Stair Lifts - Straight and Curved Rails

There are two types of stairlift. Straight and curved. The first is designed for straight stairs. The footrest of the lift will normally stop level with the top stair. It may be possible to use a straight stairlift on some configurations of curved stairs.

The second, and generally far more expensive type, is a 'made to measure' or 'curved track stairlift' which can travel around bends on the stairs and can be made to run on to the landing. Prices vary according to the length of the stairs, the number of bends and the complexity of the bends.

It is worth noting that although far more expensive, the resale value is negligible, as the rail is made to measure and can only be re-installed on an identical staircase.

Curved track stairlifts can be fitted on either side of the stairs, the layout of your staircase will determine which is most suitable. If you need a curved track stairlift you will need to pay a deposit to the company that you are dealing with. This will normally be about 30% of the cost of the lift. The deposit is required because the company are committing themselves to building a stairlift rail that will only fit into your house. You should not have to pay a large deposit if you order a standard straight lift as these can usually be adapted to suit another staircase.

In certain circumstances it is possible to fit a straight stairlift on stairs that have a turn at the top. For example if you have a straight run of stairs with three steps winding onto the landing. Or a straight flight and a quarter landing with two more steps, a folding platform stairlift could be the solution. A straight stairlift is installed with extended legs, so the footrest stops in line with the landing. A solid wooden platform is then built around the footrest of the lift. This platform can then be used to walk safely onto the landing. The platform is hinged so that it can be folded back against the wall to enable other people in the house to use the stairs.

It is also possible to have a powered platform so the user doesn't have to bend to raise it. Please note that the folding platform option is not suitable for everyone. If you are prone to dizzy spells or feinting or if you have very poor mobility this is not a viable option. Seek independent advice.

Basics of Home Stair Lift System

Are you having problems going up and down the stairs because of disability? This would be very hard especially if you are always alone and your family goes out for groceries. You can ask help from someone for you to be able to access up and down the stairs but we must remember that their presence will not always be there or they may not always have the patience in helping you.
Well now you don't have to worry about it.

Stair lift systems are built to fix your problem. A home stair lifts system is a kind of motorized elevation machine that is attached to the staircase. They are installed on railing system to direct the home stair lift itself to go up and down the stairs.

Home stair lift includes built-in seating systems with rubberized feet support. It may vary from different designs depending on your taste. Home stair lift systems can be loaded for up to three hundred kilograms and they work slowly for the convenience of the patient.

These systems can be installed by yourself (depending on the company's instructions) but it would be better if you let the company to install the said home stair lift systems, besides they are more knowledgeable and trained to do so when it comes to stair lift installations.
In America, the demand for on-line stair lift products have increased for up to eighty five to ninety percent of the total range. This is because on-line transactions are much cheaper than the actual negotiations to the home stair lift company dealers.

This brought some technical stair lift problems to the customers because they did not see the actual features of the home stair lift. They just based their stair lift qualifications on the posted on-line advertisements. In the first place, visiting the company dealer will guarantee you about what home stair lift systems is right for you.

Now you and your family can live life more fully. With the right home stair lift at hand, you don't have to think about their situation.

Recycled Stair Lifts

stair lift is a lift that is used for lifting up the handicap chairs.

While it is difficult for a disabled person to move from one place to another it is even more difficult for him to climb the stairs as well. For this purpose, a stair lift is useful. So if you have a physically challenged person in your family, stair lift is a must for you. Nevertheless, if you have an elderly person in your family, stair lifts are useful then as well. While buying a stair lift might not be convenient for your pocket you might want to go for recycled stair lifts.

Used stair lift should be chosen by you if you know that stair lifts have an occasional use. Often people have to shift their house because they of incapability to climb the two stories up. Shifting a house may be possible for few but it always is a costly affair and so in that case you can end the problem by buying recycled stair lifts.

So once you have decided to buy a stair lift you need to delve into the various options which can provide you with good quality recycled stair lifts, you should also consider the latest technology. However, you may find that latest stair lifts are not within reach but it may be might be a chance that you get to buy a latest technology recycled stair lift for yourself.
A recycled stair lift can help solve your problem nicely and is also available at modest prices. So, if you feel like you will have to change your house because your broken leg is not allowing you to climb up to your bed room at the second floor, you can easily say good bye to the idea by saying yes to a recycled stair lift.

