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How much is a wheelchair lift? According to experts, a wheelchair lift typically costs between $1,000 and $15,000 (1), while some can cost as much as $30,000.
Prices depend on the type of lift, weight capacity, and other factors. In this article, I delve into the key factors that affect the cost of installing this mobility device.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Lift prices vary. Standard wheelchair lifts cost as little as $1,000, and high-end models cost as much as $30,000.
- The size, configuration, and type of lift significantly affect the price.
- Used lifts are a viable option for safe home access. You can often find them for a good deal!
What Is The Cost of a Wheelchair Lift?
You will spend anywhere between $2,000 and $30,000 to get a platform lift. The price increases as the wheelchair-lift features increase.
Basic vertical lifts cost between $2,000 and $6,000.
However, if you need a vertical wheelchair lift that provides more significant vertical travel, such as access to a second floor, you’ll have to cough up more money.
James Dan, Ph.D., a senior clinical advisor, says it can cost between $1000 and $15000 to buy a wheelchair lift (1). He adds that these costs vary significantly.
The amount you decide to spend on a mobility device should mirror your overall budget. Spend what you can afford!
How Much is a Residential Wheelchair Lift?
Depending on the features and type, residential lifts cost between $3,000 and $6,000.
These lifts generally enable you to access a deck or porch between four and six feet tall. The more vertical travel, the higher the price of the porch lift.
The price will also increase if it is for a commercial building because there are different lift dimensions in commercial settings.
How Much is a Lift For a Car?
Inclined platform lifts for cars have prices of $2,000 to $5,000 or more. These inclined lifts ease the access of a wheelchair into a vehicle.
Just like residential lifts, the price of vehicle lifts depends on the type you choose. Hoist lifts (sometimes called crane lifts) will cost $1,500 and above.
For an automotive lift option, hitch-mounted platform lifts cost between $800 and $2,000.
How Much is a Lift for a Van?
Van lifts are expensive and cost between $4,000 and $10,000. The price depends on the technology.
If the lift has automation options, it could cost you as much as $14,000 (2).
Check out this video to see a van platform lift in action:
How Much is a Used Lift?
Used vertical platform lifts are affordable options since the prices of new ones are steep.
These alternative options will be around $1,000, depending on their condition.
Although used lifts are a viable option, avoid buying a defective mobility device! For safe home access, I advise you to inspect used lifts carefully.
What is the Difference Between an Outdoor and an Indoor Lift?
You install an outdoor lift outside your house while an indoor one is inside your home. Here is an informative video that shows more about an outdoor lift:
Are you confused about which type of wheelchair lift to choose? Both kinds of wheelchair lifts offer convenient access to your home for anyone with limited mobility.
The main difference between the options is that wheelchair lift manufacturers use different materials for each type.
Outdoor lifts have durable materials that can withstand outdoor weather. Outdoor wheelchair lifts are an excellent option if you’re tight on space in your home.
Both platform lifts work well on either the inside or the outside of homes, so choose according to your specific circumstances.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Wheelchair Lift
Accessibility lifts are relatively expensive when purchased new. What makes the vertical platform lift cost so much?
1. Type of lift
Different types of lifts impact the primary price disparity. While basic inclined platform lifts cost less, high-end or customized, vertical platform lifts cost an arm and a leg!
Their hefty price stems from these lifts having special structural modifications.
2. Size
Larger lifts accommodate larger mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Smaller lifts struggle to accommodate slightly larger mobility devices.
It is as simple as that; the larger the lift, the higher the price.
3. Safety Features
Code requirements are in place to ensure lifts are safe for individuals with disabilities. However, cheaper options only have basic safety features.
High-end options have more safety features, thus costing more.
4. Weight Capacity
The maximum lifting capacity is also something else that increases the wheelchair lift price.
Manufacturers use different raw materials to make lifts for various weight capacities, which informs the price charged.
5. Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are some of the most notorious additional costs when buying anything. In particular, these additional costs will affect the price when purchasing a lift.
6. Installation Costs
The lift type, either inclined or vertical platform, directly impacts the installation cost. Based on this, prices vary significantly.
FAQs
Can Medicare help me pay for a residential lift?
Unfortunately, Medicare won’t help you pay for a residential lift. It would help if you had a different insurance option that covers platform lifts.
How much weight can a wheelchair lift hold?
According to the Federal Transit Administration, a wheelchair lift can hold a minimum of 600 lbs (3).
Are used wheelchair lifts worth it?
Used lifts are worth the cost if you find a product in excellent condition.
Conclusion
How much is a wheelchair lift? A wheelchair lift costs between $1,000 and $30,000, depending on the type you want.
The lift configuration, size, and weight capacity also affect the amount you’ll pay for a wheelchair lift.
Wheelchair lifts are a piece of essential mobility equipment for people with disabilities.
They offer safe home access and boost the independence of people with mobility issues.
Are you planning on buying a lift? What types of wheelchair lifts are you considering buying? Please share with us in the comments down below.
Resources
- 1. Best Wheelchair Lifts For Vehicles Of 2022 [Internet]. Forbes Health. 2022. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/best-wheelchair-lifts-for-vehicles/
- 2. Average Prices to Expect on Wheelchair Lifts for Vans [Internet]. CarsDirect. Available from: https://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/average-prices-to-expect-on-wheelchair-lifts-for-vans
- 3. How much weight must a vehicle lift be able to accommodate? | FTA [Internet]. www.transit.dot.gov. [cited 2022 Nov 13]. Available from: https://www.transit.dot.gov/how-much-weight-must-vehicle-lift-be-able-accommodate
