during power cuts
component protection
level access
public entrances
Step Lifts for Short-Level Access
Step lifts are compact vertical platform lifts designed to overcome small changes in level, typically up to around 3 metres*. They provide step-free access where ramps are impractical or space is limited, without the scale or complexity of a full passenger lift.
Suitable for internal and external use, step lifts support wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility in residential, commercial, and public settings.
Available Step Lifts
UnaPorte® Platform Step Lift
The UnaPorte® Platform Step Lift is a compact vertical platform lift designed to overcome short changes in level. Suitable for both internal and external use, it provides step-free access where ramps are impractical or space is restricted.
The lift requires no pit and is well suited to retrofit projects at entrances, terraces, balconies, and internal split levels. Its weather-resistant design and controlled movement make it appropriate for residential, commercial, and public environments.
Where Step Lifts Are Used
Step lifts are commonly installed at entrances and thresholds, on terraces or balconies, and across internal split levels where a small change in height creates a barrier.
They are suited to residential properties, commercial buildings, and public or community spaces.
What Is a Step Lift?
A step lift, also known as a platform step lift, is a compact vertical lift used to overcome short changes in level. Unlike a ramp, a step lift requires far less space and is suitable where gradients cannot be achieved. Compared to a full passenger lift, it is designed for short-rise travel rather than multi-storey movement.
For access solutions that follow the line of a staircase rather than moving vertically, a stairlift may be more suitable.
Safety, Compliance, and Reliability
Our step lifts are designed with safety and reliability at their core, making them suitable for both public and private environments.
- Controlled vertical movement, secure door interlocking, and pressure-sensitive safety edges help protect users during travel.
- Emergency lowering systems and battery-backed operation ensure the lift can be safely used or exited during a power cut.
- Our range is also engineered to meet relevant UK and European requirements for platform lifting equipment, providing reassurance to building owners, specifiers, and duty holders without the complexity of larger lift systems.
Installation and Ongoing Support
Step lifts are designed for straightforward installation, with minimal structural work required in many retrofit situations. In many cases, installation can be completed quickly and with limited disruption to the building.
Ongoing support is provided through a standard warranty and access to servicing and maintenance options, backed by a nationwide network of engineers to help keep the lift operating reliably over time.
FAQs About Step Lifts
Are step lifts suitable for wheelchair users? |
Yes. Step lifts are designed to provide step-free access and can accommodate wheelchair users, including manual and powered wheelchairs within the stated load capacity. The platform-based design allows users to travel with their wheelchair, rather than transferring to a seat, making step lifts suitable for a wide range of mobility needs. |
Can step lifts be installed outside? |
Step lifts can be installed both internally and externally, depending on the site requirements. Models intended for external use are designed with weather-resistant finishes, sealed components, and non-slip platform surfaces, allowing them to operate reliably. |
Do step lifts require a pit? |
Our step lifts are designed to operate without the need for a pit, which helps reduce building work and simplifies installation. This pitless design makes step lifts particularly suitable for retrofit projects and locations where excavation is not practical or permitted. |
How long does installation take? |
Installation times vary depending on site conditions, access, and preparation work. In many cases, step lifts can be installed within two days, with minimal disruption. |
What happens during a power cut? |
Our step lifts are equipped with emergency lowering and battery-backed operation. In the event of a power failure, this allows the lift to complete a controlled movement or return to a safe position, enabling users to exit the platform without being stranded. |
Add a Step Lift to Your Property
If you are considering a step lift, our team can help assess your site, discuss access requirements, and identify a suitable solution, ensuring the lift fits the building and its users without unnecessary complexity.
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*Our step lifts can provide travel up to 3 metres in residential settings. In commercial or public environments, vertical travel above 2 metres requires installation within a lift-way enclosure (shaft) to meet current safety standards. Open platform step lifts are therefore generally limited to 2 metres in these settings.
Where 2–3 metres of travel is proposed in a commercial environment, approval must be obtained from the relevant Building Control Officer and the building’s insurance inspector prior to installation.