There are many different types of stair chair lifts available today. Some general awareness about these accessibility devices is useful if you are looking to install one. When it comes to choosing and installing one, it is best to rely on professional advice.
Residential and Commercial Stair Chair Lifts for Different Stairway Configurations
12 Volt Drill
Stairway configurations vary and there are stairlifts available to suit any kind - straight, spiral or curved. If your building has a landing, you could install two sets of stairlifts.
• Straight Stair lifts - These lifts are meant for buildings with straight stairways. They feature a straight rail track which can be conveniently fixed on your straight staircase. These models are comparatively easy to install.
• Curved Stair Lifts - If your building stairway is curved or spiral, you would need to install a curved stair lift. Their curved rail track can be easily and conveniently configured to the staircase. Electra-Ride III from Bruno and ThyssenKrupp Access's Flow II and Stair-Glide are some of the well-known models of this type of lift.
• Outdoor Stair Lifts - These lifts help you go up and down the stairs outside a home. In other words, they allow people with mobility issues go from the front door to the sidewalk or from a cabin to the boathouse. These weather-resistant devices come with many premium features such as swivel seat for easy and safe entry and exit at the top landing, and 12 volt battery that keep it working even during power outages. Bruno's Electra Ride Elite is a great outdoor stair chair lift model.
Electric and Battery-powered Stair Chair Lifts
• Electric stair lift - The electric lifts, as the name suggests, work on direct electricity. Almost all models of these mobility products available are electric and suitable for all types of stairways. ThyssenKrupp Access's Citia, Stair-Glide and Excel, and Savaria's Step Saver Straight Stair Chair and B.07 Straight Stair Chair are popular models.
• Battery-powered - Battery-powered lifts can be plugged into household electricity and continue working even during power outages. Most electricity-powered lifts come with battery back-up too.
Choose the Right Electric stair lift
Whatever the kind of stair lift you are looking to install, make sure that the brand you buy comes with all the necessary safety features. These would include safety braking system, obstruction sensors, seat belt, remote controls, folding tracks, folding arms, and so on. Installation is also important. It is not advisable to try and install the equipment on your own. A reliable dealer that offers different types of stair chair lifts can help you choose the right one and help you set it up without much structural modification. You can also benefit from the maintenance and repair service that your dealer offers.