Straight Stair Lift

A straight stair lift is a powered driven stair lift that travels in a straight track. It is mostly used in homes where the stairs have no curves or bends. It is also often used in the outdoors for example the garden.

Straight stair lifts are mostly installed in homes to carry the disabled and the elderly up the straight flight of stairs. It can be used for other purposes as well such as carrying heavy loads. Examples can be grocery or heavy luggage.

Most stair lifts nowadays uses remote control that will take the chair to another floor which provides more convenience.

Before installing a straight stair lift, stair lift manufacturers will have to do an assessment of your home to determine if your home can install a straight stair lift. For instance, some straight staircases have a projection at the top of the stairs and it may not be possible to install a straight stair lift. This is particularly so if you plan to install a stair lift that lifts a wheelchair instead of the turnaround seat.

Generally speaking, a straight stair lift takes the shortest time to install and is also cheaper than curved stair lifts. The other factor that determines the cost of installing a straight stair lift is the length of the track that needs to be installed.

I would recommend if you want to install a straight stair lift to get several quotes from stair lift manufacturers or dealers if deciding. You might want to consider a second hand stair lift if you do not have the budget to buy a new stair lift since it can be expensive.

Hinged Rail Stair Lifts

If a door at the top or the bottom of the stairs may be blocked by the rail of the stairlift, there are a number of models designed to overcome this problem. Some manufacturers are able to produce a rail with reduced overhang upstairs, so the lift will not protrude as far into the hallway. This may solve the problem at the top of your stairs and is a very cost effective solution.

If there is a door or passageway at the bottom of the stairs then it is likely that you will need a folding track or hinged rail stairlift. This means that the bottom section of the rail can be folded out of the way when the lift is not being used. This will allow you to gain access to a door that would be blocked by a normal rail and also means that there is no tripping hazard if you have an open hallway downstairs.

The hinged rail option is available from most suppliers but the cost and quality can vary greatly. Seek independent advice and consider if you would be able to fold the rail manually or if you would require powered operation. Most people do need the powered version as the mechanism can be quite heavy. Unfortunately these options will add to the cost of the lift.

The only other option is to stop the rail of the lift short, to prevent it protruding as far into the hallway. This might make getting off the lift dangerous and is not an ideal solution by any means. Again you must seek advice, preferably from an occupational therapist. Also take into account that while you may be able to use the lift this way in the short term you may find it impossible in the future. Some companies may not consider it an option as they feel there is too much risk involved.

Stairway Lift Chair

Stairway lift chairs can be found in many places such as homes, multi-storied offices, hotels and hospitals. They are used to help solve the problem of mobility and can save time in unnecessary movements in regular chairs. It depends on the needs of the office, hospital or home, but the best lift will look at these needs in an organization.

In a hospital, a stairway lift will help take the patient from one floor to another and reduces any discomfort or any pain to the patient. These kind are big enough to hold and accommodate wheel chairs, stretchers and beds. There is no problem with moving all the equipment to another place. A lift in an office helps save time while a person moves from one floor to another.

A stairway lift will also reduce the tiredness one gets by regular movements from a staircase. Older members with restricted movements can be helped by using them in houses. A lift chair is useful for various needs in various places and locations. This will be spacious based on the need of the organization, traffic, need of the person that is installing this. A strategic place that does not cover an entire area is desirable. There are many advanced lifts nowadays that can be managed by ways of a joystick. These have comfortable seats as well.

Stairway lift chairs could be an expensive solution, but could also be customized per the requirements of the organization or person and match the theme, interior and design of the location. A proper and complete study of the kind of lift chair is important.

What is a Stair Lift?

A stair lift is something that more and more people are getting put in their homes. This is going to help people who cannot get around like they once did and it will allow them the freedom to live in their own homes on their own.

A stair lift can be used in just about any home. They are special chairs that are put on the wall where your staircase is in your home. This chair has a motor attached to it that will lift a person up and down the stairs. This is some thing that will come in very handy for anyone that has a hard time going up or down stairs. You simply sit in the chair and the stair lift will gently take you up and down.

Most of the elderly people that live alone in a two-story home rely on a stair lift to help them go up and down their stairs safely. For one reason or another, these people are not supposed to or cannot go up and down stairs on their own. With a stair, lift the elderly people who have this problem will feel more independent and free to do the things that they have always done on their own.

