Wheelchair Lift Inspection Checklist: A Daily and Monthly Log for Lifts and Ramps

A lift that fails at the curb strands a rider and costs you the trip. This log gives drivers one short check each morning, and gives you a monthly check, a service tracker, and a written record that every lift and ramp was kept working. Each line is matched to a federal ADA or vehicle safety rule, a state rule, or the lift maker’s own manual.

How to use this template

1. Fill in Part 1 from the lift and its manual. The label on the lift says “DOT-Public Use Lift” or “DOT-Private Use Lift.” Copy the maker’s service interval from the owner’s manual insert that came with the lift.
2. Start a new Part 2 sheet each week for each lift van. Use Part 3 on ramp vans. The driver runs it at the yard, on level ground, before the first wheelchair ride of the day, together with the vehicle inspection checklist.
3. Write the counter reading every day. The count tells you when the next service is due. It also shows how hard each lift works, which helps when you plan which van takes the heaviest wheelchair days.
4. Mark every box. Write OK, or X for a problem. Write N/A only for parts your equipment does not have. A blank box looks like a skipped check.
5. Stop on any X. The van carries no rider who needs the lift until it is fixed. Call dispatch, so the trips can move to another lift van, and write the problem in Part 6.
6. Do Parts 4 and 5 once a month, or more often if the maker’s insert says so. A manager or mechanic signs them.
7. Send the lift for service when Part 1 says it is due, by cycle count or date, whichever comes first. Tell the shop to follow the maker’s instructions, and record the visit in your vehicle maintenance log.
8. Review and sign Part 7 each month, then file the sheets with the van’s records.

The tie-down steps on each ride are on the separate wheelchair securement checklist. This log covers the equipment.

The template

Part 1: Lift or ramp details

Field	Write the entry here in pen
Van number, year, make, and VIN
Lift or ramp maker, model, and serial number
Type (platform lift, powered ramp, manual fold-out ramp, portable ramp)
Label on the lift (DOT-Public Use Lift or DOT-Private Use Lift)
Rated load in pounds
Month and year the lift was made
Cycle count on the day this log started, and the date
Maker’s service interval (cycles, months, or both)
Next service due (cycle count or date, whichever comes first)
Where the owner’s manual insert is kept
Lift repair shop name and phone

Part 2: Daily lift check

Week of ________ Van ________ Write OK, or X for a problem.

Check	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
1. Cycle counter reading
2. Full cycle
3. Van interlock
4. Lift interlock
5. Controls
6. Outer barrier
7. Inner barrier or bridge plate
8. Threshold warning
9. Handrails
10. Platform
11. Door lights
12. Leaks and wiring
13. Backup tools
14. Stowed for travel
Driver initials

Check	It passes when
1. Cycle counter reading	You have written the number shown on the counter
2. Full cycle	The lift unfolds, lowers to the ground, rises to floor level, and stows with no jerks, stalls, or grinding
3. Van interlock	With the lift out, the van will not shift out of park or roll
4. Lift interlock	The lift will not unfold until the van is in park, or in neutral with the parking brake set
5. Controls	Each button moves the lift only while held, and the lift stops when you let go
6. Outer barrier	It rises and locks as the platform leaves the ground, and stays up until the platform is back down
7. Inner barrier or bridge plate	It keeps a chair from rolling off the edge nearest the van until the platform is fully raised
8. Threshold warning	It beeps or flashes when someone stands in the doorway area while the platform is below the floor
9. Handrails	Both are in place and tight
10. Platform	The surface is slip-resistant, no edge is bent, and the colored edge strip is visible
11. Door lights	They light the platform and the ground outside the door
12. Leaks and wiring	No fluid under the pump or on the platform, no loose or cut wires, and no dry grease points
13. Backup tools	The manual pump handle or release tool is on board, and the posted instructions are readable
14. Stowed for travel	The lift is folded and latched, and does not move or rattle

Part 3: Daily ramp check (N/A on lift vans)

Week of ________ Van ________ Write OK, or X for a problem.

