Vertical Platform Lifts
Open platform lifts that raise a wheelchair between levels where a ramp won't fit.
Typical cost: $5,000–$12,000+, installed
How much do vertical platform lifts cost in Canada?
- Residential open VPLTwo levels, no enclosure
- $8,000 to $14,000
- Enclosed VPLWeather and pinch protection
- $12,000 to $20,000
- Taller or commercial-gradeHigher rise, heavier duty
- $18,000 to $30,000+
Installed prices in CAD, illustrative as of 2026. Your quote depends on the travel height, whether the lift is open or fully enclosed, and any concrete pad or electrical work the site needs.
Compare vertical platform lifts brands
The major brands sold in Canada, with where each one fits. We note real differences in service and reliability, not just price, so you can ask the right questions. Each quote goes to vetted local dealers.
Savaria
Vertical Platform Lifts
Canadian-made vertical platform lifts trusted for indoor and outdoor use.
- Price tier
- Mid to premium
- Rated load
- Up to 750 lb
- Warranty
- Strong residential coverage
Best for: Families who want proven quality and local service.
Garaventa Lift
Vertical Platform Lifts
Canadian accessibility specialist known for rugged, code-ready platform lifts.
- Price tier
- Premium
- Rated load
- Up to 750 lb
Best for: Demanding sites and taller travel heights.
Bruno
Vertical Platform Lifts
US-made lifts with a strong Canadian dealer and service network.
- Price tier
- Premium
- Rated load
- Up to 750 lb
- Warranty
- Solid component coverage
Best for: Buyers who value reliability and dealer support.
Harmar
Vertical Platform Lifts
Practical, value-focused platform lifts widely available in Canada.
- Price tier
- Mid-range
- Rated load
- Up to 750 lb
Best for: Budget-conscious homes needing a solid lift.
RAM
Vertical Platform Lifts
Straightforward residential VPLs that cover common porch and deck heights.
- Price tier
- Mid-range
- Rated load
- Up to 750 lb
Best for: Simple two-level access at a fair price.
Grants & funding by province
These projects are the best fit for the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit and provincial accessibility/renovation grants. March of Dimes' Home & Vehicle Modification Program (Ontario) and Veterans Affairs may also contribute.
Which grants can help pay for this?
Choose your province to see the funding that applies. Federal credits apply across Canada.
- Federal
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
A federal tax credit for renovations that make a home safer or easier to get around, including stair lifts, ramps, walk-in tubs, and grab bars.
- Typical amount
- Up to $20,000 in eligible work a year, worth up to $3,000 back (15%).
- Who qualifies
- Seniors 65 and older, or adults eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, claimed on the yearly tax return.
- Federal
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
A federal credit on eligible medical expenses. A stair lift and similar equipment can qualify with a doctor's note, and can often be claimed alongside the HATC.
- Typical amount
- 15% federal credit on eligible expenses above the yearly threshold.
- Who qualifies
- Anyone with qualifying medical expenses; equipment usually needs a prescription or letter from a doctor.
- Federal
Veterans Affairs Canada (Veterans Independence Program)
Support for eligible veterans and some survivors to stay independent at home, which can include home adaptations and accessibility equipment.
- Typical amount
- Coverage varies by assessed need.
- Who qualifies
- Eligible veterans and certain survivors, assessed through VAC.
- ProvincialIncome-tested
March of Dimes Home & Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
Ontario funding toward home modifications like stair lifts, ramps, and lifts for people with a substantial mobility impairment. Income-tested.
- Typical amount
- Up to $15,000 toward eligible home modifications, for those who qualify.
- Who qualifies
- Ontario residents with a substantial mobility restriction expected to last a year or more; income-tested.
- ProvincialIncome-tested
Ontario Renovates (municipal)
Forgivable loans or grants for low-income homeowners to make accessibility and safety repairs, delivered locally (Toronto, Ottawa, London, and others).
- Typical amount
- Varies by municipality (often forgivable loans up to several thousand dollars).
