Easy Guide to Operate a Ricon Solid Wheelchair Lift: If you’re looking to safely and confidently use a Ricon Solid Wheelchair Lift, this guide will walk you through the essentials. Designed for ease and dependability, these lifts help wheelchair users board and exit minibuses with minimal effort. Whether you’re operating the lift yourself or assisting someone else, learning the correct steps is key to ensuring a smooth and secure experience every time. If you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible minibus, click here.
Step 1:
First, make sure the engine is switched off whilst using the lift. Then locate the lift isolator switch, which is usually to the right of the steering wheel, flick that switch on. It’s now ready for use.
Step 2:
Next, locate the hand held remote which is usually on the left side of the minibus. Once ready, press and hold the deploy button until the lift reaches the minibus floor level. Then, press and hold the down button until the lift has reached the ground.
Step 3:
Carefully push the wheelchair user onto the lift, apply the brakes and click the lifts seatbelt system into place. Once ready, press and hold the up button until the lift reaches the minibus floor level. Once reached safely release the wheelchair brakes and push the user into the minibus, make sure to correctly secure the wheelchair into the minibus using restraints (to find out how to use wheelchair restraints click here)
Step 4:
Finally, to put the lift away, simply press and hold the stow button until the lift reaches it’s original location.
By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure the Ricon Solid Wheelchair Lift operates safely and efficiently for every ride. With a bit of practice and attention to detail, using the lift becomes second nature—making transportation more accessible and stress-free for everyone involved.
The Ricon Onboard Split Wheelchair Lift is a reliable and user-friendly solution designed to provide safe access to our minibuses for wheelchair users. Whether you’re a new user or assisting someone with mobility needs, understanding how to operate the lift properly is essential for safety and ease of use. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basic steps to ensure smooth and secure operation every time.
1. First, make sure the engine is switched off whilst using the lift. Then locate the hand held controller, usually on the left side of the lift. Once you have this, simply click the on button to activate the lift. It’s now ready for use.
2. Once ready, press and hold the deploy button until the lift reaches the minibus floor level. Then, press and hold the down button until the lift has reached the ground.
3. Carefully push the wheelchair user onto the lift and apply the brakes. Once ready, press and hold the up button until the lift reaches the minibus floor level. Once reached safely release the wheelchair brakes and push the user into the minibus, make sure to correctly secure the wheelchair into the minibus using restraints (to find out how to use wheelchair restraints click here)
4. Finally, to put the lift away, simply press and hold the stow button until the lift reaches it’s original location.
Now that you know how to operate your Ricon Onboard Split Wheelchair Lift, you can ensure safe and smooth transportation every time. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and perform regular checks to keep your lift in top condition. If you have questions or need service, don’t hesitate to contact your mobility equipment provider or reach out to us for support. Explore our full range of accessibility solutions today.
At Minibus World we are experts in manufacturing minibuses from 9 to 17 seats. We are often asked which is the best lift for a wheelchair accessible minibus? And as with most things in life, it is a bit ‘horses for courses’. However, in this blog we will seek to explain the options so you can make an informed decision. Alternatively, call the team at Minibus World who will be able to recommend a solution based on your needs.
The size of your minibus, seating configuration and day to day requirements will heavily influence the best lift for a wheelchair accessible minibus. You can configure a small minibus (that would normally seat 9) to hold one wheelchair but a large 17 seat minibus can be configured to hold up to 6 wheelchairs.
Once you know what size minibus you need the next consideration is use. Will you just be carrying wheelchair passengers? Will you need removable seating for able-bodied passengers? How often will you be transporting wheelchair passengers? The answers to these questions will affect your choice of lift or wheelchair ramp. To help you select your accessible minibus visit our web page.
Options to consider are under floor lift, onboard lift, split onboard lift, telescopic ramp and manual fold out ramp. But which is the best lift for a wheelchair accessible minibus?
Underfloor Electric Lift (Concealed Cassette Lift)
The most versatile lift offered by Minibus World. The lift sits under the rear of the minibus when not in use, so maximum standard seating can be maintained when not carrying a wheelchair. When wheelchair carrying ability is needed, it’s a simple case of removing the NMI quick release seats to free up space for the wheelchair(s).
