The Lehigh Valley boasts many historic buildings that add charm and historical value to the area. Of course, these buildings were built before President H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. Consequently, little, if any, thought was given to handicap access. These old buildings have thresholds, stairs, doorways, and other barriers to free access.
This is a charming historic building in a small Lehigh Valley town that is required by zoning to offer ADA access. This building represents many other public venues whose owners and operators desire to open up to all community members of all abilities. In this case, the vertical distance from the ground up to the porch is approximately 30 inches. To meet ADA requirements, an aluminum ramp would stretch out for 30 feet to provide the required 12:1 standard. The shiny aluminum ramp would be an eyesore to the historic building. It would also cost approximately $9000 to be installed.
An alternative that would discreetly sit next to the porch is a vertical platform lift that would help wheelchair and scooter users, as well as standing people, on and off the porch. It would blend in better with the architecture and would cost approximately $16,000.
A vertical platform lift consists of a platform attached to a vertical mast or tower. The platform is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair, scooter, or standing person, and is equipped with safety features such as guardrails, a non-slip surface, and emergency stop buttons.
The lift is powered by an electric motor and is operated by simple controls that can be located on the platform or a remote control. The lift can be installed indoors or outdoors and can travel to a height of several feet.
Vertical platform lifts come in a range of sizes and weight capacities to accommodate different needs and are suitable for both residential and commercial use. They are typically used when a stair lift is not an option. They can be customized with various features, such as automatic doors, weather-resistant finishes, and remote control access, to meet specific accessibility requirements. To schedule your free on-site assessment, click here.
Power Stair Lifts is based in the Lehigh Valley and is locally owned. We believe in price transparency. Not only do we provide our installation price, free one-year service warranty, and three-year parts warranty, but we will also disclose the cost of replacement batteries, preventative maintenance, annual service visits, repair fees, and a multiyear warranty. We pride ourselves not only on being the local company that Lehigh Valley residents trust but also the company that earns your business with quality service and fair prices.
If you live in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Macungie, Schnecksville, Whitehall, Coopersburg, Quakertown, Kutztown, Northampton, Emmaus, Catasauqua, Nazareth, or another Lehigh Valley location, call Power Stair Lifts for a free in-home estimate. We are independently owned and operated—not a franchise—and our mission is to serve our neighbors and community. Click through our site and web pages at powerstairlifts.com or call 484-895-1188 to schedule your free home assessment and estimate.
