The term Platform Lift is used to describe a group of lifting devices, supplied for those who have difficulty in climbing stairs or accessing other levels, however, they have wider reaching uses such as providing access for parents with pushchairs, the transportation of a small number of passengers and the movement of goods etc. Whilst generally referred to as ‘Lifts’ Platform Lifts are actually classified under the Machinery Directive making them machines. The largest single differentiator between a Passenger Lift and a Platform Lift is that the latter has its travel speed limited to a maximum 0.15 m/sec. Platform Lifts are usually less expensive than Passenger Lifts, require less Building Work and can be installed in a shorter timeframe. Platform Lifts are so called because it is typically the platform floor that moves up and down, whereas in a conventional Passenger lift, the platform floor, cabin walls, doors etc all move with you. That said, and just to confuse matters somewhat, some platform lifts are available with a cabin and sliding doors to replicate the look and feel of a passenger lift. Platform Lifts are also commonly referred to as Disabled Access Lifts or Wheelchair Access Lifts and serve lifting heights of between 0.1m – 15m
