Wheelchair Lift Sales, Installation, Service & Repair
A wheelchair lift can provide a practical way to move between nearby levels without requiring the user to leave a compatible wheelchair or mobility device.
Based in Ashville, Ray Strong Elevators sells, installs, services and repairs wheelchair lifts throughout the Birmingham, Huntsville–Decatur and Montgomery areas, along with surrounding Alabama communities.
Call About a Wheelchair LiftTell us about the property, level change and person who will use the lift.
More Accessible Entrances and Levels
A wheelchair lift, also called a platform lift, carries a person and a compatible mobility device on a platform.
Depending on the equipment and property, it may provide access over a short set of steps, to a porch or entrance, or between nearby floor levels.
The user, mobility device, travel height, landing space and surrounding property conditions must all be evaluated.
Understanding the Equipment
The term wheelchair lift can describe more than one type of platform equipment. The property, route of travel and user help determine which design may be appropriate.
A vertical platform lift moves primarily up and down between landings. It may be considered for a porch, entrance, garage, raised interior level or another limited elevation change.
An inclined platform lift travels along a staircase while the user remains on the platform. Stair width, turns, landings and parked-platform space require careful review.
Not every lift type is appropriate or available for every property. Call to discuss the application.
Accessible Living at Home
Steps at a home entrance, garage, porch or interior level can make important areas difficult to reach. A residential wheelchair lift may provide a more direct route while allowing the user to remain in a compatible mobility device.
Compare Accessibility Options
The right equipment depends on how the person travels, the distance being covered and the property itself.
Allows a user to remain on a compatible wheelchair or mobility device while traveling over steps or between nearby levels.
Carries a seated rider along a staircase and may suit someone who can safely transfer to and from the chair.
Travels through a dedicated space and may be considered when access is needed between multiple floors.
Public-Facing Locations
A platform lift may be considered when a change in elevation affects access to an office, church, community building, multifamily property or other public-facing location.
These projects may involve public use, accessible routes, traffic flow, property-management coordination, electrical work, construction, permitting and inspection.
Installing a particular lift does not automatically make an entire property ADA compliant. Requirements must be evaluated for the specific property and use.
Review official federal information at ADA.gov.
Plan for the Environment
Indoor projects require enough room for the platform, landings and the user’s approach and departure.
Exterior equipment must be intended for outdoor conditions and properly planned around the property.
A Better Equipment Recommendation
A product photograph alone cannot show whether a particular model will fit the space or meet the user’s needs.
Complete records and measurements are helpful but not required before calling. Tell us what you know.
From the First Call to Setup
Every project is different, but most begin with the same basic steps.
Discuss the property, user, mobility device and level change that needs to be addressed.
Review travel height, landings, approach space and surrounding conditions.
Discuss a lift type and configuration suited to the application.
Identify preparation, electrical work, access, scheduling and applicable requirements.
Install and check the selected equipment for the project.
Review basic operation, controls, gates and appropriate everyday care.
Timing depends on equipment, site preparation, availability, scheduling and applicable approvals.
Help for Existing Equipment
Ray Strong Elevators provides service and repair for qualifying wheelchair-lift equipment throughout its Alabama service area.
Prepare for Your Call
Provide what you can. Missing records should not stop you from calling.
Do not bypass gates, locks or safety devices. Do not remove covers or attempt internal repairs.
Ongoing Equipment Care
A wheelchair lift is equipment that people depend on for access. Pay attention to changes in its operation as it ages.
Keep the platform, landings and surrounding areas clear. Do not apply lubricants, cleaning products or adjustments unless approved for the equipment.
Maintenance cannot guarantee that a lift will never require repair, but it can provide an opportunity to identify changing components and address service needs.
Know Who Handles Each Responsibility
Equipment selection, installation, electrical work, construction, permitting, inspection and accessibility requirements are related but separate parts of a project.
Property owners may need to coordinate with contractors, design professionals, local authorities or accessibility professionals depending on the lift and property.
Alabama maintains an elevator safety inspection program and licenses people involved in elevator construction and repair. Review current state information through the official Workforce Alabama Elevator Safety resource.
For federal accessibility information affecting businesses, nonprofit organizations and government properties, visit ADA.gov.
A lift may be one component of an accessible route. Installing equipment does not by itself confirm that the entire property meets every applicable requirement.
Local Service From Ashville
Ray Strong Elevators serves homeowners and qualifying properties throughout the Birmingham, Huntsville–Decatur and Montgomery regions, along with surrounding Alabama communities.
Service in selected communities of Georgia, Mississippi and Florida near Alabama may be available. Coverage depends on location and project type and must be confirmed by phone.
Confirm Service in Your AreaHelpful Answers
The terms are often used for the same general type of equipment. A platform lift carries a person standing on the platform or using a compatible wheelchair or mobility device. Designs and permitted uses vary by model and application.
A vertical platform lift travels primarily up and down. An inclined platform lift follows a staircase. The property layout, travel distance and available space help determine which may be appropriate.
That is the purpose of many platform lifts. The user, mobility device and selected equipment must still be evaluated for platform dimensions, capacity, entry and exit.
Some models may accommodate certain power wheelchairs or scooters. Device dimensions and combined passenger-and-device requirements must be compared with the equipment specifications.
The user, mobility device, entry direction, available space and expected assistance should be considered alongside the specifications of the selected model.
Travel height is based on the elevation difference between landings. The model, property conditions, landing design and applicable requirements can affect the configuration.
Entry and exit can be configured in different directions depending on the equipment and site. Landing space, gate position, turning room and surrounding walkways must be evaluated.
Interlocks coordinate the operation of certain gates or doors with the lift position. Features vary by model. Gates, locks and other safety-related components should never be bypassed.
Power-loss operation varies by equipment. Some models may include battery-supported functions or emergency-lowering features. Confirm the capabilities and instructions for the selected lift.
Outdoor planning may involve weather exposure, drainage, foundation conditions, landing surfaces, electrical requirements, surrounding walkways and equipment protection.
That depends on platform dimensions, capacity, manufacturer instructions and intended use. Confirm this requirement before choosing equipment.
A public-facing project may involve additional accessibility, permitting, inspection, traffic-flow and property-management considerations.
No. A lift may be one part of an accessible route, while compliance can involve many additional property features and responsibilities.
Call if the lift stops unexpectedly, operates intermittently, makes unusual sounds, moves differently, displays a fault indicator or develops problems with controls, gates or doors.
Possibly, but it should not be assumed. Condition, age, configuration, manufacturer requirements and compatibility with the new location must be evaluated.
Provide the manufacturer, model, approximate age, lift type and description of the problem when available. Photographs, indicators and service records may also help.
Start With a Conversation
Tell us where the property is located, who will use the lift and what steps or level change need to be addressed. If you already have equipment, provide the manufacturer, model and service concern when available.
Call (205) 238-6665