If you are looking for a product that has a high capacity and can accommodate multiple passengers, the Savaria Orion LU/LA elevator is an excellent choice as it is rated for up to 1400 lb.

Many commercial and public buildings use a vertical platform lift (VPL) for accessibility. A VPL is generally rated for 750 lb capacity which is appropriate to carry one user with a manual or powered wheelchair and an attendant. Some models, such as the Savaria Prolift, can accommodate up to 1400 lb.  

An inclined platform lift (IPL) travels over the stairs and has a slightly lower capacity than a vertical platform lift (550 to 660 lb). The lift can carry one person in a manual or powered wheelchair.

Motorized devices such as power wheelchairs and scooters can be heavy without the user, and must be factored into the capacity needs of platform lifts.

A stairlift, which requires a person to travel without the wheelchair, can accommodate up to 350 lb. A stairlift must be used by someone who can safely sit and get on and off the chair. 

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards provide guidelines for public spaces, so that your lift or elevator can be used by someone with a physical limitation. ADA guidelines generally only apply to US federal buildings; for most other projects in the US, the International Building Code (IBC) accessibility guide A117.1 applies and provides more flexibility in terms of product choice, particularly for the use of LU/LA elevators in new construction. In Canada, the standard is B651.

All Savaria wheelchair lifts and LU/LA elevators are available in configurations to meet accessibility requirements. These include minimum platform or cab sizes, which vary depending on product type and entry/exit configurations. Other requirements include the location of call stations, entry/exit clearances (usually 5'), a hands-free phone on vertical platform lifts and accessibility (LU/LA) elevators, minimum landing door width and automatic door requirements for vertical platform lifts, as well as ramp angle ratios for all platform lifts. 

Your architect or local Savaria dealer will be able to advise you which accessibility guidelines apply to your project, and the product configuration needed to comply.

A LU/LA elevator can service up to 6 stops, and is limited by code to 25' of travel.

Often, wheelchair lifts are built to serve 2 stops – so taking you from point A to point B only. Some models are available to serve up to 6 stops over a maximum travel distance of about 23 feet, depending on local code.

The travel distance is measured from the lowest landing to the bottom of the top landing. The maximum travel distance is specified by applicable code. For example, a vertical platform lift cannot travel more than 14' when in a shaftway or enclosure. An unenclosed lift cannot travel more than 5' (ASME 18.1 code). 

Vertical and inclined platform lifts operate using constant pressure controls. This means that a person in the lift must press and hold the controls for the lift to move up or down. A fully automatic solution, such as the Savaria Orion LU/LA elevator, allows a passenger with limited mobility in hands or arms to operate the lift independently.

Screw drive: simple technology that may be less costly; often used in low rise accessibility lifts.
Hydraulic: typically faster, smoother, quieter performance than screw drive; robust and durable with easy emergency manual lowering capabilities.
Geared traction: ultra-quiet operation with an eco-conscious design that is energy efficient and requires no hydraulic oil; suitable for more frequent trips than hydraulic drive.
Rack and pinion: simple, sturdy and economical drive used mainly for straight inclined lifts and stairlifts; typically, all drive components will be housed on the carriage eliminating the need for a cabinet or controller box.
Rope sprocket: flexible design used mainly for curved inclined lifts.

Vertical platform lifts and LU/LA elevators can be configured in different ways to allow entry and exit points on different levels (stops). The images below illustrate the various options. Some come configurations are not available on all products.

Fire rating requirements are dictated by local building codes. Typically, when penetrating a floor in commercial setting a fire-rated shaft and product will be required. Savaria lifts are available with fire rated doors and materials; your Savaria dealer will be able to advise you which products and options are needed to comply with local code.

Lift installations generally require work by other trades to prepare the site. Savaria offers planning guides and architectural drawings that detail work by others including clearances required, support wall construction parameters, pit floor load requirements and specific electrical needs and disconnects. Local building code may also dictate how a lift can be installed.

It is wise to involve your Savaria dealer early in the project to ensure the infrastructure for the lift is built correctly.