Home accessibility isn’t just about installing a lift. It’s about being able to approach safely, enter without obstacles, move comfortably inside, exit easily, and have controls that aren’t taxing to use. The following guide is written to help you understand what to ask for during measurement and planning, before proceeding with a model or dimension selection.

Who do you actually want to serve?

Start with the real-world scenario. Someone moving upright with a cane or walker has different needs than a wheelchair user, and those differ again from a large electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter. The “right” size isn’t a general rule—it’s what fits the movements the user will make every day.

A practical tip is to consider the entry/exit: do they enter and exit straight, or do they need to turn? Especially when a turn is required, the dimensions must allow for maneuvering, not just a marginal fit.

For wheelchairs / mobility scooters

When the goal is to serve a wheelchair user or a large electric wheelchair/scooter, you typically need a platform with larger dimension options and a clear, practical entry. In this scenario, the most targeted choice within the CIBES range is often the Cibes A5000 home lift, because it provides flexible platform sizes and is designed with a clear accessibility logic.

For very limited space (e.g., within a stairwell)

If the primary problem is that “nothing fits,” then the key is a compact footprint that allows for installation in difficult spots. In such cases, a model like the Cibes A4000 often fits best, as it targets accessibility solutions within confined spaces.

For users who need easier/natural controls

When a user has reduced strength or difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., buttons that require steady pressure), “intuitive” controls are vital. This is where the Cibes Air stands out, as operation is handled ergonomically via the handrail.

For maximum comfort and “one-touch operation”

In cases where ease of use and less “strain” during operation are priorities, a cabin solution with “one-touch” functionality is usually friendlier. At CIBES, this profile is covered by the Cibes C1 Pure, which is a “cabin lift” aimed at providing a classic elevator experience.

For outdoor access (entrance/yard/garden)

When the need is to provide access from outdoor areas (e.g., entrance steps, yard levels), the correct scenario is an external installation solution. This is where the CIBES Outdoor Lift fits, as its logic is “outdoor-first” and it is installed when you don’t want or cannot create an internal route.

The space in front of the door is more important than you think

Even if the platform or cabin has the correct dimensions, use can become difficult if there isn’t enough approach space. For comfortable wheelchair use, a free space of approximately 1500 × 1500 mm in front of the door (turning radius) is considered a basic guideline. This space allows the wheelchair to turn without a “struggle,” especially when the user is alone.

If the space is more limited, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible—it just requires more careful design regarding door placement and sizing.

Door width makes a huge difference in daily life

For an entry to be comfortable for a wheelchair, the ideal clear door opening is around 900 mm. In very narrow residences, it can “stand” at 800 mm, but this usually means a tighter passage, more micro-maneuvers, and less comfort, especially if the wheelchair is large or has protrusions (handrails, footrests, etc.).

Practical size guide: what dimensions mean in practice

For upright use or a walker, there are smaller platform dimensions (e.g., 800×1217 or 900×1217 mm). These are useful when the goal is to “bypass” the stairs and assist reduced mobility, but they are not intended for comfortable daily wheelchair use.

For wheelchairs, options realistically start from about 900×1467 mm, though maneuvering there is more marginal. If you want something that will be used every day without stress, a very balanced choice is 1000×1467 mm, as it provides better comfort and can often accommodate a companion.

If the user needs to enter and exit with a turn or if the exit is at a 90° angle (e.g., a different exit side), dimensions like 1100×1467 mm are most helpful, because the extra width “gives room” for the turn inside the platform/cabin.

For large electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters, greater depth is usually required, with an indicative category being dimensions like 1000×1967 mm. If there is a chance of serving such a user now or in the future, it’s good to calculate this from the start, as changing dimensions later is no simple task.

As a minimum “residential starting point” often mentioned, there is also 1000 × 1300 mm for usable space, but in practice, the goal is always maneuvering and how the lift will be used.

Level access: pit, ramp, and “invisible steps”

Entry into the lift should be as “clear” as possible—especially for wheelchairs, walkers, or the elderly. This is where the pit (the “digging” in the floor) plays a role.

A shallow pit of about 50 mm (5 cm) helps significantly so that boarding is level. There is also a zero-pit solution (0 mm), but this usually results in a height difference that is addressed with an access ramp. This isn’t a bad thing—it just requires planning space for the ramp and ensuring a proper gradient so it is truly safe.

In cabin solutions, a pit of about 100 mm is indicatively mentioned. The important thing here is to avoid creating a “hidden step” that could hinder the user or increase the risk of tripping.

Operation: why “constant pressure” vs “one-touch” is critical

The mode of operation directly affects comfort, especially for individuals with reduced strength, tremors, or easy fatigue. In platform solutions, “constant pressure” (hold-to-run) operation is common, meaning the user holds the button down while the lift moves. This is very safe, but it can be tiring, especially if the travel height is significant or if the user has upper limb issues.

In contrast, in cabin solutions, we find “one-touch” operation, where you press once and the journey completes automatically. For many users, especially the elderly or individuals with neuromuscular fatigue, this is a significant difference.

Features that make the experience more “human”

These are the points often underestimated, yet they change daily life:

• Controls with tactile feel, high contrast, backlighting, and Braille, so they are easy to use in low light or for those with impaired vision.
• Voice announcements and an audible arrival signal, which help individuals with visual difficulties or in noisy environments.
• Remote buttons or “elbow” buttons, practical when someone finds it hard to press small buttons or has their hands full.
• Inductive loop (hearing loop) for hearing aid users, when hearing support is required.

Short “checklist” before requesting a quote

Before proceeding, make sure you have clarified:

• Which usage scenario interests you today and if you want to cover future needs as well.
• If there is enough space in front of the doors for safe maneuvers.
• What the clear door opening is and if it is realistic for the user.
• If you want level access and which pit/ramp solution fits the space.
• If the door layout requires a 90° turn or through-access, as this affects the size you “need” in practice.

If you want to be sure that the solution will be truly functional in daily life (maneuvering space, door opening, height, pit/ramp, user type), contact one of our specialized partners today. They will guide you to the appropriate choice for your case and, if needed, explain the technical details in simple terms.

View the CIBES home lift accessibility solutions.