Lifts and Ramps

All models provide wheelchair access to the rear entrance. The type of wheelchair access that can be considered will be dictated by the chosen base vehicle.

Ramp

On front wheel drive vehicles, with a low loading height (Renault, FWD Transit, Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer), it may be practical to consider a wheelchair ramp. The ramp folds in two and stows upright inside the rear doors when not in use. It features gas strut assistance, for easy stowage and deployment. The full width ramp platform (800mm wide) has a non-slip tread.

A wheelchair ramp can have many benefits over a tail lift - it can not break down as a tail lift might, it is less expensive, and is quicker to use where more than one wheelchair is to be loaded. However, its suitability must be governed by the strength of the attendant and the weight of the occupied wheelchair. We do not recommend wheelchair access on rear wheel drive vehicles, as the angle of ascent/descent is likely to be too steep.

Lowerable air suspension and ramp

This is available as an option on all Renault, Ford (FWD models), Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer models. By operation of a switch from the cab, or from the rear entrance, the rear suspension is lowered to provide a reduced loading height. The associated ramp is then manually lowered to provide easy wheelchair access. This option is more expensive than a standard wheelchair ramp, but of a similar price to an electro hydraulic tail lift. The angle of ascent/ descent is less than with a standard ramp, but its suitability must still be governed by the strength of the attendant and the weight of the occupied wheelchair. In normal road use the air suspension will provide improved road holding, and passengers will be afforded a more comfortable ride

Channel ramps

Usually telescopic to aid stowage. They can be difficult to use. They are cheap and might suit occasional use, but other options should always be considered.

Lifts

We offer tail lifts from a number of manufacturers, including PLS (Passenger Lift Services), Ratcliff Palfinger and Ricon, who all provide a good after-sales service. All types of tail lift are electro hydraulic in operation, and all feature a non-slip platform, toe guard/bridge plate, automatic roll-off prevention bar, twin handrails and an auxiliary hand pump.

Under floor tail lifts

Where the base vehicle design allows, an under floor tail lift can be fitted. When not in use, the electro hydraulic tail lift is stowed within a fully enclosed cassette, to the vehicle underside. Two versions of this lift are offered, one which is manually deployed and the other with a power-out / power-in facility. Both models feature a remote wander lead hand set, for raising and lowering of the platform. A choice of platform lengths are available, though often governed by the choice of base vehicle. It should be noted that under floor lifts are generally narrower than internal lifts, though a limited number of base vehicles can also accommodate a platform with additional width. On some models, an extra large rear bumper is fitted to suit the tail lift mounting. An under floor tail lift has the advantage of providing clear access to the rear doors at all times.

Internal tail lifts

Internal electro hydraulic tail lifts are all automatic in operation. This automatic function allows deployment and stowing of the lift platform from a remote wander lead hand set. This same hand set also controls the raising and lowering of the platform in use. The lift is stowed upright inside the rear doors, when not in use. Internal lifts occupy some 18"to 20”of saloon space and as such must be allowed for when the seat plan is created.

There are a number of platform designs. Some platforms split as they fold away, to provide a rudimentary passageway through the back doors (e.g. Ricon Clearway or Ratcliff C-thru). Another design folds in half within its length so that it does not block the view through the rear door windows (e.g. Ricon Klearvue). Some platforms do not split or fold and simply stand upright inside the rear doors when stowed.

Internal lift platforms are available in a wide range of sizes. It is important to assess what size of wheelchairs are to be loaded. If the attendant is to travel on the platform, stood behind the wheelchair, this must also be taken into account.

Tail lifts generally offer a capacity of 300kgs or 350kgs SWL, although Ricon offer a heavier Bariatric model tested to 500kgs.

We would normally expect to fit a “full size” lift, with platform dimensions that at least conform to BS6109: part 2: 1989, but for limited applications, perhaps for family use with children in mind lighter, smaller (less expensive) versions might be suitable

Tail lifts must be checked every six months and weight tested every year in accordance with LOLLER regulations

Access to Exits

Where a tail lift or ramp is stowed inside the rear doors on a M2 minibus, and the vehicle does not feature an offside emergency door, it must be possible to open both rear doors in one action so that the lift / ramp may be quickly deployed to provide access to the emergency exit