Blog

Accessible Home Access: Solutions for a Safe and Comfortable Entrance Area

Step-free access to the home is no longer merely a matter of comfort; it is a key building block for independence, safety and quality of living—for example for people using a wheelchair, rollator, pushchair or walking aids.

Guides and specialist portals show that the entrance area is primarily about steps, ramps, path routing, door widths and thresholds, complemented by lighting, handrails, and easily reachable doorbell and intercom systems.

At the same time, conventional ramps quickly reach practical limits when there are greater differences in height. This is precisely where vertical platform lifts and lift platforms from Lehner Lifttechnik come in—for example, when several steps or a raised ground floor level needs to be made accessible.

Table of contents

• Why step-free access to the home is so important
• Basics & standards: What applies to paths, ramps and doors?
• Ramp, level path or renovation? Options at the house entrance
• Step-free access with a lift: lifting platforms and vertical platform lifts
• Practical planning: What you should pay particular attention to
• Product portfolio
• Conclusion: Finding the right solution between ramp and lift
• FAQ – Frequently asked questions about step-free access to the home

Basics & standards: What applies to paths, ramps and doors?

For step-free access, the requirements of DIN 18040 (accessible construction) have become established in Europe—including in the Austrian context—as a key planning basis. Among other things, it governs paths, ramps and entrances.

Paths and manoeuvring areas

The standard recommends:

• main paths to the building: at least 150 cm wide,
• secondary paths: generally at least 120 cm wide,
• sufficiently large manoeuvring areas in front of entrance doors, typically at least 150 × 150 cm, to allow manoeuvring with a wheelchair or rollator.

Ramp, level path or renovation? Options at the house entrance

Many guides on accessible entrances start with a simple question:

How big is the difference in height between the outdoor area and the entrance level?

Small differences in level

For small height differences—such as 1–2 steps or a low threshold—the following are usually considered:

• completely removing steps by levelling the terrain,
• lowering or adjusting paths,
• short ramps with a gentle gradient,
• flat threshold ramps at the front door.

Where space allows, a structural solution without technology is often the most robust option.

Several steps or a raised ground floor

If several steps have to be overcome—typically in raised ground-floor situations—ramps quickly reach their limits:

• To bridge, for example, a 70–100 cm height difference with a maximum 6% gradient, over 10–16 m of ramp length would be required.
• This length has to fit somewhere on the property, including intermediate landings and manoeuvring areas.

Many planning guides therefore explicitly point out that ramps are technically possible, but in residential settings are often space-intensive and challenging in terms of design when larger height differences need to be overcome.

At the latest at this point, lifting platforms and vertical platform lifts come into play as an alternative.

Step-free access with a lift: lifting platforms and vertical platform lifts

If a ramp would be disproportionately long or hardly feasible structurally, a lift at the house entrance can be a highly efficient solution. This is precisely one of the strengths of Lehner Lifttechnik.

Vertical platform lifts for house entrances

The company website clearly describes:

“A vertical platform lift is the solution when differences in height need to be overcome vertically—for example at the house entrance, between two living levels, or between a terrace and the interior.”

Typical features of such systems (e.g., Sigma, Liftboy 1–5):

• Use with a wheelchair, rollator or pushchair directly on the platform
• Use indoors or outdoors, weather-resistant design
• compact footprint, no deep lift pit required
• lifting heights from just a few steps up to several metres (e.g. Sigma up to 8 m)
• optional cladding and railings for harmonious integration into the architecture

Especially at the house entrance, vertical platform lifts can replace a ramp when:

• the height difference between the pavement and the entrance level is significantly more than 30–40 cm,
• the property or entrance area does not offer enough space for a standard-compliant ramp,
• a tidy, visually unobtrusive solution is preferred.

Lifting platforms for smaller differences in height

For smaller heights—such as a few steps at the entrance or a landing situation—compact lifting platforms such as the Liftboy 1–3 are an option:

• lifting heights up to around 97 cm, depending on the model
• flexible installation, in some cases also available as a mobile version
• quick installation and comparatively minor structural intervention
• ideal for retrofitting existing entrances, steps or terraces

This means even tight situations—for example a few steps from the courtyard to the house entrance—can be made step-free without having to remodel the entire entrance area.

Which solution makes sense in any individual case always depends on the difference in height, space available, usage and budget.

Practical planning: What you should pay particular attention to

Guides on accessible entrances and building access repeatedly mention similar planning mistakes—many of which can be avoided early on with careful coordination.

Product portfolio

Conclusion: Finding the right solution between ramp and lift

Step-free access to the home is always the result of an individual assessment:

• How big is the difference in height?
• How much space is available in the entrance area?
• Who will use the access route (wheelchair, rollator, pushchair)?
• Should step-free access be retrofitted, or integrated from the outset in a new build?

Professional recommendations make it clear:

• Ramps are often suitable for small differences in height, but they must comply with standard requirements for gradient, width and manoeuvring areas.
• For greater heights or confined spaces, vertical platform lifts, platform stairlifts, and vertical lifts are an efficient and space-saving alternative.

With its vertical platform lifts, platform stairlifts, and vertical lifts, Lehner Lifttechnik offers solutions specifically developed for such applications:

• step-free access to the house entrance,
• overcoming raised ground-floor situations,
• connecting the terrace and interior,
• safe use with a wheelchair, rollator or walking aids.

The specific design—ramp, lift or a combination—is best clarified in a personal consultation, taking into account photos, plans and measurement data of the entrance situation.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about step-free access to the home

How to obtain financial support

A stairlift is often the decisive step to remain safe in one’s own home – at the same time, it represents a significant investment. The question frequently arises:

What stairlift grants are available – and how can I specifically access them?

