An Introduction to Stair Lifts

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 Stair lifts employ a battery-powered rack and pinion drive system, constantly charged by a nearby outlet at the top or bottom of the stairs. This design allows the stair lift to carry its rated load up and downstairs. Safety features, like the over-speed governor and emergency braking system, ensure that the stair lift will never travel faster than it is supposed to. Typically, stair lifts travel at about 18 ft per minute. 

 In the event of a power outage, the batteries will continue to operate your stair lift for approximately 20 round trips. While your power is out, you can save the stair lift’s batteries by turning off an isolator switch when you aren’t using the stairlift. However, this is only recommended during an outage and it’s important to leave your stairlift switched on the rest of the time. 

 Stairlift weight capacity depends on your staircase type and the model you need for your home. Straight stair lifts can carry heavier loads than curved stair lifts, which operate on a different track that has to adapt to the bends and turns of your staircase. Typically, you can expect weight capacities between 300 lbs. and 350 lbs. for straight stairs and 265-300 lbs. for stairs that turn. 

 Since the rail can be cut down to fit on shorter staircases, you can re-sell or donate your stair lift, or simply take it with you if you decide to move. It is important to note that this doesn’t guarantee the new set of stairs will be wide enough for a stair lift and the track cannot be extended, if the new staircases is longer than the original.

 Stairs that turn are a more complicated proposition than straight-runs. Fortunately, curved stair lifts can handle the bends and turns of almost any staircase. 

 An Outdoor Stair lift is just that: a stair lift designed for outdoor staircases. They provide access to backyards, gardens and even garage entryways. Outdoor models can withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Usually, outdoor stair lifts are made with durable metal rails and strong plastic seats that can handle being out in the sun or exposed to winter weather. A protective cover and a closed rail system are also vital components to ensure that your outdoor stairlift can handle the elements. If you’re interested in an outdoor stairlift, make sure you ask about landing controls and a key lock system, so that you can store your stairlift safely. 

 Heavy duty stair lifts are stairlifts with a significant weight capacity (over 300lbs). While most stairlift companies don’t make this distinction, it’s an important question for many people. Typically, straight stairlifts have a higher weight capacity than curved models, so it’s better to install on a straight-run staircase. If you’re concerned about weight capacity, simply ask the question. Most stairlift companies can accommodate higher weight capacity; it’s simply a matter of finding the right model for your needs. 

 Safety Sensors
Almost every stairlift on the market is equipped with safety sensors beneath the footrest and on the sides of the motorized carriage. This ensures that the stairlift will come to a gentle, but immediate stop if it encounters an obstruction.

​Retractable Rail
Retractable rails are an optional feature for staircases with limited space at the bottom landing. The rail raises and lowers automatically as the chair rides up and down the stairs, clearing room for a door or walkway. This prevents the rail from becoming a tripping hazard or blocking an emergency exit.

Folding Footrest
Just about every major stairlift company carries models that fold up to save space on the stairs, when not in use. The seat and armrests usually flip up manually, but the best companies provide powered footrests. These usually include a button on the armrest that folds the footrest up and down, making it easier to get in and out of the chair and avoiding the need to bend over when folding the footrest (especially important at the top of the stairs).

Controls
The slimline hand control is mounted to the armrest and allows you to use any part of your hand to operate the stairlift. Simply push and hold the control in the direction that you want to go to move your stairlift. If you let go, the stairlift will stop. The hand control is soft and ergonomically designed for those with limited dexterity. An alternative “rudder” style is also available.

Key Lock
The key lock feature prevents unauthorized use of your stairlift. Simply remove the key and no one else will be able to use the stairlift. When you’re ready to go, replace the key. If you aren’t concerned about others using the stairlift, you can leave the key in all the time.

Types of Seats
There are several types of stairlift seats to choose from. While it’s important to find something comfortable, you should also make sure that you select a seat with the practical features that will suit your needs. Wider chair arms provide extra space and have the added benefit of offering more leverage when you’re getting up from the seated position. Perch/standing models are a good solution for those who struggle to bend their knees or have back problems. You can ride upstairs in a semi-standing position and the hydraulic seat will make getting out of the chair much easier.
In addition to these practical features, many stair lifts offer intriguing style options. You can get vinyl or woven upholstery and choose from a variety of colors. Some stair lifts even come with light or dark wood trim. Once you’ve found the seat that will suit your needs, choose the style options that will suit your home!

​Powered Swivel Option
All Stannah stairlifts swivel at the top of the stairs, so that the rider can get off safely. But, if manually swiveling the chair is difficult due to limited mobility, we offer a powered swivel option to make turning easier. This mechanism allows the user to swivel the chair to face away from the stairs, by simply continuing to hold the hand control or using the remote. The chair can also be swiveled back into the riding position using the remote, to allow others to use the stairs.

Retractable Rail Option
For straight stairs, Stannah offers a retractable rail that raises and lowers automatically as the chair rides up and down the stairs. This is a great option if the rail could pose a potential tripping hazard at the bottom of the stairs or if there is a door in the way. With the retractable rail option, your Stannah stairlift will be there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.

Seat Belt Options
The standard retractable seat belt on the Siena and Starla chairs is designed for ease-of-use and can be upgraded to an ‘Immobilizer seat belt’ so that the chair will not operate from the armrest control until the seat belt is engaged (standard equipment on the Sadler chair). Our lap-diagonal and five-point seat belts (above) provide extra restraint over the shoulders and, if needed, between the legs. We also have a  center-clasp seatbelt option.