April 2024
Chair Lift In April 2024
Types of Chairlift
Chair lifts are a fantastic way of regaining independence in your home at any age. These devices can help people navigate from floor to floor and even make it easier to carry out household tasks such as carrying laundry upstairs. As people near old age, stairlifts can provide the opportunity to remain in their own home and maintain their independence.
They work by using a motor to lift a chair up a track incorporated into the stair tread. The seat travels along the track, allowing the chair to be moved up and down the steps, and thus pull you up the stairs.
There are a range of different models which can cater for all kinds of restricted movement, whether you wish to travel seated or standing, whether you want to go around corners etc. There are a few main types of chair lifts and stairlifts available:
- Straight stairlifts – this type of stairlift is perfect for a straight staircase and can be installed very easily.
- Curved stairlifts – this type of lift moves the user up the stairs following the curvature of the stairs.
- Standing lift (perch lift) – This lift is ideal for people who want to stand rather than sit. This can be because of joint or flexibility issues or purely personal preference.
- Outdoor stairlift – outdoor stairlifts can be fitted to straight and curved stairs and are perfect for homes with steps up to the front door.
If you’re not sure whether installing a chairlift is a good idea, talk to your doctor or physical therapist. They’ll be able to assist you in making an informed decision in line with your requirements and medical history.
Topics that you will find covered on this page
Who can benefit from a stairlift?
Stairlifts are not just valuable tools for those in their old age. They can be used by people of any age, whether you have difficulty walking upstairs or have short term or long disabilities. They can even benefit pregnant women.
They offer increased independence in the home, so you don’t have to rely on the support of others if you do not wish to. They do not involve any big structural changes to your home and can be removed as soon as they are no longer required.
They can also greatly reduce strain on muscles and joints for those recovering from an injury, so you can continue to go about your daily life without worrying about worsening your condition.
A chairlift is a safe and simple way to enhance mobility in your house. People are no longer restricted to the ground level of their homes due to the support of stair lifts. If you’re contemplating buying one, speak with a doctor or someone from a service like Age UK to be sure it’s appropriate for you.
Are chair lifts expensive?
The average cost of a stairlift n the UK is about £2,000. However, this expense can differ based on the type and size of the lift. The cost of a stairlift is determined by a variety of factors, such as the manufacturer and model, the length of the track, its age, and any special features.
If you’re considering a chairlift but aren’t sure how much it’ll cost, there are many companies who offer you the opportunity to pay in instalments rather than in one lump sum. This can help you keep on track of your finances and spread out the cost over several months.
Chair lifts for stairs are pricey, but they provide independence and safety for those who use them for the rest of their lives.
How are they installed?
If you choose to install a chairlift in your home, rest assured that the installation is left to the experts. They will be able to set up the lift promptly and securely, ensuring that it meets all safety requirements of the day and age. It’s also critical to keep the lift operational by having it maintained on a regular basis. A few tips on how to maintain your stairlift are detailed below.
Installation can be completed in a single day, allowing you to have one in your house by the end of the week. If the lift will need to be connected to the mains, a power outlet near the steps is necessary.
What to expect from the installation process
A stairlift supplier will come into your home to assess a range of aspects to make sure that you are getting the right lift for you:
The curvature of your stairs
If you have multiple stories in your house, the supplier will need to think about whether you require a straight stairlift, a curved stairlift, or perhaps an installation of both to access the whole property.
It’s worth noting that finding a reconditioned curved stairlift might be more difficult than a straight one because they are usually bespoke and therefore require additional works.
Why choose the world's most innovative stairlifts from Acorn?
Read below what Acorn's clients have to say about them
More reasons why Acorn are a good option
Call now on 0333 567 1603 to get a quote or to discuss your stairlift requirements.
Or
Book a callback, in the calendar below, for a time that suits you.
The size of your staircase
A stairlift supplier will measure the height and width of your stairs and see whether you will benefit from the installation of a bespoke compact lift.
They may also need to measure your head height while seated to ensure there is enough space for the lift on your staircase.
Maximum weight capacity
Keep in mind that any lift has a maximum weight capacity. When they perform a home survey to determine which lift would be best for you, a stairlift manufacturer may request your weight.
Your mobility
Stair lifts are intended to be simple to use. However, the supplier may ask you about your own mobility as well as whether you want left-handed or right-handed controls for your stairlift.