Many stair lift companies will install the lifts in elderly or disabled people’s home. It is important to have a stair lift installed by a company that has a good reputation in this type of work. It is important to have a proper installation for the stair lift. You have to make sure that it is installed properly because you have to make sure that you able to go up and down safely. There is no need for anyone to get hurt on a stair lift.

A stair lift is not a toy. It is defiantly not something that should be used by children on their own. You should not have young children playing on the stair lift. These things should only be used for people that really need them. Someone can get hurt if they are not careful and do not use the stair lift in the correct way.

A stair lift is something that any person that has a disability or handicap so that they will not have to move out of their home. Everyone deserves to have a sense of freedom and be independent. It is so important for these people to have the ability to do the same things that they always have. With a stair lift, you can still do these things.

Wheel Chair Lifts - Up, Up, and Away

A wheel chair lift is designed to allow those who must use a wheelchair easier accessibility to shops, restaurants, businesses, and any other public facility. There are many types of wheelchair lifts. The type a facility has will depend on the design of the building and the amount of money the facility has to spend on such equipment. Churches often have the older type of wheel chair lift that a person sits in. This requires them to move from their wheel chair to the seat of the lift.
Power wheelchair lifts are commonly found on vans and other vehicles. They allow wheel chair bound individuals the ability to get in and out of a vehicle with ease. This is very important for them to maintain as much of an ordinary life as possible. Many individuals who are in a wheelchair still work, do their own shopping, and enjoy social gatherings. A power wheel chair lift offers a way for them to be as self-sufficient as possible under the circumstances.
Wheel chair stair lifts are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. They are also used by individuals who have difficulty going up and down stairs. The lift has a platform to roll the wheelchair onto or for an individual to stand on. It then lifts above the stairs where the individual is able to disembark from the lift. The same process is used to go back down the stairs. This is a great alternative to using the elevator and is also safe to use in the event of a fire.
Another useful type is the vertical wheel chair lift. This works almost the same way as an elevator, except the space is much smaller. The front has a door that opens when a button is pushed. The person in the wheelchair rolls into the space. There is generally enough room for another individual to enter the vertical wheel chair lift with the person in the wheelchair. Inside the lift are buttons similar to an elevator. Choose the button for your destination and you will be taken up or down depending on your choice. Once the lift has reached that location, the door will open much as the doors on an elevator do.
Handicap wheel chair lifts are designed to meet the special needs of those who use them. They may be similar to the wheel chair stair lift or the vertical wheel chair lift. They often have safety features in place and a bar inside to allow the person to pull themselves in or hold on during movement.
Wheel chair lifts come in many designs, all with the same goal of allowing those who use a wheel chair access to all the same facilities that the rest of society enjoys. They are made to be easy to use as well as accessible from ramps and other wheel chair accessible points of entry. If you require additional help, most facilities will have assistance available to help individuals with the proper use of wheel chair lifts.

Stair Lifts - The Ups and Downs

Stair lifts are designed to take individuals up and down the stairs with ease and convenience. They are often used by those who are confined to a wheel chair or who have bad knees or other medical issues that make stairs difficult to navigate. They may be used by the elderly and pregnant women as well. Stair chair lifts can be found in a variety of settings including public facilities, restaurants, Churches, Museums, homes, and businesses that have more than one level.
Wheel chair stair lifts are the most common type found in public. These stair lifts work in several different ways, depending on the type of lift design the facility is using. A common type of wheel chair stair lift has a chair built on the lift. This can be difficult to use as it requires the person being able to move out of the wheel chair and into the chair on the lift. Another person has to help the individual because the lift will take them to the top of the chairs, or back down depending on their need. Someone will have to carry their wheel chair up and down the stairs for them to get back in to.
A more convenient type of wheel chair stair lift allows the person in the wheel chair to push their wheel chair onto the lift platform. A safety gate will close behind them. When they reach the top or bottom of the stairs, the front of the lift will open, allowing them to wheel forward out of the lift. This type of lift allows individuals to go up and down stairs without the assistance of anyone else.
Home stair lifts are very convenient for someone who has become wheel chair bound, but who also wants to remain in their home. They are easy to install. Most plug in to a wall current just like a lamp. One draw back is that most homes don’t have back up power sources, so in the event of a power outage, the home stair lifts aren’t usable. The majority of them come with a very good warranty and can be used for individuals who weigh up to 300 pounds.
Used home stair lifts can often be purchased for a fraction of the cost from a home owner that no longer requires it. However, they do not come installed or with a warranty. Some companies that market home stair lifts are starting to offer reconditioned used stair lifts at a lower cost. Purchasing a used stair lift from a company may offer you a short term warranty as well as installation assistance.
Stair lifts are a great invention that allow those who are not able to go up and down the stairs the ability to lead a very normal life. Most businesses and public facilities offer them to be in compliance with ADA requirements. A home stair lift is a great option for someone in a wheel chair or the elderly who want to remain in the home they love and enjoy. It gives them the ability to do so.

