Platform lifts provide an accessible way for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to move between different levels. They can overcome steps at an entrance, connect split-level rooms or provide travel between floors without requiring the size and structural demands of a conventional passenger lift.
Modern platform lifts are available for homes, workplaces and public-facing buildings. The correct design depends on the travel height, available space, intended users and surrounding environment. This article explains how platform lifts work, the main systems available and what property owners should consider before installation.
DHG Services supplies and installs accessibility solutions across the UK. If you are considering a platform lift, arrange a property survey to receive advice based on your building and requirements.
What Is a Platform Lift?
A platform lift is designed to transport a person between different levels using a level platform or enclosed carrier. Many models are suitable for an occupied wheelchair, removing the need for the user to transfer onto a separate seat.
The lift normally travels at a controlled speed and uses accessible controls that the passenger can operate from the platform. Depending on the model, the user may need to hold the control throughout the journey. Doors, gates or protective barriers prevent access to the travel area while the lift is moving.
Platform lifts can be installed indoors or outside. Some cover a relatively small change in height, such as several steps at a building entrance, while others travel vertically between complete floors.
The term describes a broad category rather than one standard product. A short-rise entrance lift has different requirements from an enclosed vertical platform lift serving several levels, so the system must be selected around its actual users and travel route.
Who Can Benefit from a Platform Lift?
Platform lifts are primarily associated with wheelchair access, but they can also support people who use walking aids or find stairs difficult because of reduced strength, balance, pain or fatigue.
In a private home, a platform lift may allow a resident to continue using important rooms without depending on the staircase. In a workplace or public building, it can improve access for employees, customers, pupils, patients and visitors.
An accessible lift should reflect the people who will use it. A manually propelled wheelchair, large powered wheelchair and mobility scooter can have very different dimensions and weights. Some users may also need space for an accompanying carer.
Future requirements should be considered alongside immediate needs. Selecting a lift that only just accommodates the current mobility aid can result in an unsuitable installation if the user later changes to a larger wheelchair.
Different Types of Platform Lift
The correct platform lift depends on the height difference, number of stopping points and available route through the building. Several distinct designs are available.
Vertical Platform Lifts
A vertical platform lift travels directly upwards between fixed landing points. It may connect two nearby levels or travel between complete floors, depending on the selected system.
Vertical lifts can be particularly useful where there is not enough horizontal space for a compliant ramp. The platform, entrance width and landing areas should be planned around the intended wheelchair and user.
Some systems operate within a manufacturer-supplied enclosure, while others may require integration with a purpose-designed structure. The required pit, headroom and supporting work vary between products.
Low-Rise and Step Lifts
A low-rise platform lift is designed to overcome a smaller change in level, such as steps leading to an entrance, reception area or raised internal floor.
These lifts can provide an alternative where constructing a long ramp would occupy too much space or disrupt the surrounding layout. They may be installed inside or outside, provided the model is suitable for the environment.
A low-rise lift still requires a clear approach, sufficient platform capacity and safe exit space at both levels. The surrounding doors, pathways and thresholds should form part of the overall accessible route.
Inclined Platform Lifts
An inclined platform lift travels along the line of an existing staircase. The wheelchair user moves onto a platform, which then follows a rail up or down the stairs.
This arrangement can avoid creating a separate vertical route, but the staircase must provide sufficient width for the platform and other building users. Its effect on escape routes, pedestrian movement and landing space also needs to be assessed.
The platform will normally fold when not in use, although the rail and equipment remain attached to the staircase.
Enclosed Platform Lifts
An enclosed platform lift provides travel within a cabin-like carrier or enclosure. These systems can offer additional weather protection, controlled access and visual integration with the building.
Enclosed lifts may be appropriate for multi-level commercial properties, larger homes and locations where the lift is intended to form a permanent architectural feature. Different door arrangements, glazed panels and internal finishes may be available.
External Platform Lifts
Outdoor systems can overcome steps, raised entrances, terraces and changes between garden levels. The equipment must be specifically designed for external conditions rather than adapting an indoor product.