Some lifts include a footrest that is automatically lowered when the user leaves their foot on it. This makes it simpler to fold up the lift when it isn’t in use.
Your budget
The supplier will ask you about your budget and offer a free quote so that you are on the same page about how much you are willing to spend on a stairlift.
Lifts range in price, but there are certain methods to save money. Secondhand or refurbished lifts are a wonderful way to get a high-quality lift for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
How to maintain your stairlift
Stairlifts need to be serviced on a regular basis in order to function properly. You should immediately contact an expert if your lift has any problems so that they can carry out any necessary repairs.
Chair lifts are a fantastic way of regaining independence in your home at any age.
If you want to keep your chairlift lasting longer and keep such works to a minimum, follow these few simple maintenance tips:
- Clean the lift once a week by lifting the seat and wiping any excess dust with a damp cloth.
- If you spot any damage, report them immediately and get a technician out to help you service the device.
- Check the safety sensors on a regular basis and report any concerns immediately.
- Lubricate the moving components and other mechanisms every six months to keep everything functioning smoothly.
Where do I buy a stairlift from?
You can buy a stairlift from most major online retailers or online auction sites such as eBay. You should also consider talking to friends and acquaintances to see if you can get hold of one refurbished or second hand.
Many companies offer flexible financing options, so you don’t have to pay for everything in one go.
You may even be eligible for some government grants to help you buy, so it is worth talking to charities like Age UK.
It’s also possible to hire a stairlift rather than purchasing one outright. This might be an excellent choice for people who only require the lift for a short period of time or aren’t sure if they’ll use it often.
Before you buy, speak to your local stairlift company about the many payment choices available. They will offer an advice service and be able to give you a free quote.
Key features to look out for
When shopping for a stairlift, it might be difficult to decide which one to purchase. They differ from model to model, although most stairlifts have several features in common, such as:
- A comfortable and adjustable seat and backrest.
- An adjustable footrest to keep you secure while moving
- An easy to use remote control
- Removable fabric coverings so you can customise your chairlift and easily keep it clean
Chairlift Safety
Rest assured that dynamic strength testing, endurance testing, and an electrical safety service is all conducted on stairlifts before they are sold to the public, so the stairlift you buy will be in line with government regulations.
It’s crucial to read the user’s manual before using your stairlift for the first time since there are a few things you should know. It will teach you all of the features and stay safe while using the lift.
All members of the household should be trained in how the stairlift works. If young children are present, they should be supervised, and the safety bar should always be used.
Additional safety features
As well as the quality control guarantees listed above, you can also look out for a range of safety features in your chosen model of stairlift. For example:
- A retractable safety bar – some models are equipped with an option for the lift to only begin to move if the safety bar is in place
- Footrest – the footrest keeps you safe and secure, and if you opt for the automatic folding footrest option, this will reduce further damage to painful joints
- Automatic stop sensors – this is a great option for people who live with children or pets
- Emergency stop button – this is an essential features which ensures you are always in control of the stairlift
Electrical Requirements
Most stair lifts are powered by a battery or plugged into the mains with a plug socket in your home. Battery-powered stairlifts are ideal for people who don’t have access to an outlet near their stairs because they eliminate the need for any additional electrical work.
The battery in a chairlift is typically of high quality and may last for around 50 trips before requiring to be recharged. This means you can use the stairlift numerous times each day without having to worry about it running out of power.
Battery-powered lifts have the additional benefit of continuing to function in the event of a power cut. People who live in regions where a power cut is common may find this to be an enormous comfort as it gives them the freedom to continue to navigate their home in any conditions.
Will the chairlift damage your wall?
A popular misconception about stairlifts is that they will harm your wall. They are, in fact, secured to your stair treads rather than the wall, so you don’t have to worry about the chair damaging your home.
Bear in mind that if you have a standing lift, you may want to remove any pictures hanging on the wall since you will be travelling at a slightly higher height than in a traditional seated chairlift.
What to do if you have narrow staircases
The main disadvantage of chair lifts is that most of them do come with a minimum width requirement for your staircase. This is normally 28 inches, but if your staircase is narrower than this, you can opt for a compact design.
A folding footplate allows you to fold up the footrest when the stairlift is not in use. This makes it much less intrusive and easier for other users of the stairs.
