Can a vertical platform lift be installed in a small backyard?
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If you use a wheelchair or a scooter, porches and raised entries can be hard to navigate. Many California homes have these features, so you may need a home upgrade to make entry safer and easier.
Many people start by considering a ramp. But a ramp can take up lots of space, which is tough in a small backyard. That’s when a vertical platform lift for small backyards can help. It’s like a small, open elevator that lifts you up and down safely.
People also call vertical platform lifts “wheelchair lifts” or “porch lifts,” and they can fit in tight outdoor spaces. With multiple platform sizes and compact designs, these lifts provide access without taking over your backyard. Brands like Bruno and Harmar offer reliable outdoor models for homes across California.
In this guide, you’ll learn how outdoor vertical platform lifts work, the space they need, platform sizes, and key safety features. We’ll also compare wheelchair lifts with stair lifts to help you choose the right option.
Key takeaways
- A vertical platform lift is a space-saving way to move between levels in a small backyard, often removing the need for a long ramp.
- Compact platforms and innovative layouts make installation possible in tight areas. With the proper setup, even small California backyards can fit a lift.
- Built-in safety features, such as constant-pressure controls and emergency stops, help keep riders safe during daily use.
- For wheelchair and scooter users, a VPL often works better than a stair lift or an inclined platform lift because you stay in your device, no transfer needed.
How a vertical platform lift works outdoors
A vertical platform lift carries you and your mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, up and down safely. It’s different from a stair lift, which rides along the steps and makes you transfer to a seat. It’s also different from an inclined platform lift, which follows the stairs and often needs more space than a small yard has.
Manufacturers build outdoor lifts to withstand the weather. Most use a strong screw drive (often an Acme screw), and many include battery-powered backup to keep working during outages. You can connect the power supply directly to your home’s electricity for dependable daily use. With the proper setup, even a small yard can handle a VPL.
Space needs and platform sizes for small yards
People choose a VPL because it saves space. Standard platforms typically start at 36” × 48”, which accommodates most wheelchairs and scooters. So you don’t need a large yard, just space for the platform, a clear entry, and a secure gate at the top landing.
VPLs handle a few feet of rise to porch or deck level, and you can adjust the lifting height to match your entry. With a lifting capacity of 600 lbs. or more, these lifts safely carry you and your chair or scooter. Compared with a long ramp that may run 20+ feet for a few steps, a porch lift is a space-saving, cost-effective choice.
Safety features that protect riders
According to NIH, many older adults worry about falling, which often leads them to avoid daily activities.
Installing a VPL can help make your home accessible if you or a loved one is aging in place, has limited mobility, or lives with disabilities. Safety matters when installing a VPL in your backyard. Most outdoor vertical platform lifts include:
- Constant pressure switches that stop moving when you release the button.
- An emergency stop button in case something unexpected happens.
- Secure platform gates or landing gates to keep wheels from rolling off.
- Non-slip flooring and weather-resistant finishes for safe outdoor use.
Brands like Bruno and Harmar back their lifts with solid warranties. Regular service helps keep your lift in good condition.
Stair lifts vs. wheelchair lifts
A stair lift is suitable if you can walk short distances and then transfer to a chair. But if you use a wheelchair or scooter daily, a wheelchair lift (VPL) saves you the hassle of transferring. You roll on, ride up, and roll off. That makes it a better accessibility solution for many California homes.
Some consider inclined platform lifts, but they need more room along the stairs. In small yards, a vertical platform lift usually fits better and is simpler to use.
Residential vs. commercial needs
You’ll often see VPLs in commercial buildings, including schools, offices, and churches. These versions usually require a larger weight capacity, enclosed shaftway designs, and full ADA-compliant features.
For homes, a compact porch lift usually does the job. It costs less than a residential elevator and installs more quickly, making it a practical home accessibility upgrade that requires minimal construction.
Choosing the right lift for your California home
A vertical platform lift can make your home safer and more comfortable, even if space is limited. California Mobility helps families across the state find and install lifts with the proper functionality to fit their needs.
Contact us today or request a free quote and see how our lift solutions improve access in your home.
