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An incline elevator, also known as an incline platform lift or hillside tram, is an elevator that runs in a direction diagonal to the ground. Unlike a standard elevator, incline elevators can go up tilted grades, and can be used for both residential and commercial purposes. They are sometimes colloquially referred to as, or confused with, funiculars. The purpose of incline elevators is to provide accessibility to steep hillsides and inclines at minimal effort to the user.
Contents
Users with mobility and disability challenges often use an incline platform lift to climb staircases in their home with their mobility scooter or motorized wheelchair. Outdoor incline elevators are used to access steep hillside property where stairs are not a preferred option. Incline elevators can also be used to move equipment and materials to hard to reach elevated locations for industrial or construction purposes.
Construction
Most common incline elevators are constructed from steel or aluminum materials, are powered by electric motors, and operate with push button electronic controls. Common drive systems include cable winding drums and continuous loop traction drives.
National standards, regulations, and safety codes specific to inclined elevators are provided in ASME A17.1 "Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators" under Part 5.1.