What is an inclined platform wheelchair lift and how does it work?

Stair lift chairs are suitable for every situation with straight or curved stair cases in a residence or public building. The stair lift is equipped with your safety and ease of operating in mind. Stair lifts are designed with all of the following features: Most stair chair lift systems are equipped with sturdy armrests, a swivel lever, and a safety belt. All of these safety features are designed for your comfort and ease of use. The stair chair lift can be folded to save space when not in use. Usually the stair chair lift will take approximately 1/2 the space of the stairwell when folded in someone's home. Stair chair lift systems mount directly to the stair treads. "Continuous Pressure" control switch on the stair lift armrest so you can rise and descend at your own control. Each stair lift system comes with two remote controls so that you can send the stair lift away from you or call it to you. Our stair lifts systems are equipped with Rechargeable Batteries that enable the stair lift to work during power outages. Other systems are available to be ordered in A/C for applications like churches, public buildings, and commercial applications. Some private residents prefer A/C over batteries when they have underground utilities or a backup generator. Home stair lift chairs comply with all safety requirements. There are no special building alterations needed and the stair lift can be installed on the right side or left side of the stair case. Installation of the stair lift chairs can usually be done in one day.

Does an inclined platform lift work on curved or multi-landing staircases?

Stair Lifts are a great fit for any application in which you have limited mobility concerns. If the stairs have become dangerous, but you are able to easily use the chair, this product is a great choice.

What's the difference between the residential and commercial models?

You need to consider the physical ability of the person using the stair chair. Another important factor is the suitability of the stairs where the lift will be installed.

Do users have to transfer out of their wheelchair to use the lift?

Several models will comfortably fit almost anyone up to 400 lbs.

What happens to the staircase when the lift isn't in use?

If your stairs are at least 32" between the minimum obstructions, you should be able to fit almost any lift.

What is the weight capacity?

Our stair lift seat swivels at the top of the stairs and locks into place for easy entry and exit.

Can an inclined platform lift be used outdoors?

Two straight stair lifts are much more cost effective. The person(s) using the lift will need to transfer on the landing to the second lift. On average a curved stair chair is double or more of two straight rails.

Does the lift work during a power outage?

Each manufacturer makes their own equipment and can't copy certain things about another product.

How much stair width is needed?

Stair chair lifts take up anywhere from 11-20 inches on average when folded. It really depends on the size and capacity of the chair.

Is the lift ADA-compliant?

All models attach directly to the stairs and not the wall.

Does Medicare cover the cost of an inclined platform lift?

Battery operated units recharge themselves when placed on a charging strip usually located on the ends of the track. Most are made to automatically stop on the chargers. Some units have charging contacts continuously throughout the rail.

What if I need service or parts after installation?

Transitions Lift + Elevator carries a full line of replacement parts for all products we sell and services equipment we didn't install. One call gets you to a real person who can help.

Getting you where you need to be...

Inclined Platform Wheelchair Lifts

Stair access for wheelchair users — without an elevator, without a hoistway, without major construction. Inclined platform lifts travel along a rail mounted to your existing staircase and carry wheelchair users safely from one level to the next. Residential and commercial models available. Installed across Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee & Southern Indiana.

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When a Staircase Is the Barrier and an Elevator Isn't the Answer

A wheelchair user who can't get up the stairs is cut off from part of the building — and sometimes from full participation in their own home, workplace, or community. A vertical elevator isn't always feasible. A ramp isn't always possible. An inclined platform lift is often the solution that fits.

The Problem

A wheelchair user who can't access one or more floors of a home or building
A straight staircase where a ramp or vertical lift can't be installed
A church, office, or school that needs ADA-accessible stair access without major renovation
Assuming that elevator-level access requires elevator-level construction

The Solution

A platform lift that travels along the staircase rail and carries the wheelchair — no transfer required
Folds flat against the staircase when not in use so others can use the stairs freely
Battery-powered operation keeps the lift running during power outages
Residential and commercial configurations to match the setting and the need

Built for Comfort, Engineered for Safety

No transfer required

The rider stays in their wheelchair throughout the entire ride. The platform accommodates the wheelchair, power chair, or scooter and travels with it along the rail from bottom to top.

Battery-powered operation

Battery-powered drive with charging stations at both ends ensures the lift is always ready — and keeps it running safely during power outages.

ADA-compliant configurations available

The commercial model includes an optional ADA-compliant platform and a full commercial package with motorized folding arms, audio-visual alerts, and a folding seat for public accessibility compliance.

Folds flat when not in use

The platform folds away against the staircase so the stairs remain fully usable for everyone else in the home or building — no permanent obstruction.

No machine room required

The motor is housed onboard the unit. No separate machine room is needed, and no significant structural modifications to the staircase are required for installation.

Obstruction sensors and safety systems

An obstruction sensor system stops the lift instantly if anything is detected in the path of travel. Keyed access controls prevent unauthorized use.

Getting Started Is Simple

Free Phone Consultation

It starts with a call. We learn about your staircase, your setting — residential or commercial — and your access needs. We confirm whether an inclined lift is the right fit before scheduling anything.

In-Home or On-Site Assessment

We visit your location to measure the staircase, confirm rail configuration, and assess platform size and exit orientation — straight through or 90-degree side exit.

