For the last 20 years or so platform lifts have also tasked with transporting people and has found particular favour as an access solution for wheelchair users. Sometimes called vertical lifting platforms, platform lifts are best suited to smaller passenger numbers travelling shorter distances. The slower speed they are designed to provide vertical movement between floors in a low rise building (typically two to four floors). These access lifts can range in size from one person/wheelchair user to up to five people. There are many variants within the Platform lift family, including:
    Open platform lifts
    Enclosed (or cabin) platform lifts
    Low pit lifts (sometimes called low speed lifts)
    Wheelchair platform stairlifts
Platform lifts typically don't travel more than 2m (unless a liftway enclosure has been built). Their speed is also limited to 0.15m/s so platform lifts fall under the Machinery Directive (not the Lift Directive) so travel between floors averages around 22 seconds.
Platform lifts can be used indoors or out and can also be designed for use in vertical and inclined spaces - even curved staircases. They do not need a deep pit to be dug compared to passenger lift. The floor of the lift is raised and lowered from In the case that the space is being a tightly footprint than a traditional passenger lift.
These lifts are best for low rise buildings where most people will use the stairs, existing buildings where it is not possible and/or cost prohibitive to install a China Passenger Elevator or buildings where there is a disabled access problem.
New Call-to-action
Which type of lift do I need?
The preference of building standards and best practice is for a passenger lift first and foremost. However, depending on the building constraints and requirements it may be the case that your building needs a platform lift. here's a neat little summary on the key differences and a Little more detail on the benefits of each type.
Passenger lifts are favoured where speed and capacity are prime considerations, and in particular in situations where the lift will be the primary means of travelling between floors.
Typically, platform lifts are probably most suited for applications in low rise buildings where most people will use the stairs, existing buildings where it may not be possible or too costly to install a passenger lift or buildings where there is a particular disabled access problem. Case for opting for such as solution over a passenger lift can be clearly set out in an access statement.
Platform lifts are also increasingly finding favour in residential settings. The smaller footprint and less onerous building requirements can provide flexibility, speed of installation and cost savings.