How Do Platform Lifts Work?
Platform lifts have revolutionised mobility, offering safe and efficient vertical transportation in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. This guide explains how these platform lifts operate, the components involved, and how different lift types compare – including those available from Gartec.
How Lift Customisation Impacts Property Value
A platform lift is a vertical mobility solution designed to transport people, wheelchairs, or goods between floors. Unlike traditional passenger lifts, platform lifts are typically more compact. The key feature is the L-shaped carrier (the platform) that moves within an enclosed shaft or framework, guided by rails for smooth, stable operation.
Platform lifts differ from hydraulic and mechanical systems by using an electric motor to power the lift, providing quieter, more energy-efficient movement without the need for hydraulic fluids.
Controls differ depending on the lift style:
- Enclosed cabin platform lifts often use one-touch controls
- Open platforms use hold-to-run buttons
5 Components of a Platform Lift
Platform lifts are designed with key components that work together to provide safe, smooth, and efficient vertical travel. Here’s an overview of the essential parts:
1. Guide Rails
Positioned on one side of the shaft rather than two corners, guide rails stabilise the platform or cabin as it moves. They ensure that the lift travels in a straight line with minimal vibration, contributing to a comfortable and safe ride.
2. Screw and Nut System
Our patented screw and nut drive system is a standout feature. A threaded screw runs the whole length of the mast, while a rotating nut attached to the lifting carriage moves the platform up or down. This system is quiet, reliable, and energy-efficient, making it ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
3. Platform or Cabin
The platform (in open lifts) or cabin (in enclosed lifts) is where passengers or goods are transported. Platforms may be open or partially enclosed, while cabins offer a fully enclosed space for added privacy and safety.
4. Control Panels
Internal control panels are typically equipped with either hold-to-run buttons, requiring continuous pressure during movement, or one-touch controls for enclosed cabin lifts. External call buttons allow users to summon the lift from other floors with ease.
5. Safety Features
Modern platform lifts include:
- Pressure-sensitive safety edges
- Emergency stop buttons
- Battery-powered emergency lowering
- Automatic door locking
- Intercoms or autodiallers in enclosed lifts
All Gartec lifts comply with EN 81-41 and the Machinery Directive, ensuring safe operation throughout the building.
Control and Operation
Open Platform Lifts
Open platform lifts typically require users to press and hold the control button for the duration of the journey. Releasing the button immediately stops the platform, providing a sense of control and added safety. This feature is particularly useful for short-rise lifts and accessible step lifts, ensuring users can stop if they feel unsafe or need to adjust mid-travel.
The Aritco HomeLift and Vimec V6 & V6s Platform Stairlift are both popular options for those looking to future-proof their home and lifestyle.
Enclosed Cabin Lifts
In contrast, enclosed cabin lifts use a single-touch control system. Once the desired floor is selected, the cabin moves automatically without the need for constant button pressure, much like a traditional passenger lift. This makes enclosed lifts more convenient for users and creates a smoother, automated experience.
The Aritco 9000 Cabin Lift is a go-to choice for enclosed cabin lifts in public buildings.
Different Types of Platform Lifts
Platform lifts come in various types, each designed to suit specific needs and environments. Here’s an overview of the most common types and their use cases:
Vertical Platform Lifts
These are the most traditional type of platform lift, providing straightforward vertical travel between floors. They are commonly used in homes, offices, schools, and public spaces to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility. Their small footprint and modular design make them ideal for retrofitting into existing buildings.
See both the Aritco HomeLift Access and PublicLift Access for examples of this type of installation.
Scissor Lifts
Hydraulic-electric scissor lifts use an ‘X’ frame mechanism that expands and contracts to lift the platform. These are often employed in industrial and construction environments where heavy lifting is required.
Hidden Platform Lifts
Hidden platform lifts are designed to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them perfect for period homes, listed buildings, and heritage sites. By integrating discreet materials and finishes, these lifts preserve the aesthetic integrity of their space while providing essential accessibility.
Cabin Platform Lifts
Cabin platform lifts offer a fully enclosed travel experience, resembling conventional passenger lifts. With features like automatic doors and single-touch operation, they provide added comfort and privacy. The Motala 2000 Cabin Platform Lift is a prime example here.
4 Key Advantages of Platform Lifts
Platform lifts offer numerous benefits. Below are some of the most common that set these lifts apart:
1. Energy Efficiency
One of the standout features of our platform lifts, in particular, is their low energy consumption. Powered by motors that use as little as 2.2 kW – less than a standard domestic kettle – these lifts are designed to minimise energy usage while delivering powerful, reliable performance.
Additional features such as LED lighting and automatic lubrication systems also contribute to their overall sustainability.
2. Cost-Effective Installations
Platform lifts are typically self-contained units, meaning they come with their own shaft enclosure and do not require a separate machine room or extensive building work. The need for only a small pit (or a ramp where a pit isn’t feasible) further reduces construction costs and installation time.
With quick and minimally disruptive installation processes, a platform lift can be fitted in as little as a few days, making them an affordable and convenient choice for both retrofits and new builds.
3. Customisation Options
Users can tailor their lift with:
- Scandinavian-inspired design walls (Aritco HomeLift)
- RAL-coloured shaft panels
- Clear or tinted glazing
- Oak, vinyl or Bolon flooring
- LED lighting effects
4. Safety Compliance
All models in our catalogue comply with EN 81-41 regulations and the Equality Act, ensuring they meet strict safety and accessibility standards. Key safety features include automatic door locking, emergency stop buttons, battery-operated lowering mechanisms, and pressure-sensitive safety edges to prevent accidents.
Applications of Platform Lifts
The adaptability of platform lifts makes them suitable for domestic, commercial, and industrial use, meeting different needs with ease. Some prime examples include:
Domestic Homes
In private residences, platform lifts offer a seamless way to navigate between floors, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
With customisable finishes, compact designs, and quiet operation, these lifts are ideal for future-proofing homes, enabling homeowners to maintain independence and avoid the need for costly relocations or ground-floor renovations.
Commercial Spaces
In public and commercial buildings such as offices, schools, shops, and care homes, platform lifts play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with accessibility regulations. Wheelchair-accessible platform lifts offer reliable vertical mobility for users while taking up minimal space, and goods lifts support efficient stock movement, helping retailers transport items across multiple floors safely and quickly.
Warehouses
For heavier loads, high-capacity platform lifts are essential. Prime examples include the ILS 500kg & 1000kg High Capacity Platform Lift and GLE Rhino Goods Lift (for up to 2,000kg goods-only or goods-with-attendant use).
Hydraulic-electric scissor lifts are common in these environments, but our approach focuses on energy-efficient mechanical drive systems.
Invest in the Right Platform Lift
Platform lifts combine practicality, innovation, and sustainability, making them essential for improving mobility and accessibility across homes, commercial spaces, and industrial environments. Whether you’re looking to future-proof your home or optimise your business operations, the right lift can make all the difference.
