What Reach Lift Is

Reach Lift is a vertical platform lift designed to help people with mobility challenges access upper floors, mezzanines, or elevated areas in buildings. Unlike a full elevator, it moves straight up and down in a compact footprint, making it practical for spaces where a traditional staircase or ramp won't fit. The platform lowers to ground level, a person using a wheelchair, walker, or crutches rolls or steps on, and the lift raises them to the destination floor.

Reach Lift units are manufactured by Savaria, a Canadian company that specializes in accessibility equipment. They are commonly installed in homes, small offices, retail spaces, and public buildings where vertical access is needed but space is limited. The lift operates on electricity and requires a dedicated circuit; installation typically takes one to two days.

Key Takeaways

  • Reach Lift is a compact vertical platform lift that moves people up and down between floors without requiring a full elevator shaft or stairwell.
  • The platform lowers flush to the ground, accommodates wheelchairs and walkers, and raises to the destination floor at the push of a button.
  • Installation requires a dedicated electrical circuit, adequate ceiling height, and a structural engineer's sign-off if the building is older or has uncertain load capacity.
  • Reach Lift units cost between $8,000 and $15,000 before installation, with total project costs often reaching $12,000 to $20,000 depending on site conditions.
  • Maintenance contracts typically run $300 to $600 per year and cover annual inspections, lubrication, and emergency repairs.

How the Platform and Controls Work

The Reach Lift platform is a steel-reinforced deck, usually 36 inches wide and 48 inches deep, with a weight capacity of 750 pounds. Safety gates or chains prevent a person from stepping off while the platform is moving. The lift is controlled by a straightforward push-button panel mounted at waist height on both the lower and upper landings, so a user can call the lift from either floor.

The platform descends slowly to ground level—this takes about 10 to 15 seconds—and locks in place. Once a person is on the platform and the gate is closed, pressing the up button raises the platform at the same controlled speed. The lift stops automatically when it reaches the upper landing, the gate unlocks, and the user can exit. If the power fails, most Reach Lift models have a manual lowering valve so the platform can be brought to ground level by hand.

The entire cycle—lower, load, raise, unload—typically takes 30 to 45 seconds. This is slower than an elevator but faster and more practical than navigating stairs or a long ramp, especially for someone with limited strength or endurance.

Space and Structural Requirements

Reach Lift requires a vertical shaft or opening in the floor above. The footprint is small—roughly 4 feet by 5 feet—but the ceiling height above the upper landing must be at least 7 feet 6 inches to allow the platform to fully retract. If you are installing one in a home with 8-foot ceilings, the upper landing will have very little headroom once the lift is raised.

The floor below must be able to support the weight of the lift mechanism plus the maximum load on the platform. A structural engineer will need to review the floor plan and confirm that the joists or concrete can handle the concentrated load. In newer homes built to current code, this is usually not a problem. In older homes or buildings with uncertain construction, reinforcement may be necessary, which adds cost and time.

The lift also needs a dedicated 20-amp electrical circuit run to the installation site. If your electrical panel is far from the lift location or your home has limited capacity, an electrician may need to upgrade the service, which can add $500 to $2,000 to the project.

Installation and Timeline

Installation begins with a site survey by the manufacturer or an authorized dealer. They measure the opening, check ceiling height, inspect the floor structure, and confirm electrical access. If structural reinforcement is needed, that work happens first—typically a one- to two-week process depending on the contractor's schedule.

Once the site is ready, the lift itself is delivered and installed over one to two days. The platform is positioned, the guide rails are secured to the floor and ceiling, the motor and hydraulic system are connected, and the electrical circuit is wired. A technician then tests the lift under load, adjusts the speed and safety gates, and trains the user on operation.

From the initial survey to final sign-off, the entire process usually takes three to six weeks. Delays most often happen if structural work is needed or if the electrical upgrade takes longer than expected.

Cost Breakdown

The Reach Lift unit itself costs between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on the model and load capacity. Installation labor typically adds $2,000 to $5,000. Structural reinforcement, if required, can add $1,000 to $3,000. Electrical work to run a new circuit or upgrade service can add $500 to $2,000.

Total project cost for a straightforward installation in a home with adequate structure and electrical capacity is usually $12,000 to $18,000. If significant structural or electrical work is needed, the total can reach $20,000 to $25,000. Some people finance the lift through a home equity line of credit or a personal loan; others pay out of pocket or use funds from a disability grant or insurance settlement.

Annual maintenance contracts run $300 to $600 per year and include an inspection, lubrication of moving parts, and emergency repair coverage. Without a maintenance contract, a single service call typically costs $150 to $300, plus parts.

Safety Features and Inspection

Reach Lift units are built with multiple safety systems. The platform has a non-slip surface and handrails or grab bars on at least two sides. Safety gates or chains prevent entry or exit while the platform is moving. Load sensors stop the lift if the weight exceeds the maximum capacity. If the power fails, the platform can be lowered manually using a hand crank or valve.

Most jurisdictions require a licensed elevator inspector to certify the lift before it is put into service. The inspection confirms that the installation meets building code, the safety systems function, and the load capacity is accurate. After installation, many areas require annual or biennial inspections. The cost of the initial inspection is usually $200 to $400; annual inspections cost $150 to $300.

Alternatives to Reach Lift

If a Reach Lift does not fit your space or budget, other options exist. A stair lift (also called a chair lift) runs along the edge of a staircase and carries a seated person up and down; it costs $3,000 to $8,000 but requires an existing staircase and does not work for wheelchair users. A residential elevator is a full-size elevator in a shaft and costs $20,000 to $50,000 but requires more space and structural work.

A ramp is the least expensive option—$500 to $3,000 depending on length and materials—but requires significant floor space and may not be practical for steep rises or tight layouts. A pneumatic lift (a small vacuum-powered elevator) costs $25,000 to $40,000 and fits in a 3-foot-diameter shaft, making it useful in very tight spaces.

The right choice depends on your mobility needs, available space, budget, and the height difference you need to bridge. A Reach Lift is often the middle ground: more affordable than a full elevator, more practical than a ramp, and able to handle wheelchairs and walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Reach Lift be installed in a rental apartment?

Technically yes, but you will need written permission from the landlord and building owner. A permanent installation requires modifications to the floor and ceiling, which most landlords will not allow. Some renters have negotiated a temporary installation with the understanding that it will be removed when they move, but this is uncommon and requires the landlord's agreement in writing.

What happens if the power goes out?

The platform will stop wherever it is. Most Reach Lift models have a manual lowering valve that allows you to bring the platform down to ground level by hand, using a hand crank or wrench. This takes a few minutes but does not require an electrician. If the valve is not accessible or you cannot operate it, you will need to call the manufacturer's emergency line or a service technician.

How much weight can a Reach Lift hold?

Standard models hold 750 pounds, which accommodates most wheelchairs and one or two people. Heavy-duty models can hold up to 1,000 pounds. The weight limit includes the person, their wheelchair or walker, and any items they are carrying. If you exceed the limit, the lift will not operate.

Do I need a permit to install a Reach Lift?

Yes, in most jurisdictions. You will need a building permit, and the installation must be inspected by a licensed elevator inspector before the lift can be used. The permit process typically takes one to two weeks and costs $100 to $300. Your installer or dealer can usually handle the permit process on your behalf.

Can a Reach Lift be moved to a different location later?

It can be, but it is expensive and time-consuming. The lift must be disconnected, removed, the original installation site repaired, and the new site prepared and inspected. Relocation typically costs 50 to 70 percent of the original installation cost. If you think you may move in the next five to ten years, factor this into your decision.