Drainage, exposure, temperature, surrounding ground levels and access to the controls all need consideration. External finishes should also be suitable for continued exposure to rain and changing weather conditions.
Is a Through-Floor Lift the Same as a Platform Lift?
The terms are sometimes used together, but they should not automatically be treated as identical. A through-floor lift travels through a prepared opening between two floors and is commonly installed inside a private home. It may contain an enclosed carrier rather than an exposed platform.
A vertical platform lift generally moves within a defined enclosure or structure and can be used in domestic, commercial and public settings. It may serve a small level change or connect several floors.
Both systems can provide wheelchair access when appropriately sized, but their installation methods, controls, capacity and building requirements differ. A customer who needs direct travel between two floors of a house may find a through-floor lift more appropriate.
Households seeking a larger cabin, additional stopping points or a more architectural installation can also compare alternative home lift systems.
Platform Lifts for Wheelchairs
A wheelchair platform lift must be specified around the occupied wheelchair rather than relying on generic dimensions. The survey should record the overall length, width and combined weight of the user and chair.
Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters may require more space and capacity than standard manual chairs. The user must also be able to approach, enter, operate and leave the lift safely.
Entrance configuration can have a significant effect on usability. A same-side arrangement may require the user to reverse either into or out of the lift. Opposing doors can allow forward entry and exit, but this configuration needs a suitable building layout.
Control height, button size and operating pressure should match the user’s reach and dexterity. Automatic doors may improve independent use where manually opening a gate would be difficult.
If an assistant or carer will travel with the wheelchair user, their weight and the additional required space must be included in the specification.
Platform Lifts in Commercial and Public Buildings
Platform lifts can help shops, offices, hospitality venues, schools, healthcare premises and community buildings provide a more accessible route through their property.
Under the Equality Act 2010, service providers and employers may have duties to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. However, the legislation does not state that every building must install a platform lift. The appropriate adjustment depends on the building, service and circumstances.
New construction and certain alteration projects may also need to consider accessibility requirements under the Building Regulations. Approved Document M provides guidance relating to access to and use of buildings in England.
A platform lift should form part of a complete accessible route. Reaching the lift is not enough if the user then encounters a narrow doorway, unsuitable threshold or inaccessible room. Entrances, corridors, controls and landing areas should therefore be assessed together.
Fire safety and evacuation arrangements also require separate consideration. A standard accessibility lift should not be assumed to provide an evacuation solution unless it has been specifically designed, installed and managed for that purpose.
Platform Lifts for Private Homes
A platform lift can improve access in a private property when steps, split levels or complete floors have become difficult to navigate. It may be considered following a change in mobility or included in a refurbishment intended to support long-term living.
Possible locations include hallways, living areas, extensions and external entrances. The route must work at every stopping point without obstructing doorways or essential movement around the property.
For wheelchair users, the lift position should be assessed alongside bedroom, bathroom and entrance access. Improving travel between floors provides limited benefit if other parts of the route remain unsuitable.
Planning early can provide more choice over the lift position and allow structural, electrical and finishing work to be coordinated with a wider renovation. Customers comparing different domestic systems can read the home lift buying considerations before arranging a survey.
Platform Lift or Passenger Lift?
A platform lift is generally intended to provide accessible movement at a controlled speed. It can have a smaller footprint and different structural requirements from a conventional passenger lift.
A passenger lift is designed for more frequent use by a wider range of occupants. It may provide greater capacity, faster travel and higher numbers of stops, but it normally requires more substantial building integration.
The correct choice depends on expected traffic rather than appearance alone. A small workplace requiring occasional wheelchair access may have different needs from a busy hotel, school or public building where many people travel between floors throughout the day.
Property owners should consider passenger numbers, travel distance, expected frequency, required waiting times and whether goods also need to be transported. A platform lift should not be selected simply because it appears to be the smaller or cheaper option.
Platform Lift or Stairlift?