Stair Chair Lift Ratings

Stair chair lifts are giving people back their mobility and their home. But deciding on what is the best stair lift for your needs isn't that easy. Not all residential models offer the same features and the price variation between brands can be enormous. What follows are stairlift ratings of the most popular brands.
Summit Stair Lift
The Summit stair lift is for those on a limited budget. It has been designed to offer basic functionality that is reliable. The Summit is still powered by AC mains electricity. Just about every manufacturer uses DC 24 volt rechargeable batteries. Battery powered stair chair lifts are better because they offer smoother starts and stops, are easy to install as there's no wiring, are safer than mains and the lift can still be operated during power outages. The Summit also uses an outmoded cable system to pull the carriage along the track. The cable used in them by Summit is aircraft cable and is rated at 4,200 lbs, so there is no danger of breakage.
The Summit does come with basic safety control. The footrest has a sensor that will immediately stop the chair should it encounter any object on the stairs. You also get a seatbelt. What you won't get with a Summit stair lift are sensors on the actual carriage itself, so an object on the track will not stop the chair. The control panels are not wireless either, they are wall mounted.
The Summit chair lift is a product that will transport the user up and down the stairs - though not in any great style. It is a workhorse and has been proven to be reliable with surprising little maintenance even though it employs old technology.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Acorn Stair Lift
Acorn stair lifts, like Summit, can only be used on a straight staircase. Unlike a Summit lift, the Acorn is a more sophisticated machine. The Acorn Superglide stair lift is a battery powered rack and pinion system. This is the industry norm. The rechargeable battery pack gives a smooth start and stop and the rack and pinion drive ensures a smooth ride overall. The Acorn comes with two wireless remote controls with send/call functionality. There is also a mechanical joystick to control the stair chair lift - the toggle overrides the remote controls.
You can also buy the Acorn Superglide outdoor stair lift. Interestingly, Acorn also makes a perch stair lift for those who find sitting uncomfortable or impossible. The Acorn Perch can also be used on narrower staircases. The Superglide Perch by Acorn comes with a 'wander lead' control which can be positioned to allow maximum comfort and ease of operation.
The Acorn stair lift would suit the requirements of the majority and is an excellent one.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Bruno Stair Lift
Few manufacturers make curved stair lifts. This is because they lack the expertise. Bruno is a company that does have this expertise. Bruno is ISO-9001 certified, which is the most stringent and widely recognized quality standards in the world.
Bruno makes not just one straight stairlift but four; 3 home stair and 1 outdoor lift. Each home from Bruno offers a heap of features that come as standard. The Electra-Ride Elite is its top model. It comes with 5 surfaces fitted with safety sensors, on both the footrest and carriage. It has an overspeed safety brake, retractable seat belts, and wireless remote controls and it can carry up to 400lbs. The seat height can be adjusted from 19" to 24 1/2" and the footrest can be adjusted too to give maximum comfort. The rail protrudes 5" from the skirting - the industry norm is about 8".
The Bruno Electra-Ride III Curved Rail can be installed on just about any staircase, no matter how much it curves. It can carry up to 350 lbs and an optional wrap-around "park" position is designed to save room and make using it that much easier.
The Bruno stair lift is one of the best on the market and remains very popular.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Stannah Stair Lift
Stannah is a UK stair lift manufacturer that now ships to over 40 countries. In my opinion this is the best stair lift you can buy. They recently released the Stannah 120 with Solia and Solus models. The stair chair lifts were designed in partnership with one of Europe's leading design agencies and it shows. The Solus has a real contemporary look while the Solia appeals to the more traditional user. Not only do these lifts look good but they are probably the most technically advanced on the market. They can be used on stairs with an inclination of 52 degrees - just about everyone else in the industry can only manage 45 degrees. Also, they have developed a unique and innovative twin rack system for the track. Not only does it look stylish but it only protrudes the skirting by 3.7" making a Stannah ideal for steep or narrow staircases.
The other features that come with it can match and out do anything else on the market. For instance, the Stannah chair lift can be supplied with a motorized swivel chair - fantastic for those will severe mobility problems. No other manufacturer offers this.
The Stannah stair chair lift is the Rolls Royce of the industry.

