Platform Lift Installation
Request a free quote from our specialist platform lift installation team todayAt Lift Services, we design, supply, and install platform lifts that provide reliable, compliant access for wheelchair users and mobility‑impaired passengers in commercial, residential, and public buildings across the UK.
We deliver turnkey projects, from survey and specification through to installation, commissioning, certification, and aftercare, ensuring a fully compliant solution that integrates seamlessly with your building and day-to-day operations.
We’ll advise the correct route for your site and take care of documentation, risk assessments, and handover training.
Request a free quote from our specialist platform lift installation team today.
What Is A Platform Lift?
A platform lift is a powered lifting device that moves passengers, usually a wheelchair user and optionally an attendant, between levels at a low speed (typically ≤0.15 m/s).
Unlike full passenger lifts, platform lifts utilise simpler machinery (screw-drive, hydraulic, or MRL traction), require minimal pit and headroom, and are ideal where a traditional lift shaft is impractical or cost-prohibitive.
Typical travel ranges include 0.5–2 m for step lifts, up to ~7 m for enclosed vertical platform lifts, and stair‑following routes for inclined platform lifts.
Controls are generally constant‑pressure (hold‑to‑run) for safety, with interlocked doors/gates and on‑car safety edges.
Many models operate on a single-phase 230 V supply with low energy demand and battery-backed emergency lowering.
Our platform lift projects are built around UK Building Regulations Part M accessibility requirements and the Equality Act 2010, with equipment compliant to BS EN 81‑41 (vertical lifting platforms) or BS EN 81‑40 (inclined platforms).
Depending on travel and configuration, platform lifts are supplied under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations (UKCA marked), rather than the Lifts Regulations.
Which Types Of Platform Lifts Do You Install?
We install all major platform lift formatsand tailor each to the building use, route, and duty cycle.
Vertical enclosed platform lifts (with a self‑supporting modular shaft) suit schools, GP surgeries, offices, and retail where travel is up to ~7 m and you want a clean architectural finish without building a masonry shaft.
Open step lifts work perfectly for short rises at entrances (e.g., 600–1,000 mm), providing fully compliant access without the need for long ramps that consume valuable floor space.
For protected stairways or heritage interiors, inclined platform lifts run along the stair, folding away when not in use to preserve egress.
Where aesthetics matter, we specify glass panels, powder‑coated structures, and custom doors.
We’ll advise on platform sizes (e.g., 1100 × 1400 mm for wheelchair users, larger for attendant use), door configurations (single entry, through-car, 90° adjacent), and load ratings (250–500 kg).
What Regulations And Standards Apply?
Platform lifts must meet applicable standards and building rules.
For access compliance, Part M sets expectations on minimum clear openings, landing space, control heights, and signage; the Equality Act 2010 places a duty to make reasonable adjustments.
Equipment is typically UKCA‑marked under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and designed to BS EN 81‑41 (vertical platforms) or BS EN 81‑40 (inclined).
In workplaces, PUWER applies to safe use and maintenance.
Thorough examinations are often carried out at intervals aligned with LOLER principles, particularly when the platform is used at work and carries people.
We arrange an appropriate inspection regime to satisfy your insurer and H&S policy.
Fire strategy is also reviewed: platform lifts are not evacuation lifts, and we configure alarm interfaces for safe return and isolation per your Fire Risk Assessment.
What Does The Installation Process Involve?
We start with a site survey to capture travel height, fixing substrates, landing geometry, utilities, and any planning constraints.
Then we issue a specification and GA drawings for sign‑off, covering platform size, door swing, controls, and finishes.
Once manufactured, we coordinate delivery, protect working areas, and install the modular shaft (if specified), drive unit, doors/gates, controls, and power supply.
Commissioning includes functional and safety tests, interlock checks, emergency lowering, alarm/phone verification, and integration with fire alarm triggers if required.
We complete documentation, including UKCA/Declaration of Conformity, O&M manuals, and test certificates, and provide handover training for staff or residents.
For retrofits, we plan around occupancy to minimise dust, noise, and downtime, and we can phase works out of hours where needed.
What Building Work Is Required?
One of the strengths of platform lifts is the minimal builder’s work.
Many models need no pit or a very shallow pit (≈50–120 mm) with a ramp option if excavation isn’t possible.
The headroom above the top landing is typically ~2,200 mm.
Our team or your contractor can complete minor enabling works: forming openings, trimming floors, providing local power spurs, and making good finishes.
For listed buildings or façade changes, we can assist with planning/listed building consent and provide method statements that protect the heritage fabric.
A modular self‑supporting shaft avoids heavy structural alterations and speeds up the programme.
How Long Does It Take?
