It’s a little-discussed issue: after an injury or mobility change, you’re suddenly faced with the question of how to keep living comfortably in your own home. You search for solutions and notice that elevators and commercial wheelchair lifts are everywhere — in malls, schools, and office buildings — but rarely in houses. Why is that? And when it comes to your own space, should you consider a residential wheelchair lift or invest in a home elevator?

This guide untangles the confusion. We’ll break down the real differences between wheelchair lifts and elevators — covering functionality, installation, safety, and long-term value — so you can make a confident, informed choice about the mobility solution that truly fits your home and lifestyle. 

What Is a Wheelchair Lift?

A wheelchair lift, also called a vertical platform lift or an incline platform lift (depending on application), is designed to carry a person in a wheelchair safely between two different levels. Vertical units are similar in operation to traditional elevators, but don’t necessarily require a full shaft or machine room, making them simpler to install but more limited in use.

It’s important to note that wheelchair lifts are not the same as stair chairs (also known as stair lifts). A stair chair is just a seat that glides along a rail — ideal for people who can transfer out of their wheelchair but not a solution for those who need to stay seated and have their wheelchair moved as well. 

Vertical Wheelchair Lifts

Vertical wheelchair lifts function much like a mini-elevator, traveling straight up and down over a limited range of often four to twelve feet. These are common for porch access, garage entries, or split-level homes, where a lift eliminates the need for long ramps and accordingly minimizes the amount of space needed.

Inclined Wheelchair Lifts

Incline lifts ride along a rail mounted beside the stairs, carrying both the wheelchair and its user on a platform. They’re often used where vertical space is tight or unavailable, though they do require clear stair access for installation.

Why Wheelchair Lifts Dominate Commercial Spaces but Not Homes

In public spaces, ADA requirements mandate accessibility for wheelchair bound individuals. In providing this accessibility, a vertical or incline solution often minimizes the amount of space lost to ramps. For example, to meet ADA code for a wheelchair, in order to get a wheelchair up just 4 feet to the next level would require a 48 foot ramp! Businesses also face liability, insurance, and occupancy codes that make wheelchair lifts a practical necessity.

Homes, on the other hand, aren’t bound by these rules. Without legal requirements for ease of access, homeowners typically choose simple, less-than-ideal solutions or avoid modifications altogether, leaving wheelchair lifts far less common in residential use.

Rebuilding or Renovating? Here’s Why You Should Include a Home Elevator

Functional & Lifestyle Limitations in Residences

Space & Structural Constraints

A residential wheelchair lift often requires less construction than a home elevator but can still demand floor reinforcements, clearance, and sometimes a small pit. Tight hallways, low ceilings, or non-load-bearing walls can limit feasibility.

User Experience

While effective, wheelchair lifts can be louder and less refined than home elevators. Further, the operation of a wheelchair lift requires constant pressure on the up or down button to operate. They are designed this way to meet elevator code for safety, which makes them look and feel much different than an elevator.  Transfers can be awkward, especially compared to the smooth, fully enclosed ride of an elevator.

Aesthetics & Home Value

Resale reality: home elevators often increase property value, signaling luxury and long-term planning. In contrast, a wheelchair lift is typically seen as functional , and may even decrease resale appeal if the home isn’t being sold to another wheelchair confined owner. Put simply, elevators are perceived as “cool,” while lifts are “utilitarian.”

Best Residential Use Cases for Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts are most practical when:

• Vertical travel is short (porches, garages, split-levels)
• Budgets are limited (retrofit without major remodel to the home)
• Resale value and aesthetics are a low priority

Alternatives include a portable wheelchair lift for flexible, short-term needs, or upgrading to a home elevator for permanent, multi-level accessibility.

When a Home Elevator Makes More Sense

A home elevator becomes the smarter choice when mobility needs and lifestyle expectations extend beyond what a lift can provide:

• Multi-level access: Ideal for two- or three-story homes or townhomes where frequent travel between floors is needed.
• Aging in place: Supports long-term independence and avoids the limitations of temporary or short-travel solutions.
• Safety & comfort: Provides smoother, quieter rides with easier wheelchair transfers compared to lifts while operating identically to commercial elevators.
• Home value: Elevators enhance property value and appeal, especially in high-end markets.
• Design integration: Custom finishes and styles allow elevators to blend seamlessly with luxury interiors.

For a deeper look at design options and planning considerations, explore our Ultimate Guide to Home Elevators.

Installation & Code Checklist

Installing either solution requires:

• Proper permits and inspections
• Electrical service and backup power options
• Compliance with local codes
• A licensed, qualified installer familiar with wheelchair lift installation

Skipping any of these steps risks safety and code violations.

Wheelchair Lifts FAQs

Can I install a wheelchair lift outdoors?

Yes — vertical lifts are commonly used for porches and garage entries, but must be weather-rated if outdoors

Do I need a pit for a wheelchair lift?

Some designs are pitless, making installation easier in retrofit applications. But a small ramp is required in a pitless design which can be difficult for the wheelchair operator to negotiate.

How safe are wheelchair lifts?

When installed and maintained by a professional, they’re designed and built for safety, with features like backup power for power outages.

What’s the weight capacity?

Most lifts support 600–750 lbs, enough for a user and their mobility device.

Do wheelchair lifts require regular service?

Yes — semi-annual maintenance is typical and ensures reliability and prevents breakdowns. In non-residential settings, semi-annual maintenance is required by elevator  code.

Making Your Home Mobility Decision – Summary & Next Steps

Choosing between a residential wheelchair lift and a home elevator ultimately comes down to how you want to live in your home today and in the years ahead. If you’re weighing short-term solutions like a porch lift or long-term investments like a fully integrated elevator, the right choice should reflect both your lifestyle and your vision for the future. In summary, the vast majority of homeowners – over 95% – choose home elevators over wheelchair lifts for their homes.

At McKinley Elevator, we’ve helped countless homeowners turn uncertainty into clarity with personalized guidance and expert installation. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, planning for aging in place, or building your forever home, we’ll help you find the solution that feels seamless, safe, and stylish.

Contact us today and confidently move toward better at-home mobility.