Check	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
1. Deploy and stow
2. Surface
3. Side barriers
4. Hinges, pins, and slides
5. Attachment
6. Edge strip
7. Powered ramp backup
8. Interlock, if equipped
9. Door lights
10. Stowed for travel
Driver initials

Check	It passes when
1. Deploy and stow	The ramp unfolds or slides out all the way and stows, by hand or by power
2. Surface	It is slip-resistant, nothing sticks up more than 1/4 inch, and there are no cracks
3. Side barriers	They are at least 2 inches high on both sides and not bent
4. Hinges, pins, and slides	They are tight and not cracked, and nothing is missing
5. Attachment	The ramp stays firmly attached to the van while in use, with no gap over 5/8 inch
6. Edge strip	The colored band at the boarding edge is visible
7. Powered ramp backup	The manual release or backup works (N/A on manual ramps)
8. Interlock, if equipped	The van will not move while the ramp is out
9. Door lights	They light the ramp and the ground outside
10. Stowed for travel	The ramp is locked in place, so it cannot move or hit a rider in a sudden stop

Part 4: Monthly lift and ramp check

Month of ________ Van ________

Check	What to look for	OK	Problem	Notes
Cycle count	Today’s reading, cycles since the last service, and the count when service is due
Manual backup, full run	With the platform empty, unfold, lower, raise, and stow using only the backup
Drivers trained on the backup	Names of drivers of this van who have run it
Interlocks in every gear	The van will not move in any gear with the lift or ramp out
Mounting	Base plate bolts tight, no cracked welds, no rust at the mounts
Arms, pins, chains, and cables	No wear, fraying, bent parts, or missing clips
Lubrication	Every point on the maker’s list is greased
Hydraulic fluid and hoses	Fluid at the mark, no wet fittings or cracked hoses
Electrical	Harness, switches, and hand control cord have no cuts or corrosion
Barriers	Outer barrier and inner barrier close fully and lock, nothing bent
Labels and instructions	DOT lift label, rated load, and backup steps readable
Ramp, if equipped	Hinges, springs, slides, and stow lock checked on the maker’s list

Part 5: Securement kit count

Month of ________ Van ________

Item	Station 1	Station 2	Station 3
Four tie-downs present
Webbing has no cuts, fraying, burns, or stiff spots
Retractors lock and release
Hooks and floor fittings latch and release, floor track clean
Lap and shoulder belt mounted to the van, latches and releases
Straps and belts stored off the floor
Clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches, nothing stored in it

Van kit	Count or OK
Belt extenders on board
Strap cutter within the driver’s reach
Spare tie-downs in stock

Part 6: Problems and out-of-service record

Date and time	Problem found	Found by	Dispatch told (time and name)	Off lift trips (yes or no)	Repair made, and by whom	Back in service (date)	Checked by

Part 7: Monthly sign-off

Field	Write the entry here in pen
Month and van
Every daily sheet present (yes or no)
Problems still open
Next maker service due (count or date)
Reviewed by (printed name and signature)
Date

The rule behind each check

The federal rules come from the ADA vehicle standards in 49 CFR part 38, the ADA service rules in 49 CFR part 37, and the federal motor vehicle safety standards for platform lifts, FMVSS 403 and 404. The ADA rules apply to private companies as well as public transit. State rules were current as of September 2026.