A seated stairlift follows the existing staircase and can suit a person who is able to transfer safely onto a seat. It generally requires less structural work than creating a separate vertical lift route.
A platform lift can allow a wheelchair user to travel without transferring. Vertical designs also leave the staircase available as a separate route for other occupants.
Inclined wheelchair platform lifts use the staircase itself, so sufficient width and landing space are essential. In busy or public buildings, the effect of the folded and deployed platform on pedestrian movement must be assessed.
The most suitable system depends on the user, staircase, property and expected future needs. DHG Services can help customers compare platform lifts with other mobility and access solutions.
What Should Be Assessed Before Installation?
A professional survey should consider the complete route rather than only the space occupied by the equipment. Every entrance and landing must provide enough room for the intended passenger to approach and leave the lift safely.
The survey will normally examine the travel height, floor construction, surrounding walls, available headroom and possible supporting structure. Electrical supplies, drainage for outdoor lifts and the position of concealed services may also affect installation.
Delivery access can be important in narrow homes, occupied workplaces and buildings with shared entrances. The installer needs a suitable route for components and enough room to complete the work safely.
Commercial projects may involve architects, contractors, Building Control, access consultants and fire-safety professionals. Agreeing technical requirements before other building work is completed can prevent expensive changes later.
Listed buildings, rented premises and leasehold properties may require additional consent. External platform lifts can also require planning consideration depending on their position and effect on the property.
Platform Lift Safety Features
Available safety features vary between models, but platform lifts may include interlocked doors, protective barriers, obstruction detection, safety edges and emergency stop controls.
Many systems use hold-to-run controls, which require the passenger to continue pressing the button during travel. Emergency lowering or backup arrangements may also be provided, depending on the product.
The lift must operate within its stated weight and passenger limits. Users should not obstruct doors, bypass controls or use the platform for loads outside its intended purpose.
Public and workplace equipment needs a clear management process covering authorised use, routine checks, fault reporting and emergency arrangements. Instructions should be accessible to the people responsible for the lift.
Servicing and LOLER Requirements
Platform lifts need routine maintenance to remain dependable and safe. The manufacturer’s service recommendations should be followed, with developing faults investigated before they cause a breakdown.
Where a platform lift is used at work or within a managed communal environment, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 may apply. Equipment used to lift people is normally subject to a thorough examination every six months unless a competent person’s written examination scheme specifies another interval.
A LOLER thorough examination is separate from routine servicing. Maintenance focuses on the lift’s condition and operation, while the examination is a formal assessment of its safety-critical components.
Further information is available in DHG Services’ overview of LOLER inspections.
What Affects the Cost of a Platform Lift?
There is no single price that applies to every platform lift. The final cost depends on the equipment, building and preparation needed to create a safe accessible route.
A low-rise entrance lift will have different requirements from an enclosed system travelling between several floors. Platform dimensions, rated capacity, travel height, number of stops and door configuration all influence the specification.
Structural work can represent a significant part of the project. Costs may include creating openings, forming a pit, constructing an enclosure, moving services and completing electrical or decorative work.
Automatic doors, glazed panels, customised finishes, weather-resistant specifications and remote monitoring can also affect the quotation.
Commercial customers should consider ongoing costs as well as installation. Routine maintenance, thorough examinations and future repairs should form part of the ownership plan.
A detailed survey allows the equipment and known building work to be priced around the actual property rather than relying on a general online estimate.
Choosing the Right Platform Lift
The right lift should provide comfortable access without creating new barriers elsewhere in the building. Selection should begin with the user, the required journey and the expected pattern of use.
Wheelchair dimensions, entrance direction and landing space are essential considerations. The survey should also establish whether the lift will be used independently, with assistance or by several different people.
For commercial buildings, capacity and frequency must reflect real visitor and staff demand. A system designed for occasional use may be unsuitable for a busy public environment.
Appearance can be considered once the essential technical requirements are understood. Solid or glazed enclosures, door styles and finishes can help integrate the lift with a traditional or contemporary interior.
