What Is a Vertical Platform Lift (And Why Might You Need One)?
Not every lift needs to take you to the 30th floor.
Sometimes, the most important elevation is just a few feet for a wheelchair user entering a public library, a senior accessing their front porch, or a child visiting a museum. That’s where Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs) come in.
At Olympic Elevator, we believe accessibility should be elegant, efficient, and designed for real life. So let’s break down what a Vertical Platform Lift is, how it’s different from traditional elevators and other lift types, and why it might be the right solution for your space.
What Is a Vertical Platform Lift (VPL)?
A Vertical Platform Lift is a type of powered lift designed to transport people (and sometimes mobility devices like wheelchairs or scooters) between vertical levels, usually up to 14 feet.
Think of it as a small-scale elevator built specifically for accessibility, often used in places where ramps or stairlifts aren't feasible. They’re most commonly found in:
Homes and private residences
Schools, churches, and community centers
Commercial buildings with single-story elevation changes
Outdoor spaces like porches or decks
Unlike elevators, VPLs are typically unenclosed or partially enclosed, and they don’t require a full shaft or machine room.
Have a look at some of the VPLs we’ve built and maintained for our customers.
How Are VPLs Different from Elevators?
While both move people vertically, VPLs and elevators serve different needs and are built to different specifications. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Lift Type | Primary Use | Max Travel Height | Installation Location | Accessibility Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) | Wheelchair access over vertical barriers | Up to 14 feet (varies) | Indoor or outdoor | ADA-compliant, safety gates, emergency stop |
| Stair Lift | Single rider seated transport along stairs | Follows stair length | Indoor (sometimes outdoor) | Seat belts, foldable seat, footrest |
| Home Elevator | Multi-floor access within a residence | Typically 2–4 floors | Indoor | Smooth ride, automatic doors, call buttons |
| Commercial Elevator | Transport for multiple passengers/goods | Dozens of floors | Indoor commercial buildings | High-capacity, advanced controls, robust code requirements |
How Are VPLs Different from Inclined Stairlifts?
You’ve probably seen stairlifts that carry people along a staircase track while they remain seated. VPLs, by contrast, are:
Designed for standing users or those in wheelchairs
Safer for users with limited mobility or balance
More flexible in public spaces
Easier to use when transporting heavy mobility equipment
Why Use a Vertical Platform Lift?
Here’s where VPLs really shine:
✅ Accessibility Without Major Renovation
Don’t want to tear down walls or install a full elevator shaft? VPLs are compact and can often be installed in just a few days, indoors or out.
✅ Independence for All Ages
From aging homeowners to young people with disabilities, VPLs provide freedom of movement with dignity and ease.
✅ Compliance with ADA Requirements
For businesses and institutions, VPLs are often a smart and cost-effective way to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards.
✅ Weather-Ready Outdoor Models
Outdoor-rated VPLs can help people reach raised porches or decks without slippery stairs or makeshift ramps.
Where Might You See a VPL Installed?
At a school gymnasium with a raised stage
Outside a residential front porch
In a city hall or historic building with limited space
Beside a church altar
At a retail storefront with a single step entry
VPLs can be customized with platform gates, call stations, auto-fold ramps, and even enclosed hoistways for added safety.
Let’s Lift Your Space, Simply and Safely
At Olympic Elevator, we specialize in vertical transportation for real people in real spaces. Whether you’re looking to make a home more accessible or bring a public building into compliance, a Vertical Platform Lift might be the perfect fit.
Need help choosing the right lift for your space?
Let us guide you to a solution that’s safe, practical, and tailored to your needs.
Contact Olympic Elevator today to learn more about vertical platform lifts and how we can help make your space rise to the occasion… literally.
