Home Wheelchair Lifts in Southern California: Buyer's Guide

For a wheelchair user, a few steps at the front door can make the whole house hard to reach. A home wheelchair lift, also called a residential vertical platform lift (VPL), solves that without a long ramp. At Stairlift Masters we install home wheelchair lifts across Southern California, and this guide explains how to choose one.

What is a home wheelchair lift?

A home wheelchair lift is a platform that moves straight up and down, like a small open-air elevator. The rider rolls on, rides up and rolls off without ever leaving the wheelchair. Safety walls or gates and simple push-button controls keep each ride secure.

Key features to look for

• Platform size that fits the wheelchair and, if needed, a caregiver.

• Lift height that matches the rise of your porch, deck or floor.

• Gates or doors at each landing.

• Weather-resistant finish for outdoor installations.

• Easy controls the rider can use without help.

• Local service after installation.

Home wheelchair lift models we install

We install wheelchair lifts from brands such as TK Access, Bruno, Harmar and AmeriGlide, and service them across six Southern California counties.

How home wheelchair lift installation works

1. Free in-home assessment. We measure the rise and look at where the lift will sit.

2. Site preparation. Most outdoor lifts need a level concrete pad and a nearby power source.

3. Installation day. We install the lift, gates and controls, and test every function.

4. Training. We show the rider and family how to use the lift safely.

Home wheelchair lift vs. ramp

A ramp needs about one foot of length for every inch of rise, plus landings. For many porches that means a long ramp that takes over the yard. A wheelchair lift needs only a small footprint beside the steps, which often fits Southern California lots better.

Frequently asked questions

Can a wheelchair lift go inside the house? Yes. Platform lifts can connect levels in split-level homes, not only porches.

Do I need a permit? It depends on your city. We'll tell you during the assessment if a permit is required.

Wheelchair lift or stairlift? A stairlift is for someone who can transfer to a seat. A wheelchair lift is for someone who needs to stay in the wheelchair.

Serving Southern California

Stairlift Masters is based in Burbank and installs home wheelchair lifts across six Southern California counties. For service on an existing lift, call (818) 271-0579. See our wheelchair lift options or call (818) 600-0153 for a free in-home assessment.