For many homes across Pittsburgh, front porches are elevated, narrow, or located on steep lots—making safe access difficult for individuals using a wheelchair, scooter, or walker. While ramps are a popular choice, they aren’t always practical. That’s where a wheelchair lift for your porch comes in.
Also known as a vertical platform lift (VPL), a porch lift provides safe, straight-up access from ground level to your porch or entryway—no ramp, no stairs, no struggle. These compact, motorized lifts are purpose-built for residential settings and allow individuals to remain in their mobility device while moving between levels.
At 3 Birds Accessibility – Pittsburgh, we install wheelchair porch lifts across the city and suburbs, helping families remove barriers to independence without major construction.
For many Pittsburgh homeowners, space is at a premium. Ramps require about 12 feet of length for every 1 foot of rise. That means a 30-inch high porch would need a 30-foot ramp—often impossible with small yards, tight lots, or existing landscaping.
A wheelchair lift solves that problem with a footprint of roughly 5' x 5'. It moves users vertically in a straight line, lifting them and their mobility device directly from the ground to the porch level.
Additional benefits include:
For many families, a porch lift is the missing link between independence and dependence. It allows users to leave the house confidently, access transportation, and remain in the home they love.
Wheelchair porch lifts are ideal for:
We install lifts for homeowners, landlords, and adult children caring for aging parents. Every project is different, and we tailor the solution to match your space and needs.
Because many homes in the region were built decades ago, porch layouts in Pittsburgh can be tight and irregular. But the good news is: vertical platform lifts are extremely adaptable.
We’ve installed porch lifts in a range of settings, including:
No matter the entry point, our team will evaluate your layout, elevation, and usage needs to design a lift setup that works without compromising safety or code compliance.
At 3 Birds Accessibility – Pittsburgh, we make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Here’s what to expect:
We come to your home to assess the porch, measure elevation, and check for electrical access. We’ll also talk through your goals, usage frequency, and any physical or site constraints.
We help you choose the right lift based on height, location (covered vs. exposed), available space, and budget. Most porch lifts include weatherproof enclosures, automatic safety gates, and non-slip platforms.
Our team handles all local permitting, and we prepare the site—such as pouring a concrete pad or running electrical—before installation day.
Most lifts are installed in one day. We’ll assemble, secure, and test the equipment thoroughly.
Before we leave, we ensure you know how to operate the lift, understand its safety features, and have a direct contact for future maintenance.
Yes. Residential wheelchair lifts are built to handle rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Many include:
Our team ensures your lift is suited for outdoor use and built to last through Western Pennsylvania’s seasonal changes.
How much does a wheelchair porch lift cost?
Pricing varies based on lift height, location, and optional features. Most residential porch lifts start between $9,000 and $12,000 installed. We provide clear estimates after your consultation.
Is a porch lift covered by insurance or Medicare?
Typically, Medicare does not cover porch lifts. However, some veterans, Medicaid waivers, or state grants may help offset costs for eligible applicants.
Does a lift work if the power goes out?
Yes. Most lifts come with battery backup so users are not stranded during outages.
Is a wheelchair lift loud?
No. Today’s models operate quietly, with smooth start/stop functions and minimal vibration.
Can it be removed later?
Yes. Porch lifts can be professionally removed or relocated if no longer needed.
Buying the right lift is important. But what really matters is proper installation, service, and support. When you work with a local team like 3 Birds Accessibility – Pittsburgh, you benefit from:
We don’t just drop off equipment. We stay involved, answer your questions, and ensure your lift works for your space and your life.
Safe, independent access to your home starts with the right solution. A porch lift removes a major barrier for people using wheelchairs or mobility devices—and it does so without taking up your entire yard or altering your home’s footprint.
Contact our team today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you determine the best placement, recommend the right lift model, and take care of everything from permitting to installation—so you can enjoy easier access to your home, your life, and your community.
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