What Is a Step Lift?
Getting around a building shouldn’t be a challenge, but small changes in level can create big barriers – especially for wheelchair users, pushchairs, or anyone with limited mobility. When a ramp isn’t practical and a full-sized lift feels excessive, step lifts are where you can turn. Designed for short travel distances, step lifts offer a smart, space-saving solution to everyday access issues in homes, workplaces, and public buildings.
Making Sense of Step Lifts
A step lift – also known as a short-rise lift, low-rise lift, or vertical platform lift – is a compact mode designed to overcome small changes in level, typically up to around 3 metres. Ideal for bridging half-staircases, raised entrances, or internal split-levels. Step lifts provide a safe and dignified way to move between levels without the need for bulky ramps or large-scale lift installations.
Stairlifts & Full Passenger Lifts
Unlike stairlifts, which require the user to transfer from a wheelchair to a seat, step lifts allow users to remain on the platform – making them especially well-suited to wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. Most use a simple L-shaped platform that travels vertically within a small footprint, with constant-pressure controls (meaning the button must be held down during movement) for safety and ease of use.
Step lifts differ from full passenger lifts in both scale and specification. There’s no need for a deep pit, lift shaft, or overhead machinery, making them quicker and less disruptive to install. Whether used indoors or outdoors, they’re a smart way to improve accessibility wherever small height differences pose a barrier.
Why Choose a Step Lift Over a Ramp or Full Lift?
Step lifts are often the most practical solution when space, budget, or building constraints rule out other options.
- Ramps, for example, require a long run to meet accessibility gradients – something many sites simply can’t accommodate.
- Full passenger lifts, while suitable for greater heights, can be more costly and involve extensive building work depending on the space.
Step lifts strike the perfect balance. Designed specifically for short travel distances, they’re compact, cost-effective, and far quicker to install – often in just a few days. This makes them ideal for locations like retail entrances, school buildings, offices, and private homes where a small change in level still presents a significant barrier.
Types of Step Lifts
Step lifts come in a range of designs to suit different environments, user needs, and aesthetic preferences. While all are built to tackle short rises in level, there are several variations to consider:
Internal vs External Step Lifts
Some step lifts are designed for indoor use – such as in reception areas or between split-level floors – while others are built to withstand outdoor conditions. External lifts often feature weather-resistant materials, enclosed mechanisms, and temperature-tolerant components.
Hydraulic vs Electric Operation
Hydraulic lifts tend to offer smooth and powerful movement, while electric models – often powered by a screw and nut drive or belt system – are energy efficient and require less maintenance. Both options are reliable; the best choice depends on usage needs and site requirements.
Freestanding vs Wall-Mounted Units
Freestanding step lifts come with their own structural framework and can be placed almost anywhere with a solid base. Wall-mounted versions require secure fixing to a wall, which can be more discreet but may limit positioning options.
Open Platform vs Enclosed Options
Open platform lifts are the most common for short rises, with safety edges and gates. Enclosed versions may be used for added security or where regulations require a fixed enclosure.
Many step lifts offer optional features such as remote control operation, automatic doors, and custom finishes to match your surroundings. Gartec’s MPR step lift range is designed specifically for external use, with models that suit a variety of configurations – from the outdoor-ready MPR Elegance to the compact and cost-effective MPR Low Up – making accessibility straightforward in any external setting.
Key Features and Benefits of Modern Step Lifts
Today’s step lifts are designed to make accessibility as straightforward and stress-free as possible. One of the biggest advantages is how quickly they can be installed, with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. Most models don’t require a pit or headroom, and many are fully freestanding, meaning no major structural changes are needed.
For users, operation is simple. Controls are intuitive and typically use constant-pressure buttons, ensuring safe, controlled movement at all times. Entry and exit points are often equipped with gates or barriers, many of which are interlocked for added safety.
Modern step lifts are also packed with practical safety features as standard. These can include emergency stop buttons, battery backup systems, pressure-sensitive safety edges, and secure door locking mechanisms.
Where Are Step Lifts Typically Installed?
In public buildings like shops, schools, healthcare centres, and care homes, they provide essential wheelchair access where ramps or passenger lifts aren’t suitable. They’re also a common choice in commercial premises such as offices and hospitality venues with internal level changes or raised entrances.
In residential settings, step lifts are ideal for overcoming front door thresholds, garden steps, or split-level living areas. Outdoor event spaces also benefit from their flexibility, particularly when temporary or semi-permanent access is needed.
Gartec engineers frequently install step lifts in schools, small offices, and healthcare environments, where space is limited and traditional lift systems would be too large or complex. Wherever they’re placed, step lifts offer a simple, compliant and reliable way to improve access.
An Overview of the Gartec Step Lift Range
Gartec offers a carefully selected range of step lifts designed to suit different settings, needs and budgets.
MPR Elegance & Strategos
These premium models are ideal for outdoor environments, with impact-resistant safety glass, optional automatic doors, and a customisable finish. They also feature a flexible wall-fixing system or a freestanding framework for installation where structural walls aren’t available.
MPR Low Up & Mid 1000
Designed for speed and simplicity, these lifts are perfect where budget or space is limited. The Low Up model includes protective edges and optional remote control, while the Mid 1000 offers a standardised configuration for faster delivery – making it a strong choice for high-volume projects.
Barduva RB150
Compact and efficient, the RB150 is an excellent solution where space is tight. It requires minimal building work, offers multiple platform sizes and finishes, and performs reliably indoors or outdoors. Optional extras like half-height gates and remote call stations add flexibility.
Vimec V6 & V6s Platform Stairlift
Compact and customisable, the V6 and V6s platform stairlifts provide smooth, reliable access on straight or curved staircases. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, they’re wall- or post-mounted with fold-away platforms, automatic controls, and advanced safety features – ideal where a step or vertical lift isn’t an option.
How to Choose the Right Step Lift
If you’re unsure, we can help you assess your space and requirements, ensuring your lift is both practical and compliant. In the meantime, we recommend considering the following:
- Travel Height: Most step lifts cover up to 3 metres, but some models are better suited to shorter rises.
- Location: You’ll also need to think about whether the lift will be used indoors or outdoors, as this affects the materials and weather protection needed.
- Aesthetic Preferences: Especially in residential or customer-facing environments. Looks may guide your choice towards more discreet or customisable models.
- Frequency of Use & Weight Capacity: Both are important when selecting a reliable, long-term solution. Particularly if used with powered wheelchairs.
Step Lifts Make Accessibility Simple
Designed with real-life use in mind, step lifts are suitable for wheelchair users, pushchairs, and anyone with limited mobility. Whether for a private home, public space, or commercial building, step lifts provide a straightforward way to improve accessibility, and make everyday movement easier for everyone.
If you’re ready to make your space more accessible, explore our full range of step lifts to find the right fit for your home or building. And if you need help deciding, we’re here to guide you through the options and make the process simple from start to finish.
