Ceiling lifts for wheelchair users – Compare prices & costs

Ceiling lifts help people with limited mobility to new independence. They are very versatile. A ceiling lift can be used as an aid for standing up, as a walking aid or for negotiating stairs. In combination with a rail system, even larger spatial distances can be safely overcome. Depending on the system, the installation of a ceiling lift is more or less complex.

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Stairlifts are limited to the overcoming of steps. Ceiling lifts, however, can be used much more diverse. They are thus an ideal tool to enable people with limited mobility a maximum of independence. The range of solutions on offer extends from mobile lifts and stand-up lifts to ceiling lifts with rail systems. The latter are particularly convenient, but require more complex installation.

Prices and costs

An overhead lift allows older people to enjoy a new lease on life. The initial cost depends on many different factors, so depending on the equipment and customization, the lift can be significantly cheaper or more expensive than previously thought.

Cost factors

The cost of a ceiling lift is made up of many different factors. Here it depends among other things on which model you choose, which drive is needed and what additional equipment the lift should have. Furthermore, the price is also calculated according to the height to be overcome and the load capacity. In addition, the lift must be adapted to the structural and personal situation of the customer. Basically, therefore, a ceiling lift is in most cases a custom-made product. So, in summary, the following factors further drive up the overall price:

The above factors thus ensure that manufacturers generally cannot give a blanket price indication. At the current time, the average price range for a ceiling lift over one floor is around 5,000 to 10,000 €. Used models are already available for less than 3,000 €, but it is important to pay close attention to whether the model is suitable at all. When buying a new ceiling lift, a manufacturer can only provide a cost estimate after an on-site inspection. In addition, you should consider in advance whether the ceiling lift must also have special or adapted equipment. In this way, the manufacturer can prepare an offer perfectly tailored to your needs.

Acquisition costs

A ceiling lift allows barrier-free access often without extensive reconstruction of the living environment. It can be installed within a very short time and is cheaper to purchase than conventional elevators. When buying an overhead lift, you should expect to pay at least 5,000 €. These prices are usual in the market and are not related to a single manufacturer. In the case of a single-family house with 1 floor and larger conversion costs, prices of up to 10,000 € can quickly arise. If the ceiling lift is installed for a wheelchair user, up to 4,000 € subsidy can be applied for and claimed from the care insurance if a corresponding nursing care degree is available.

The price of an overhead lift depends on various factors, e.g. the load capacity, the travel speed, the number of stopping points, the height, the type of drive, the model and the appearance. Ceiling lifts for outdoor use are understandably more expensive than those for indoor use. The real purchase costs can be determined very accurately by obtaining several cost estimates from different lift manufacturers -and service providers. An incalculable size remains however the costs of the necessary rebuilding measures at the single family house. If larger excavations are necessary at the single-family dwelling, additional costs can develop. Therefore, before buying a ceiling lift, find out about “all” the costs involved and financial subsidies. In addition to the care cost subsidy for measures to improve the individual living environment, the state-subsidized KfW Bank promotes measures to reduce barriers with favorable loans of up to 50,000 €.

Prices and customization options vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. There are no blanket price quotations such as a price per 1 meter height or per stair step. Generally speaking, the more steps it has to climb and the more weight it has to carry, the more expensive it is. For each additional meter, you should expect at least 2,000 € in additional costs, excluding the cost of conversion work. A ceiling lift that is attached to the outside staircase, has a rail length of around 2 meters, has 2 stopping points, moves via a hydraulic drive and can be used by a wheelchair user should cost at least 8,000 € with installation. The purchase is costly and should be carefully planned. With a price comparison over welcher-Deckenlift.de much money can be saved. You will receive up to three free and non-binding offers from ceiling lift providers in your region, which you can compare at your leisure and without risk.

Costs for maintenance and servicing

Ceiling lifts are low-emission, durable, lightweight and space-saving. An overhead lift only needs to have its oil and seals changed every 5 years. The material required for this is freely available and costs around 100 €. For the professional implementation of the oil -and seal change, one should expect costs of about 500 €. The cost of labor for maintenance is about 1,000 €. As a rule, a partial or full maintenance contract is concluded with the lift manufacturer from whom the lift is purchased to cover maintenance for a period of five or ten years. The costs for maintenance, inspection, cleaning, lubrication, adjustment work and the replacement of wear parts are then usually regulated on a flat-rate basis.