Professional Installation

Factory-trained technicians handle the complete installation and walk you through the lift before they leave.

Ongoing Support

Maintenance, repairs, and safety checks for as long as you own your lift. We also service equipment we didn't install.

What Our Customers Have to Say

How to Choose an Inclined Platform Wheelchair Lift

A quick primer for first-time buyers — the four decisions that shape every project.

Confirm Your Staircase Is a Straight Single Flight

Inclined platform lifts are designed for single-flight straight staircases only. If your staircase has a landing, a turn, or any change of direction, a vertical platform lift or a different solution is the right fit. We confirm staircase type and configuration during your free phone consultation — before scheduling any site visit or making any product recommendation.

Choose your weight capacity

Standard models carry riders up to 300 lbs comfortably, while heavy-duty options offer higher capacities and a wider seat. Matching the right capacity to the rider keeps the ride smooth and stable and the lift within its safe operating range for years to come.

Check Your Stair Width and Platform Size Options

Platform sizes vary by model, with widths starting at 26.5 inches. The residential Delta accommodates most manual wheelchairs up to 36 inches long and folds to just 13 inches when not in use. The commercial model offers multiple platform configurations — straight-through and 90-degree side exit ramps — to match your specific stair layout and landing configuration precisely.

Residential or Commercial — Know Your Application

The Savaria Delta residential model is designed for home use with a 500 lb capacity and a compact folding footprint. The Delta & Omega commercial model adds charging stations at both ends, ADA-compliant platform options, motorized folding, and audio-visual alerts — built for the reliability and compliance demands of higher-traffic commercial and public-access settings.

Consider Indoor vs. Outdoor and Access Control

Both models work indoors. The commercial model can be configured for outdoor use with a required stainless steel rail for corrosion resistance. Access control options — keyed call stations and keyed operation — prevent unauthorized use, which is important for commercial and institutional settings where the lift will be accessed by a wide range of users throughout the day.

Proudly Installing Inclined Platform Wheelchair Lifts

Explore Our Product Line

Residential Inclined Platform Lift

Savaria Delta

Commercial Inclined Platform Wheelchair Lift

Savaria Delta & Omega

Inclined Platform Wheelchair Lift FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

What is an inclined platform wheelchair lift and how does it work?

Stair lift chairs are suitable for every situation with straight or curved stair cases in a residence or public building. The stair lift is equipped with your safety and ease of operating in mind. Stair lifts are designed with all of the following features:
Most stair chair lift systems are equipped with sturdy armrests, a swivel lever, and a safety belt. All of these safety features are designed for your comfort and ease of use.

The stair chair lift can be folded to save space when not in use. Usually the stair chair lift will take approximately 1/2 the space of the stairwell when folded in someone's home.

Stair chair lift systems mount directly to the stair treads.

"Continuous Pressure" control switch on the stair lift armrest so you can rise and descend at your own control.

Each stair lift system comes with two remote controls so that you can send the stair lift away from you or call it to you.

Our stair lifts systems are equipped with Rechargeable Batteries that enable the stair lift to work during power outages.

Other systems are available to be ordered in A/C for applications like churches, public buildings, and commercial applications. Some private residents prefer A/C over batteries when they have underground utilities or a backup generator.

Home stair lift chairs comply with all safety requirements. There are no special building alterations needed and the stair lift can be installed on the right side or left side of the stair case. Installation of the stair lift chairs can usually be done in one day.
Does an inclined platform lift work on curved or multi-landing staircases?

Stair Lifts are a great fit for any application in which you have limited mobility concerns. If the stairs have become dangerous, but you are able to easily use the chair, this product is a great choice.
What's the difference between the residential and commercial models?

You need to consider the physical ability of the person using the stair chair. Another important factor is the suitability of the stairs where the lift will be installed.
Do users have to transfer out of their wheelchair to use the lift?

Several models will comfortably fit almost anyone up to 400 lbs.
What happens to the staircase when the lift isn't in use?

If your stairs are at least 32" between the minimum obstructions, you should be able to fit almost any lift.
What is the weight capacity?

Our stair lift seat swivels at the top of the stairs and locks into place for easy entry and exit.
Can an inclined platform lift be used outdoors?

Two straight stair lifts are much more cost effective. The person(s) using the lift will need to transfer on the landing to the second lift. On average a curved stair chair is double or more of two straight rails.
Does the lift work during a power outage?

Each manufacturer makes their own equipment and can't copy certain things about another product.
How much stair width is needed?

Stair chair lifts take up anywhere from 11-20 inches on average when folded. It really depends on the size and capacity of the chair.
Is the lift ADA-compliant?

All models attach directly to the stairs and not the wall.
Does Medicare cover the cost of an inclined platform lift?

Battery operated units recharge themselves when placed on a charging strip usually located on the ends of the track. Most are made to automatically stop on the chargers. Some units have charging contacts continuously throughout the rail.
What if I need service or parts after installation?

Transitions Lift + Elevator carries a full line of replacement parts for all products we sell and services equipment we didn't install. One call gets you to a real person who can help.

Professional Measure + Installation available in the following areas:

Greater Cincinnati, Greater Dayton, OH, Northern Kentucky, Greater Louisville, KY including Southern Indiana, Kentuckiana, Central Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky, Southern Kentucky, Nashville, and Middle Tennessee.