For wheelchair users, a home lift can transform daily life by providing independent, step-free access between floors. This guide covers the types of home lifts suitable for wheelchair users, the key features to look for, how much they cost, and how to access funding through the Disabled Facilities Grant.
Types of Home Lifts for Wheelchair Users
Not all home lifts are suitable for wheelchair users. The two main types that can accommodate a wheelchair are platform lifts and cabin lifts. For a comparison of all lift types, see our types of home lifts page. Each has different characteristics that may make one more suitable than the other depending on your home and needs.
Platform lifts are designed specifically with accessibility in mind. They feature a flat platform with low-level controls, fold-down ramps or level-access entries, and safety barriers or half-height doors. Platform lifts can be installed with minimal structural work and are available in sizes that comfortably accommodate a standard wheelchair and a companion. They are the most common choice for domestic wheelchair access.
For a comprehensive look at all the safety features available, see our guide on home lift safety for elderly users.
Cabin lifts are fully enclosed lifts that operate like a small passenger elevator. Larger cabin lifts can accommodate a wheelchair user and one or two standing passengers. They require more structural work, including a shaft or enclosure, but offer a smoother ride and a more traditional lift experience.
Through-floor lifts are generally not suitable for wheelchair users as they are typically too small to accommodate a wheelchair. However, some larger through-floor models can carry a seated user who transfers from their wheelchair at each floor.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a home lift for wheelchair use, there are several essential features to consider. The internal car size should be large enough for your wheelchair with room to manoeuvre. As a minimum, look for internal dimensions of at least 1100 millimetres wide by 1400 millimetres deep to accommodate a standard manual wheelchair. Powered wheelchairs are larger and may require dimensions of 1100 by 1500 millimetres or more.
Entry and exit points are critical. A lift with doors on two sides (through-car configuration) allows you to enter from one side and exit from the other, which avoids the need to reverse the wheelchair. This is particularly important if space on the landings is limited.
Controls should be positioned at a height accessible from a seated position, typically between 900 and 1200 millimetres from the floor. Look for large, clearly labelled buttons that are easy to operate for users with limited hand dexterity.
The lift threshold should be flush with the floor or have a very low ramp to allow smooth entry and exit without assistance. Any gap between the lift car and the landing floor should be minimal to prevent wheelchair wheels from catching.
Wheelchair Home Lift Costs
Wheelchair-accessible home lifts are generally more expensive than standard through-floor lifts because they are larger and require more structural work. As a guide, platform lifts suitable for wheelchairs start from around 12,000 to 18,000 pounds for a two-floor installation. Cabin lifts with wheelchair access start from around 20,000 to 35,000 pounds depending on the number of floors and the degree of customisation.
These prices typically include the lift unit, delivery, and installation but may not include building work such as pit construction or shaft building. Always ask for a fully itemised quote that includes all ancillary costs. For general pricing, see our home lift prices guide.
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
If you are a wheelchair user or have a disability that affects your mobility, you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant to help fund a home lift. The DFG is a local authority grant available in England and Wales to help disabled people adapt their homes for greater independence.
The maximum DFG in England is currently 30,000 pounds, which can cover the full cost of many platform lift installations. In Wales the maximum is 36,000 pounds. The grant is means-tested, meaning the amount you receive depends on your income and savings, though some people receive the full amount.
To apply for a DFG, you need to contact your local council and request an assessment by an occupational therapist. The OT will visit your home, assess your needs, and recommend appropriate adaptations. If a home lift is recommended, the council will process the grant application and arrange for the work to be carried out.
The DFG process can take several months from initial enquiry to installation, so it is worth starting the process as early as possible. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, see our guide to home lift grants and funding.
Wheelchair Lift Brands and Models
Several manufacturers offer home lifts specifically designed for wheelchair access. The main options available in the UK include the Stiltz Trio, which is designed to accommodate a wheelchair user and companion in a compact footprint. Gartec offers the HomeLift Access range specifically designed for wheelchair accessibility with customisable car sizes. Stannah produces the Midilift platform lift range with wheelchair-accessible options for two or more floors. Terry Lifts offers the Melody platform lift, which provides wheelchair access and can be installed internally or externally. Aritco provides the HomeLift range with models available in sizes suitable for wheelchair users.
Each brand and model has different specifications, so it is important to compare options based on the internal car dimensions (our how to choose guide can help), door configurations, weight capacity, and whether the lift meets your specific wheelchair and access requirements.
Planning and Installation Considerations
Installing a wheelchair-accessible lift requires careful planning around the landing areas as well as the lift itself. You need sufficient clear space on each floor for the wheelchair to approach and enter the lift safely. This typically means at least 1500 millimetres of clear space in front of the lift doors.
The route from the lift to the rooms you need to access should also be step-free and wide enough for a wheelchair. If you are having an occupational therapy assessment for DFG funding, the OT will consider the whole access route, not just the lift itself.
Get Wheelchair Lift Quotes
The best way to find the right wheelchair-accessible lift for your home is to get quotes from specialist installers who have experience with accessible installations. Use our free quote service to receive no-obligation quotes from trusted home lift companies who can assess your specific requirements and recommend the most suitable options.