Energy costs

The energy costs for an overhead lift are made up of consumption during travel and standby times. For a ceiling lift in a single-family house with 1,500 trips per year, i.e. about 4 trips per day, one should expect energy costs of 200 kWh standby power and 100 kWh travel power. At an electricity price of 0.26 €/kWh, this results in annual costs of approx. 78 €. Platform lifts in single-family homes stand still 99% of the time. The energy costs therefore depend primarily on how much the elevator is used, whether the installed drive is suitable for the particular usage situation and what height the ceiling lift has to overcome. As a rule, more than 50% of the power consumption of ceiling lifts is consumed in standby (idle) mode. To save energy costs, you should make sure when buying that LED lamps are installed instead of halogen or incandescent lamps and that a timer function exists for lighting and electronics.

Rent or pay in installments

Many manufacturers also offer the possibility to rent the ceiling lift or pay off monthly by installment. Here it is advisable to compare the prices of the various providers in detail and in peace with each other – this saves money. Furthermore, it can not hurt if you also talk to your bank advisor about a financing model. In some cases, a bank loan may have lower interest rates than a loan through the respective lift manufacturer. In addition, an on-site inspection and estimate should be non-binding and free of charge.

Stair Ceiling Lifts for Wheelchair Users

Ceiling lifts can solve the same problems as a stair lift. However, their principle of operation differs significantly. While the assembly of the stair lift is done on the steps of the staircase, ceiling lifts – as the name suggests – are attached exclusively to the ceiling. When used as a stair lift, a rail is usually mounted that follows the course of the stairs. Curves are also no problem. Alternatives to the rail are systems made of ropes or rollers.

Source: hoegglift.ch

Ceiling lifts are suitable for both wheelchair users and people who are not dependent on a wheelchair. One advantage of using it as a stair lift is that the stairs remain fully usable. Since the installation is exclusively on the ceiling, the space is not restricted. Ceiling lifts can therefore also be used for very small staircases or staircases with a very tight curve radius (spiral staircases). As a stair lift, the ceiling lift can also be used in a more complex system, for example, to transport from room to room.

Transportation from room to room

Ceiling lifts can be used to allow people with mobility limitations to transport from room to room. There are systems without a drive and with a drive. Without drive, the user usually relies on assistance from a guide.

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With drive, the ceiling lift can also be used alone and independently. Doors are usually not an obstacle, with a double belt cassette they can be mastered. In other systems, the ceiling lift is lowered at the push of a button and can thus pass the door lintel.

There are a variety of extensions for the rail systems of most ceiling lifts. For example, switches allow flexible connection to several rooms. A ceiling lift can therefore make the entire apartment accessible again. An alternative to the permanently mounted ceiling lift is a mobile lifter. Such a lift also enables transportation from room to room.

Ceiling lift in difficult mounting situation

Mounting on the ceiling is not always possible. However, the ceiling lift can also be an alternative in a difficult mounting situation. If mounting on the ceiling is not possible due to lack of load bearing capacity, the ceiling lift can also be mounted on the wall. If the wall also does not have sufficient load-bearing capacity, a stud frame can also support the ceiling lift if necessary. However, in this case, the advantage of the smaller space requirement becomes smaller.

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Another alternative is lifts that do not need to be permanently mounted to the ceiling. Essentially, stand lifts and mobile lifts are to be distinguished. Stand lifters are suitable for raising or moving (for example, in the bedroom or bathroom). They are available both electrically operated and mechanically. In the latter case, one is usually dependent on an assistant. Mobile lifts are mobile thanks to their castors. As walking lifts, they can also be used independently.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceiling lifts

Ceiling lifts are very flexible yet space-saving. They can provide greater support than a stair lift because other rooms can be accessed. Ceiling lifts can be gradually expanded to fit individual needs. The typical application of an overhead lift is indoors, but there are also solutions for outdoors. Floor lifts or mobile lifts do not require any installation and are therefore ready for immediate use. Among other things, they also facilitate the work of nursing staff and provide greater safety.

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Ceiling lifts are more expensive than stair lifts for straight stairs. However, for curved stairs, the overhead lift can quickly become the cheaper alternative. This is especially true when compared to platform lifts for wheelchair users. When it comes to independent transport from room to room, ceiling lifts are virtually unrivaled. If mobile lifts and stand-up lifts are included in the considerations, ceiling lifts can also be realized without assembly and with a very manageable financial outlay.

Costs, prices and quotations

Ceiling lifts are similar to stair lifts tailored to the individual needs of the user. General price information is therefore hardly possible. The price is essentially determined by the required equipment and the spatial conditions in the home. Simple ceiling lifts usually cost just under 10,000 €, which is about the same as stair lifts for curved stairs. Savings can be made when buying second-hand. Ceiling lifts are very durable and therefore also recommendable second-hand.