Stair Lifts

Rise to the occasion in your home or business with an escalator stair lift

Staircases can be challenges for the arthritic, injured or other people with limited mobility. Stair lifts (or "stairlifts") help these people ascend and descend stairs with confidence, whether empty-handed or carrying bulky items such as grocery, laundry or luggage.

Stair lifts feature a swivel seat mounted on a set of aluminum or steel rails attached to the staircase. Pressure on the up-down control activates the lift, moving it up or down the rails by a chain, worm screw, rack and pinion or cable drive.

Stair lifts come in indoor, outdoor and heavy-duty models able to carry up to 500 pounds. They use either household current or a battery placed between the outlet and the lift motor. AC stair lifts typically cost less, but won’t function when power goes out. (Some AC units now offer battery backup.) DC stair lifts have no power cables to get in the way and will run if the power goes out, but you need to replace their batteries periodically.

Stair lifts now offer the following safety features and conveniences:
1. Seat belts to keep the rider securely in place.
2. Sensors that stop the lift if anything gets in its path.
3. Locks to keep children from playing with the unit.
4. Warning alarms to indicate incorrect parking or a low battery.

 

Go with rising names in stair lifts

Many stair lift manufacturers have established quality reputations through years of experience, the markets they serve and professional certifications.
Try: Acorn Superglide Stairlifts manufactures and sells smooth-starting battery-powered stair glides worldwide. ISO-9001 certified Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc. offers residential and commercial battery-powered both straight-rail and custom-curved lifts, with an outdoor model able to carry 400 pounds.

Get help with buying an escalator stair lift

The life adjustments that come with purchasing a stair lift can make shopping a difficult process. Stair lift sellers can assist you with your purchase either online or in person.
Try: 4 Medical Supplies offers low prices on both electric- and battery-operated indoor, outdoor and heavy-duty stair glides and features an online measuring guide to help determine the right rail length, or you can have them do it before installation.

Save money with an install-it-yourself unit

Most stair lifts are designed to be installed with simple tools over the course of an afternoon. Many stair glide sellers give users the option to pocket the savings by doing their own labor.
Try: Accessibility4Less.com carries a line of lifts designed for easy installation and also offers installation services nationwide for those not so mechanically inclined. Universal Accessibility offers stair lifts from such major manufacturers as AmeriGlide, Acorn and Summit and the choice of do-it-yourself or professional installation.

Used stair lifts are another money saver

If you're on a tight budget or just need stair glides temporarily, look for reconditioned or gently used stair lifts.
Try: Stannah offers used stair lifts, factory reconditioned and guaranteed.  Homecare Suppliers sells refurbished stair lifts from Summit Lifts.

 

• To use an escalator stair lift safely, the user must be able to bend their knees to put their feet on the unit's footplate. If the user needs help to mount the seat, choose a unit whose seat shape and position aid the transfer process.
• Stair lifts mount to stairs, not to walls, so the stairs must be in good condition and should be at least three feet wide for the lift to function effectively. For narrower stairs, the user's height and leg length determine the lift's effectiveness.
• Stair lifts go from top to bottom without intermediate stops. Doorways at either location require workarounds to accommodate the lift.
• Users with weak hand dexterity need a stair lift they can control with a hand pendant, while those with lower back problems need a lift with a smooth start and stop.

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