A folding seat also further reduces how intrusive the lift is in the stairway space.
Hinged tracks can allow you to fold up the bottom part of the stairlift rail away, which can help open up more space at the bottom of your staircase, especially if you have a doorway right on the landing.
A standing or perch stairlift is also a good option. These have a perch seat rather than a standard full-size seat, so they take up less space, and the user’s knees protrude less far into the stairway. This has the effect of freeing up more space for other users of the staircase.
Is a chairlift right for you?
A stairlift is a great option for anyone, regardless of age or mobility, to access their stairs and remain independent in their own home. There is most likely a solution available for you if you’re searching for anything that’s inconspicuous or has special requirements.
However, chair lifts are not the right solution for everybody, and if you are not convinced, you should talk to a medical professional about your options.
You could consider alternative options such as installing wheel chairlifts or ramps to make your stairs wheelchair friendly. A stair lift elevator could also give you wheelchair access to all levels of your home.
Alternatively, if it is possible, you could think about moving to just the ground level of your home so that you can live your life without needing to go upstairs at all.
What to do next?
Get some more information from a stair lift manufacturer by calling now and requesting a free quote service. They’ll be happy to give you expert advice prior to your installation date without any hard-sell sales tactics to pressure you into buying anything.
Most businesses will give you a full refund if you are dissatisfied with what you receive, and they will carefully consider the issues raised in order to help locate you an alternative solution. Age UK is also an excellent resource for additional information if you’re still undecided about what your best option is.
Have A Free Consultation With A Stairlift Specialist
You can contact an Acorn stair lift specialist in one of 3 ways:
- Option 1 – Call directly on – 0333 567 1603
- Option 2 – Book an appointment directly in the calendar below, and one of the team will call you back at your chosen time
- Option 3 – Leave your contact details and Acorn will get in touch with you
Option 1 - Call Acorn Stairlifts Directly
Monday to Thursday : 8am – 7pm
Friday : 8am – 5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday : 9am – 5pm
Call us on : 0333 567 1603
Option 2 - Book an appointment, in the calendar below, for a callback when it's convenient
Option 3 - Leave your details and Acorn will get in touch
Leave your contact details below, and one of the Acorn team will give you a call to discuss your needs.
Please note that Acorn Stairlifts undertake all calls.
More useful information on stairlifts
A Guide To Stairlifts
This article explains all you need to know about buying or renting a stairlift in the UK alongside information on where to find one.
Curved Stairlifts
Not all stairs are straight, so you may need a curved stairlift to go around a landing, This article explains how you get a curved stairlift.
Stairlift Rental
Renting a stairlift is a popular alternative to purchasing a new stair lift. This article explains how the rental process works.
Second Hand Stairlifts
Buying a second hand stairlift is much cheaper than buying a new one, especially if you nay not need it for long.
Reconditioned Stairlifts
A reconditioned stairlift allows you to get an almost new stairlift for a much lower price than a new one. This article explains how.
Stairlifts For Narrow Stairs
Thos will narrow stairs will need a specialist chair. However, there are lifts that could work. Our article explains what you need to know.
Article author
James Lloyd
I am the primary writer and author for Help and Advice, having originally helped start the site because I recognised that there was a need for easy to read, free and comprehensive information on the web. I have been able to use my background in finance to produce a number of articles for the site, as well as develop the financial fitness assessment tool. This is a tool that provides you with practical advice on improving your personal financial health.
Outside of work I am a keen rugby player and used to play up to a semi-professional level before the years of injury finally took their toll. Now you are more likely to see me in the clubhouse enjoying the game.
Email – [email protected]
Linked in – Connect with me
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from a stairlift?
Stairlifts are not just valuable tools for those in their old age. They can be used by people of any age, whether you have difficulty walking upstairs or have short term or long disabilities. They can even benefit pregnant women.
Are chair lifts expensive?
The average cost of a stairlift in the UK is about £2,000. However, this expense can differ based on the type and size of the lift.
How are they installed?
If you choose to install a chairlift in your home, rest assured that the installation is left to the experts.
Where do I buy a stairlift from?
You can buy a stairlift from most major online retailers or online auction sites such as eBay. You should also consider talking to friends and acquaintances to see if you can get hold of one refurbished or second hand.
