What are the benefits of installing a platform lift in your home?

Platform lifts are very simple, safe, and reliable vertical mobility solution, with smart features and minimal maintenance needs. At Attico Elevators, we use advanced platform lift technology for home elevators, engineered for smooth travel, compact installation, and long-term performance.

Whether you are looking to enhance accessibility for seniors, wheelchair users, or simply make multi-level living easier, platform lifts are designed to integrate seamlessly into modern homes.

This guide will help you understand how platform lifts work and what makes them a great choice for residential spaces. If you would like to learn more, our expert team is always happy to help, just reach out and we will guide you every step of the way.

What is a platform lift and how does it work?

A platform lift is a compact lifting system that carries a person with a wheelchair vertically between two or more floor levels. Unlike a home elevator, it operates on a simple mechanism, a slower speed, and may not require a full enclosed shaft. It is an ideal option for Wheelchair users, Elderly individuals, People with limited mobility stamina. These applications are widely installed at home, small offices, shops, showroom, clinics and buildings.

Platform lifts commonly use hydraulic or screw-drive technology to lift the platform smoothly. Unlike a traditional elevator, it does not require a full enclosed shaft or complex machinery, making it easier to install, space-efficient, and cost-friendly.

Mechanical Working Process:

Platform lifts operate within a dedicated vertical shaft. Inside the shaft, guide rails are fixed along two corners to ensure stable and aligned movement of the platform during travel.
The lifting platform which is also called a carrier is “L-shaped” and connected to a vertical mast positioned at the rear of the lift.

This mast contains a precision-engineered, threaded drive bar that runs from the bottom to the top of the lift structure. When in motion, the motor rotates this threaded bar, allowing the platform to travel smoothly up or down along the mast. This system provides controlled lifting without the need for hydraulic oil or counterweights.

Inside the platform, operation is via continuous-pressure controls meaning the platform moves only while the user keeps the button pressed. This ensures maximum safety. From the outside, passengers can call the lift to their floor using a simple push button.

During travel, the vertical walls of the shaft remain stationary while the platform moves between levels. When looking upward from the platform, users can see directly to the top of the shaft, as the interior remains open and uncluttered.

How does a platform lift help wheelchair users?

Platform lifts help wheelchair users by providing a safe, smooth, and effortless way to move between different floors without needing to leave their wheelchair. They eliminate the need for stairs, offer easy roll-on/roll-off access, and include safety features like continuous-pressure controls, guard panels, automatic sensor and level floor stops ensuring independent and comfortable mobility at home or in public spaces.

Step-by-Step Operating Mechanism

1) User Enters the Platform

The user (standing or on a wheelchair) rolls onto the platform.
Sensors ensure the user is safely positioned before the lift operates.

2) Doors Close or Safety Barrier Locks

Depending on the model:

• Doors close automatically, or
• A safety guard folds/locks

This prevents accidental movement during travel.

3) Press the Control Button

The user presses a button or holds a continuous pressure switch to move up or down.
(Continuous pressure = movement stops if the button is released → added safety.)

4) Motor Activates the Drive System

Platform lifts typically use one of these systems:

A) Screw-Driven (Most Common for Homes)

• A motor turns a screw shaft
• The platform moves up/down along the screw
  ✔ Very safe
  ✔ No need for machine room
  ✔ Easy maintenance

B) Hydraulic Drive

• A pump pushes hydraulic fluid into a cylinder
• The cylinder raises/lowers the platform
  ✔ Smooth travel
  ✔ Quiet movement

Both systems are designed for slow, safe movement.

5) Slow Vertical Travel

The lift moves at a controlled speed — usually slower than traditional elevators.
➡ Smooth and jerk-free
➡ Easy for elderly / wheelchair users

Speed is intentionally low to maximize user safety.

6) Safe & Accurate Stopping at Floor Level

Sensors ensure the lift stops perfectly level with the landing floor.
This prevents tripping or wheelchair imbalance.

7) Doors / Barrier Opens

Once stopped securely, the:

• Doors automatically unlock, or
• Safety guard opens

The user can safely exit.

Get to Know: Process of Home Elevator Installation

How much space is required for a platform lift?

It requires minimal space and hence suitable for most home. Average space needed to install a Platform Lift is mentioned below:
Floor area: approx. 900 mm × 1,400 mm (3 ft × 4.5 ft)
Headroom: around 2,300–2,500 mm
Pit: usually not required (or only ~50–100 mm)

Exact size depends on the model, but platform lifts are designed to fit into compact spaces, including stairwells, corners, or near entrances, without major civil work.

How much does a platform lift cost in India?

Cost of Platform Lift for Home depends on travel height, customization, civil work, brand & installation. You can contact us to get complete details about time, cost and planning for Lift installation. Our expert will reach the location and give your best suggestion according to your needs. Factors That Influence final cost is

• Number of floors/ height of travel
• Lift capacity & size
• Technology & drive type (platform lift vs full home elevator)
• Civil work required (shaft, pit, machine room)
• Custom finishes, materials & design
• Brand/ installation location

 

TO SUM UP
A platform lift is a compact, cost-effective vertical lift solution designed primarily for wheelchair or mobility support, ideal for short travel and minimal space environments. You can contact Elevator Company in Delhi to get a quote for your home elevator whether a traction, hydraulic or Platform Lift.