Platform and Wheelchair Lifts by DME Elevators & Lifts: Serving Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

The residential wheelchair platform lift is the most popular alternative to unsightly ramps, overcoming architectural barriers to accessing the home from outdoors and accessing two or more living floors within the home. DME offers two types of wheelchair platform lifts including lifts traveling vertically, known as vertical platform lifts (VPLs), or along a set of stairs, known as incline platform lifts (IPLs).

Residential Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)

The most common use for the residential vertical platform lift (VPL) is to access the home from the outside via a porch or garage.  Another use for VPLs is within the home, providing access to two or more living floors.  In low-rise applications, typically 72 inches or less, the unenclosed model is utilized most often.  In taller applications exceeding 72 inches, homeowners most often choose either a factory enclosed model incorporating safety glass, Plexi-glass or metal panels, either steel or aluminum.  Alternatively in taller applications, the vertical lift may be enclosed in masonry or stud drywall and fitted with doors and gates.

As a high level summary, key elements of residential VPLs include the following:

Platform	Steel constructed platform with 36” high guard panels and grab rail with non-skid platform surface.  Steel comes in standard powder-coated Ivory with a number of optional colors available
Controls & Fixtures	Constant pressure up/down control switch on the platform and hall call control stations at each landing.  Telephone and emergency lighting optional
Doors & Gates	Upper landing gate standard.  Low-rise unenclosed applications include a folding hinged ramp and, at times, may be fitted with a platform-mounted lower-landing gate.  In taller applications a platform gate is most common
Platform Configuration	Given extreme climate changes throughout the year in the Midwest, the outdoor lift typically uses screw drives.  The indoor lift may utilize either screw drive or hydraulic.
Drives	Given extreme climate changes throughout the year in the Midwest, the outdoor lift typically uses screw drives.  The indoor lift may utilize either screw drive or hydraulic.

• Car sizes up to 18 sq feet including:  36” x 48”, 36” x 54”, 36” x 60” or 42” x 60”
• Low-rise outdoor applications up 72 inches (6’) with two stops
• Taller applications up to 14’ with three stops
• Screw drives at typically 10 feet per minute (fpm)
• 750 lbs load capacity
• Constant pressure platform and hall controls
• Wide range of safety features

Residential Inclined Platform Lifts (IPLs)

An Inclined Platform Lift (IPL) is a good accessibility solution for homes where vertical lifts and residential elevators are not practical. Residential IPLs, also known as wheelchair lifts for stairs.

We carry multiple wheelchair lift models which share a number of features and functionality:

• Standard platform sized to accommodate wheelchair or scooter
• Automatic folding ramp and guard which locks in place during transit
• Travel distance up to 40 feet with two stops
• 500 lbs load capacity typical with option available up to 750 lbs with dual rails
• Typical travel speed of 14 feet per minute (fpm)
• Constant pressure platform and hall controls
• Host of safety features for users and family members

We carry multiple residential VPL and IPL models.  Simply click on the model names below to review model details.

Inclined Platform Lift

To receive a more comprehensive overview or simply to ask questions, please contact us directly or provide us some information and we’ll contact you.

Commercial wheelchair lifts are intended for all public and private professional buildings including schools, universities, office buildings, houses of worship and for common areas in multi-family dwelling units. The wheelchair platform lift is the most popular alternative to unsightly ramps and often overcome architectural barriers with cost efficiency.  The most significant delineation of platform lifts is whether these travel vertically, known as vertical platform lifts (VPLs), or along a set of stairs, known as incline platform lifts (IPLs).

Commercial Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)

The commercial vertical platform lift requires an enclosure or shaftway surrounding the wheelchair lift with a travel height of up 14 feet. A factory enclosed model comes self-contained with a wraparound, non fire rated, shaftway enclosure, complete with gates, doors, interlocks and controls. Popular factory enclosures include safety glass, Plexi-glass and metal panel enclosures, being either steel or aluminum for outdoor use. The other option is the onsite construction of masonry or stud drywall enclosure, oftentimes built by a general contractor. Where the enclosure is built separately the configuration is often referred to as ‘shaftway by others.’

As a high level summary, key elements of the commercial vertical lift include the following:

Platform	Steel constructed platform with 42” high guard panels and grab rail with non-skid platform surface.  Steel comes in standard powder-coated Ivory with a number of optional colors available
Controls & Fixtures	Constant pressure up/down control switch on the platform and hall call control stations at each landing.  Telephone and emergency lighting optional
Doors & Gates	Factory enclosed model comes standard with lower landing door and upper landing gate.  Where the shaftway is built separately (also known as ‘shaftway by others’) , fire-rated doors are often fitted at the upper and lower landings
Platform Configuration	Platforms come standard with straight through entry and exit with options available for entry and exit on same side and 90 degree entry and exit
Drives	Most platforms available with either screw or hydraulic drives each having unique benefits and best applications

Our Commercial VPLs share common features and functionality:

• Car sizes up to 18 sq feet including: 36” x 48”, 36” x 54”, 36” x 60” or 42” x 60”
• Up to 14’ travel standard with up to three stops
• Screw drives and cable hydraulic lift systems available
• Screw drives typically run at 10 feet per minute (fpm) lift speed
• Hydraulic drive systems typically run at 20 fpm
• 750 lbs load capacity
• Constant pressure platform and hall controls
• Wide range of safety features
• Full Height cab options with 30 fpm lift speed (see below)

Full Height Cab - If a more refined VPL is sought, DME offers models with full height cabs having a look more similar to a commercial LULA with 6’8” interior height, suspended style ceiling, optional wood grain finishes and high-speed hydraulic drive system.  Full Height Cab systems, however, retain many platform lift features such as constant pressure controls and 14 foot maximum travel height.

Commercial Inclined Platform Lifts (IPLs)

An Inclined Platform Lift (IPL) is a complete accessibility solution for facilities that have limited space and resources yet want to accommodate patrons and meet ADA requirements.   IPLs serve both straight and curved stairways for indoors or outdoors.   Each rail system is custom manufactured to the exact contours of the stairway, gliding along existing stairs and opening access to all levels.

Our IPLs fold up at the lower and upper landing with power assist, maximizing space while not in use, and carry a host of safety features for both passengers and other patrons.   Below are common features and functionality of our IPLs:

• Standard non-skid platform sized to accommodate wheelchair and ADA compliance
• Travel distance almost unlimited with two stops standard, additional stops available
• Up to 650 lbs load capacity for straight lifts, up to 495 lbs load capacity for curved lifts
• Travel speed approximately 20 feet per minute (fpm) for straight lifts, 10 fpm for curved
• Constant pressure platform  controls and hall call controls at each landing
• Emergency stop and alarm, safety platform arms, and many more safety features

Commercial Wheelchair Lift Models

DME carries a number of time-tested commercial wheelchair lift models from a number of manufacturers including Symmetry, Savaria and Harmar. We feature a number of proven models, providing details and planning guides.