Yes, you can buy a vertical platform lift (VPL) online, but doing so without professional guidance can lead to non-compliance and safety issues. A lift installed in Florida without permits or inspections exemplifies this problem—it was falsely labeled as "portable" to bypass regulations and lacked required safety features like platform and landing gates.
Online sellers may not inform buyers about permits, inspections, and compliance with standards like ASME A18.1 and ICC/ANSI A117.1. Proper installation also requires addressing structural, safety, and usability standards, which demand expertise.
Hiring a qualified local accessibility contractor ensures code-compliant installation, permits, inspections, ongoing maintenance, and liability coverage. Mislabeling a lift as "portable" does not exempt it from compliance if installed on an accessible route. For public accommodations, adherence to ADA and state laws is mandatory.