For people of advanced age or with reduced mobility, it is impossible for them to get into many buildings. The fact is that access to these buildings with 2 or more floors is not adapted to their physical conditions. Fortunately, solutions have been developed to remedy this. We are referring here to the stair lift and the disabled elevator.
What does the law say about elevators for people with reduced mobility?
A law was put into effect a few years ago to regulate accessibility in new multi-storey buildings. In this sense, all collective buildings must respond to the problems of movement for a person with a mobility problem, in accordance with Article R. 111-18 of the building code. This concerns, among other things, the internal and external circulation of the building. If this article is designed for the attention of new constructions, another article, namely R-111-18-9, also sets out an obligation for all old buildings, especially in the context of renovation or improvement of these. In other words, all old buildings undergoing an 80% or complete renovation are concerned by the installation of an infrastructure designed for an individual with reduced mobility. If the new rule requires the installation of an elevator on buildings with more than 3 floors, other development work must be done on other types of buildings. This concerns precisely the circumvention of stairs, as well as the differences in height. This is in order to avoid possible discrimination. That said, click here to find out all the good reasons and the need to install a PMR elevator in a private house or a multi-storey dwelling, in a place frequented by a larger number of people, such as shopping centers, hospitals, etc.
Elevators: for better access to the house
If collective buildings are subject to new rules for the good of the person with restricted mobility, homes must also be equipped with adapted devices. Generally speaking, it is not always easy for a person with a disability to live comfortably at home without the assistance of a caregiver or other. This is even more difficult when the house is served by stairs. However, the vast majority of family homes in France are equipped with stairs. Faced with this, it is important to consider specific arrangements in order to allow the whole household to feel good and comfortable at home without having to move. And it seems that stairlifts are the answer to this situation. In addition, wheelchairs and mini elevators are also a great alternative to this equipment. In any case, these devices are designed for the sole purpose of allowing a person with limited mobility to move from one floor to another independently, that is, without assistance from anyone. Moreover, the stairlifts are designed with a well thought-out design in order not to hinder the aesthetics of your home.
Why should you choose a stair elevator?
Several solutions are deployed in favor of disabled people. Among these, the PMR elevator is particularly popular, both in collective buildings and in family residences. In fact, this equipment has several advantages that it would be a shame to miss. As an alternative to the elevator, the PMR elevator does not require major renovation work in the building concerned. Since it is very easy to install, there is no need for renovation or reconstruction work. Its speed is limited to 15 cm/s, which makes it safer and more suitable for elderly people. Moreover, this type of elevator can be installed inside or outside. This allows it to be adapted to all architectural styles. In addition, the wide range of models on the market allows for a wide choice while the price is more affordable.
What are the main models of elevators available on the market?
To meet the specific needs of an individual with reduced mobility in terms of travel, there are several models of wheelchair elevators on the market. First of all, there are the vertical type devices equipped with a gondola and without a shaft. These include the model adapted to a height of 0.50 m. Because of its small size, such equipment is better suited to family homes for the sole reason that it is designed to overcome one to six steps. Then there are the elevators equipped with a gondola, a shaft and a door. Being a vertical device, it can be installed up to a height of 1.20 m. This is the most popular type of elevator for households. Then there are the vertical devices with a strong and closed shaft for optimal safety. These models are designed for heights of 3.20 m. For information, some devices can be used for a height of up to 10 m.