Commercial Platform Lifts for ADA Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions:

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• How high can a commercial wheelchair lift travel?

  In commercial settings, a commercial wheelchair lift can travel up to 60” unenclosed. Freedom Commercial Lifts are available with maximum lifting heights of 53”

  For travel heights from 5’ to 14’, lifts need to be enclosed in a shaft, as per code. 

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• What is the weight capacity of a wheelchair lift?

  Freedom Commercial Wheelchair Lifts have a weight capacity of 750lbs.

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• What is the difference between wheelchair lifts and elevators?

  Wheelchair lifts are designed to accommodate a single rider with a wheelchair or scooter, and are generally rated for 750lb maximum weight capacity. Some Commercial vertical platform lifts can travel up to 14’, but most are designed to travel less than 60”, unenclosed. Higher lifts need to be installed in a shaft, similar to an elevator. Wheelchair lifts have constant pressure controls.

  Elevators are designed for multiple riders, and usually have much higher weight capacity and can travel any height. Elevators have fully automatic controls and doors. Elevators will cost significantly more than wheelchair lifts.

  Both will likely need to be installed by a Certified Elevator Technician or Mechanic for commercial installations. Check with your local permit office to verify installation requirements.  

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• Vertical Platform Lift vs wheelchair ramp?

  When deciding how to make your business accessible you will be able to choose a lift or a wheelchair ramp. The configuration of your entrance may determine which choice to make, but a platform lift has many benefits. The footprint is significantly smaller for a lift usually no more than 5 feet by 5 feet. A ramp needs to be at least 1 foot long for every 1” of rise, so even to go up 4 steps your ramp would need to be 28” feet long. That is a lot of space and a lot of material, especially considering the increased cost of lumber right now.

  Also, a lift is often better for more users, as some wheelchair users can’t roll themselves up a ramp easily, or safely roll down.

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• Should we install a permanent Commercial lift or a portable Wheelchair lift?

  A portable wheelchair lift is a good solution for temporary needs and have often been used in schools and churches to provide access to a stage for events. Local jurisdictions will likely have a time limit that a temporary lift can remain in one location, so there must be a place for the portable lift to be stored.

  Most public and commercial buildings would require a permanently installed wheelchair lift instead. As always, please check with local permit office to verify code requirements.

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• Who can install a commercial wheelchair lift?

  Commercial wheelchair lifts likely need to be installed by a Certified Elevator Technician or Mechanic for commercial installations. Some General Contractors may be licensed to do lift installations. Check with your local permit office to verify installation requirements.  

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• What options are available on a commercial wheelchair lift?

  Commercial Wheelchair Lifts are configured to include safety options and requirements to meet ASME codes. You can choose a straight through platform or an adjacent platform for a 90 degree turn, depending on your layout needs. You can also add a battery backup system, which is also required in some jurisdictions.

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