Home Elevator vs. Vertical Platform Lift | EZ Able

Home Elevator vs. Vertical Platform Lift: What's the Difference?

Quick answer

A home elevator is a fully enclosed cab that travels between two or more floors inside a shaft, and it starts at $45,000. A vertical platform lift (VPL) is a platform that usually rises one story or less, often to a porch, deck or entry, and starts at $18,000. VPLs cost less and install faster; elevators offer more design options.

Home elevator

A home elevator is a permanent, enclosed lift that travels between floors inside, or sometimes outside, your home.

  • Fully enclosed cab, like a traditional elevator
  • Travels between two or more floors
  • Installed in a shaft or hoistway
  • Push-button or touchscreen controls
  • Quiet, smooth ride
  • Customizable with wood panels, lighting, glass doors and more

Best for: multilevel homes, people who want a stylish permanent solution, and future-proofing a home for aging in place. Our home elevator options can look like a design feature, not a medical device.

Vertical platform lift (VPL)

A vertical platform lift is a platform that moves straight up and down, usually one story or less. It can be open-air or have a cab.

  • Open platform with safety rails and a gate, or an enclosed cab
  • Usually travels 4–6 feet, with some models up to 14 feet
  • Commonly installed outdoors or in garages
  • Often used to reach a porch, deck or split-level entry
  • Costs less and installs more easily than an elevator, which is why many people choose a VPL with a cab for an elevator-like look and feel
  • Constant-pressure control: the rider or attendant presses and holds the button the whole time, and the lift stops when it's released

Best for: wheelchair users who need access to a porch or entry, homes with limited indoor space, and budget-conscious one-story solutions. The VPLs we carry are durable, weather-resistant and suited to indoor or outdoor use.

Side-by-side comparison

FeatureHome elevatorVertical platform lift
EnclosureFully enclosed cabOpen platform with safety rails, or a cab
Travel2+ floorsUsually 1 floor (4–6 feet); some up to 14 feet
Indoor/outdoorPrimarily indoorIndoor or outdoor
Design optionsMany: finishes, lighting, doorsMinimal
InstallationLonger; construction requiredFaster
Starts at$45,000$18,000
Ideal forLong-term access between floors, aestheticsWheelchair access to porches, entries, garages

Which one is right for you?

  • Choose a home elevator if you want a seamless, enclosed ride between multiple floors, especially if you're remodeling or building a forever home.
  • Choose a vertical platform lift if you need practical wheelchair access to a raised porch, deck, entry or second story.

Not sure? We start with a quote, then a site survey, and install throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Request a lift consultation.

Common questions

Does a vertical platform lift cost less than a home elevator?

Yes. At EZ Able®, vertical platform lifts start at $18,000 and home elevators start at $45,000.

How high can a vertical platform lift go?

Most travel 4–6 feet, and some models go up to 14 feet.

Can a vertical platform lift be installed outside?

Yes. VPLs are commonly installed outdoors and in garages to reach porches, decks and entries.

Why does a VPL require holding the button?

VPLs use constant-pressure controls for safety. The lift moves only while the button is held and stops when it's released.

Related help

Need a hand?

Call us at 877-392-2531, Monday–Friday, 9–5 Eastern. You can also open a support ticket or chat with Abby on ezable.com.