The Best Location – Before ordering a wheelchair lift, it is incredibly important to find the most appropriate location for the machine. Since the lift operates vertically, the machine must be installed next to a flight of stairs so that no gaps are found between the lifts platform and the top landing. This is important because the rider must be able to easily roll onto and off of the lift platform. Once a suitable location has been found, make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby. The wheelchair lift must be plugged in to an outlet, so make sure there is one nearby. Before installing the vertical lift, it is a good idea to remove handrails from the section of the landing where the lift will be installed. Most lifts come with landing gates or doors; if the one you are ordering does not, make sure you build one yourself. A door or gate will keep a person from falling from the landing when the lift is not there.