DHG Services can survey the property, explain the available options and prepare a written quotation based on a suitable configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Platform Lifts
These answers cover common questions about wheelchair suitability, installation requirements, maintenance and the use of platform lifts in different buildings.
Can a wheelchair user operate a platform lift independently?
Many platform lifts can support independent wheelchair travel, but this depends on the user and the selected controls. The passenger needs to approach the lift, open or activate the entrance, position the wheelchair, operate the controls and leave safely at the destination. Powered doors and appropriately positioned buttons may help users with limited reach or dexterity. Some systems use hold-to-run controls, which must remain pressed throughout travel. The survey should therefore assess the individual’s movement, strength and understanding rather than assuming every accessible lift will provide independent use. If a carer will accompany the passenger, the platform dimensions and capacity must accommodate both people and the occupied wheelchair.
How much space is required for a wheelchair platform lift?
The required space includes more than the platform itself. There must be enough room for the occupied wheelchair to approach the entrance, pass through the doorway, position safely and leave at every landing. A powered wheelchair or mobility scooter may need a larger platform and wider entrance than a manual chair. Turning space may also be necessary where the lift uses a same-side door arrangement. Structural supports, an enclosure, a pit and operating equipment can increase the overall footprint. Because these requirements vary between models and buildings, a site survey is needed before dimensions are confirmed. Measuring only the empty wheelchair can result in an unsuitable specification.
Can a platform lift be installed outside?
Certain platform lifts are manufactured specifically for external use. They can provide access over entrance steps, between a driveway and front door or across different garden levels. Outdoor installation requires consideration of drainage, exposure to rain, temperature changes, surrounding ground conditions and safe access during poor weather. The controls and electrical components must be suitable for the environment, while the platform surface should provide secure footing. The proposed position may also have planning, boundary or visual implications. An indoor platform lift should not be placed outside unless the manufacturer confirms that it is designed for those conditions. Maintenance requirements may also differ because external equipment experiences greater environmental exposure.
Does a business have to install a platform lift?
There is no universal rule requiring every business to install a platform lift. Under the Equality Act 2010, service providers and employers may need to make reasonable adjustments so disabled people are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. The appropriate adjustment depends on the service, building, cost, feasibility and surrounding circumstances. A ramp, revised service arrangement or alternative accessible route may sometimes be suitable, while a platform lift may provide the most effective solution in other properties. New construction and alteration work can also involve Building Regulations requirements. Businesses should obtain project-specific access and compliance advice rather than assuming that installing one product automatically satisfies every legal responsibility.
How often should a platform lift be serviced?
The correct service interval depends on the manufacturer, equipment type, operating environment and frequency of use. A platform lift used repeatedly in a public building may require more attention than one used occasionally in a private home. Routine maintenance typically considers the drive system, doors, controls, safety edges, barriers and emergency arrangements. Commercial and communal lifts may also require LOLER thorough examinations, normally every six months when the equipment lifts people unless a written examination scheme specifies otherwise. A thorough examination is not a substitute for maintenance. Property owners should keep servicing, fault and examination records and report unusual noise, movement or door operation promptly instead of continuing to use defective equipment.
What is the difference between a platform lift and a home lift?
A platform lift is primarily designed to provide accessible movement, often for an occupied wheelchair, at a controlled speed. It may have an open platform, enclosure or cabin-like carrier depending on the model. The term home lift covers a wider range of residential systems, including compact through-floor lifts and enclosed domestic lifts selected for accessibility, convenience or design. Some home lifts provide larger cabins, additional stops and more choices over interior finishes. The distinction is not always obvious from appearance alone. The appropriate system depends on the user, number of floors, required capacity, property layout and expected frequency. A survey allows suitable products to be compared against the same requirements.
Arrange a Platform Lift Survey
A properly specified platform lift can remove an important access barrier and make a home, workplace or public building easier to use. DHG Services can assess the property, discuss the intended users and recommend suitable indoor, outdoor and wheelchair-accessible systems.