Guides and specialist portals show that in many cases, public grants and funding can cover part of the costs – for example, through the nursing care insurance fund in Germany, funding programs in Austria, or benefits from the disability insurance in Switzerland.

Table of contents

• What does “stairlift grant” actually mean?
• Germany: Nursing Care Insurance Fund Grant for Home Environment Improvement Measures
• Austria: Funding and Grants for Barrier-Free Conversions
• Switzerland: Support from Disability Insurance, OASI, and Other Bodies
• Step-by-Step Guide to Stairlift Grants
• How Lehner Lifttechnik Can Support the Process
• Conclusion: No Reliable Grant Without Consultation
• FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about “Stairlift Grant”

Step-by-Step Guide to Stairlift Grants

The procedures differ from country to country, but some typical steps can be identified that are recommended in many guides:

1. Document medical need
   Have doctors, therapists, or nursing services certify that a stairlift or a comparable lift solution is necessary to safely manage daily life or enable care.

2. Clarify the responsible cost bearer

   • Germany: Nursing care insurance fund (care level 1–5)

   • Austria: Provincial authorities, Social Ministry Service (Support Fund)

   • Switzerland: IV office, possibly OASI/supplementary benefits
     Additionally, accident insurance, social welfare offices, or foundations may be relevant.

3. Obtain a cost estimate
   Have a detailed cost estimate prepared for the stairlift, platform lift, or vertical platform solution – including installation, necessary ancillary work, and service package. This is usually attached to the application.

4. Submit application – always before placing an order
   Submit the application with all required documents (medical certificates, cost estimate, possibly photos/plans). Official bodies explicitly state that the measure should only begin after a positive funding commitment.

5. Await approval, then place order
   After approval, you can order the lift solution. In some cases, direct billing with the cost bearer is provided, in other cases, partial reimbursement after invoicing.

Important:
This procedure does not replace legal advice. Responsibilities, forms, and deadlines can change and differ depending on the country and personal situation.

How Lehner Lifttechnik Can Support the Process

Lehner Lifttechnik itself does not decide on grants – that always remains the task of the respective cost bearers and authorities. What Lehner can do very well, however, is:

• Technical Consultation
  Which lift solution makes sense for your staircase and your situation – a seated stairlift, platform stairlift, vertical platform lift, or a special solution?

• Detailed Project Documents
  Lehner’s partners typically prepare cost estimates and technical descriptions that you can attach to your funding application.

• Tailored Solutions Instead of Standard Products
  Since grants are often tied to the actual improvement of the living situation and accessibility, it helps if the planned system is precisely tailored to your needs – instead of generic package deals.

• On-site Support
  Lehner Lifttechnik’s international partner network supports you from planning through installation to long-term maintenance – an important point when cost bearers pay attention to professional execution and long-term usability.

Thus, the abstract question of a “stairlift grant” becomes a concrete project where technology, everyday usability, and financing are coordinated.

Conclusion: No Reliable Grant Without Consultation

• In Germany, the nursing care insurance fund plays a central role with its grant for home environment improvement measures – stairlifts are typical applications here.
• In Austria, the funding landscape is more regionally specific: provincial funding, the Social Ministry Service (Support Fund), and other bodies can support barrier-free conversions, including stairlifts.
• In Switzerland, depending on the life situation, disability insurance, OASI, and supplementary benefits are particularly relevant – stairlifts are assessed there as aids or structural adaptations.

Common to all systems is:

• There is no automatism,
• Grants are tied to clear requirements and application procedures,
• and the amount of support always depends on the individual situation.

With the appropriate lift solutions from Lehner Lifttechnik – from seated and platform stairlifts to vertical platform lifts – and a careful application to the responsible bodies, you create a stable basis for safely and comfortably overcoming stairs in the long term.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about “Stairlift Grant”

Daily living aids for seniors: More safety and independence in your own home

Anyone searching for “daily living aids for seniors” usually has a clear goal: life in one’s own home should remain as safe, self-determined, and comfortable as possible for as long as possible—ideally without constant support from relatives or caregivers.

Daily living aids range from simple reaching and dressing aids to technical solutions and stair or platform lifts that make entire floors accessible again. It is precisely at this intersection—when stairs and height differences become a barrier—that Lehner Lifttechnik steps in with its lift solutions.

Table of contents

• What are daily living aids for seniors?
• Typical areas of application in the household
• When stairs become a barrier: Mobility as a central daily aid
• Lift solutions from Lehner as an important building block in everyday life
• Five steps to the right daily living aid
• Product portfolio
• Conclusion: Small aids, big impact—especially with stairs
• FAQ – Frequently asked questions about daily living aids for seniors

Typical areas of application in the household

Most daily living aids can be assigned to specific areas in the house. This helps with systematic planning.

When stairs become a barrier: Mobility as a central daily aid

As important as small daily aids are—in many homes, the decisive question is:

Are all floors still safely accessible?

As soon as stairs can only be climbed with effort or not at all, typical limitations arise:

• The bedroom on the upper floor is hardly used anymore.

• The bathroom is on a floor that can no longer be reached without help.

• Basements, hobby rooms, or storage areas remain unused.

• Steps at the house entrance make the way outside difficult.

Many guides therefore explicitly list stair lifts, platform lifts, vertical lifts, and ramps as crucial daily living aids when it comes to mobility and remaining in one’s own home.

