For those who rely on wheelchairs for their personal mobility, stairs of any kind are a major barrier—but steep stairs can be even more daunting. While short, gradual staircases can often be surmounted with a wheelchair ramp (even a portable one placed over the top of the steps), steep stairs pose a greater challenge, as the slope may be too steep to safely mount using a wheelchair. So, what can you do? Keep reading to find out.

Stairlift with a Platform

Stairlifts are a common solution in homes where individuals struggle going up and down the stairs. However, these are usually designed with a chair attached to a track and motor, requiring the user to get out of their wheelchair and leave it at the bottom of the steps. Luckily, there is a solution that can be used for those who want to bring their wheelchairs along.

Stairlifts can be equipped with a wheelchair platform, where the user can secure their wheelchair while remaining seated. A safety barrier prevents the wheelchair from moving as the platform moves up along the track, overcoming the steep slope of the stairs without any effort from the wheelchair user.

Vertical Platform Lift (VPL)

Another option is a vertical platform lift, also known as a VPL or a wheelchair lift. These devices are like small elevators, designed to transport the wheelchair and user vertically rather than along the incline of the stairs. These are typically installed alongside the stairs, with an open platform onto which the user rolls the wheelchair. The lift then rises with the press of a button, and stops when it is level with the upper level so that the user can roll their wheelchair out. VPLs can handle steeper inclines and greater heights, making them a good option for staircases that are both steep and long. However, they do require more installation space, so they may not be feasible if you’re limited in that regard.

Ramps for Steep Stairs

As mentioned earlier, ramps can be tricky for steep stairs. Typically, a ramp should be a foot long for every inch of rise in the staircase, so steep steps often require very long ramps. However, custom ramps can still be an option, especially for shorter staircases or outdoor spaces where there’s more space to accommodate wheelchair ramps for steep stairs. If you have a very steep staircase and want to add a ramp to it, be sure to work with a professional; they can design a custom ramp that is able to provide the slope needed for safe use.