Stair Lift Reviews

Before you buy a home stair lift it is essential that you first review the stair lifts on the market. You'll soon find that stair lift prices vary a great deal, but be wary of using a stair lift price as the main yardstick in choosing one; a cheap stair lift can be a good deal for the customer or it can be an expensive mistake.
The home stair lift market has grown significantly in the past few years. Many people with mobility problems are finding out that installing a handicap stair lift is cheaper than they thought and is certainly cheaper than the expense of moving house or hiring home help, not to mention the psychological and emotional benefits of reclaiming the upstairs of one's home. What follows is some advice on buying a stair lift and stair lift reviews of the most popular models.
But choosing the best stair lift for one's home can be problematic with so many stair chair lifts on offer. You need to be careful and to take your time when choosing a home stair lift. You should always seek professional advice before you buy a stair lift. Don't just talk to stair lift suppliers; talk to your community occupational therapist or friends who might already have a handicap stair lift in their home.
You should also look at as many makes of stair lifts and talk to at least 3 different dealerships. Talking to a dealer is important; don't buy from a dealer on the internet if they don't also have a phone number - if you have any problems later, chances are you won't get any answers back by email. If you can, go in person to a stair lift showroom and try out the chairs yourself. Try to go with a relative of friend.
There is a growing, and worrying, trend for home stair lifts to be sold without any installation. The buyer is told that self-installation is easy and can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills. However, AMEA (Accessibility Equipment Manufacturer’s Association) and the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) strongly advise against self-installation of a home stair lift. A reputable stair lift supplier will insist on doing the installation.
Also, remember to ask about warranty and after sales service. A reputable dealer will offer both; look for a dealership that offers 24/7 telephone support so that you'll get instant help when you need it.
Here are some brief stair lift reviews of some leading makes.
The Summit Stair Lift
This is a low cost home stair lift. The company only makes straight stair lifts. The Summit chair lift is made to be a no-frills but reliable handicap stair lift. It uses technology that is now considered old-fashioned by most leading stair lift manufacturers; it uses a cable system rather than rack and pinion to drag the chair along the track, and the Summit stair lift is mains powered rather than battery powered. Other manufacturers switched to rack and pinion battery powered stair lifts because they give a smoother ride. You do get basic safety systems with the Summit stair lift such as a sensor on the footrest to detect obstacles, a seat belt and cable tensioning. Won't you won't get the more sophisticated safety features offered by other manufacturers. All in all, the Summit stair lift is for those on a small budget.
The Acorn Stair Lift
Acorn makes only straight stair lifts. Currently you can buy the Acorn Superglide stair lift. This home stair lift uses a modern rack and pinion drive system and is powered by DC 24 volt rechargeable batteries. The home stair lift also comes with two wireless remote controls with send/call features. You get safety sensors on both the footrest and carriage that will immediately stop the chair should any obstacle be encountered on the stairs or track. What sets Acorn apart is that they make a perch stair lift, which is ideal for those who have trouble bending the knees or for staircases that are narrower than normal.
The Stannah Stair Lift
This is a UK stair lift manufacturer that now exports to over 40 countries. Quite simply, Stannah stair lifts are the best on the market. Stannah make both straight and curved stair lifts. The Stannah 120 stair lift has two models; the Solus (a very contemporary design) and the Sofia (for those who prefer a more traditional look). With a Stannah home stair lift you get many features as standard but the company also offers optional features that other manufacturers don't. Stannah stair lifts aren't the cheapest on the market, but it makes the best handicap stair lifts.
There's no doubting the benefits of installing a home stair lift. But choosing a home stair lift that best suits your needs takes patience and thought. Don't ever be rushed into buying a handicap stair lift - reputable dealers will never put you under pressure to buy.

