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Outdoor Wheelchair Lift: Cost, Pros & Cons
Outdoor wheelchair lifts cost $17,500 on average and are a durable, time-saving solution for safely traveling between levels.
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At a glance:
- Outdoor wheelchair lifts cost between $15,000 and $20,000+, depending on the lift height, weight capacity, platform size, and your specific needs.
- Outdoor wheelchair lifts eliminate the need to transfer out of the wheelchair, enabling users to operate them without assistance.
- Due to their outdoor nature, these lifts require more frequent maintenance and inspections and have high initial and ongoing costs.
If you use a wheelchair or an electric scooter and are looking for ways to increase your home’s accessibility, a residential wheelchair lift is a great accessibility solution to consider. Wheelchair platform lifts enable you to easily access different levels without having to transfer out of your mobility device, making it safer and more convenient.
Homeowners have different options for wheelchair lifts. Below, we discuss the average price range and list the pros and cons of outdoor wheelchair lifts so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you and your loved ones.
What is an Outdoor Wheelchair Lift?
Outdoor wheelchair lifts, sometimes called porch lifts, provide access to backyards, front yards, upper landings, and elevated entryways, such as those on a porch or up a set of stairs. They are designed to be sturdier than their indoor counterparts and are built to be weather-resistant. However, their outdoor nature does lead to higher costs and more frequent maintenance.
Outdoor wheelchair lifts can be installed in homes and commercial buildings, increasing accessibility for people with limited mobility or disabilities.
Common Outdoor Wheelchair Lift Features
While each manufacturer differs slightly in design, all outdoor lifts have certain operational and safety features in common.
Here are some of the most common features you’ll see on an outdoor wheelchair lift:
- Non-skid platforms
- Obstruction sensors
- Safety gates
- Battery backups
- Weatherproof covers
- All-weather protected controls and switches
- Emergency stop buttons
- Constant pressure controls
- High weight capacities
- Fixed or folding ramps
- Constant pressure controls
- Top & bottom limit switches
- Key locks
- Grab bars
- Customizable platform sizes (provider-dependent)
Types of Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts
The most common type of wheelchair lift is the vertical platform lift (VPL). These units travel straight up and down, usually with a weight capacity of 750 lbs. and a maximum lift height of 14 feet; though, some manufacturers may offer units that exceed that height. Most outdoor wheelchair lifts are vertical platform lifts, providing wheelchair users with a simple yet effective lift solution.
However, the less common outdoor wheelchair lift type is the inclined platform lift (IPL). These units can carry wheelchair users along an inclined surface, such as stairs. Additionally, many can navigate 90-degree turns. Outdoor inclined wheelchair lifts typically have a longer travel distance than vertical lifts but a lower weight capacity, averaging around 550 lbs.
While not technically a lift, wheelchair ramps are a cost-effective solution to traveling between levels. They require minimal maintenance and allow wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges to move around the home easily. However, depending on the height difference between levels, ramps typically require more space than wheelchair lifts.
How Much Do Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts Cost?
The cost of a wheelchair lift can range anywhere from $4,000 to over $20,000; outdoor wheelchair lifts tend to fall somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000.
Other factors that influence cost include lift height, weight capacity, platform size, your specific needs, any necessary home alterations, and included features. Outdoor wheelchair lifts also require more frequent maintenance since they are exposed to the elements.
The maintenance of indoor lifts ranges from $100 to $500 annually, so you can expect an outdoor lift maintenance to cost the same or more, depending on how extreme the weather conditions are in your area.
Outdoor Wheelchair Lift Pros
In addition to making previously unreachable areas wheelchair-accessible, outdoor wheelchair porch lifts offer homeowners many benefits.
Pros:
- Durable
- Rust-resistant
- Space-saving designs
- Wheelchair users can operate without assistance
- Reduced slip and fall risks
- Increased independence
- Eliminates the need to transfer out of the wheelchair
- Increased property value
- Time saving
- All-weather protected controls
Outdoor Wheelchair Lift Cons
While outdoor wheelchair lifts offer many benefits, there are a few disadvantages to consider before installation.
Cons:
- Must be cleaned often
- Requires regular maintenance and inspections
- High initial and ongoing costs
- Height restrictions
- Not always aesthetically pleasing
- May require some home modifications and landscaping
Who Should Buy an Outdoor Wheelchair Lift?
Wheelchair lifts for outdoor use are best suited for individuals who use wheelchairs, scooters, and other powerchairs, who want to increase at-home independence and access areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. Homeowners with limited space should consider installing a wheelchair lift rather than a ramp, as lifts require less space to function.
An outdoor wheelchair is also beneficial for people with temporary injuries who cannot climb stairs during recovery. Some manufacturers offer rental programs for their home lifts. These programs are excellent because they let you benefit from a wheelchair lift without spending as much as you would to purchase one.
Businesses, schools, churches, and other public venues should also consider purchasing and installing outdoor wheelchair lifts. Commercial wheelchair lifts are often more durable and can have a higher travel distance and weight capacity. These lifts are a space-efficient solution that makes entrances accessible to everyone and can be installed as an alternative to a ramp for ADA compliance.
Bottom Line: Initial, Ongoing, and Maintenance Costs All Impact Outdoor Wheelchair Lift Pricing
When considering adding an exterior wheelchair lift to your home, keep in mind the initial and ongoing costs as well as maintenance requirements. Understanding the pros and cons of installing an outdoor wheelchair lift will help you make an informed decision about which mobility solution is best for you and your family.
Wheelchair lifts are a great solution for those who use mobility devices, promoting independence and providing easy access to previously unreachable areas, allowing them to join in social activities without worry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Outdoor Wheelchair Lifts
Yes, platform lifts can be installed outside of the home; however, you need to purchase an outdoor-specific model. Outdoor platform lifts are designed to be more durable than indoor units. They’re equipped with weather-resistant controls, drive systems, and electrical systems to prevent weather-related malfunctions.
No, Medicare does not cover the cost of wheelchair lifts since they are considered home modifications, not durable medical equipment (DME). However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage, so it’s important to contact your insurance provider to see what options are available to you. You can also look into any state or local assistance programs that may help offset the costs of a wheelchair lift.
If you’re planning to age in place or have limited mobility, investing in improving your home’s accessibility is worth considering. Many options beyond wheelchair lifts are available, including stair lifts, home elevators, walk-in showers, walk-in tubs, and more.
The installation cost of a wheelchair varies depending on the type and location of the lift; however, you can expect installation to range anywhere from 15% to 25% of the total project cost. This amount is typically included in the free quote you’ll receive during the consultation; however, you can ask for a cost breakdown to get a better idea of where your money is going.
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