By Anita Perr, O.T.R./L. and Kitch Barnicle, M.S.
A year ago we started work on a
wheelchair lift selection guide. We soon
found that writing about wheelchair lifts
for vans can be as complicated as selecting
one. Choosing terminology that was both
universal and “regulation” proved a bit
tricky. It seems that what was considered
the industry standard at our center was not
necessarily the standard elsewhere. However,
with the help of consumers, clinicians,
manufacturers, suppliers and installers, we
settled on terms that are, we hope, if not
industry standards in your neck of the
woods, at least easy to understand.
afety and function are top priorities when choosing the
best type of lift for someone. Other factors include cost,
ability to use the lift, the size of the user, wheelchair size,
the locations where the lift will be used, and how else
the van will be used.
There are four general types of wheelchair lifts: platform, underthe-vehicle, rotary, and hoists. Each type has certain advantages
and disadvantages and, as with any product, it helps to get as much
information as possible before buying.
Platform lifts (otherwise known as folding lifts or folding platform lifts) fold out from a frame that is mounted to the van and
lowers to the ground. When not in use, it rests in an upright position along the inside of the van door, although some models
can be mounted on the outside. One of the earliest and most common types, platform lifts do have certain drawbacks, one of which
is that the van’s doorway is blocked when the lift is not being
used. To counter this, some manufacturers offer platform styles
that split or fold, leaving space for other passengers to get in
and out of the van. This feature can save time and make access
easier.
The under-vehicle lift is like a hide-a-way bed that seems to come
from nowhere. They are installed underneath the body of the van.
When activated, the platform comes out from under the van and
rises to the level of the vehicle’s floor. Once a person is on the
platform, the controls can be activated to lower the lift to the
ground. A metal enclosure is used to protect the lift when it is
under the van. Because the lift is stored below, access through
the side door is not blocked.
Rotary or swing lifts have a single vertical post supporting a
platform that shifts out of the van and descends to the ground.
The user rolls onto the platform while inside the van, it rises a
few inches, and rotates on the vertical post out of the van. The
platform then lowers to the ground. When rotary lifts are not used,
they rest on the van’s floor. Depending on how much room the
platform occupies, some people may have difficulty maneuvering inside the vehicle, because rotary lifts take up floor space.
June 1993 49
VAN LIFTS
Hoist style wheelchair lifts are quite different because they do
not have a platform. Instead, they have a single arm that swings
out from the side door and lowers a wheelchair strapped onto it
to the ground. The user attaches the arm of the hoist to the frame
of the wheelchair.
Wheelchair lifts for vans are available with differing levels of
automation. When combined with other features, such as power
may never be used and
the cost of the lift, a
ual backup system is one feature
shouldn ‘t be forgotten.
,
to the van for easy access. Some platforms can be modified to
allow the user to come off the platform at an angle. Rotary lifts
allow the user to exit the lift parallel to the van and, therefore,
require less access space, generally about 3 feet. Hoist lifts do not
have a platform, so they usually need less space than a platform lift.
For many people, space inside the van is just as important as
space outside. While some people use their van solely for their
own transportation, others use it to carry cargo or other passengers. The style and size of the lift will determine how many
seats must be removed from the van and how much usable space
remains there. Keep in mind that the front post of a platform or
rotary lift may block movement of the front passenger seat, preventing it from reclining.
When choosing a lift, it pays to be prepared for the worst.
Though it may never be used and may add to the cost of the lift,
doors and power locks, automatic lifts can be operated simply
with the use of a few switches. Generally less expensive ones are
semiautomatic lifts that split between manual and power operation. Semiautomatic lifts have platforms that must be manually
unfolded.
Both types, automatic and semiautomatic, require the use of
switches. It is important to make sure that whomever will be using the lift can get to the switches and activate them. The variety
of switches available include push button, toggle and magnetic.
Platform Checks
Along with knowing how the lift is controlled, be sure that the
user can get onto the platform. Look at the edges or roll stops
on the platform. These keep the wheelchair or scooter from shifting off the platform. Roll stops on some lifts fold and unfold automatically, while on others they are manually operated. On most
lifts the unfolded roll stops serve as a small ramp up to the platform. Be aware that some platforms are higher than others. There
is enough difference in height between models that getting on and
off independently can range from easy to impossible for some
people. Also, check for holding bars or handrails. Some users find
them very helpful when getting on and off the platform, and they
are frequently used as a balance assist.