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Handicap Stair Lifts

When it comes to purchasing any kind of handicap stair lifts, there are certain factors which need to be taken into consideration in order that you make the right choice.
By choosing the wrong type of handicap stair lift could not only mean it is uncomfortable but it may well also be dangerous for the person who needs to use it. In this article I will be taking a closer look at some of the key points you should take into consideration when choosing the right kind of stair lift for a person with a handicap.
1. The extent of the person’s disability or handicap
First of all you need to look to see if the person who will be using the stair lift can actually lift themselves in or out of their wheelchair and on to the seat on the stair lift? Plus can they actually stand without placing too much weight on to their own two feet without too many problems? If the answer to either of these two questions is no and cannot actually independently transfer themselves from the wheelchair to the stair lift or the other way round, then you may want to consider purchasing something else instead, may be an elevator would be a better way of allowing them access to the upper floors in their homes.
2. Can they hold down a button?
A lot of modern handicap stair lifts need the person using it to be able to press and then hold down a button which then sends the device up an down the stairs. If they are not able to carry out this simple function, then you may need to look for another device which they can use instead of one of these kinds of stair lifts.
3. Do they have control over their upper body?
Anyone who wishes to use such a stair lift must have some kind of control over their upper body. If they do not then they will not be able to sit on the chair of the stair lift safely and may find that they begin to slip or slide as the lift begins to move.
4. Does it come with a safety belt system?
More of the newer models of handicap stair lifts that are available today are fitted with a safety belt. However if you are trying to safe money and looking to purchase a used one then you should check before you make your purchase that it comes with a safety belt system. If it does not, then see if you can get one fitted to it.
Yet even if the seat does already have a seat belt fitted to it is also important that you check it is in good condition and still works.
It is important you keep the above 4 points in mind when buying a handicap stair lift.

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How To Rent Stair Lift

For many people, being able to have a new stair lift installed into their home is simply not possible as they do not have the funds available or they cannot get the financial assistance to get them. However just because you do not have funds immediately available for such an expense does not mean you can’t have a stair lift. In this article I will be taking a closer look at the option where a person can rent stair lift devices rather than purchase one outright.
Renting stair lift is certainly the most feasible one for those people who just do not have the funds for actually purchasing one. In fact there are quite a few companies who will offer you an extremely attractive rate especially for straight stair lifts.
But if you do make the decision to rent rather than buy it is important that you actually try the model you are considering having installed in your home before you do. Also before you sign any contracts or pay any money (usually a deposit along with the first few months rent are required) it is important to read the small print in any agreement.
It is important that you are aware that although a stair lift can be convenient for those who have difficulty getting up and down stairs they can also be quite dangerous as well (especially if they have not been properly maintained by the rental company). So it is important that you make sure that all the company’s rental stair lifts are maintained and serviced regularly.
Generally it is best to rent stair lift if you know that you are only going to require it for a short period of time. Say when an elderly relative comes to stay with you for a few weeks or months. If you decide to rent stair lifts for long periods of time (more than 1 year), then you may find that you could end up paying more for it than if you had decided to purchase one in the first place.
It is very important that you know exactly what is included within the contract and ensure that you have any queries or other concerns relating to the contract confirmed to you in writing.
The above are some tips you might want to consider when you are considering renting a stair lift.

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Home Stair Lifts

Adding a stair lift to the home can drastically increase the independence of you or your physically challenged loved one. With so many models and brands to choose from, buying a stair lift for the home can seem like a daunting task especially to the lay person who is unfamiliar with the various lift technologies available. It is important to have a basic understanding of how a stair lift operates so that you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
The basic operation is the same for most all stair lifts. The unit itself includes the seat and an enclosed electric motor that travels up a track which is securely mounted to the stair steps. Stair lifts are grouped into two general categories based on the type of drive train that propels them up and down the stairs. Rack and Pinion stair lifts use a system of gears to climb up the track while Cable Driven lifts use a pulley and cable system. Most stair lifts use the cable driven system due to the ease of maintenance.
Despite the increase in demand and the decrease in stair lift prices in recent years, it is still quite difficult to find a brick and mortar store that sells them. Nearly 90 percent of stair lifts purchased in the United States are purchased from online dealers and distributors. Purchasing online or by telephone can save you thousands of dollars without any sacrifices in service or warranty. When purchasing online, make sure that the dealer is authorized by the manufacturer to sell you a stair lift. This will insure that you are dealing with a factory trained representative that is familiar with the product.
Prices for new stair lifts can range anywhere from $1800 to as much as $3000 for heavy duty models. You will also need to add anywhere from $500 to $1000 for the installation of your new stair lift. If installing yourself, make sure that the instructions are viewable online or have them sent to you before finalizing your purchase. This will give you an idea of the difficulty involved and whether it is beyond your own abilities.

