Unwin displayed its BraunAbility Q-series inboard split-platform wheelchair lift at a product launch day in June, with the manufacturer taking the opportunity to reiterate its benefits.
“Inboard lifts have traditionally generated high noise levels, but our boast on the Q-Series is that drivers and passengers wouldn’t know it’s there. That’s how quiet it is,” says Managing Director Chris Hellier.
“We have worked with acoustic experts at the Purdue University in Indiana to redesign the lift to make it much quieter. They looked at where noise comes from and removed it.”
A principle element of that involves the lift’s hydraulic pump. When the ignition is switched on the pump engages for a second, ‘tightening’ components and preventing rattles.
Thanks to its split-platform layout, when installed the Q-series allows the rear doors to still be used as an emergency exit. It weighs 156kg and it has a safe weight limit of 400kg. It also has LEDs on the inside and outside of the platform to act as a warning for passers-by when in use.
Other safety aspects include a device that prevents the lift from stowing when a load is placed on it
“The Q-series lift is a premium product and it complements our existing Vista Split lift, which remains available,” adds Chris. “We already deal with most convertors and the Q-series is suitable for their use.”
The lift is made from steel and it comes with a three-year warranty that can be extended to five years at extra cost. Unwin has 17 agents in the UK and 24/7 backup is available, it says.
Chris adds that the Q-series lift is exceptionally rigid, and that can handle an attendant standing in one of the outer corners along with the wheelchair user. That makes it “about 300% more rigid than any other lift that we’ve seen.”
