Wheelchair platform stairlifts
Lifting devices provide vertical transportation between building floors, levels or decks, and are commonly found in offices, public buildings and other types of multi-storey accommodation.
The requirement for lifting devices is set out in Part M of the building regulations; Access to and use of buildings. Approved document M makes clear that passenger lifts are the most suitable form of vertical transportation, however, in some existing buildings, and very occasionally in new buildings, if a passenger lift cannot be accommodated, then a vertical lifting platform (or platform lift) may be considered as an alternative, and in exceptional circumstances in existing buildings, a wheelchair platform may be considered.
Wheelchair platforms, or wheelchair platform stairlifts are only for use by wheelchair users, not for general building users. They travel along the stair string (that is the panel on the side of a flight of stairs to which the treads and risers are fixed) allowing wheelchair users to travel up and down stairs while remaining seated in their wheelchair. They should not restrict the safe use of the stair by other users, and means of escape should be maintained when the wheelchair platform is in the parked position.
Wheelchair platforms are slow moving, limited to 0.15m/s, and so may not be suitable for users with some disabilities. They should be at least 800mm wide and 1250mm deep, with an effective clear width access of at least 800mm.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Access and inclusion in the built environment: policy and guidance.
- Access consultant.
- Approved document M.
- Changing lifestyles.
- Disabled access lifts.
- Escalator.
- Firefighting lift.
- Hoists.
- Inclusive design.
- Lifting device.
- Lifting platform.
- Lifts.
- Lifts and Escalators: A Quality Perspective.
- Lifts and Their Special Operating Modes.
- Lifts for office buildings.
- Non-discriminatory building design.
- Platforms lifts and how they benefit people.
- Ramps.
- Smart elevators.
- Stairs.
- Stairs string.
- Stairlift.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.