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Used Stair Lift: What You Should Know Before Buying One

Should you buy a used stair lift in lieu of buying a new one? That’s a good question. And it’s one that’ll depend upon your budget and what’s available to fit your particular situation.
For starters, you want to take into consideration whether you’ll always need that stair lift or if you’ll temporarily need one and if so, for how long. Now ideally, if you’re going to always need a stair lift, or will need one for many years, it’s probably best to purchase a brand new stair lift. The investment should be more than worth it.
It’s also important to keep in mind, that if there are issues such as large height and weight to take into consideration, a new stair lift may be best.
Taking a look at used stair lifts, there are many ways to get one. You can simply do a search on www.google.com for “used stair lifts”. You can go to www.Ebay.com to search for them there too. Also, local newspaper classified ads and of course, actual companies that supply stair lifts are ideal to talk to.
If you’ve chosen to go the used stair lift route, you want to talk with a person that’s knowledgable on the topic about what exactly you need. If you can find a dealer offering used stair lifts and get their advice in matching you with a stair lift for your appropriate situation, that might be ideal. In some cases, local dealers may not have used stair lifts available. In those situations, it would be a good idea to talk with dealers about what make and model they think you should get, and then go the route of picking a stair lift from your Google, Ebay or classified searches.
The most important thing of course to keep in mind is the condition and consequently the level of safety inherent in the used stair lift.

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Straight Stair Lift

A straight stair lift is a powered driven stair lift that travels in a straight track. It is mostly used in homes where the stairs have no curves or bends. It is also often used in the outdoors for example the garden.
Straight stair lifts are mostly installed in homes to carry the disabled and the elderly up the straight flight of stairs. It can be used for other purposes as well such as carrying heavy loads. Examples can be grocery or heavy luggage.
Most stair lifts nowadays uses remote control that will take the chair to another floor which provides more convenience.
Before installing a straight stair lift, stair lift manufacturers will have to do an assessment of your home to determine if your home can install a straight stair lift. For instance, some straight staircases have a projection at the top of the stairs and it may not be possible to install a straight stair lift. This is particularly so if you plan to install a stair lift that lifts a wheelchair instead of the turnaround seat.
Generally speaking, a straight stair lift takes the shortest time to install and is also cheaper than curved stair lifts. The other factor that determines the cost of installing a straight stair lift is the length of the track that needs to be installed.
I would recommend if you want to install a straight stair lift to get several quotes from stair lift manufacturers or dealers if deciding. You might want to consider a second hand stair lift if you do not have the budget to buy a new stair lift since it can be expensive.

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Stair Chair Lift: Factors to Consider in Buying the Right One

So you’re ready to buy your first stair chair lift. As you might already know there are many makes, models and styles. It’s enough choices to make your head spin. But, there are also individual factors to take into consideration when buying a stair chair lift. Unfortunatlely some of these considerations are overlooked by people. Here’s what to consider when buying your stair chair lift:
· Would the user of the stair chair lift rather stand or be seated as they go up and down the stairs? For people wishing to stand as they go up and down the stairwell, a perching stair lift is right for them. If they prefer to stay seated, a seated stair lift is ideal. Now if the user of the stair lift is seated in a wheelchair, then something called a wheelchair platform is what they need.
· Size is an important consideration in what type of stair lift you will buy. Obviously a stair lift fitting an adult wouldn’t be safe for a disabled child. So the seat of the stair lift you buy must fit the user right.
· If the user of the stair lift has a stiff knee, he or she will probably needs what’s called a stair chair lift that faces forward instead of sideways like most stair chair lifts are designed. Usually a wider stair chair will be more appropriate for a person with a problem knee.
· If the user of the stair chair has a problem with heights, in addition to the chair’s seatbelt, additionally guardrails might be needed to assuage the user’s anxiety.
· There are different types of controls for stair chairs. That’s important to note, because some people because of their age or condition may not be able to work the controls of a particular chair properly. So make sure you have the stair chair lift user test out the controls and get used to them before you leave them on their own.
· In cases where the user of the stair chair lift is blind or suffers poor eyesight, an appropriate chair is required. One that sounds off with an audio signal to alert the user he or she has reached the top landing or the bottom of the stairwell.

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