A platform lift with a ramp corresponding to the platform's thickness along one edge thereof, at least a part of which ramp is hinged along said edge and normally urged and locked in an upward barrier position to prevent objects from sliding or rolling off the platform when the platform is away from the ground. A single lever attached to the hinged ramp part depends below the platform and automatically releases the latch for maintaining the ramp as a barrier and then engages and moves the ramp part into its ramp-employing position as the lever contacts the ground. This lift platform and ramp part barrier mechanism is particularly adapted for wheelchair lifts on vehicles.