Importance of Maintenance for New & Used Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lifts

by | Oct 4, 2021 | Blogs

In other news, an elderly Eastham couple staying in their 42 year old home got stuck in their living room and were forced to sleep there for over three days because their vertical platform lift would not operate.

The Conclusion? Proper maintenance and upkeep of assistive devices are a must.

Whether new or used, vertical platform wheelchair lifts provide easy accessibility solutions to people with mobility issues who are either convalescing or disabled. A new/ used porch-lift or any other vertical platform lift offers the convenience of moving across spaces while making it possible for them to enter, exit, or even negotiate every architectural barrier a location has to offer.

Proper maintenance ensures safe, worry-free, and smooth lift operation taking away the stress of an unpleasant surprise such as the one the Eastham couple had to go through. Lack of regular upkeep not only disrupts the wheelchair lift service but avoids downtime and unnecessary hassles.

With that being said, here are a few tips to maximize your platform lift investment:

  • Daily pre-trip inspections can reveal every potential problem, damage, and issue due to wear and tear.
  • Maintain a proper lubrication schedule, and professional upkeep should be performed ideally after a certain number of operating cycles or a regular time interval. The operator’s manual provides more specific details regarding maintenance of the lift.
  • Apart from the daily wear and tear due to the usage, other external conditions such as weather, contamination, and other environmental factors may require inspection and appropriate maintenance measures.
  • Make sure that in no case the wheelchair lift is not made to carry beyond its capacity. Even if it’s a used vertical platform wheelchair lift, it’s not designed to carry freight. These smart mobility assistive devices have been designed to carry a certain weight to function properly. If a platform lift is used to carry weight beyond its rated weight capacity, damage can occur to the lift.
  • Proper installation is a must. Most new or used porch lifts require the installation of an outdoor gate on the upper landing. Other extra modifications might be necessary to prevent damage from shearing hazards.
  • Choose a lift that conforms to safety code standards. A reputable manufacturer will typically manufacture their wheelchair lift to conform to current standards.
  • Make sure you don’t use the lift unnecessarily. If you have kids at home, the key can be removed which prevents unauthorized use.
  • Different wheelchair platform lifts require professional inspection and cleaning depending on the type of drivetrain and the installation location.

Vertical platform wheelchair lifts are an excellent addition to a home for improving access to people struggling with mobility issues. However, regardless of the brand and amount of money you are investing in a wheelchair lift, proper maintenance is necessary to keep it performing at its best. Regular servicing keeps a wheelchair lift operating at its peak. So, keep these tips in mind to prevent future damage and repair costs.

Are you looking for quality refurbished and used vertical platform wheelchair lifts? Independent Living Solutions can help you find an ideal fit within your budget. Browse our online inventory or connect with us for any queries.

A Four-Wheel Mobility Scooter Can Offer You A Lot of Advantages

by | Oct 1, 2021 | Blogs

Restricted mobility stops aged people and people dealing with health conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, etc., from living their life independently. They reluctantly have to rely on others to move from one place to another be it indoors or outdoors. This really damages their sense of independence. However, if seniors or people with limited mobility have a mobility scooter with them, they experience a new level of independence and freedom. These power-operated vehicles run on rechargeable batteries and allow people with mobility issues to get around quickly and easily.

Since there are different types of mobility scooters in the market such as three wheel scooters, long-distance scooters, full-size scooters, and four wheel scooters, it essential to have an idea in mind how you see yourself using a mobility scooter. Doing this will make the decision of buying a mobility scooter easier for you. In this blog, we will talk about four wheel mobility scooter and discuss why it is a better option than three wheel mobility scooter. We have listed some points for this purpose. Let’s take a look at them.

Stability

The foremost thing that makes four wheel scooters better than three wheel ones is their stability. The problem with the latter is that it can tip when entering and exiting curb cuts, dealing with inclines, or making turns at high speed. You won’t have to worry about these problems with a four wheel mobility scooter. If you want a scooter for a wide range of uses, we will recommend you go for a four wheel scooter. However, if you need a scooter for small spaces and indoors, three-wheel scooters are better as they are amazing when it comes to turning in tighter circles.

Comfort

If comfort is something that you really want in a scooter, then you’ve got to get a four wheel scooter. It can offer you a comfortable ride on different types of terrain as its four wheels can effectively absorb bumps along the terrain. You also get better leg room with these scooters and in some models, more room to position your feet thereby providing more comfort. Since a mobility scooter is a vehicle that people with mobility issues will be using a lot throughout the day, it is essential that comfort is taken into account before buying this vehicle.

Safety

Safety is another aspect that cannot be overlooked when buying a mobility scooter. Since four wheel scooters can offer you better stability, it won’t tip while riding over rough or uneven terrain. Four wheels also ensure that weight is distributed evenly, which also plays a key role in keeping the vehicle stable. In addition to all this, these scooters also have a wheelbase that is broader, wider, and sturdier.

As you can see, four wheel mobility scooters are better in a lot of different aspects. However, this does not mean three wheel scooters or other scooters such as heavy duty scooters, portable scooters are not good. Each scooter is designed to meet the needs of the rider. Therefore, you should do proper research before buying a mobility scooter for yourself or a loved one. At Independent Living Solutions, Inc, you can buy all types of mobility scooters in Denver at an affordable price. Call us at (303) 463-8200 to learn more about our products and services.