Collapsible, powered platform for lifting wheelchair

An apparatus for moving an object between an upper position and a lower position, the apparatus comprising:

• a platform including at least three sections that are pivotally connected along generally parallel fold lines, the sections being selectively pivotally moveable about the fold lines between an unfolded orientation in which the sections are substantially coplanar and a folded orientation in which the sections form a compact configuration;
• a deployment assembly for selectively pivoting the platform about a deployment pivot axis between a substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, the deployment pivot axis being generally transversely aligned with respect to the fold lines of the platform;
• a distal barrier panel aligned generally parallel to the deployment pivot axis for retaining the object on the platform, the distal barrier panel including at least three distal panel barrier sections that pivot relative to one another about the fold lines of the platform when the platform is moved between the folded and unfolded orientations;
• and
• a lift assembly for moving the platform between the upper position and the lower position.