Check	Rule or guidance
Full cycle each day	FTA calls pre-trip lift cycling a good practice (Circular C 4710.1, section 2.3.3). Minnesota’s daily inspection covers ramps and lifts (Rules 8840.5950). Wisconsin’s inspection, at least every 7 days, covers lifts and ramps (DHS 105.39).
Cycle counter and service interval	FMVSS 403 requires a counter that records each complete up and down operation, and a maker’s maintenance schedule based partly on it. Minnesota requires lifts to be maintained by the maker’s manual (Rules 8840.5975).
Van and lift interlocks	49 CFR 38.23(b)(2): the van cannot move unless the lift is stowed, and the lift cannot deploy unless the interlocks are engaged. FMVSS 403 names park, or neutral with the parking brake or service brakes applied by other than the brake pedal. Georgia requires park and the emergency brake whenever a lift or ramp is deployed. Virginia requires a working interlock on every wheelchair van.
An interlock, not a buzzer	The Access Board guide says a flashing light or buzzer set off by the lift or an open door is not enough, because it could be ignored.
Hold-to-run controls that reverse	49 CFR 38.23(b)(2): continuous pressure, no improper sequencing with a rider on board, and reversal partway without folding an occupied platform
Outer and inner barriers	49 CFR 38.23(b)(5): the outer barrier stays up whenever an occupied platform is more than 3 inches off the ground, and the inner edge is blocked until the platform is fully raised. Side barriers are at least 1 1/2 inches high.
Threshold warning	FMVSS 403: a warning when the platform is more than 1 inch below the floor and a person or mobility aid is in the doorway area. Private use lifts may use a light or a sound; public use lifts need both.
Handrails	49 CFR 38.23(b)(13): on both sides, moving with the platform, 30 to 38 inches above it, and strong enough for 100 pounds
Platform surface and edge strip	49 CFR 38.23(b)(6) and 38.25(b); Wisconsin Trans 301.62 (nonskid platform)
Door lights	49 CFR 38.31: at least 2 foot-candles on the deployed lift or ramp at floor level, and 1 foot-candle on the street 3 feet out when the door is open
Electrical, grease points, and fluid	Minnesota Rules 8840.5950 lists lift electrical systems, lubrication points, and fluid reservoirs on the daily inspection
Manual backup and posted steps	49 CFR 38.23(b)(3); FMVSS 403 and 404 (instructions affixed next to the controls). New Jersey: a lift or powered ramp works by hand, or has a backup that raises or lowers the rider within five minutes. Louisiana’s broker inspection checks the lift and all backup mechanisms.
Stowed and locked	Wisconsin Trans 301.62 and 301.63 (mechanical lock when stored); 49 CFR 38.23(c)(7) for ramps, portable ramps included; New Jersey (secured in a crashworthy manner)
Ramp surface, barriers, and attachment	49 CFR 38.23(c); Minnesota Rules 8840.5925 (slip-proof, one end secured to the floor in use)
Securement kit	49 CFR 38.23(d); Virginia (four working securements per station and a vehicle-mounted lap and shoulder belt); Minnesota Rules 7450.0700 (devices stored when not in use) and 8840.5925 (belt extender when needed, strap cutter)
Prompt repair, and repair before riders	49 CFR 37.161(b) (repair promptly); Minnesota Rules 8840.5975 and Wisconsin DHS 105.39 (fix before the van carries riders)
Record of every lift service	Minnesota Rules 8840.6100: date, odometer reading, and the work done each time a lift is serviced. New Jersey 8:40-3.12: a log for each vehicle of time out of service, the cause, and the fix.
Drivers who can run the lift	49 CFR 37.173; Minnesota Rules 8840.5900 (every driver can do a safety inspection and operate the lift or ramp)

For the specs behind these checks, such as the 600-pound design load and the ramp slope limits, see ramp or lift.

How often lifts must be checked, by program

Federal rules set a duty to keep lifts working. States and brokers set the schedule. This table shows the schedules with clear written rules, as of September 2026.

Program	Who checks	How often	What they want on file
Federal ADA, every company (49 CFR 37.161)	You	Often enough to keep lifts and securement working, with prompt repair	Your own records
Public entities and companies under contract with one (49 CFR 37.163 and 37.23)	You	Regular and frequent checks. A driver reports a failure by the fastest means available.	FTA suggests completed pre-trip forms and mechanics’ notes in each vehicle’s history
Minnesota special transportation service (Rules chapter 8840)	You	A daily visual safety inspection, plus lift service by the maker’s manual	Date, mileage, and needed repairs for each daily check; date, odometer, and work for each lift service
Wisconsin specialized medical vehicles (DHS 105.39 and Trans 301.96)	Your driver or mechanic, then WisDOT	At least every 7 days, plus a yearly state inspection with a decal on the windshield	Each inspection, each deficiency, and each fix, in writing
New Jersey mobility assistance vehicles (N.J.A.C. 8:40)	You	A preventive maintenance program for each vehicle	A log of time out of service, the cause, and the fix
Virginia fee-for-service (DMAS, May 26, 2026)	The broker	Before the first ride and again twice a year	The broker records each lift’s age, maker, model, and rated capacity
Georgia (DCH manual, July 1, 2026)	The broker	Within 60 days before a vehicle enters service, then every 6 months	Records of every inspection
Louisiana (section 10.3, July 14, 2025)	The broker	Before the first ride and every year after	Photos of a secured wheelchair and fastened belts, and a check of the lift and all backups

