A wheelchair lift for use in conjunction with a vehicle having a floor. The lift includes a power actuating system, a platform assembly having first and second platform sections, and a linking assembly connecting the power actuating system to the platform assembly. The linking assembly includes first and second vertical arms connected to the platform assembly. The platform assembly is movable between a fully extended configuration, a pre-stowed position and a stowed position. The first and second vertical arms are a first distance apart when the platform assembly is in the fully extended configuration and the pre-stowed position and a second distance apart when the platform assembly is in the stowed position. The second distance is less than the first distance.