Front steps that are an inconvenience in July can be dangerous in January. If someone in your home uses a wheelchair or is unsteady on stairs, winter is when an outdoor lift earns its keep. It is also when the lift needs a little care.
Choose a lift built for the weather
Our Apex wheelchair lifts are made for outdoor use, with finishes that resist corrosion. The Apex Complete adds a full enclosure, which keeps snow and wind off the rider and the platform.
Put the lift in the garage if you can
The most reliable winter entrance is one that is under cover. A platform lift inside the garage raises a wheelchair the two or three steps to the door into the house, out of the snow altogether.
Keep the area clear
- Shovel the path to the lift and the landing at the top.
- Brush snow off the platform before each use.
- Use an ice melt that is safe for metal and concrete, and avoid piling snow against the tower.
Outdoor stair lifts
An outdoor stair lift comes with a cover for the seat. Keep the cover on between rides and clear the treads beside the rail so the footrest has room to travel.
Book a service visit in the fall
A check before the cold arrives is the best protection against a breakdown in a storm. We look at the drive, the batteries, the safety switches and the finish.
Power outages
Stair lifts run on batteries that recharge when the chair is parked, so they keep working when the power is out. Ask us what backup is available for the platform lift or elevator you are considering.
Nationwide Lifts of Massachusetts is based in Wilmington, MA, with a second office in Raymond, NH. Call (978) 218-7161 or request a free quote.