A compact wheelchair lift mechanism utilizes a horizontal actuator to advance the vehicle doors outwardly away from the side of the vehicle together with a wheelchair user supported by a platform, and a vertical actuator which then lowers the platform with the wheelchair and user downwardly between the doors and vehicle. With the platform on the ground next to the vehicle, the user may then roll forward and away from the vehicle. The vehicle doors are also pivotably attached to the lift mechanism, such that a user may exit the vehicle by simply opening the vehicle door about its traditional door hinge, and therefore without powering the actuators. In this way, the wheel chair lift mechanism provides for safe and easy exit from the vehicle even if electrical power is lost, and facilitates use of the vehicle by both wheelchair-using drivers and drivers who do not use a wheelchair.