Lift solutions from Lehner as an important building block in everyday life

While many providers take care of smaller daily aids, Lehner Lifttechnik focuses on the “major” daily living aids in the area of stairs and access points. These include in particular:

Seated stairlifts

For people who are not permanently in a wheelchair but are unsteady when climbing stairs, seated stair lifts offer a comfortable solution.

• The person takes a seat on a comfortable chair.

• The lift follows the course of the stairs—straight or curved.

• The stairs remain usable for people walking.

Such a seated lift can often prevent entire floors in a single-family home from having to be abandoned.

Platform stair lifts

When a wheelchair is used, platform stair lifts come into play:

• The wheelchair and user remain together on the platform.

• The lift travels along the stairs, inside or outside.

• Folding platforms and safety bars ensure safe operation.

This allows stairs to be made barrier-free even when floor space is limited.

Vertical platform lifts (Hublifte)

Where it is not about a long flight of stairs but rather height differences—e.g., steps at the entrance, a pedestal, or half a floor—vertical platform lifts are a suitable solution.

• The platform moves vertically up or down.

• The lift can be installed indoors or outdoors.

• It is specifically designed for wheelchairs, walkers, and people with mobility aids.

This turns a few problematic steps into a comfortable, barrier-free access point.

Special lifts and mobile solutions

In buildings where a permanently installed lift cannot (yet) be realized, special lifts such as stair climbers can be considered. They can serve as a mobile daily aid to transport wheelchairs over existing stairs—for example, in public institutions or rental properties.

Five steps to the right daily living aid

The variety of aids can quickly become overwhelming. A structured approach has proven effective:

1. Accurately assess needs
   Which activities are difficult or no longer possible at all? Does it involve reaching, dressing, personal hygiene, climbing stairs, access to the house, or multiple floors?

2. Obtain a medical and therapeutic perspective
   General practitioners, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists experience many everyday situations in practice and can assess which aids are useful and suitable in the long term.

3. Test smaller aids at specialist retailers
   Medical supply stores and rehabilitation specialists offer a wide selection of reaching, dressing, and bathing aids. Many items can be tried out directly there.

4. For mobility and stair solutions: Use professional advice
   As soon as stair lifts, platform lifts, or vertical lifts are involved, planning should always be carried out with a specialized company.
   Lehner Lifttechnik works with an international partner network that:

   • records the installation situation on site,

   • proposes suitable lift variants,

   • creates an individual offer and

   • handles installation, commissioning, and service.

5. Check financing and funding opportunities
   Depending on the country, funding program, and personal situation, grants for barrier-free renovations and aids may be available. A specialist company or advisory centers can provide guidance here.

Product portfolio

Conclusion: Small aids, big impact—especially with stairs

Daily living aids for seniors are an essential building block for maintaining independence and preventing falls.

• Small aids such as reaching tools, dressing aids, kitchen, and bathroom aids simplify many tasks.

• Safety solutions and technical support provide more security for those affected and their relatives.

• And above all: Mobility aids—from ramps to stair and platform lifts—often determine whether a house or apartment remains habitable in the long term.

The products from Lehner Lifttechnik complement the range of daily living aids where other solutions reach their limits:

• when stairs can no longer be climbed safely without help,

• when wheelchairs or rollators are involved,

• when entire floors or entrances need to be permanently accessible again.

In this way, the general term “everyday aids for seniors” becomes a very practical perspective:
A home where you can move safely, reach all important rooms, and manage your daily life independently for as long as possible.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about daily living aids for seniors

How much does a lift cost? A realistic cost overview

A lift in a single-family home is no longer a luxury topic, but a matter of comfort, accessibility, and future-proofing. That is exactly why the question “How much does a lift in a single-family home cost?” is one of the most searched topics as soon as the first idea of a lift comes up.

A look at current cost calculators and guides shows that, for homelifts and lifts in single-family homes, broad ranges of roughly €20,000 to €50,000 are typically quoted—depending on the system type, number of floors, features, and structural work required.

Table of contents

• What drives the cost of a lift in a single-family home?
• Typical cost ranges according to market overviews
• Additional costs: construction work, operation, and maintenance
• Homelift, classic lift, or platform lift?
• Why Lehner Lifttechnik does not quote standard prices
• Product portfolio
• Conclusion: How to get reliable costs for your home lift
• FAQ – Frequently asked questions about “lift costs for a single-family home”

What drives the cost of a lift in a single-family home?

The top results for “lift costs for a single-family home” agree on one thing: what matters is not a single parameter, but the interplay of several factors.

The key cost drivers are:

1. Number of floors & travel height
The more levels a lift connects, the higher the material, installation, and construction costs. Many guides assume significantly rising costs for each additional floor—sometimes with rules of thumb of around €10,000 extra per floor for classic home lifts.

Typical cost ranges according to market overviews

Even though each manufacturer has its own pricing structure, independent guides allow for rough reference ranges to be derived—explicitly not as an offer from Lehner Lifttechnik, but as an overview of the market:

• According to cost calculators and guide websites, simple homelifts / private lifts for a single-family home usually start in the lower to mid five-figure range and—depending on the number of floors and features—typically go up to roughly €40,000–€50,000.

• For vertical lifts/homelifts serving two to three floors, overviews often quote average values of around €30,000.

• Price radar articles estimate a lift in a single-family home at total costs (lift + installation) of roughly €20,000 to €50,000—depending on the system, floors, shaft construction, and desired fit-out.

Important:

• These figures are guideline values from general portals—not a Lehner price list.

• However, they do show the typical order of magnitude of projects in single-family homes.

