The invention relates to a lifting appliance which includes a frame (3), wheels (9) mounted on axles (30) of the frame (3), each wheel (9) including a rim (90) having a radial web (92) attached to a rotary element (342) at one of the ends (32) of one of the axles (30), a load support and means for raising the load support. The radial webs (92) of the rims (90) are axially offset towards one (95) of the side edges (94, 95) of the wheels (9) relative to a median plane (P9) of each wheel (9). The wheels (9) are suitable for being mounted on the axles (30) in a first position, corresponding to a usage configuration of the lifting platform in which the median planes (P9) are separated from the frame (3), and in a second position, corresponding to a transport configuration of the lifting platform, in which the median planes (P9) are moved closer to the frame (3). The lifting appliance includes means for signalling the mounting position of the wheels (9) and/or means for limiting the raising of the load support when the wheels (9) are in the second position thereof. The invention also relates to a method for using such a lifting appliance, for example such as a lifting platform (1) supporting a pod (5) mounted on an articulated arm (7).