What Is The Best Handicap Stair Lift?

If you're handicapped a stair lift can really give you back your independence. But the cost of a handicap stair lift is expensive so before you part with your money you should make sure you buy the best stair lift for you. Here's a quick review of stair lifts for the disabled.
There are two basic types of stair lift; the straight stair lift and the curved stair lift. These further divide into electric AC mains stair lifts and DC battery operated stair lifts. First off, do you require a curved stair lift? The price of a curved stair lift is many times more expensive than a straight stair lift. And most stair lift manufacturers only make straight stair lifts. These manufacturers will tell you that you can use two straight stair lifts if you have a middle landing, however you should bear in mind that you will have to get on and off the stair chair lift twice; this may not be so easy, depending on your handicap, especially when changing stair lifts on a small interim landing.

Until recently just about all stair lifts for the disabled were powered from mains electricity. This had some problems: the units were noisy: they had a trailing cable, which could be easily tripped over; the ride action was somewhat 'juddery'; and you couldn't use it when there was a power failure. Most new handicap stair lifts are battery powered. You get many advantages with a battery stair lift: quiet ride; smooth ride; no mains wires and easy to install; and you can use it when there is a power outage.

However, there are some advantages to main power. With an electric stair lift you can use it as much as you like; battery operated stair lifts need to be recharged. So, if you think you might use the handicap stair lift more than 20 times a day, then you could consider an electric stair lift.
The following manufacturers make handicap stair lifts for straight stairways only.
The Acorn Superglide 120 stair lift is a very good battery powered unit. You get many features as standard; safety sensors to stop the chair when it encounters an obstacle, fold up seat and flip up foot rest, swivel seat, and a directional paddle switches that are operated by the lightest touch and can be used easily by those even with limited dexterity. You also get a choice of safety belts; inertial reel lap harness comes as standard - you have to pay more for a fixed 3-point shoulder harness.

Finally, Acorn also manufactures the Superglide Perch Stair Lift. This perch stair lift is especially useful for those who have only limited movement in their knees - it's also ideal for stairways that are narrower than normal.

Summit stair lifts are designed to be cheap and easily installed. The company makes electric stair lifts and not battery. You get many of the features that come with the Acorn; however the controls on the Summit stair lift are not ideal for the disabled. Also, you don't get a safety belt. If your disability is such that you have limited use in your hands or you need to be secured with a safety belt, then you really should consider the Acorn; the price of its disable stair lift is more than that of the Summit stair lift but you do get a lot more features that are better for the handicapped.

If you need a curved stair lift then you're probably best is considering either a Bruno stair lift or Stannah stair lift - both of these companies also make excellent straight stair lifts.
All Bruno stair lifts are battery powered. The company makes the Bruno Electra-Ride III Curved Rail stair lift. You get a retractable safety belt; optional wrap-around parking so the chair doesn't occupy too much space on the landing; and it can carry up to 350 lbs. All in all, the Bruno is an excellent stair lift for the disabled.

Stannah is a UK stair lift manufacturer who supply handicap stair lifts all over the world. The Stannah 260 stair lift is its curved stair lift. This stair lift is ideal for the disabled. The arms come with integrated controls that operate at the lightest touch - you can also get a joystick option if you prefer. You get a manually operate swivel seat as standard but there's also a powered swivel option. The stair lift comes with 9 sensitive safety edges to detect any obstacle and stop the chair. Finally, the chair travels along a unique dual track that is very elegant in design.
The Stannah stair lift is a little more expensive that the Bruno handicap stair lift but it is worth paying that little bit extra.

The above four stair lifts all work well for the disabled. For a straight stair lift, the Acorn Superglide stair lift is your best option. For a curved stair lift, the Stannah stair lift is my recommendation. Whichever model of handicap stair lift you choose make sure it has the features you need.

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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