Wheelchair And Handicap Elevators

A permanent disability limiting a person's ability to walk does not need to signal a complete end of mobility. With the help of a wheelchair, the individual can maneuver around independently. Wheelchairs allow access to almost anywhere, but  they cannot go up and down stairs. Ramps could help in this aspect, however, if the person accidentally let go of the wheels while going up a ramp, the wheels of the chair could take it upon themselves to roll back down the ramp and potentially injure the individual. Thankfully, wheelchair elevators are available to allow people with handicaps to safely reach the tops of stairs.

The three main machines that could help a person with a handicap reach the top of stairs are a vertical home wheelchair elevator, a home elevator, and a vacuum elevator. A vertical home wheelchair elevator is best for making two stops on two floors, bringing one from the ground level to the second floor. The individual enters and exists the lift on the same side, and the elevator follows a track that is installed on the wall inside the home. This type of wheelchair elevator is the cheapest, as it does not require a shaft.

In contrast, a home elevator needs a shaft, which can be made of dry wall with doors, Plexiglas, or metal, according to Silver Cross Home Elevator Guide. This type of wheelchair elevator costs more than the vertical home wheelchair elevator, and it can make two, three, or even four stops. It could be considered more secure as well, because the doors will not open until the elevator reaches the door level. This feature keeps the passenger inside until it is safe to exit.

A vacuum wheelchair elevator uses the best technology to aid people in reaching higher levels of their home. This model is the easiest to disassemble and relocate because it is not a fixed installation; it can rest on any floor space. According to Silver Cross, vacuum elevators are self-supporting structures, they allow great visibility without cables or pistons to block vision, and maintenance is limited. They also feature doors that only open when the floor is reached. However, this type of wheelchair elevator can be a bit noisy and their clear tube shape may look too futuristic for some individuals.

It is difficult to generalize about the actual prices of wheelchair elevators; the cost can vary greatly depending on size specifications, model, and the number of stops the elevator will make. Most wheelchair elevator shops, such as ThyssenKrupp Accessibility Division and Daytona Elevator, provide a form to fill out or a number to call to acquire an estimate. ThyssenKrupp explains that the price of their most popular home wheelchair elevator, the Lev, begins around $15,000. The Lev is a quality home elevator, is able to make five stops, and comes with wood paneling on the inside of the elevator.

Thanks to increased technology and an interest in companies to aid people with handicaps, wheelchair elevators continue to improve. One day, elevator prices might be low enough for anyone in a wheelchair to purchase, and people with disabilities affecting their ability to walk will be able to go anywhere.


Sources:
Home Elevator Cost. ThyssenKrupp Access . 2006. 3 July 2007.
http://www.tkaccess.com/home-elevator-cost/
Home Elevators, Residential Elevators. Daytona Elevator. 2007. 3 July 2007.
http://www.daytonaelevator.com/index.htm
Silver Cross Home Elevator Guide. Silver Cross. 2006. 3 July 2007.
http://www.silvercross-elevators.com/home-elevat ors.html