Quadriplegic Product Review: Vertical Platform Lift

Product Review Series Description

As a quadriplegic, I have become generally accepting of new technologies, especially if they help me and improve my quality of life. Since my injury in 2017, I have trialed many different forms of adaptive tech (often at my own expense), so I have become very intentional about what tools earn a place in my daily routine. Now I am certainly no “techie”—rather, I’m just a guy that is constantly searching for some added independence and autonomy. This review kicks off a new series where I look at products through the lens of life as a quadriplegic. The focus is on what works, what doesn’t, and what actually makes my daily life easier. These reviews are my own thoughts, opinions and experiences, and do not reflect the brands themselves in any way. I am not a collaborator, just a dude living life as a quadriplegic.

Symmetry Vertical Platform Lift, Model: VPC RL-2

In 2020 my wife and I found an up-and-coming neighborhood in New Hampshire and had our home built around my wheelchair. While we didn’t necessarily go full ADA, we built it to what I realistically needed. Unfortunately that also meant building to what we could realistically afford. I made cuts wherever I could to save money on the home loan, and for some strange reason, I decided that I would be perfectly fine without a way of egress off my back deck. It’s funny looking back and seeing the areas I should have prioritized and budgeted for, but hey, that’s homeownership, right?

To get out back, I had to leave my front door and roll my wheelchair through the side yard and into the backyard. This was great until my second or third attempt, when my wheelchair sunk into the mud and got stuck. Later, in the spring, my wife and I had a patio installed, and I knew that if I wanted to make the backyard a more livable and useable space, I needed a way to get off the back deck.

I began my search with bulky aluminum modular ramps. They were cheap and relatively easy to install, but man were they ugly. Then I looked into adding a wooden ramp and upgrading the deck to Trex board to increase the lifespan. That was a scary quote.

I decided to reach out to my case manager at Semper Fi & America’s Fund, an incredible veteran nonprofit, for advice and potential support. She inquired about vertical platform lifts, something I had strangely not even considered. Even better, she said the organization would likely be able to foot the bill. I’m not sure what I ever did to deserve this support, but it continues to amaze me how these organizations show up for the community.

Pros

• Excellent Space Efficiency: Unlike ramps, which require 12 inches of length for every 1 inch of rise (a 1:12 slope), a VPL moves straight up and down. This makes it ideal for tight spaces, small yards, or homes where a long ramp would destroy curb appeal or violate property setbacks. My VPL sits snuggly on a concrete slab and saved ample space for my patio. These are great options for business owners as well, who may not have the ability to add a ramp but need ADA compliance.
• Independent Operation: This VPL features an easy-to-use paddle switch and an automatic opening/closing safety gate. Other adaptations can include toggle switches, or remote controls, allowing wheelchair users with different physical abilities to operate the lift completely independently.
• Weather Resilience: Outdoor-rated VPLs are built with weather-resistant finishes, non-skid platforms, and protected electronics to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. There isn’t an ounce of rust on my unit, despite operating consistently through six heavy New England winters.
• High Weight Capacity: VPLs typically handle between 600 to 750 lbs (and some heavy-duty models go up to 1,000 lbs), easily accommodating heavy motorized power chairs, the user, and an additional caregiver (or a brave nephew that “wants to push the buttons”) if necessary.
• Preserves Home Aesthetics: A compact lift tucked against a porch or deck is often much less visually intrusive than a winding zig-zag ramp dominating the front of a house.

Cons

• High Upfront and Installation Costs: VPLs are a significant investment. Equipment and professional installation typically range from $5,000 to $15,000+, depending on the lifting height. You also have to factor in the cost of pouring a level concrete pad for the foundation. I would not have been able to do this without the financial aid I received from Semper Fi Fund. For a list of potential resources, check out my resources page.
• Mechanical and Electrical Dependence: Because they run on electricity (often with a battery backup system), a VPL can experience mechanical failure or require troubleshooting. If the battery backup fails during a prolonged power outage, egress could be compromised. Additionally, a 240 V outlet is required for operation. For me, this meant an extra cost from hiring an electrician.
• Required Maintenance: Like any piece of machinery, VPLs require routine maintenance (lubricating moving parts, checking backup batteries, and ensuring safety gates latch correctly) to keep them running safely and to prevent rust or freezing in harsh winter climates. This means an added expense to have someone come inspect and replace parts. The few times that my lift broke-down were from the pressure plate under the carriage, which stops the lift if it detects the platform dropping on something other than the ground. This was a frustrating fix because all the technician did was walk under the lift and smack some yard debris out from the bottom a few times to get it running again.
• Slower Egress in Emergencies: In an emergency situation (like a fire), a VPL moves at a deliberate, steady pace (usually about 10 feet per minute). It cannot be rushed, which can be an anxiety factor if it is the only accessible exit. Luckily, for me, I have other means of egress.
• Exposure to the Elements During Use: While the machine is weather-rated, the user is still exposed to the elements while waiting for the lift to arrive, boarding, and riding it, which can be challenging during heavy rain, snow, or high winds, especially if the lift is designed for a 2 (or more) story traverse.

Every homeownership journey has its “I should have budgeted for that” moments, but finding the right solution is what makes a house a home. Adaptation is part of having a disability. A vertical platform lift might have mechanical dependencies and a steep price tag, but its space efficiency and the sheer independence it grants far outweigh the cons for me. If you find yourself staring down a scary quote for a massive ramp or, like me, sinking into the yard just trying to enjoy your afternoon, I highly encourage you to look into a VPL.