Popular on larger minibuses and not available on our small accessible range, the underfloor lift is fully electric and both easy and safe to use.
The onboard lift as the name suggests is stowed onboard the minibus when not in use. It folds up vertically, adjacent to the rear doors of the minibus, taking up some space but not a huge amount (as you can see on the picture). As with the underfloor lift, the onboard lift maximises seating when not in use and is deployed simply and safely using a handheld controller.
A variation on the onboard lift a split onboard lift has the additional benefit that the lift platform separates in half as it retracts to be stowed. This grants the driver and passengers a greater field of vision by not obscuring the rear window of the minibus. At the same time it does not compromise ease of access to the wheelchair user.
Wheelchair accessible split onboard lifts are managed by a handheld controller. These are intuitive to use, with simple button management to deploy, lower, raise and stow.
Manual ramps are best used for infrequent wheelchair journeys due to size and weight. On the positive side they are cost effective, do not require LOLER certification and if not in use do not add any weight or impact on seating capacity in the minibus. At Minibus world we offer both telescopic and manual ramps.
So the best lift for a wheelchair accessible minibus is also down to client need. At Minibus World we can offer you a demonstration of a variety of lifts and if you are not close to us in the heart of Staffordshire, you can check out our video’s on our YouTube Channel.
BraunAbility wheelchair lifts are widely trusted for their safety, reliability, and ease of use—especially in accessible minibuses. Whether you’re a driver, carer, or part of a transport service team, knowing how to operate the lift correctly is key. In this guide, we walk you through each step of using a BraunAbility onboard wheelchair lift fitted in a minibus.
1. Secure the Minibus
Park on level ground, apply the handbrake and make sure the ignition is switched off.
Switch on lift isolator button to engage the wheelchair lift.
2. Activate the Lift Controls
Use the handheld controller located near the lift.
Make sure the lift power switch is turned on before starting to use.
4. Deploy the Lift Platform
Press the “deploy” button.
The platform will lower from the stowed position to the minibus floor level.
5. Assist the Wheelchair User
Guide the wheelchair user safely onto the platform.
Ensure the wheelchair is centered and the brakes are applied.
6. Lift the Platform
Press the “up” button to raise the platform smoothly to floor level.
7. Enter the Vehicle
Carefully guide the wheelchair user into the minibus.
Secure the wheelchair with all provided tie-downs and seatbelts.
8. Stow the Lift
Once the passenger is safely inside, press the “stow” button to fold the lift back into its storage position.
Using a BraunAbility wheelchair lift in a minibus is straightforward when you follow each step with care. Regular use and proper training will help ensure safety and confidence for both operators and passengers.
Using a wheelchair lift safely and correctly is essential for both operators and passengers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of using a PLS underfloor wheelchair lift, a reliable and space-saving solution found on accessible vehicles. Whether you’re a driver, caregiver, or new user, this quick guide will help you feel confident operating the lift.
1. Prepare the Vehicle
Park the vehicle on a flat, stable surface.
Ensure the vehicle ignition is switched off, engage the handbrake and turn on the lift isolator switch, located to the right of the steering wheel.
2. Access the Lift Controls
Open the rear door where the lift is fitter.
Locate the remote, mounted inside near the lift area.
3. Deploy the Lift
Start by raising the red safety handle, using the remote, hold the up button to deploy the lift. Keep holding until the wheelchair lift reaches the same height as the minibus floor.
Then lift both safety handles into position and slide out the extension platform so it’s ready for loading.
4. Load the Wheelchair User
Press and hold the down button until the lift has fully reached the ground.
Once fully lowered, carefully push the wheelchair onto the centre of the platform.
Engage the wheelchair brakes once in position.
5. Raise the Lift
Press the “up” button on the control.
The platform will lift smoothly to floor level with the vehicle.
6. Enter the Vehicle
Once aligned, guide the wheelchair user carefully into the vehicle.
Secure them using appropriate tie-downs and seatbelts.
7. Stow the Lift
Press the “stow” or “fold” button to retract the lift under the vehicle.
The PLS underfloor wheelchair lift is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, ensuring a safe and dignified transfer for wheelchair users. Following this guide and watching the video will help you build confidence in using the system effectively. Always check the user manual and receive proper training if you’re new to the equipment.
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