Used Vertical Platform Lifts - A Good Deal Or Something To Avoid?

Sometimes life can knock you down and all you can do is get back up, right? Often time's people do not realize that it is an everyday struggle just to get around most areas in their home when one has a disability or mobility issue. If you or a loved one deals with a disability, there are steps that you can take to make sure moving around is not as big of an issue. One of these is with a vertical platform lift.

Even used vertical platform lifts are a viable solution to mobility problems. This type of lift can also be known as a porch lift, and it allows a person in a wheelchair or scooter to get up a set of stairs without ramps.

The beauty of the equipment is it is relatively easy to use and let's someone who may be disabled to do things on their own. You simply can't put a price on being able to be independent. The last thing anyone wants is to feel like an outcast rather than a part of society.
Providing this kind of disabled accessibility can also help a business gain a wider base of customers and respect. That is why you often see commercial vertical platform lifts as well.

Most of the equipment has the same basic design with brands offering different styles and options. All lifts have a base, or ramp of some sort. This allows wheelchairs to roll onto the lift easily and safely. Then there are side walls that guard users from the possibility of accidents while being lifted up. Last but not least, there is a switch that controls whether to go up or down. Keep in mind that not all used platform lifts are created equal.

Aside from getting the best deal price wise there a couple things to make sure it includes. Look for a non slip surface on the ramp section to ensure more safety. It might cost a little bit more to have this included, but this safety feature is well worth it.

The next is an emergency stop button. Most products come with this feature, but you will want to verify that it does, especially with more older used models. Sometimes people new to wheel chairs forget to put the brakes on and the danger of rolling makes a stop button required.

One key feature is mainly for outdoor vertical lifts. If you live in an area of the country that is very humid or rains a lot, be sure to look for weather protected lifts. This will ensure the lift lasts longer and is better protected against the elements.

Also, weight capacity is an issue as well. It is highly recommended to purchase a lift that can handle extra weight. One of the worst things that could happen is the hydraulics burning out. Then it will cost more money to replace it when it would have saved more money to buy a higher quality stair lift.

The last question is whether or not to buy a brand new or used vertical platform lift. The benefit of buying used is of course the price. The newer option can cost anywhere from $3000 all the way up to $11,000 or more. If you have this type of money to spend then it will probably last a bit longer than a used version.

With the used model route, you can sometimes find one for as low as $1500. This type of heavy duty equipment is generally built to last. If a used one is being sold it most likely still has a good amount of life left on it. They are sometimes even reconditioned to make sure everything is as close to new as possible, and most have a warranty.

As ramps or heavy duty stair lifts are definitely one solution to help disabled individuals, it is definitely not the best option. Pushing a wheel chair up a long ramp can be difficult for anyone at times. By installing a vertical platform lift, it allows for the independence of people with mobility issues as well as providing a much safer environment for everyone.

In addition, there are many products on the market and there are a few important features to look out for when buying one. Being careful and researching the proper equipment for your needs will in the end pay off and let you and loved ones live with less worries.