How to Choose a Wheelchair-Accessible Home Lift: Models, Sizes and Key Considerations

The original house was completed. Can a wheelchair lift be installed?

Many existing homes can be evaluated to add a lift. But how to install it requires looking at the actual structure, beam position, available space, entry and exit points, and thoroughfares in the house. In the case of drilling into the floor, an engineer must always inspect the structure and details of the work first. The floor should not be cut according to the size from the advertising image.

Ascenda’s screw lifts do not require a separate machine room and have an installation method that does not require a deep well as is typical for the model. This may help reduce some work. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to prepare electricity, a mounting base, or a safe space around the machine. Read how to evaluate work and budget in A guide to choosing a worthwhile home lift

Why are lifts wheelchair accessible? So it may still not be suitable for actual use?

Think about pushing a car from your bedroom, through the corridor, to the front of the lift. When the door opens The user must be able to turn the vehicle in without hitting the door frame or door. When we reached the next level, we had to be able to get out without retreating many times. If the lift has enough space But the hall in front of the door was too narrow. Daily use may still be difficult.

Design should therefore be viewed as a continuous path from origin to destination. It’s not just about measuring the lift installation point. This is why it is a good idea to bring a real wheelchair to use when surveying the jobsite.

Where do I measure my wheelchair?

Each type of wheelchair has a different size and turning circle. Even if it’s a shopping wheelchair that says “Standard sizes” may have different protrusions. Before consulting the installation team You should prepare the numbers as follows.

• The maximum width of the wheelchair, including wheels, handles, brakes, and side projections.
• Total length when the user is actually seated Includes footrest and leg position
• User’s height in sitting position and the hand position that must be reached to press the button
• Weight of the wheelchair, user, and luggage or breathing equipment that must be traveled with (if any)
• Entry and exit pattern, such as pushing the cart straight in, the door is on the same side. or enter and exit on different sides

If using an electric wheelchair Please inform us of the battery model and size according to the wheelchair manual. And don’t forget to test the actual turning circle. Some wheelchairs have long footrests or protruding devices. Makes the space used more than expected from the photo.

What size should I look at first for a home lift for a wheelchair?

Start by measuring the full width of the stroller. Includes wheels and protrusions. Then measure the length when the user actually sits. Backrest height and how to push it in and out If there is a caregiver accompanying the trip The space of the people and the weight must also be increased.

What is often forgotten is the area in front of the door. Lower and upper floors must have space to approach, open doors, and retreat safely. Wheelchair that can go into the lift But it’s not convenient to get out. It’s still not the right size.

What is the difference between the size of the lift floor and the size of the door opening?

The lift floor is the living space once inside. The door opening is the distance that the wheelchair must pass. The two values ​​must therefore be checked separately. Do not use the outside dimensions of the machine as a substitute for the space in the lift.

For general planning, the US Access Board specifies ADA wheelchair clearance of 760 × 1,220 mm as the standard American size, which The Ascenda Lift size XL is the perfect size for wheelchair users. And you can bring your wheelchair into the lift with a caregiver. with appropriate entrance channels It meets many usage needs.

Ascenda Size L and XL. Which model is suitable for the wheelchair?

The Ascenda website offers Sizes L and XL as a range of models suitable for wheelchair users, with the XL offering more space. It’s a good place to start considering when a wheelchair is large or a family needs additional mobility. However, no model should be assumed to be universal for all wheelchairs without actually measuring the wheelchair.

 See an example of the installation form and equipment of Size L.

So who is Ascenda Size S and M suitable for?

If the user is able to walk independently, the S or M model may be an option to consider based on the usage pattern and home space. Especially if you need space to stand or sit down. But if the user has to sit in a wheelchair throughout the journey You should start by discussing L and XL sizes instead of choosing only based on the smallness of the installation space.

In a home with many elderly people There may be people who can walk on their own, use a cane, or use a wheelchair. Therefore, the needs of all users should be looked at together. Read more in Home Lift Guide for Seniors and Wheelchair Users

How much space in front and behind the lift door must be allowed?

The distance you must allow depends on the direction of the door opening. Access routes, U-turns and wheelchair layouts Especially electric wheelchairs whose turning circle is different from normal wheelchairs. The lift floor area figure should not be used alone in approving the design.

On the day of exploring the area Try taking a real wheelchair and simulating the journey from your bedroom to the lift location. and from the lift to the bathroom or useable area on the upper floor. This helps you see stumbling points, such as door thresholds and different floor levels. and the turning angle is too narrow.

What safety is important to wheelchair users and caregivers?

The user should be able to reach the controls from a sitting position. The doors must be wide open and operated in the correct order. The entrance floor should not be slippery or have a tripping level. And you must know how to ask for help when the machine stops working.

For Ascenda, the automatic opening double-hinged door system Spare battery and internal telephones that use a SIM card You should test the telephone signal from the installation point. Including a demonstration of working during a power outage. Don’t just look at the list of equipment from a brochure.

Which security system? Should I test it before accepting delivery of the lift?

For wheelchair users Safety should be checked from actual use. It’s not just a list of equipment in a document. Especially reaching the buttons from a sitting position. Uninterrupted entrance floor opening and closing doors and asking for help when an incident occurs

• Let users experiment with calling a lift, opening a door, and pressing a button from a sitting position.
• Check the actual entry and exit on the floor. Including ramps or level points.
• Have the team demonstrate the emergency stop and operation of the obstacle detection system.
• Please demonstrate the steps to help when the power goes out. and explain who can take action.
• Test communication via telephone within the lift in the actual installation area. If the model is equipped with such equipment
• Check maintenance conditions and contact channels for the service team after delivery.

Ascenda specifies equipment such as automatic opening bi-hinged doors, remote control, battery backup system. and SIM card calling in the product information But you should check the actual installed items and how to use the selected model. See the features and safety systems of Size L.

The home lift is used for wheelchairs. How should the rest of the house be designed together?

Having a lift makes it easier to travel between floors. But it doesn’t automatically solve every problem in the house. You should look at corridors, different floors, bathrooms, bedroom doors, and switch positions. and light together If the destination still has a high threshold or a narrow bathroom Users may also need to ask for help as before.

This concept is consistent with the design of continuously accessible spaces and the selection of mobility aids to suit the user. which the World Health Organization describes as contributing to the lifestyle and participation of people requiring assistive devices Read information about Assistive Technology from WHO.

How much does a home lift for a wheelchair cost? And how should you set a budget?

The price should not be based on the lift alone. Because there may still be work to open floor openings, electrical work, floor surface finishing work, ramp construction, and additional equipment according to the home’s conditions. If you use the wheelchair regularly The team should specify the size that can support the actual wheelchair. Includes what is and is not included in the quote.

The Ascenda website lists prices for the L and XL models, but prices are subject to change based on project timing and conditions. It is therefore best to request an up-to-date quote that details the work and provides a written guarantee. Read our guide to comparing home lift prices in Thailand.

Before making an appointment to survey the area What information do I need to provide to the Ascenda team?

•     Photos of the ground floor and upper floors With a walkway from the regularly used room
•     House plan or rough dimensions of the location where you plan to install.
•     Brand, model, weight and size of stroller Include photos while the user is actually sitting if convenient.
•     Information about whether the user pushes the cart himself or has a caregiver. And must the caregiver go up together?
•     Number of floors, desired parking spots and home renovation plans
•     Questions about the power outage assistance system After-sales service and total budget

If you don’t have a house design yet The team can start with photos and inquiries about usage. But confirming the model and installation size requires accurate designs and a survey of the actual area.