• For platform lifts (e.g., to overcome smaller height differences or a single floor), the investment can sometimes be lower; for highly demanding custom solutions or large cabins, it can also be significantly higher.

That is precisely why Lehner Lifttechnik works with tailored quotations that fit the building, usage, and budget, instead of publishing flat-rate price lists.

Additional costs: construction work, operation, and maintenance

Many homeowners initially focus only on the lift price—but leading guides make it clear that additional cost items are relevant:

Funding programmes (e.g., barrier-free building, age-appropriate conversion) can also reduce the effective costs—but they vary widely depending on the country and programme and must always be reviewed on a project-specific basis.

Homelift, classic lift, or platform lift?

The question of costs is always also a question of choosing the right lift type for a single-family home. It is worth taking a look at the common variants—and at where Lehner Lifttechnik’s strengths lie.

Homelift / vertical lift

• Lifts developed specifically for private homes

• Not a classic lift system based on “high-rise logic”; often less technical effort

• Can be installed inside or outside, usually with its own shaft structure

• Typically chosen when a fully featured cabin lift for multiple floors is required

Classic passenger lift with shaft

• More common in multi-family buildings and commercial settings

• Higher investment and stricter regulations, but also greater travel heights and larger cabins

• In a single-family home, usually only worthwhile for special requirements

Vertical platform lift (Lehner Lifttechnik’s focus)

• Typically an open platform, rather than an enclosed cabin or shaft (optionally available)

• Specifically for barrier-free access (wheelchairs, walking aids, prams)

• Often less structural work: no deep shaft, no deep pit, often lower overhead clearance required

• Can be installed inside or outside; at Lehner, for example, with systems such as Sigma, Liftboy, Elevex

Especially in a single-family home, a vertical platform lift can have a positive impact on the cost structure, because:

• less heavy construction work is required,

• the systems are designed specifically for typical travel heights in residential buildings,

• the focus is clearly on accessibility and everyday practicality—not on maximum lifting performance.

Why Lehner Lifttechnik does not quote standard prices

If you search for “lift costs for a single-family home”, you will find plenty of flat-rate figures and tables. Lehner Lifttechnik deliberately takes a different approach—for three reasons:

1. Every building is different
   Staircase, floor plan, outdoor areas, structural situation—all of these influence which lift solution is technically feasible and economically viable.

2. The usage is a deciding factor
   Will one person use the lift occasionally—or an entire family daily? Is wheelchair accessibility the priority, or is it more about comfort? This determines the size, load capacity, and features.

3. Reliable calculation instead of estimates
   Online benchmarks can provide a rough initial orientation, but they are no substitute for concrete planning. Lehner works with an international partner network that takes measurements on site, checks lifting heights, assesses installation conditions, and on this basis prepares an individual quotation.

The goal:
Instead of “average prices,” you receive a solution that is technically suitable, functional in everyday life, and economically sensible—including installation, commissioning, and service.

Product portfolio

Conclusion: How to get reliable costs for your home lift

Depending on the system, number of floors, and features, lift costs for a single-family home span a wide range, as independent guides clearly show.

What matters in practice:

• Understand which lift type is truly suitable for your home (homelift, classic lift, or vertical platform lift).

• Assess the structural conditions (inside/outside, new build/existing building, available space in the floor plan) honestly.

• Consider not only the purchase price, but also construction work, operation, and maintenance.

• Move from online guideline figures to concrete planning with a specialist partner.

Lehner Lifttechnik supports you with:

• a broad portfolio of vertical platform lifts and platform stairlifts,

• extensive experience in single-family homes

• and partners who provide on-site advice, plan, and install.

This turns the general search query “lift costs for a single-family home” into a concrete project with clearly calculated figures that fits your home, your requirements, and your budget.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about “lift costs for a single-family home”

Planning an Elevator in a Floor Plan: How Much Space a Lift Really Needs

Anyone planning an “elevator in a floor plan” faces a typical question:
How much space does a lift really need – and where can it be sensibly integrated into stairwells, hallways, and apartments without disrupting the floor plan?

Current technical articles on elevator planning show that the decisive factors are shaft dimensions, car dimensions, door widths, and maneuvering areas in front of the elevator. At the same time, standards such as DIN EN 81-70 and DIN 18040 or corresponding Austrian regulations must be observed if the elevator is to be accessible.

Table of contents

• What does “elevator in a floor plan” mean in practice?
• Standards & Minimum Dimensions: How Large Must an Elevator Be?
• Elevators in Floor Plans for Single-Family and Multi-Family Houses
• When Space Is Limited: Platform Lifts Instead of Conventional Elevators
• Avoiding Planning Errors: 5 Points for the Floor Plan
• Conclusion: Consider Mobility Before Building Starts
• FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About “Elevators in Floor Plans”

Standards & Minimum Dimensions: How Large Must an Elevator Be?

Anyone planning an elevator in a floor plan quickly encounters two worlds of standards:

• DIN EN 81-70 (or ÖNORM EN 81-70) – Accessibility to elevators, elevator types, and cabin dimensions.

• DIN 18040-1/-2 – Accessible construction in public buildings and residential areas, including requirements for elevators and maneuvering areas.

Key parameters mentioned in many technical sources:

• Accessible Elevator (Type 2)

  • Lift car at least 1.10 m × 1.40 m

  • Clear door width at least 90 cm

  • Transport of a wheelchair user with an accompanying person possible.

• Maneuvering area in front of the door

  • According to accessible construction standards, a maneuvering and waiting area of at least 1.50 m × 1.50 m must be planned in front of elevator doors.