The platform should be a few inches wider and longer than the
wheelbase of the wheelchair or scooter that will be carried in the
van. People who are tall or have trouble bending their head forward might need a taller lift frame, or one that fits into a van with
a raised door opening. Note that some platform lifts have a header
bar that can be adjusted or purchased in a variety of set heights.
When determining the static (stationary) and dynamic (lifting)
weight capacity required, don’t forget to include the user’s own
weight, as well as that of the mobility device and any accessories,
such as ventilators, vent trays, etc.
Unfortunately, there is a lot more to using a lift than just choosing a lift. Where the van will be parked is important. Examine
frequently visited parking areas (home, work, school, shopping
centers). If the vehicle will be parked in a single car garage or in
other tight parking spaces, choose a lift that can be operated in
small spaces. If the lift will be operated on uneven surfaces, make
sure that automatically operating roll stops are easily triggered.
Platform and under-vehicle lifts need about 8 feet of space next
Rotary Lift
Platform Lift
a manual backup system is one feature that shouldn’t be forgotten. If there is electric or hydraulic failure, this system allows for
manual operation, usually via a hand crank. Even if the van owner
cannot use the manual system alone, he or she could instruct someone else to operate it. A manual backup system gives a measure
of security that someone will not get stuck in their van after a
lift failure. Some funding sources even require the lift to have a
manual backup system.
A wheelchair lift for a van is one piece of technology that does
not work alone, and choosing a lift often means coordinating the
use of several mechanisms. Ideally, all of the necessary technology
can be selected at the same time, so an optimal system can be
assembled, making compromises when needed. Realistically, the
user may already have his or her wheelchair, and they may already
even have a van. Putting all the pieces together can be tricky.
Certain vans and lifts are compatible, others are not. Consider
the style of the van’s doors: cargo versus sliding. Consider whether
the lift should be mounted on a van’s side door or rear door. The
Under-Vehicle Lift
location of the lift will significantly affect how and where the user
can park. Vans with rear-mounted lifts need longer, rather than
wider, parking spaces. This may be fine when the lift is parked
in driveways or parking lots. However, parallel parking may be
difficult, especially if another car pulls up behind the van. The
user can also be at risk if he or she exists from the rear into the
flow of traffic in a parking lot. Side-mounted lifts also have similar
space limitations that must be considered. Accessible parking
determining the static
ary) and dynamic (lifting)
capacity required, don ‘t forget
de the user’s own weight, as
s that of the mobility device
any accessories, such as
tors, vent trays, etc.
spaces are not always available and single car garages are not always
wide enough for side access.
Choosing a van, a lift, a control mechanism, a lift location and
all of the other associated features does not have to be done alone.
Asking the right questions and using available resources can help
simplify the decision process. A rehabilitation driving specialist
can be a great help to clinicians and consumers selecting a lift
and van. In addition to conducting a thorough client evaluation,
a driving specialist can discuss van and lift options as well as driving controls, wheelchair tie downs and other safety features, such
as climate controls, and portable phones. It is important to discuss
the pros and cons of different van and lift setups. Another valuable
resource is the lift installer. Experienced installers have worked
with a variety of different vehicles and lifts. Ask about the installation process, the maintenance required and the reliability
record of any lift under consideration. As always, some of the
best advice comes from other lift users. However, remember that
not everyone is in the same situation and what is best for one person may not be best for another.
Acknowledgement
For more information about wheelchair lifts for vans contact: REquest
Rehabilitation Engineering Center at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving St. N.W., Washington, DC 20010; 202/877-1932. The full
report includes specifications of manufacturers’ current products, resources and other helpful information for choosing lifts. It was produced
under a cooperative agreement with the National Institute on Disability
and Rehabilitation Research of the Department of Education (agreement
H-133E800l6). The contents do not necessarily represent the policies or
opinions of the Department of Education or NIDRR.
Hoist Lift
Anita Perr, O.T.R./L., is senior occupational therapist at the National
Rehabilitation Hospital. She has worked at the REquest REC for the past
three years and has developed product selection guides for a wide variety
of assistive technologies.
Kitch Barnicle, M.S., is a rehabilitation engineer at the National
Rehabilitation Hospital, REC on the Evaluation of Assistive Technology;
202/877-1932, tdd: 202/726-3996, fax: 202/723-0628.