Stair Lift FAQs

A stair lift is an ingenious machine that provides people with a hassle-free way of climbing up and down the stairs. Many residential homes are equipped with staircases leading to superior levels of the building. Healthy owners do not see the nuisance and danger in walking up and down the staircases, but for elders and people with disabilities this becomes a struggling battle, and oftentimes, such a major discomfort that they end up relocating or they give up using the upstairs chambers.

What are Stair Lifts and How do they Work?

This is the first of a long line of stair lift FAQs that encompass all kinds of curiosities, doubts and concerns that people issue before deciding on making a stair lift purchase. A stair lift is a motorised seat that runs up and down the staircase whilst gliding on a rail which can be installed on the wall or on the surface of the staircase. The entire assembly encompasses a seat, a drive system and the rail, and the device is electrically powered either through a battery that is re-charged by the domestic electric supply or directly from the latter.

Are Stair Lifts Expensive?

Amongst the stair lift FAQs, there are always inquiries on the costs associated with acquiring a functional stair lift. The expenses include purchasing and installation, both combined reaching prices starting from around £1700 and over £10,000 depending on the type and features of the stair lift.

Other stair lift FAQs might also refer to grants or discounts available for cutting down the large costs of purchasing this device. If a person cannot afford the total cost of such a buy, there are options available for acquiring the stair lift for a much lesser expense.

Do Stair Lifts Come with a Warranty?

Companies that sell stair lifts offer products with a 12 months warranty, however, people may also find sources whose devices have extended warranties for the customer's peace of mind.

Can a Power-cut Interfere with the Normal Functioning of the Stair Lift?

Safety during power cuts is one of the stair lift FAQs, especially amongst people living in rural areas or simply in areas with frequent power failures. Truth is that not all stair lifts are equipped with safety measures against power cuts, but if one wants to eliminate the danger of becoming trapped in the chair, he must choose a D.C. battery powered device which stores enough energy to keep the chair running even during a power cut.

Will my Staircase Allow the Installation of a Stair Lift?

Not any type of stairs is suitable for fitting in a device like this, however most designs are, even those that are not wide enough or straight. As long as a staircase is wider than 600mm, it will conveniently accommodate the motorised chair.

What Kind of Special Features are Important with Stair Lifts?

Stair lift FAQs offer a lot of information on features and safety standards that a stair lift needs to include to be perceived safe enough to use by the disabled. For example, the chair's functioning should not be interrupted by a power failure, and must also include features that prevent unauthorised use of the device or uncontrolled descend. Benefits like remote controls are appealing, but are not required in terms of safety of use.

Back to Top