• Door and shaft heights

  • Car and shaft doors should reach a height of approximately 2.10 m to allow for comfortable use.

For the floor plan, this means:
You are not just planning the cabin, but always the shaft (including wall thicknesses) and a sufficiently large area in front of it.

In residential construction, these minimum dimensions are often combined with the requirements for wheelchair-accessible circulation – for example, if an apartment is to be officially offered as accessible or wheelchair-friendly.

Elevators in Floor Plans for Single-Family and Multi-Family Houses

House providers and architects regularly address exactly this point in their guides:

When Space Is Limited: Platform Lifts Instead of Conventional Elevators

This is precisely where the solutions from Lehner Lifttechnik come into play:

Lehner offers vertical platform lifts and platform stairlifts that alleviate many floor plan problems because they:

• require a smaller footprint than a full passenger elevator,
• in many cases function without a massive shaft (freestanding structures, lightweight enclosures),
• can be installed on stairs, landings, or balconies in both indoor and outdoor areas.

Examples from the Lehner portfolio:

• Sigma – vertical platform lift for lifting heights up to 8 m, with a slim drive tower, optional cladding, and access ramp; ideal when several levels need to be overcome without building a conventional elevator shaft.
• Liftboy & Elevex – compact lifting platforms for smaller height differences, such as at the entrance or between landings; also suitable for outdoor installation.
• Platform stairlifts (e.g., Omega, Delta, Stratos) – travel along the stairs and do not require their own shaft; exciting when no separate elevator core can be accommodated in the floor plan.

In planning, it looks like this:

Instead of anchoring a large elevator shaft in the floor plan, a slightly smaller platform area is often provided – either inside the building or as an outdoor solution. For many single-family houses or smaller properties, this is sufficient to achieve full accessible circulation.

Avoiding Planning Errors: 5 Points for the Floor Plan

Technical guides for accessible construction repeatedly show similar error patterns – many of which can be avoided with clean floor plan planning.

1. Insufficient maneuvering areas in front of the lift
At least 1.50 × 1.50 m should remain clear in front of the elevator door. This applies particularly if the lift is to be wheelchair-accessible. Doors placed close to the stair run without sufficient space in front make use extremely difficult.

2. Elevator exit directly opposite a staircase
Normative guidelines prohibit or regulate downward-leading stairs directly opposite elevator doors. If it is not possible otherwise, safety distances are required. Better: connect the lift laterally to a landing.

3. Cabin too small for intended use
If a wheelchair with an accompanying person is to be transported later, a mini-lift is usually insufficient. It should be clear from the floor plan whether at least the dimensions of a “Type 2 elevator” are met.

4. No clear circulation logic
A lift that ends “somewhere” but has no direct connection to apartment entrances or important rooms will hardly be used in everyday life. Important: The elevator must be thought of as equivalent to the stair run in the floor plan logic.

5. Retrofitting not considered
Especially in new buildings without an immediate need for a lift, elevator provision in the floor plan is worthwhile – or the deliberate planning of space for a later platform lift (indoor or outdoor). This keeps options open without breaking the budget.

Conclusion: Consider Mobility Before Building Starts

“Elevator in the floor plan” is not a detail that you somehow draw in at the end – it is a central theme of building planning.

External technical sources show:

• Accessible elevators need defined cabin and door dimensions.

• Generous maneuvering areas must be provided in front of the doors.

• Location in the floor plan, connection to the stairwell, and accessibility of the apartments determine everyday suitability.

Lehner Lifttechnik adds an important option to this perspective:
With vertical platform lifts and platform stairlifts, elevator solutions can be realized that often require less space in the floor plan and are particularly suitable for existing buildings, single-family homes, and compact stairwells.

The next step is always a specific project:
With plans, photos, and a few key data points, Lehner partners can assess which type of lift fits your floor plan – from an indoor platform lift to an outdoor solution on the facade.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About “Elevators in Floor Plans”

Retrofitting an external lift: A space-saving solution for existing buildings

Anyone looking to “retrofit an elevator on the outside of the house” is usually faced with the following challenge: there is hardly any space for a shaft inside, the stairs cannot be easily converted – and at the same time, the house should become barrier-free and increase in value over the long term.

Current guides show that an externally mounted lift is often the most space-saving and structurally simplest solution for existing buildings, both for single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. Two approaches are often distinguished: classic passenger lifts with a shaft, and more compact solutions such as hub lifts and vertical platform lifts.

Table of contents

• What exactly does “retrofit an external lift on your home” mean?
• External lift, home lift or platform lift – the key options
• External lift with Lehner: Vertical platform lifts as an alternative
• Why an external lift is especially worthwhile for existing buildings
• Cost factors: What the price really depends on
• Permit, structural integrity & neighbourhood: What matters in planning
• Conclusion: The right external lift in just a few steps
• FAQ – Frequently asked questions about external lifts for homes

External lift, home lift or platform lift – the key options

The top results on the topic essentially distinguish three solution paths:

1. Classic passenger lift with shaft

   • Enclosed cabin, multiple stops

   • Usually higher weight and a larger cabin footprint

   • Independent shaft made of steel or masonry

   • Particularly interesting for multi-unit buildings or commercial use

2. Home lift / lift without a classic machine room

   • Compact lift, often to the Machinery Directive

   • Can be installed indoors or outdoors

   • In many cases, a lighter shaft construction is sufficient

   • Goal: comfort and accessibility in a private setting

3. Vertical platform lifts / vertical lifts

   • Open platform, optionally with partial cladding or a shaft

   • Lifting heights from a few steps up to several metres

   • Specifically for wheelchair users and people walking with mobility aids

   • Described in technical articles as a cost-effective alternative to lifts for low lifting heights

Lehner Lifttechnik covers precisely this third category with its vertical platform lifts—with solutions such as Sigma, Liftboy 1–5, Elevex, or StepSaver, which are designed for indoor and outdoor use and are particularly well suited for retrofitting.