- Who qualifies
- Low-income homeowners; income limits and rules are set by each municipality.
- Provincial
B.C. Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities
A refundable B.C. tax credit for renovations that improve access or safety, on top of the federal HATC.
- Typical amount
- Up to $1,000 a year (10% of up to $10,000 in eligible work).
- Who qualifies
- B.C. residents 65 and older, or living with a person with a disability.
- ProvincialIncome-tested
Alberta Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP) & AADL
RAMP grants help wheelchair users adapt a home; Aids to Daily Living (AADL) cost-shares mobility and accessibility equipment.
- Typical amount
- RAMP up to $7,500 over three years; AADL cost-shares assessed equipment.
- Who qualifies
- Albertans with a permanent mobility disability who use a wheelchair (RAMP); assessed need (AADL).
- Provincial
Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL)
Cost-shared mobility aids and self-help equipment for residents with qualifying disabilities or conditions.
- Typical amount
- Cost-shared by program; varies by item.
- Who qualifies
- Saskatchewan residents with eligible disabilities or chronic conditions.
- Provincial
Manitoba Home Care equipment & adaptations
Equipment and home-adaptation support arranged through the Manitoba Home Care program for people assessed as needing it to stay home safely.
- Typical amount
- Based on assessed need.
- Who qualifies
- Manitoba residents assessed through the Home Care program.
- Provincial
PEI Disability Support Program
Funding toward accessibility equipment and home modifications for eligible Islanders living with a disability.
- Typical amount
- Based on assessed need.
- Who qualifies
- PEI residents who qualify under the Disability Support Program.
- Condition-specific
MS Society of Canada equipment support
Regional MS Society programs can help offset the cost of accessibility and mobility equipment for people living with multiple sclerosis.
- Typical amount
- Varies by region and program.
- Who qualifies
- People living with multiple sclerosis, through regional MS Society chapters.
- Condition-specific
Muscular Dystrophy Canada equipment program
Funding toward mobility and accessibility equipment for people living with a neuromuscular disorder.
- Typical amount
- Based on assessed need.
- Who qualifies
- Clients of Muscular Dystrophy Canada living with a neuromuscular condition.
Find local vertical platform lifts installers
Pick your city to see vertical platform lifts installers that serve your area, or use the form to request quotes and a Senior Care Path advisor will gather options from vetted installers near you, free and no obligation.
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What to look for in vertical platform lifts
- Travel height and weight capacity
- Indoor vs weather-rated outdoor unit
- Safety gates, controls, and backup power
Frequently asked questions
- What is a vertical platform lift?
- It is an open platform that rides straight up and down, a bit like a small outdoor elevator. It carries a person in a wheelchair, or standing, between two levels such as the ground and a porch. It is a popular alternative when a ramp would be too long.
- How much does a vertical platform lift cost in Canada?
- An open residential lift often runs $8,000 to $14,000 installed, and an enclosed model usually costs more. Taller or heavier-duty lifts can reach $30,000 or beyond. The travel height and enclosure are the biggest cost factors.
- Is a platform lift better than a ramp?
- It depends on the space and the rise. For a high porch, a ramp can become very long, while a lift fits in a small footprint. A ramp is simpler and cheaper for low rises. Many families choose a lift when room is tight.
- Can a platform lift be installed outdoors?
- Yes. Many models are built and weather-sealed for outdoor use, and an enclosed tower adds extra protection from rain and snow. Your installer will recommend the right configuration for a Canadian climate. Outdoor lifts usually need a small concrete pad.
- Does the government help pay for a platform lift?
- Often, yes. The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit can return up to $3,000 of eligible costs, and the Medical Expense Tax Credit may apply with a doctor's note. Several provinces also offer home-accessibility grants. It is worth checking what your province provides.
- How much space does a platform lift need?
- Surprisingly little. A typical lift fits in roughly a 4 by 5 foot footprint, which is far less than an equivalent ramp. You also need clear room at the top and bottom to get on and off safely. An installer can confirm the fit during a site visit.
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