Small elevator for wheel chair?

[Spaggs]

I'm building my dream garage and am looking forward to the next 30+ years lying under my toys and having oil drip on my face. That maybe a little too descriptive. Anyway, I need an elevator for my future wheel chair needs. I want to go from my workshop area to the floor above with a small elevator and was wondering if anybody has done this or seen it done. I'm not looking for a thing of beauty, just functional.

Spaggs

 

[tatra]

very stringent laws governing the build, insatallation and use of anything that moves ppl..........hell, even simple ramps have to be built to code...........sorry not much help, but look forward to seeing the other responses.............good luck.........

 

[crowsfoot]

build ramp from one floor to another,then secure two garage door motors one on each side of the wall,fix a clip to each side or chain or cable,hook to yer wheel chair and push yer door openers and it should pull you up the ramp .....well??? maybe why not..... let me know what you think,it works at my friends gun range to pull targets back and forth. crowsfoot

 

[G1K]

I had one in the last house I rented, it utilized a 1ton electric hoist. It was kinda scary, and I only used it twice in the three years I lived there. I'm sure it wasn't build to any codes. I'll see if I can dig up some pics of it.

R

 

[GTO]

Google "LULA"

 

[e-tek]

There are some nice attic hoists on-line that could do the trick. I've seen great DIY ones on GJ in other posts. Some have a large-enough paltform with rails that would fit a chair. Would have to check if the hoist is rate of course!

Here's one: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8563&showall=1

 

[Spaggs]

Thanks. That gives me some ideas. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Spaggs

 

[mackrmnn]

Check craigslist. Here is an add for one in Richmond.

Wheelchair - Elevator - Commercial Grade

 

[kbs2244]

tatra has it right on the liability front.
In theory it shouldn't be too hard.
Less than 500 pounds and less than 30 feet.
But anything that carries people is under a lot of codes.
If you DIY do it after any and all inspections.

 

[rsanter]

they make them for wheelchair usage, but that aint cheap

is there another option like one of those chair things that go along side the stairs and you can keep a wheelchair upstairs and another one downstairs?

bob

 

[Tscott]

I was considering something similar for my shop. I wanted a platform that would lift heavy objects up to a mezzanine type structure. I decided that if I did it I would get an old fork lift mast assembly. I would use it as is and run the hydraulics with electric pumps hardwired into the building. I would use limit switches to stop it at the top and bottom and use simple push buttons at either level to begin the raise and lower cycles. Even a small fork lift would be more than capable of handling a persons weight and then some.

When I need a solution to a problem I always try to look to solutions others have already come up with, it saves time and headaches. No need to reinvent the wheel.

Tom

 

[Torque1st]

This is the fancy solution:
http://www.thelev.com/