External lift with Lehner: Vertical platform lifts as an alternative

Instead of a “classic” passenger lift, Lehner Lifttechnik deliberately relies on vertical platform lifts, which offer many advantages when retrofitting:

Why an external lift is especially worthwhile for existing buildings

Many guides reach the same conclusion: in existing buildings, an external lift is often easier and more economical to implement than a lift inside.

Typical advantages:

• No intervention in the stairwell
  The existing staircase remains in place; interventions in the structure and floor plan are minimised.

• More space indoors
  The shaft or platform structure is located outside; inside, only access points, doors or short corridor sections are required.

• Accessibility across multiple levels
  External lifts can be planned to serve multiple floors and stopping points – from the entrance to the attic.

• Increase in property value
  Properties with lifts are in higher demand, especially with an eye to age-appropriate living.

For single-family homes, this means: instead of moving walls indoors or altering stairs, a compact external lift or a vertical platform lift such as Sigma can be installed on the facade – with direct access into the house.

Cost factors: What the price really depends on

Independent guides often cite ranges of around €30,000 to €50,000 for a classically planned external lift on single-family homes, depending on the design, number of stops and features. Significantly higher amounts are mentioned for larger multi-unit buildings.

More important than a flat figure, however, are the influencing factors that also play a central role when planning with Lehner:

• Lifting height and number of stops
  A lift that only bridges half a storey or a few steps is technically simpler than a solution spanning three or four floors.

• System type
  A classic passenger lift with an enclosed cabin and a large shaft differs significantly from a vertical platform lift with an open platform.

• Shaft / structure
  Is a steel shaft required? Is a self-supporting lift structure sufficient? Can it be connected to existing balconies or landings?

• Design and finish
  Enclosed glass facades, special RAL colours, door variants and additional equipment (automatic doors, emergency call, lighting, app control, etc.) influence the total price.

Lehner Lifttechnik deliberately does not work with fixed prices, but with customised solutions: the vertical platform lifts are tailored to the specific situation – from platform size and lifting height to surface colour. Only on the basis of this data do Lehner or the partner companies prepare a specific quotation.

Permit, structural integrity & neighbourhood: What matters in planning

Leading guides on external lifts emphasise three points that are equally important in Austria and Germany:

1. Building permit

   • As a rule, an externally added lift requires a building-law approval.

   • Specialist companies support you with submission plans and coordination with the authorities.

2. Structural integrity and foundation

   • The lift or platform lift must be safely founded and connected to the building.

   • Depending on the system type (e.g. Sigma with drive tower), a comparatively compact foundation may be sufficient.

3. Clearances & neighbourhood

   • Setback areas to the property boundary and to the neighbouring building must be observed.

   • Transparent glass or aluminium structures help to integrate the lift visually into the facade and build acceptance.

Lehner partners take these points into account during planning: based on photos, plans and an on-site appointment, they check where the lift can be positioned most sensibly on the outside of the house – and how to implement access points indoors as space-efficiently as possible.

Conclusion: The right external lift in just a few steps

Retrofitting an external lift on your home is now far more than a technical luxury. It creates accessibility, increases living comfort and boosts the value of the property – especially with regard to age-appropriate living and multi-generational families.

Independent specialist literature shows:

• External lifts preserve indoor space,

• avoid major interventions in the stairwell

• and are often the most practical solution for existing buildings.

With its vertical platform lifts, Lehner Lifttechnik offers an alternative to classic shaft lifts: Sigma, Liftboy, and Elevex are specifically designed to be retrofitted on the outside of the building—from a single entrance to multiple floors.

The decisive step is always individual planning: photos, plans and a discussion with a Lehner partner clarify which system suits the architecture, the intended use and the budget. This turns a general Google search for “retrofit an external lift on your home” into a tailor-made, safe and aesthetically pleasing lift solution for your house.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about external lifts for homes

More Freedom Despite Stairs – Mobile Solutions Without Structural Alterations

A mobile stairlift without installation is the ideal solution for many people when stairs become a barrier – but a permanently installed stairlift is not an option. There are many reasons for this: rental apartment, listed building status, limited period after an operation, or the desire to use the device in multiple locations.

Under this term, guides primarily refer to stair climbers and stair crawlers, which overcome stairs without a permanently installed rail and are often docked to the existing wheelchair.

Table of contents

• What is a “mobile stairlift without installation”?
• When is a mobile stairlift worthwhile?
• Lehner’s Mobile Solutions: Stair Crawlers at a Glance
• Advantages and Limitations of Mobile Stairlifts Without Installation
• Safety, Instruction, and Funding
• Conclusion: Find the Right Solution with Lehner Lifttechnik
• FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on the Topic

When is a mobile stairlift worthwhile?

A look at common guides reveals typical situations in which a stairlift without installation is particularly often recommended:

• Rental apartments
  Structural changes are often not possible or only with the landlord’s consent. A mobile device requires no modifications – the staircase remains intact.

• Listed buildings and sensitive building structures
  In listed buildings or with high-quality stairs (e.g., natural stone, wood, glass), attaching a rail is often undesirable or difficult to obtain approval for.

