less expensive than purchasing an electric wheelchair lift. Another advantage of opting for a ramp is that the ramp will never breakdown leaving a person with no way to get in or out of a building.

Wheelchair ramps typically take up a lot of space. If you have a small area in front of your house or business then choosing a ramp may not be realistic. By their very nature, ramps need a fairly long slope so that people can actually get up and down them, thus taking up a good deal of space. Finally, wheelchair ramps can permanently change the appearance of a house or business. Some people worry about resale value of a building or house and feel that a ramp could be a turn off to prospective buyers.

In the end the choice is up to you and your personal needs. If you can afford an electric wheelchair lift and have very little space to work with near your entrance, then a lift is likely a good option. If you have the space available, and you do not want to spend a lot of money, then a ramp would be the way to go.