The Vertical Stairlift Platforms are, without a doubt, one of the main technical aids designed to save small heights of up to three meters improving the accessibility of homes, buildings or shops (MONTASCALE).
There are still many entries of many buildings that have a series of steps as a path, which at the time of its construction sought to highlight the entrance and ennoble the building, is an insurmountable architectural barrier for people who move in a chair of wheels and an obstacle for people who, even if they can walk, find it difficult to go up and down stairs, as they can be, elderly or with some type of reduced mobility.
Something similar happens in many entrances of shops or restaurants, where fortunately, the new regulations already require, for new openings, that appropriate measures be taken to provide full accessibility.
Currently we can find two types of elevators especially designed for this type of case, on the one hand, we have the Stairlifts and on the other the Vertical Stairlift Platforms or also known as vertical short-haul elevators .
While the Stairlifts are installed on the staircase itself, following its shape and route thanks to a guidance system, the vertical stair lift platform requires a specific space apart from the staircase being its displacement and operation very similar to that of the elevators.
This type of elevator enjoys great versatility, since it is possible to use it both for people who travel in wheelchairs, as people with mobility problems or even for other uses such as uploading the purchase or the baby cart.
How do they work?
The operation of the Vertical Stairlift platforms is simple and intuitive and fully adapted for use by any type of user with maximum autonomy.
In the cabin we can find the up button, the down button, an emergency stop button and normally a key that regulates the start or stop of the elevator.
To raise or lower, it is only necessary to activate the elevator with the key, (in case it is disabled) and keep pressing the corresponding button until reaching the level of the desired stop, where the elevator will stop automatically.
In almost all available models it is possible to adapt a stool that will facilitate greater comfort for people with mobility difficulties. This stool allows its folding leaving the cabin surface free, for the use of the lift for people in a wheelchair
Differences
Apart from the aesthetic differences between the various models of elevators or vertical platforms , we can find some more among them.
This type of elevators is limited to reach heights of less than 3 meters, in this sense, for short distances of up to 1.8 m, we can find models that equip in the cabin with a folding arm as protection, which can be of automatic or manual operation, while other models are provided directly with a door, also at half height, that accompanies the cabin in its route.
Both models have in common that it is necessary to install a door on the upper floor with safety mechanisms that prevent its opening if the platform is not present, as well as the operation of it while it remains open.
On the other hand, it is important to indicate that there are models manufactured with materials and electrical protections suitable to be installed in the open.
Regarding differences between the characteristics of the various models we have, a speed between 10 and 15 centimeters per second, an energy consumption that varies between 0.75 Kw and 1.1 Kw., Mainly and a load capacity of between 250 Kg., Up to 350 Kg., Approx.