• Temporary need
  After operations or for temporary mobility impairments, a mobile stairlift is a good interim solution – especially if it is to be passed on later or used elsewhere.

• Multiple locations
  Those who regularly commute between different buildings (e.g., their own apartment, relatives’ homes, weekend retreats) benefit from a device that is transportable and can be used on various stairs.

• Public facilities
  In schools, churches, event venues, or smaller administrative buildings, a permanently installed platform lift is not always approved or economically viable. Here, mobile stair crawlers are often cited as a cost-effective alternative.

That is precisely where the mobile specialist lifts from Lehner Lifttechnik come into play.

Advantages and Limitations of Mobile Stairlifts Without Installation

External specialist literature repeatedly emphasizes: Mobile stairlifts without installation are a very flexible, but not a perfect solution for every situation.

Lehner Lifttechnik therefore always provides solution-oriented advice: where a mobile stairlift without installation is appropriate, stair climbers are utilized – and where permanent barrier-free access is required, stairlifts or vertical platform lifts from the rest of the product portfolio are considered.

Lehner’s Mobile Solutions: Stair Crawlers at a Glance

For many years, Lehner Lifttechnik has specialized in stair climbers, which can be used as “mobile stairlifts without installation” – in private homes as well as in public buildings.

SA-3 & SA-S – Mobile Stair Crawlers for Manual Wheelchairs

The SA-3 and SA-S models are robust stair crawlers that are used with an existing wheelchair:

• suitable for straight stairs indoors and outdoors

• overcome inclines up to approx. 35°

• are safely guided by only one assistant – without great physical effort

• can be used for various wheelchair types

The SA-S offers a particularly small turning radius on landings – an important advantage in confined spaces.

Public – The Stair Crawler for Public Buildings

The Public stair crawler is specially designed for professional use:

• transports manual and electric wheelchairs

• suitable for stairs with an incline of up to 35°

• is frequently used in schools, universities, museums, or train stations

• offers a durable solution without permanent installation due to its robust design

Thus, it precisely fulfills what many guides understand by a mobile stairlift for public areas: maximum flexibility without interfering with the building structure.

Stairmax – The Self-Propelled Stair Crawler

A special feature in the Lehner portfolio is the Stairmax:

• globally unique self-propelled stair crawler that can be used in one’s own active wheelchair without external assistance

• the wheelchair is adapted to the chassis once

• suitable for stairs with intermediate landings from approximately 1 m width

Stairmax thus covers precisely the scenario described as an exception in many articles: a mobile stairlift without installation that can be used without an assistant – provided the user is motorically and cognitively capable of operating the device safely.

Safety, Instruction, and Funding

The top guides on mobile stairlifts agree: Safety comes first.

Important points include:

• Professional instruction
  Operators and – for non-self-driving systems – assistants must be thoroughly trained. Maneuvering on landings or positioning at the first step in particular requires practice.

• Regular checks
  Check the battery level, visually inspect the contact surfaces, and comply with the maximum load—this routine is part of every use.

• Stair suitability
  Width, incline, tread depth, and landing sizes must match the stair crawler. For models such as the Public stair crawler or the Stairmax, Lehner specifies concrete minimum dimensions that are checked during planning.

Regarding costs and funding, many guides point out that mobile stair climbing aids can often be funded as assistive devices or home adaptation measures – for example, through care insurance funds or other cost bearers.

Since funding conditions vary from country to country and depending on the individual situation, individual consultation is advisable. Lehner partners can provide guidance here and consider these aspects in project planning – however, specific prices and subsidies are always clarified in the personal offer.

Conclusion: Find the Right Solution with Lehner Lifttechnik

A mobile stairlift without installation is more than just a practical buzzword – it represents sophisticated systems like stair crawlers and stair climbers that make stairs safely usable without permanent installation.

Lehner Lifttechnik’s special lifts offer different approaches for this:

• SA-3 and SA-S as mobile stair crawlers for many manual wheelchairs,

• Public for professional use in public buildings,

• Stairmax as the world’s only self-propelled stair crawler for active wheelchair users.

Whether a mobile stairlift without installation is the best solution for your situation – or whether a permanently installed platform or vertical platform lift offers more long-term comfort – can be most reliably clarified in a personal consultation.

With the experience of Lehner Lifttechnik and its international partner network, a general Google search for “mobile stairlift without installation” becomes a concrete, safe, and practical mobility solution that suits your stairs, your wheelchair, and your daily life.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on “Mobile Stairlift Without Installation”

What solutions are really behind it

Anyone searching for “wheelchair for stairs” usually has a very specific challenge: stairs need to be safely navigated – ideally without having to carry the wheelchair each time or leaving living areas unused. At the same time, the term is imprecise: it could refer to stair-climbing electric wheelchairs, stair climbers, stair-climbing devices, or even platform and vertical lifts for wheelchair users.

In this article, we will show you what solutions are behind the search term, how mobile and permanently installed systems differ – and what role the special lifts from Lehner Lifttechnik play in this.

Table of contents

• What Does “Wheelchair for Stairs” Mean?
• Which solution is right for your situation?
• Comparison of solutions
• Mobile solutions: Stair climbers and stair walkers
• Permanently installed alternatives: Platform lifts and vertical platform lifts
• Conclusion: More accessibility instead of stair frustration
• FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About “Wheelchair for Stairs”

Which solution is right for your situation?

The top guides on the internet rightly emphasize that the selection of the right system always depends on several factors – type of stairs, physical situation, desired degree of independence and budget.

