Architect Resources

The Factory Enclosed Vertical Platform Lift needs little construction for installation. This makes it easy to coordinate with other trades. The standard enclosure package meets all code requirements. These models are often used as outdoor wheelchair lifts, with plexiglass extended to a full height door and a dome on top to keep the heavy weather off the unit and the user. Since they are especially easy and quick to install in existing buildings, they are often chosen for residential applications.

Speed of delivery, cost-effectiveness, and compact design make the straight inclined platform wheelchair lift the first choice for accessibility in buildings with one flight of stairs and no intermediate landings. Our preferred straight inclined platform wheelchair lift is the Xpress II.

The rail support system for The Xpress II can be hidden behind finishes to minimizing visual disturbance and provide Accessibility with Dignity. This lift folds at either landing, as close as 10.5" to the wall. This slim footprint makes the Xpress II a good choice for egress stairs.

When remodeling lobbies, finishes on the stairs and floors are the last items at the end of the project.  We cannot release for production without final finished field measurements, so speed is critical.  We stock the lift components locally. The lift installs easily with supports attached to the stairs, or mounted directly to the wall itself. Because installation of this wheelchair lift is so simple, we can measure, cut and install in as little as three days for urgent projects.

Unenclosed Vertical Platform Lifts are for low rise locations (max. 5'0" in public buildings). 

Stage applications are the most common use for the unenclosed lift.  They have a safety pan underneath the platform to protect the space below, rather than an enclosure.  Some jurisdictions, such as New York City, do not allow unenclosed lifts in commercial settings.

When your accessibility challenge is to travel 10-14 feet and you need a lift that can take heavy use, you may want to specify the heavy duty vertical platform lift with tall sides and a non-load bearing top. 

Raising the sides and adding a top enables us to use more robust drive systems and also to provide the end user a quieter, faster, and a solid ride similar to the private residence elevator.

Before jumping to the LU/LA (limited use, limited application) elevator, consider the HD VPL.  You will still need a machine room but that space can be quite small.

The turning Inclined Platform Lift (IPL) is the most versatile lift in our arsenal. Our preferred IPL, the Artira by Garaventa, offers the most flexibility when making a facility accessible. The lift travels over the staircase and folds up when not in use to save space. Often it can be installed without modification of the existing conditions. Handi-Lift, Inc. only needs an electrician to supply power, saving on construction costs.

Custom Enclosed Vertical Platform Lifts (VPL) offer a versatile solution when aesthetics are a priority.

Handi-Lift, Inc. will assist in the design of the enclosure to complement the design of your building. We provide custom, site specific shop drawings and coordinate the installation details with the other trades. The result is a beautiful, serviceable, and reliable wheelchair lift that is an asset to the space, not an eyesore.

The VPL comes in three basic configurations: Factory Enclosed, Custom Enclosed, and Unenclosed. Each can be customized to match your specific needs and decor, both indoors and outdoors. We can customize the platform or build a unique lift from scratch. Custom enclosure construction styles include simple sheetrock and metal studs, millwork, and architectural metal and glass. The enclosure only has to extend to 42" above the upper landing and end users prefer this open design to the closed-in feeling of a full height solid runway. Custom enclosure wheelchair lifts are often used in commercial applications.