• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Logo
(757)663-5457

A Decrease font size. A Increase font size.

  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Products
    • Stairlifts
    • Ramps
    • Bruno Vertical Platform Lifts (VPL)
    • Vehicle Lifts & Modifications
    • Golden Lift Chair Recliners
    • Scooters & Wheelchairs
    • Bathroom Modifications
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Vertical Lifts vs. Wheelchair Ramps: Which is Right For You?

August 28, 2017 By Chris Smythe

Many homes and businesses require owners and visitors to include just a few stairs, maybe only five or so, to enter. For wheelchair, cane, or walker users, this small staircase is a big nuisance.

To increase accessibility to your home or business, you’ll need to install one of two solutions: a wheelchair ramp or a vertical lift. Both have benefits and drawbacks that you’ll need to consider before renting or purchasing your mobility equipment.

Do you have enough Space?

Wheelchair ramps require a foot of ramp for every inch of rise. For buildings with just three or four stairs and plenty of space out front, this space is likely no problem at all. However, buildings with several stairs may need a ramp that is 50 feet long or longer.

On the other hand, vertical lifts require just a 5-foot by 5-foot square of space for up to 14 feet of lift, which can be helpful if you only have a small yard or garage, or need to go up many stairs.

What is your Budget?

For small rises that are less than two feet, a wheelchair ramp is likely your most cost-effective solution. However, if you need to help users get higher than two feet, a vertical lift platform may end up costing less.

If you need to install a mobility solution inside your business, consider the cost of giving up your floor space as well. Does the ramp displace merchandise you could be selling, or tables and chairs in your restaurant? If so, you’ll be losing money every day because the ramp takes up so much space, and a lift may be more cost-effective for your business.

How much Maintenance?

Wheelchair RampBoth ramps and lifts require some maintenance. For instance, exterior ramps will need to be salted and cleared in the winter. If they are made of wood, the wood may need to be replaced or restained frequently. You can likely do this yourself, or seek assistance from a friend, family member, or neighbor.

Lifts, however, require maintenance from certified service personnel. Though lifts are reliable and can handle the weather, they are like any piece of machinery, needing service and attention on a regular basis.

No matter which mobility solution you choose, you need to ensure it is installed up to code by professionals. At Hampton Roads Mobility, we offer a variety of customizable wheelchair ramps and vertical lifts. You can rely on our experienced personnel to complete installation and provide maintenance.

For more information on our products, please contact us at 757-663-5457.

Filed Under: Home Accessibility, Vertical Lifts, Wheelchair Ramps

sidebar

Blog Sidebar

Latest Posts

  • How do stair lifts operate?
  • Choosing the right stair lift for you
  • How much electricity does a stair lift use?
  • Home Modifications Tax Credit Legislation Receives Growing Support
  • Frequently asked questions about stair lifts

Categories

  • Age in Place
  • Automobile Accessibility
  • Bathroom Safety
  • blog
  • Caregiver Resources
  • Fall Prevention
  • Health
  • Home Accessibility
  • Home Modification Legislation
  • Home Modifications
  • Kitchen Accessibility
  • Mobility Equipment
  • Mobility Scooters
  • Stair Lifts
  • Travel Accessibility
  • Vertical Lifts
  • Veteran Resources
  • Wheelchair Ramps
  • Wheelchairs

Footer

Latest Posts

  • How do stair lifts operate?
  • Choosing the right stair lift for you
  • How much electricity does a stair lift use?

Areas of Service

Virginia Beach
Norfolk
Chesapeake
Newport News
Hampton
Portsmouth
Suffolk

Popular Products

Stair Lifts
– Bruno Stairlifts
– Curved Stairlifts
Ramps
– Modular Ramp Systems
Power Scooter & Wheelchairs
Power Wheelchair Lifts
Vehicle Modifications
–Hand Controls
Bathroom Modifications

Address

Hampton Roads Mobility

2806 Build America Dr,
Hampton, VA 23666
Call (757) 663-5457


Copyright © 2021 · Hampton Roads Mobility | Sitemap | Privacy Policy