What is a vertical platform lift?
A vertical platform lift, often called a VPL or porch lift, is a small platform that moves straight up and down. You roll or step onto the platform, press a button, and the lift raises you to the level of your porch, deck, or doorway. It works well for people who use a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, or who find steps hard to climb.
Since 1990, Griffin Mobility has helped people across North Alabama get in and out of their homes safely. We are a State of Alabama licensed and certified installer for vertical platform lifts and stairlifts, and State of Alabama Certified limited Elevator Installers and Mechanics.
Platform lift or ramp?
Both a ramp and a platform lift can get a wheelchair from the ground to your door. The best choice depends on how high you need to go and how much room you have.
- A ramp needs length. The ADA guideline for commercial ramps is a 1:12 slope, or about 1 foot of ramp for every inch of rise. Home ramps can vary, and your free in-home evaluation will recommend what fits your entry. For a tall porch, a ramp can still be long and take up much of your yard.
- A platform lift goes straight up, so it needs much less space. It can be a good choice for higher porches or tight spaces.
We offer both, including portable ramps and modular ramp systems. Not sure which is right? We will look at your entry during a free in-home evaluation and explain your options.
For homes and businesses
At home
At home, platform lifts are often installed at porches, decks, garages, and side entries, so you can come and go on your own.
Commercial and public buildings
Platform lifts can also help churches, offices, shops, and other buildings give wheelchair users a way past steps or a raised stage. Commercial projects often have building code and inspection requirements, so call us to talk through your building.
Installation and service
Griffin Mobility is an authorized dealer for Bruno, Harmar and Savaria platform lifts, and we install and service the lifts we sell. Our service center can service and repair most mobility equipment, and we offer 24-hour emergency service. Learn about service and repair.
New and used platform lifts
We offer new lifts and used ones. Many of our used units are lifts we first sold, installed, and maintained over the years. Purchasing used mobility equipment can save you 30% - 60% compared to buying new. Stock changes quickly, so see our used mobility equipment or call to ask.
Paying for a platform lift
We offer financing for mobility equipment, and you can apply online or in person. Programs such as the Veterans Administration or the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation may help, depending on your situation. Learn about financing options.
Platform lift questions
Is a porch lift the same as a vertical platform lift?
Yes. "Porch lift," "wheelchair lift," and "VPL" are often used for the same kind of lift: a platform that rises straight up to a porch, deck, or doorway.
Should I get a ramp or a platform lift?
For a low entry with plenty of room, a ramp may work well. For a higher porch or a small yard, a platform lift often makes more sense because it needs less space. We can help you decide during a free in-home evaluation.
Can a platform lift be installed outside?
Yes. Many platform lifts are installed outdoors at porches and decks. We will look at your entry and tell you what will work.
Do you install platform lifts for churches and businesses?
Yes. We install and service lifts for homes and for commercial buildings. Call us to talk about your project.
Who repairs my lift if it stops working?
Our service center does, and we offer 24-hour emergency service. If you call after hours, follow the prompts and leave a detailed message. The technician on call will be paged and will call you back as soon as possible.
Talk with us about a platform lift
Call Griffin Mobility at (256) 751-1365 or toll-free at (800) 353-4679 to schedule your free in-home evaluation. For 24-hour emergency service, call our main line at (256) 751-1365.
We are located at 213 Chestnut Street NW, Hartselle, AL 35640, and serve North Alabama, including Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, Cullman, Florence, Muscle Shoals, Athens, and Hartselle. Have stairs inside your home? See our stairlifts.