From order to commissioning, allow 4–10 weeks depending on model, finishes, and approvals.
On‑site installation is usually fast: 1–3 days for step lifts, 2 to 5 days for vertical enclosed platforms, and 2 to 4 days for inclined platforms (route complexity dependent).
We’ll issue a detailed programme that coordinates deliveries, scaffold/MEWP if needed, power-on dates, and commissioning windows to keep stakeholders aligned.
How Much Does A Platform Lift Cost?
Budget guidance (supply, install, commission, ex‑VAT) depends on travel, size, and finishes, but these are typical UK ranges:
Step lifts (0.5–1.0 m travel) is £7,000–£12,000
Inclined platform lifts (straight/curved) is £8,000–£15,000+
Vertical enclosed platform lifts (up to ~7 m) is £12,000–£25,000+
Premium cabins, glass structures, or heavy-duty 400–500 kg is £20,000 to £40,000+
Electrical spurs, minor building works, out-of-hours working, or bespoke finishes can add to the cost.
We provide itemised fixed quotationsand value‑engineer options (e.g., standard RALs, standard platform sizes) to keep within budget.
Running costs are low due to the use of single-phase power and efficient drives.
What About Safety Features And Usability?
Every installation includes interlocked doors/gates, obstruction safety edges, under-platform safety pans, anti-rollback features, emergency lowering, battery backup, and an alarm/auto-dialler where appropriate.
Controls are placed within Part M heights and offer raised symbols/braille on request.
Speed, acceleration, and levelling are tuned for comfort, with soft‑start/stop to reduce jolts.
We can include access control (key switch or proximity) for private use areas, and auto‑close doors with safe presence detection on public sites.
Do You Provide Maintenance And Compliance Support?
After installation, we offer planned preventative maintenance (PPM) tailored to usage, typically 2 visits per year for standard duty sites, with 24/7 breakdown cover and guaranteed response times.
We can coordinate thorough examinations at insurer-agreed intervals, maintain logbooks, and ensure your documentation is audit-ready.
Our stock of common parts for popular models reduces downtime, and we provide first-fix diagnostics to help you get up and running quickly.
What Are the Warranties, Spares, and Lifespan?
New platform lifts include a 12–24 month warranty covering parts and labour (model dependent).
With routine maintenance, a platform lift typically offers a service life of 10–20 years.
We specify systems with strong spares availability and long‑term manufacturer support to protect your investment.
Where budgets are tight, we can propose refurb or modernisation for existing platforms, new controllers, drives, safety circuits, and aesthetic upgrades, extending life at lower cost.
What Are The Benefits Of Platform Lift Installation?
The benefits of platform lift installation are improved accessibility, lower build impact, and strong lifecycle value compared with traditional lifts.
Part M and Equality Act compliance without major structural works
Minimal pit/headroom and self‑supporting shafts for swift retrofit
Lower capital and running costs than conventional passenger lifts
Single‑phase power and efficient drives for simple integration
Custom sizes and finishes to suit heritage or modern interiors
Fast installation with limited disruption to operations
What Are The Accessibility And Design Considerations?
We size platforms to suit the intended users: a common wheelchair platform measures 1100 × 1400 mm, while a 1100 × 1600 mm platform supports a wheelchair and an attendant.
Clear door openings are targeted at≥900 mm, with landing space kept clear for turning.
We’ll advise on landing contrasts, DDA‑friendly signage, call button heights (850–1100 mm), handrail inclusion, audible/visual indicators, and lighting.
Where a ramp is technically possible but impractical due to gradient or space, a platform lift provides a Part M‑compliant alternative that preserves usable floor area.
Are Platform Lifts Suitable For Heavy Use?
For moderate use (e.g., schools, clinics, small offices), a platform lift is an ideal solution.
For high traffic (busy retail, transport hubs, high‑rise residential), we’ll assess cycle rates and may recommend a full passenger lift to BS EN 81‑20/50 instead.
Where a platform lift is still preferred, we specify higher duty cycles, larger motors, and robust doors to accommodate the increased demand.
Why Choose Lift Services?
At Lift Services, we combine regulatory expertise, experienced engineers, and a design‑led approach that fits your building, budget, and programme.
We work brand-agnostically, selecting the right platform lift technology, hydraulic, screw-drive, or MRL traction, backed by nationwide support, rapid response maintenance, and clear documentation.
From feasibility to handover, you get a single accountable partner focused on safety, compliance, and user experience.
Get A Free Platform Lift Survey And Quote
Tell us your travel height, landings, and preferred finishes, and we’ll provide a no‑obligation design proposal, drawings, and a fixed price.
Contact Lift Services today to book your site survey and get your project moving.