Stairlifts for Homes, Vans and More

Where and how to find the best stairlift for your needs can be a bit overwhelming.  Stairlifts are by no means a cheap investment, so you want to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. The stairlift needs to be powerful enough to lift a power chair and easy to operate while fitting into a tight space or van. While it is possible to purchase a van that is purpose-built to accommodate a wheelchair, it is often the most expensive option. Opting to have a quality lift installed into an existing space is usually the most cost-effective solution. The best stair and wheelchair lifts include the P-Lift 50 Wheelchair Lift, the Material Flow & Conveyor Systems HL-55 Hitch Lift, and the Roll-a-Ramp powered folding mini ramp. By sourcing the lift and then having it installed, it is possible to save thousands over purchasing unnecessary vehicles or moving. Check out these most frequently asked questions to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions ( 8 )   Add a Question

  1. Which lift is best for helping to access a home?
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    The P-Lift 50 Wheelchair Lift is designed to lift an occupied wheelchair up to a height of 50 inches, enough to access the porch of many homes from the street. The manufacturer is able to adjust the lift height as needed to serve homes with more stairs and each unit is customized to the location. These top-rated wheelchair lifts are great options where a ramp cannot fit due to lack of space.

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  2. Does one work with my van's rear liftgate?
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    The Material Flow & Conveyor Systems HL-55 is one of the best wheelchair lifts for vans and trucks, connecting to the undercarriage of the vehicle and folding against the closed tailgate or liftgate. It requires a second person to operate the lift, but is an affordable option. The manufacturer offers a variety of mobility options for their clients.

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  3. Can the rider operate the lift by themselves?
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    The P-Lift and the Roll-a-Ramp can be operated by the wheelchair user. The P-Lift requires a key to activate and has buttons to make it move. The Roll-a-Ramp has a remote control that deploys the ramp whether the wheelchair occupant is inside or outside the vehicle. The hitch-lift requires a second person to activate the controls mounted inside the van.

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  4. Which one works best for a power wheelchair and a side entrance?
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    The Roll-a-Ramp is intended to be upfitted into the side sliding door of a van. The rails fold up by themselves and are stored just inside the door, leaving room for the wheelchair and another second-row seat. A powered wheelchair or scooter is then able to roll up or down the ramp with ease, making this one of the best wheelchair lifts for vans.

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  5. How much weight will these lifts support?
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    The P-Lift is rated for 500 pounds. The hitch-lift is able to lift 550 pounds and the roll-a-ramp can support up to 1,000 pounds. The ramps and lifts are intended to support a powered chair and the user, but not additional passengers. When comparing stair and wheelchair lifts, always be sure to check the weight ratings for each model.

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  6. Are these lifts able to be installed on a new or used vehicle?
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    The hitch-lift and roll-a-ramp can both be installed by qualified technicians on a new or pre-owned vehicle with the right frame and construction. Many car manufacturers of mini and commercial vans offer factory-installed mobility options on their newer models. It is worth comparing pricing and availability when shopping for the right lift.

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  7. Does the stair lift have a removable key?
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    The P-Lift has a removable key to prevent use by unauthorized persons and to prevent injury of curious children -- many of the best stair lifts have this feature. Additional keys can be ordered so relatives or caretakers can access the lift as needed. While the roll-a-ramp uses a remote control, hard-wired controls are also located inside the vehicle in the case of low battery or malfunction.

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  8. How much do lifts cost?
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    The P-Lift 50 comes with a sticker price of $3,500 which does not include installation. The Roll-A-Ramp mini-ramp costs $2,800 and the Hitch Lift can be purchased for $650. A technician qualified in the installation of mobility lifts and ramps should complete the work to ensure the safety of the wheelchair user. Talk to your insurance carrier about covering part of the cost of the lift or ramp.

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