Lehner Lifttechnik takes a similar approach to planning:

1. Analysis of the staircase
   Photos, dimensions and a short description show whether the stairs are straight, spiral or very narrow – and whether a mobile system or a permanently installed lift makes sense.

2. Consideration of use
   Should the solution be used daily? Are there multiple users? Will a helper be regularly available or is independence the priority?

3. Selection of the system

   • Mobile stair climber (SA-3/SA-S) if flexible use on several stairs is a priority.

   • Stairmax, if an active self-driver wants to remain as independent as possible.

   • Platform lift or vertical platform lift if a certain staircase is to be permanently accessible – for example in a single-family house or in a public institution.

4. Consultation by local Lehner partners
   Lehner works with an international network of partners. This allows us to organize advice, test drives and installation by trained technicians in your area – from the initial idea to commissioning.

Comparison of solutions

The following overview can help you to get your bearings:

This makes it clear: The search for a “wheelchair for stairs” often leads to spectacular high-tech wheelchairs – but in practice, stair climbers and lift systems are the solutions that have proven themselves for many years and can be flexibly adapted to different buildings.

Mobile solutions: Stair climbers and stair walkers

Many of the top results for “wheelchair for stairs” focus on mobile stair-climbing devices – systems that work without structural modifications to the building and can be used on different staircases.

This is exactly where the special lifts from Lehner Lifttechnik come in:

Stair Climbers SA-3 & SA-S – for Many Wheelchair Types

The stair climbers SA-3 and SA-S are robust stair-climbing devices that are used together with your existing wheelchair. The wheelchair is securely fixed, the device travels up the steps on tracks, and is guided by an assistant.

Typical areas of application:

• Straight stairs indoors and outdoors
• Residential buildings without a lift
• Public buildings such as schools, churches or smaller administrative buildings

Essential properties of Lehner stair climbers:

• Can be used mobile on different stairs
• Suitable for most manual wheelchairs
• High load capacity (e.g. up to 160 kg for model SA-3)
• Only one helper required, no muscle power needed

SA-3 and SA-S therefore offer exactly what many guides emphasize about stair climbers: a solution that does not require permanent installation and is worthwhile where several staircases or changing locations need to be taken into account.

Stairmax – stair-climbing stair climber for self-drivers

The search for “wheelchair for stairs” also brings up high-tech solutions such as stair-climbing electric wheelchairs – systems where the user can navigate stairs without assistance.

The Stairmax from Lehner falls into this category:

• The world’s only stair climber that an active wheelchair user can operate in their own wheelchair without outside help
• The active wheelchair is adapted to the chassis once
• Suitable for stairs with intermediate landings from approx. 1 m width

Stairmax thus combines two worlds: the flexibility of a mobile stair climber with the independence of a stair-climbing electric wheelchair – but without having to purchase a completely new wheelchair.

Permanently installed alternatives: Platform lifts and vertical platform lifts

Many guides emphasize that mobile stair climbers are flexible, but not always the best solution – especially when a staircase has to be used daily and permanently or when the user wants to operate as much as possible themselves.

In such cases, permanently installed lift systems designed for wheelchair users come into focus:

Platform lifts along the stairs

Platform lifts travel along the staircase and transport the wheelchair and user together. In many technical articles, they are described as a stairlift variant specifically for wheelchair users.

Lehner offers various systems for this purpose (e.g. for straight and curved stairs, indoors and outdoors). Typical advantages:

• Comfortable, independently operated solution
• Stairs remain usable for walking persons
• Individual adaptation to the course of the stairs and the building

Vertical platform lifts / vertical lifts

If differences in height such as steps at the house entrance, intermediate landings or low floor heights need to be overcome, vertical platform lifts (vertical lifts) come into play. They move the platform vertically up or down instead of following the course of the stairs.

Such solutions are ideal if:

• Entrance areas are to be designed to be barrier-free
• A classic elevator cannot be realized
• wheelchair users are often traveling with shopping, assistive devices, or companions

Conclusion: More accessibility instead of stair frustration

A “wheelchair for stairs” is rarely a single product in reality – it is more of an umbrella term for different approaches to removing barriers in daily life.

• Mobile stair climbers such as SA-3 and SA-S are flexible and can be used on different staircases.
• Stairmax enables active wheelchair users to achieve a high degree of independence without having to purchase a completely new wheelchair.
• Platform lifts and vertical platform lifts are the first choice if a staircase is to be permanently accessible and comfort is a priority.

Lehner Lifttechnik combines these options with decades of experience in development, production, and international distribution – ensuring that a general Google search for “wheelchair for stairs” ultimately results in a suitable, safe, and sustainable solution for your specific situation.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About “Wheelchair for Stairs”

Barrier-free vs. wheelchair-accessible: What the terms really mean

Anyone searching for “barrier-free wheelchair-accessible” quickly notices that the terms are used everywhere – in apartment ads, by developers, in hotel brochures. At the same time, it is often unclear exactly what is behind them and what requirements must actually be met for a building to be both barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible.

At the same time, a look at standards such as DIN 18040 and national guidelines shows: accessibility and wheelchair accessibility are clearly defined concepts – with specific requirements for maneuvering areas, door widths, and barrier-free access.

Table of contents

• Barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible – the most important differences
• Standards and guidelines: Orientation for planning and renovation
• Barrier-free wheelchair-accessible in everyday life: typical areas
• Lift solutions from Lehner as a component of barrier-free accessibility
• Planning with Lehner Lifttechnik: from the initial consultation to the finished solution
• FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about “Barrier-Free and Wheelchair Accessible”