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PLATFORM LIFTS I NOVEMBER 6 2025
As more homeowners prioritise mobility, accessibility and comfort in and around their properties, outdoor platform lifts have become an essential addition - especially for individuals with limited mobility, wheelchair users, or older adults.
At Premier, we’re proud to support UK homeowners in making their outdoor spaces safer, more functional and easier to navigate. This article is your complete guide to understanding external platform lifts: how they work, who they’re for and what makes them a game-changer for outdoor accessibility.
An outdoor platform lift is a vertical lift designed to transport users safely over small changes in elevation, such as front garden steps, patio access, or split-level pathways. These lifts are installed externally and built to withstand the UK’s weather, offering a robust, long-lasting solution for homes and businesses. They’re often used as wheelchair lifts or mobility lifts to provide safe access where traditional ramps may not be practical due to space constraints or steep gradients.
Outdoor platform lifts are ideal for:
Whether you're adapting a home or ensuring your building is compliant, an external platform lift ensures everyone can enter with ease and dignity.
Built to withstand wind, rain, and varying temperatures, the lifts include rust-proof coatings, sealed electrics and drainage systems to ensure performance year-round.
Perfect for tight garden paths or entrances, most outdoor lifts require minimal space and can be installed with little disruption.
Modern platform lifts operate with low vibration and sound, ensuring a comfortable ride and minimal visual disruption to the home’s exterior.
From safety edges and emergency stops to key locks and handrails, safety is built into every part of the system.
At Premier Lift Group, we make the installation process simple and stress-free:
Our outdoor lifts can be tailored to complement your exterior. Our experienced design team can match your platform lift with existing architecture and landscaping, ensuring both style and function. Examples include;
With decades of experience installing wheelchair platform lifts and mobility solutions across the UK, we bring:
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it might be the right moment to explore installing an outdoor lift:
An external lift doesn’t just improve daily accessibility - it enhances safety, boosts functionality, and can even increase your property’s resale value.
Q: What is the difference between a wheelchair lift and a platform lift?
A: They are often the same thing. "Wheelchair platform lift" is a type of platform lift specifically designed for mobility devices. All platform lifts are meant to provide vertical access, but not all are intended for wheelchair users.
Q: Can outdoor lifts be installed on uneven or sloped ground?
A: Yes - lifts can be installed on sloped driveways or steps, with bespoke foundations and stabilising brackets as needed.
Q: Do outdoor platform lifts need planning permission?
A: In many residential cases, no. However, planning rules can vary by council. We provide advice during the initial survey.
Q: Are platform lifts safe in bad weather?
A: Yes. Outdoor platform lifts are weather-tested and include safety features such as anti-slip surfaces, key locks and emergency controls.
Q: Do platform lifts need planning permission?
A: Most internal installations don't, but external ones may require permission, especially in listed properties.
Whether you’re seeking more independence, greater comfort, or future-proofing your property - an external platform lift can transform how you move through your space.
Contact us at Premier Lift Group today for a free consultation and expert advice and guidance through the process.