Virginia fee-for-service trips scheduled on or after October 1, 2026 go to MTM Health, whose handbook (approved August 10, 2026) asks providers to document each lift’s maker, model, age, and rated capacity. Fill in Part 1 once and you have that answer ready. For other states, check your state guide and each broker manual.

Using the maker’s manual and the cycle counter

FMVSS 403 covers platform lifts made on or after April 1, 2005. Each one must have a counter that records every complete raise and lower, a manual backup mode, and interlocks. The maker must ship an insert for the vehicle owner’s manual. It holds a maintenance schedule that depends at least partly on the cycle count, and the operating steps, including the backup.

FMVSS 404 covers vehicles built on or after July 1, 2005 that carry a platform lift. The lift must be installed by the maker’s instructions. The owner’s manual, if the vehicle has one, must hold the lift maker’s insert. The operating instructions, including backup operation, must be permanently fixed next to the controls. Lift-equipped buses and multipurpose passenger vehicles rated over 10,000 pounds must carry a public use lift.

A private use lift’s insert and posted instructions also show its rated load. They say whether a wheelchair user must back onto the platform from the ground, which is the case when the lift has no inner roll stop. Tell drivers which of your vans that applies to, and write it in Part 1.

Keep the insert in the van or in the van’s file, and copy its service interval into Part 1. Minnesota requires lifts to be maintained by the maker’s manual, and requires you to tell the mechanic or shop to inspect, repair, or service the lift by the maker’s instructions. Wisconsin requires any part its human service vehicle rules cover to be replaced with one that meets the original standard (Trans 301.95).

When a lift or ramp fails

1. Get the rider off safely. If the lift stops with someone on it, use the manual backup to lower the platform to the ground. Every lift must have one (49 CFR 38.23(b)(3)).
2. Call dispatch right away. Public entities must have drivers report a lift failure by the most immediate means available (49 CFR 37.163), and the same habit protects every company.
3. Move the lift trips. While a lift is out of order, you must take reasonable steps to serve the riders who need it (49 CFR 37.161). FTA’s guidance says a demand response van with a broken lift may finish the day only if every trip needing a lift van is moved to another one. Ask each broker for its reassignment steps.
4. Repair before riders. Minnesota requires a defect that might affect safe operation to be fixed before the vehicle goes into service. Wisconsin requires every deficiency fixed before any Medicaid rider is carried, with the fix documented by the driver.
5. Write it down. Fill in Part 6, copy the repair into the maintenance log, and file an incident report if a rider was affected.

Brokers can pull a van too. Virginia’s rules let DMAS or the broker remove a vehicle out of compliance from service at once until the broker confirms the fix. Georgia’s manual has a vehicle that fails its standards removed from service until DCH certifies in writing that it may return. Your emergency plan should name the backup lift van and the repair shop before you need them.

How long to keep the log

Rule	How long
Minnesota Rules 8840.6100 (daily safety inspection records)	3 months
Minnesota Rules 8840.6100 (lift service records and other records under chapter 8840)	At least 3 years
Wisconsin DHS 105.39 (inspection and repair records)	At least 12 months, unless the department approves otherwise in writing
New Jersey N.J.A.C. 8:40-3.9 (required records other than patient records)	At least 5 years
MTM Health’s standard agreement, Pennsylvania copy of January 1, 2023	10 years for records of all operations under the agreement

When two rules apply, keep the log for the longer one. For the full list of records and how long each is kept, see NEMT record retention and the service schedule in NEMT vehicle maintenance.