Wheelchair access
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. 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.

Ramp
On front wheel drive vehicles, with a low loading height (Renault, FWD Transit and Peugeot), 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 (710mm 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) and Peugeot 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

PLS Access under floor tail lift
Where the base vehicle design allows, an under floor tail lift can be fitted. When not in use, the PLS Access 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, in use. 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.

Ratcliff under floor tail lift
Ratcliff Underfloor Lifts have been designed with the operator and passenger in mind. They fit a wide range of vehicles, but are subject to base vehicle design. Three models are available: RUL300 is manually deployed. RUL300A and RUL301A are automatically deployed. The RUL301A has an extended platform and fits vehicles up to 1100mm floor height. Extendable handrails are available for additional safety. All three models are operated from a "user-friendly" 2 button control. Underfloor lifts have two main advantages: no space is lost inside the vehicle giving maximum seating capacity and being out of the way gives greater flexibility of vehicle use.

Ratcliff RTP 350A tail lift
This offering from Ratcliff is a twin pillar automatic electro hydraulic tail lift. Its 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. The RTP 350A occupies some 18"of saloon space and as such must be allowed for when the seat plan is created.

RICON Clearway tail lift
The Ricon Clearway tail lift is automatic in operation, similar to the RTP 350A. It is fitted inside the rear doors, though the tail lift platform splits when stowed, maintaining access to rear doors. The Ricon Clearway occupies some 18" to 20" of saloon length, and again must be allowed for when the seat plan is created.
A lighter, smaller (less expensive) version of this lift, the Ricon Independent might suit certain applications. However, its smaller platform size does not meet BS6109: part 2: 1989.

RICON Klearvue tail lift
Another popular option from Ricon. Again fully automatic in operation. The platform folds in half as it stows, maintaining vision through the rear door windows. It occupies slightly less saloon space than the RICON CLEARWAY.