When installing a ramp, meeting building codes requires one foot of horizontal distance for every vertical inch. As a result, you’ll need to add about 12 feet of ramp for a one-foot rise.

This is manageable for a 12- to 18-inch distance. However, to cover 18 inches, the ramp takes up about 75 square feet. Then, to continue to meet codes, ramps 30 feet or longer need to have a resting platform. A distance of 60 feet, then, requires two platforms.

Yet, for those with mobility impairments, scaling this distance – up or down – is nearly impossible without assistance. A lift, by contrast, takes an individual from point A to point B with minimal effort.

Too, realize that if the ramp’s left outdoors, you’ll be left clearing off snow and ice to avoid creating a safety hazard. With a lift, you’ll still need to create a slip-resistant surface, but it takes up less space, which means less maintenance for your team.