Navigating stairs can be a significant challenge for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. Whether you are looking to improve accessibility in your home or need to comply with disability access requirements in a commercial setting, an inclined platform stair lift offers a practical, cost-effective solution that does not require major structural changes to your building.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about having a wheelchair lift on stairs or steps, how they differ from seated models and how to choose the right solution for your home from straight stair lifts to curved stair lifts.
What is an Inclined Platform Stair Lift?
An inclined platform stair lift is a motorised platform that travels along a rail system mounted to your staircase or steps. Unlike seated stair lifts, platform lifts feature a flat surface designed to accommodate wheelchair users, although many models – like our GTLE Series – also include an optional folding seat for versatility.
While incline stair lifts and wheelchair lifts on stairs have existed for decades, modern design has transformed this simple concept into a reliable, dignified solution for navigating stairs safely and independently.
Platform Lifts vs. Seated Stair Lifts: What’s the Difference?
Seated Inclined Stair Lifts
A seated stair lift is a motorised chair that travels along a rail mounted to your staircase. It includes a seatbelt, armrests, and a foldable footrest. The seat swivels at the top and bottom to make getting on and off easier. These lifts typically run on rechargeable batteries that charge while docked, ensuring they work even during power outages. Seated stairlifts are most suited to those who find it difficult to walk up or down the stairs or who have the ability to transfer from their wheelchair onto the seat in a safe and controlled manner.
Inclined Platform Stair Lifts
Platform stair lifts provide a flat platform that travels along an inclined rail system. They are specifically designed for wheelchair users but offer greater flexibility. Models with folding seats can accommodate both wheelchair users and ambulatory individuals with mobility challenges. The platform stair lift has a full battery drive ensuring that the lift can still operate in the event of a power cut.
Key advantages: Platform lifts allow wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchair during travel, maintaining independence and dignity without the need to transfer to a seat. Models like the GTLE Series offer different platform sizes and have a rated load of 300kg.
Safety Features You Can Count On
Modern inclined platform stair lifts are equipped with comprehensive safety features:
- Non-slip platform surface for secure wheelchair positioning
- Non-slip ramps for easy boarding and exit
- Roll-off guards to prevent wheelchairs from moving during travel
- Emergency stop buttons for immediate control
- Obstacle sensors that automatically stop the lift if something blocks the path
- Safety edges that detect obstructions
- Display Screen which provides the user with hints and tips to ensure uninterrupted use
These built-in features ensure safe, smooth, and dependable operation for all users.
Why Choose an Inclined Platform Stair Lift?
Accessibility Without Major Renovations
Platform stair lifts can be installed both indoors and outdoors without structural alterations to your building. Our GTLE Series is also suitable for corrosive and marine environments. This makes them ideal for:
- Entrances with steps leading into a property
- Internal staircases between floors
- Steps leading to gardens or outdoor spaces
- Historic or listed buildings
- Leisure centres and marinas
- Properties close to the sea
- Installations near to swimming pools and spas
Cost-Effective Solution
Compared to installing ramps or vertical platform lifts, inclined stair lifts offer significant cost savings while providing the same level of accessibility.
Space-Saving Design
When not in use, modern platform stair lifts fold up compactly against the wall at the touch of a button, leaving your staircase clear for other users. This makes them perfect for buildings where space is limited or where a vertical platform lift is not feasible.
Portable and Relocatable
Since they do not require structural changes, platform stair lifts can be removed and relocated if you move to a new home or premises but will require the installation of a new rail.
Independence and Dignity
Perhaps most importantly, platform stair lifts allow wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to access different areas of their home or building freely and independently.
Stair lifts for straight, curved and narrow staircases
Every staircase is unique, which is why different models are available on the market to suit various configurations and requirements. For example, our GTLE Series platform stair lift is suitable for straight and curved staircases as well as flights of steps. Its compact design also allows for narrow staircases. For particularly challenging installations, our GTLD variant is specifically designed for:
- Steep stairs with inclines up to 47 degrees
- Descents as steep as -10 degrees
- Spiral staircases in older buildings with awkward twists and turns
The GTLD features a dual rack and pinion drive system on the top rail, eliminating the need for additional stabilisation (third tube) and allowing it to navigate complex staircase configurations with ease.
Installation and Maintenance of platform stair lifts
Quick and Easy Installation
Platform stair lifts can be mounted to a load-bearing wall or directly to your stair treads using support stanchions
- Minimal disruption during installation
- No need for building permits in most cases
- Installation typically completed within a day or two
- Works with straight, curved, and spiral staircases
Low Maintenance Requirements
Modern platform stair lifts are designed for reliability with minimal maintenance needs. Regular servicing ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Is a Platform Stair Lift Right for You?
Consider a platform stair lift if you:
- Use a wheelchair and need access to multiple floors
- Have limited mobility and would benefit from the flexibility of both platform and seated options
- Need an outdoor solution for entrance steps or garden access
- Want to avoid major construction or structural changes
- Are looking for a cost-effective alternative to ramps or vertical lifts
- Need a solution that can be relocated in the future
- Have a curved or spiral staircase that makes other options difficult
- Need to comply with disability access requirements within a building but have limited space and budget
Making Your Decision about a wheelchair lift
An inclined platform stair lift offers greater flexibility than a seated stairlift alone, especially if wheelchair access is required. It is an investment in independence, allowing people with disabilities or limited mobility to retain their freedom within their home and access different rooms on separate levels with ease and dignity.
Modern platform stair lifts have been designed to be compact, safe, and reliable, providing a practical solution that adapts to your building rather than requiring your building to adapt to it.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us today for a free consultation and assessment of your staircase. Our team can help you determine which model is best suited to your needs and provide a detailed quote for your specific installation.
