For those using wheelchairs or who have difficulty navigating stairs, accessibility is a constant concern. Fortunately, there are elevators and lifts of various sizes and styles that provide excellent solutions in nearly every potential setting. Finding the right solution for your setting is the key.
When it comes to the differences between elevators and lifts, it’s important to know where one may not be appropriate for a particular need. In some cases, laws may require one over the other. Understanding the pros and cons of these devices and how they can help those who face accessibility challenges is the first step.
What to know about elevators
Elevators are more expensive to install and maintain and they take up more space, both for the elevator car itself and the machine room needed to run it. However, for a building with multiple floors they are the best solution. Elevators provide speed and access without the limitations common to lifts, which is absolutely necessary in public buildings.
- Elevator options range from private residential elevators to larger passenger and freight elevators in public buildings and industrial settings.
- Limited use/limited access (LU/LA) elevators may provide another option by bridging the gap between a larger standard commercial elevator and smaller platform lifts. In applications where size and speed can be less and rise is not excessive but beyond what a platform lift can provide, an LU/LA elevator is ideal. It requires less space and can be customized, even with the possibility of remotely located machine equipment.
What to know about lifts
Because lifts of all types have limitations in speed, height, and use, knowing your exact need is critical before moving forward with purchase and installation. In some cases, especially places that must be accessible to the public, lifts may not be allowed and a standard elevator is required by law. Lifts are the ideal solution for residential and commercial applications where users are limited in numbers and speed and height are minimal considerations. They require far less space for operation and are less costly to install and maintain.
- Platform lifts are available in vertical and inclined formats, providing accessibility in residential and commercial settings for those using wheelchairs. Vertical platforms require a shaftway and accommodate two or more levels (not floors), while incline platforms take wheelchairs up and down straight or curved stairs.
- Stairlifts are idea for residential settings with straight or curved stairways. They move users who find stairs difficult between floors but will not accommodate a wheelchair. A swivel seat folds out of the way to allow full stair access.
If your building is a public space that provides transportation or health care, the ADA requires you to have an elevator or lift. Platform lifts should be operable by the user without assistance to enter and exit. If the building is three or more stories, an elevator is required in these settings.
The great news is there are many options today for elevators and lifts that will fit new construction or can be retrofitted to your existing space. At Handel & Son Elevator/Lift Co., knowledgeable staff members are helping business owners and residents with elevator and lift needs across Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Northern West Virginia. Call today for more information or click here for details on all Handel’s products and services, including residential and commercial passenger elevators, platform and stairway lifts, and material and freight lifts and dumbwaiters.