Revolutionising wheelchair boarding: Simplify Engineering’s fully automatic PRM lift

Current wheelchair boarding systems for trains have been designed to be manually operated by train conductors. While these systems have been created with the aim of providing access to public transportation for wheelchair users, the reliance on manual operation can present significant challenges. If the lift is used infrequently, the user can begin to lack knowledge in how to operate it, resulting in incorrect operation and malfunctions.

A new PRM boarding lift from the Swiss company Simplify Engineering solves these problems. It enables wheelchair users to get on and off the train easily – regardless of station platform heights.

Hassle-free use

One of the lifts’ novel and innovative features is the fully automatic operation at the push of a button. Any cumbersome and difficult manual operation is no longer necessary. This makes the daily use of the system much more convenient and hassle-free for the conductor as well as the users.

The system can be adapted to specific trains and the required lifting height. Additionally – thanks to its novel approach – the boarding lift has virtually no impact on a train’s door opening; neither in aspects of space nor functionality or esthetics. 

Author: Patrick Gutknecht is CEO of Simplify Engineering AG and Executive Board member of Högg Elevator Systems AG. He is a Dpl. Engineer of Mechanics with 15 years’ experience in lift systems and 10 years experience in railway systems.