How High Can a Wheelchair Lift Go?

When you rely on a wheelchair or another mobility device, modern accessibility solutions can help you navigate your home. After all, from simple porch lifts to multi-level IPLs, wheelchair lifts are one of the most space-saving ways to get from point A to point B.

However, because these lifts can’t travel as high as traditional home elevators, it’s important to know if they’ll be compatible with your home layout. Below, we discuss the travel height limitations of various wheelchair platform lift types so you can find the best installation for your situation.

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How Wheelchair Platform Lift Type Impacts Travel Distance

While the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME A18.1) sets general standards for wheelchair lifts, the maximum height ultimately depends on lift type.

Commercial vs. Residential Wheelchair Lifts

Lifts for commercial and residential usage fall under the same ASME A18.1 mechanical and safety standard: enclosed lifts have a maximum travel height of 14’. However, commercial units have some additional regulations that residential options do not. For instance, unenclosed commercial lifts are capped at 5’ (60”) and require a platform gate. They also need a maximum weight capacity of 750 lbs, while residential lifting capacity can range from 350 to 800+ lbs, depending on the model and drive type.

Vertical Platform Lifts vs. Inclined Platform Lifts

Aside from multi-level IPLs, which have the potential to travel further, both VPLs and IPLs usually have a maximum travel distance of 14’. Their key difference is in how the lift travels, not how far it can go. IPLs work similarly to stairlifts, moving a wheelchair-accessible platform along a rail anchored to the stair treads. VPLs, on the other hand, are vertical wheelchair lifts that move straight up and down along a mast or guide column, much like an open-air elevator. They’re a great outdoor wheelchair lift option because they can be easily placed next to porches, decks, side entries, and more.

Wheelchair Lift Drive Types

Wheelchair lifts generally use one of two drive systems: hydraulic or lead screw. Hydraulic drive systems are typical for VPLs and rely on pumped fluid pressure to reach 171”, or just over 14’. The latter is more common in IPLs, and it works by turning a threaded rod that drives the platform up a rail. Most models have a standard lift height of 147” (just over 12’). Some commercial-grade curved IPLs utilize rope systems (cable systems) that allow them to travel much higher (up to 164’) and stop at intermediate landings on the staircase. Unlike elevators, they won’t require a hoistway (shaftway).

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Lift Heights for Common Wheelchair Lift Types

Wheelchair Lift Type	Max Lift Height (feet)	Weight Capacity	Platform Size
Straight IPL	80′ (standard 12′ 3″)	350 – 750 lbs	36″ – 48″ L x 26″ – 36″ W
Curved IPL	164′	350 – 750 lbs	36″ – 48″ L x 26″ – 36″ W
VPL	14′	Up to 800 lbs	48″ – 60″ L x 36″ – 42″ W
Commercial unenclosed lift	5′	Min. 750 lbs	Varies by model

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The Importance of ASME, Local Building Code, & ADA Compliance

How high your wheelchair lift can go ultimately comes down to national and local regulations, rather than its physical limitations. Aside from municipal building codes, which vary widely, there are two main standards at play here: ASME A18.1 sets mechanical limits, and the ADA addresses how height-related features must function for accessibility. Once those standards are met, your local building department has the final say on what’s permitted at your address.

• ASME A18.1 is the reason a 14’ cap is the baseline mechanical and safety standard for every commercial and residential platform lift. It also ties height to other safety requirements, such as requiring VPLs to install a gate or barrier at every landing to protect users. Additionally, any lift that reaches the upper landing of the second floor needs obstruction sensors and emergency stop controls built into the run.
• ADA requirements don’t mention a maximum travel height but do dictate how the “reachable” parts of a lift are positioned along that height. For instance, call stations and controls need to sit within 15″ to 48″ from the floor for forward reach or 9″ to 54″ for side reach. That way, users can access important buttons without stretching, no matter how tall the lift is. Platform enclosure walls must also rise a minimum of 42” to secure riders.
• Your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the final say on height limitations and can tell you exactly what’s permitted for your address. This is because counties and states add their own restrictions on top of the baseline standards, such as stricter height limits, different permitting requirements, or added inspection steps once a lift is installed. Before committing to a lift height or model, it’s worth calling your local building department to confirm that your plans are compliant.

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The Bottom Line: Most Wheelchair Lifts Can Travel Up to 14’

For wheelchair-bound seniors with limited mobility, wheelchair lifts are a great way to improve accessibility to porches, decks, patios, or upper floors. In most cases, your residential installation can reach 14’ max, with the exception of IPLs that can travel further because they follow a staircase. For the most part, though, 14’ is more than enough to reach the second floor or elevated outdoor spaces.

To ensure your code is compliant with national and local regulations, you should contact both your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for building code information and the wheelchair lift company for a model’s specific dimensions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How Far a Wheelchair Lift Can Travel

Help us improve our guides! If you’ve recently purchased a vertical platform lift or have insights on how yours works, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experience with us at [email protected]. Your personal details will stay completely confidential.