Lifting platform for Wheelchair users – Compare costs & prices

Lifting platforms enable people with mobility impairments to climb short flights of stairs independently. Wheelchair lifting platforms overcome the height difference in the vertical and thus do not follow the course of the stairs. They therefore do not function like a stair lift, but rather like an elevator. Wheelchair users in particular appreciate lifting platforms. Thanks to their spacious platforms and usually high load capacity, they are particularly well suited for wheelchair users.

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Stairlifts are mounted directly on the stairs or on the banister. So they follow the course of the stairs. Wheelchair lifts do not do this. Like a elevator, they move upward in the vertical. Lift platforms are a convenient mobility aid for wheelchair users, but they can also be easily used by pedestrians. They enable independent overcoming of small height differences in case of smaller stairs. The maximum height of a lifting platform is usually 3m.

Prices and costs

A lifting platform enables older people to enjoy a new lease of life. The initial cost depends on many different factors, so depending on the equipment and customization, the lift can be much cheaper or more expensive than previously thought.

Factors affecting price

The cost of a lift is made up of many different factors. Here it depends, among other things, on which model you choose, which drive is required 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 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 can not give a blanket price information. At the current time, the average price range for a lift over one floor is around 5,000 to 10,000 €. Used models can be had 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 lifting platform, a manufacturer can only provide a cost estimate after an on-site inspection. In addition, you should consider in advance whether the 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 lifting platform allows barrier-free access often without extensive remodeling of the living environment. It can be installed within a very short time and is cheaper to purchase than conventional elevators. One should expect costs of at least 5,000 € when buying a lifting platform. These prices are standard market prices 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 lifting platform is installed for a wheelchair user, up to 4,000 € subsidy can be applied for and claimed from the care insurance, if a corresponding care degree is available.

The price of a lift depends on various factors such as load capacity, travel speed, number of stopping points, height, type of drive, model and appearance. Lifts with rain guards are understandably more expensive than those with open cabs. The real purchase costs can be determined very accurately by 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 dwelling. If larger excavations are necessary at the single-family dwelling, additional costs can develop. Therefore, before buying a 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 of height or square meter of cabin area. Generally speaking, the higher a lift has to go and the more weight it can transport, the more expensive it is. For each additional meter, you should expect to pay at least 2,000 € more, not including costs for conversion work. A lifting platform that is attached to the outside of the facade, is about 2 meters high, has 2 holding points, moves via a hydraulic drive and can be used by a wheelchair user or a maximum of 4 people at the same time should cost at least 8,000 € with installation. The purchase is costly and should be carefully planned. With a price comparison over treppenlifto.de much money can be saved. You will receive up to three free and non-binding offers from lifting platform providers in your region with a request, which you can compare at your leisure and without risk.

Costs for maintenance and servicing

Lifting platforms are low-emission, durable, lightweight and space-saving. An aerial 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 a lifting platform are made up of consumption during travel and standby times. For a lift in a single-family house with 1,500 trips per year, i.e. approximately 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 approximately 78 €. Lifting platforms 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 drive installed is suitable for the particular usage situation and what height the lift has to climb. As a rule, more than 50% of the electricity consumed by lifts is used in standby (idle) mode. In order to save on energy costs, you should make sure when buying that LED lamps are installed instead of halogen or incandescent lamps and that there is a timer function for lighting and electronics.

Rent or pay in installments

Many manufacturers also offer the possibility of renting the 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’t hurt to 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.

Use of lifting platforms

Wheelchair lifts help people with restricted mobility to climb short flights of stairs. They can be used both inside a building and outdoors. Aerial lifts move vertically. They are not mounted on the stairs, but can be positioned relatively freely. The height to be climbed is usually low. Lifting platforms are mainly used in the range of height differences from 80 cm up to 3 m.

Photostkelevator.com | Press image | © ThyssenKrupp AG

Lifting platforms are often used by wheelchair users. They offer a large platform as a safe standing area and have a high load capacity of usually well over 200 kg. This makes them ideally suited for wheelchairs. However, they can also be used by pedestrians without any problems. Many models can be equipped with a folding seat, making the ride safe and comfortable. Wheelchair lifts can also transport loads.

Prerequisites for installation

Wheelchair lifts are relatively easy to install. Therefore, the requirements for installation primarily relate to the required floor space. About 1.5 square meters should be planned for this purpose. The assembly can be done both indoors and outdoors. Lifting platforms differ in price in terms of the materials used, the equipment, the number of exits and the height. Access to the platform can usually be from several sides. This gives a relatively large flexibility in the choice of location.

A shaft, as with an elevator, is not required for wheelchair lifts. Other conversion measures can also usually be omitted. Wheelchair users usually have to negotiate a short ramp to get onto the platform. These ramps can be used as automatic roll-off protection during travel. Lift platforms usually operate electrically. All that is needed to connect them is a standard household electrical outlet. Elaborate cabling is therefore also not required.

Lifting platforms for wheelchair users

Due to their characteristics, lifting platforms are particularly suitable for wheelchair users. They are therefore often installed on public buildings in order to subsequently make their entrance areas barrier-free. However, the use of lifting platforms is by no means limited to public buildings and wheelchair users. Most of the models offered can be equipped with a folding seat, for example. This means that lifting platforms can also be used by pedestrians without any problems. Safeguards such as a belt ensure comfortable and safe transportation.

PhotosSource: Tcd.ie | Trinity University Dublin

The operation of a wheelchair lift is simple. This usually involves the use of a simple control panel with large button knobs that can be easily operated by anyone. If the lift is used outdoors, in most cases the control is protected (for example, with a key). This ensures that the lift can not be used by unauthorized third parties.

Assembly of lifting platforms

Lift platforms are particularly easy to assemble. They only require a small footprint and are usually firmly anchored there. However, there are also mobile lifting platforms that are used to transport wheelchair users in cars or minibuses. Compared with other solutions, such as stair lifts or ceiling lifts, the effort involved in installing lifting platforms is very manageable.

Remodeling work on the house or apartment is not necessary in most cases. In terms of long durability and safe use, lifting platforms should be serviced regularly. Such service work is particularly necessary for systems that are used outdoors. Here, the stress caused by weather conditions is naturally higher than indoors. Compared with an elevator, however, the maintenance costs for lifting platforms are significantly lower overall.

Prices, costs and quotations

Simple wheelchair lifting platforms are already available from about 5,000 €. Depending on the equipment, overall structural situation and the height to be overcome, however, the costs can easily rise to over 15,000 €. Interested parties should therefore ask for an individual quotation in order to obtain an exact overview of the total costs. Since 01.01.2015, it has been possible to receive a subsidy of up to 4000 € when purchasing a lifting platform if you are in possession of a care degree. The application for assumption of costs should be submitted to the care insurance before the purchase, including a cost estimate. One can save under circumstances with the purchase of a used elevator.

Since the assembly and the individualization expenditure with lifting platforms are smaller than with stair elevators or elevators, the purchase of a used lifting platform comes in principle into question. Savings of up to 50 percent on the new sales price can be made in this way. Simple or mobile lifting platforms can also be rented, which can be a favorable alternative for temporary requirements.