Wheelchair Lifts by Stannah and Wheel-O-Vator

Stair lifts have become very popular today. There are people who have permanent problems with accessibility and they have that ability back. Stair chair lifts are becoming increasingly popular. However the case is different for those in a wheelchair because the stair lifts with seats cannot be the best type for them always. Many people have a hard time buying and choosing a good wheelchair lift.

There are fewer companies that manufacture a wheelchair lift. The two known and reputable brand are Stannah and Wheel-O-Vators. They make quality stair lifts designed for a wheelchair. They do have the same features but with some slight difference.

A typical stair lift has a seat that runs on a mechanical system and it travels within a rail that has been mounted. These devices have helped handicapped people to go up and down the stairs with ease. The person still needs to sit and stand up when riding the typical stair lift. A person on a wheelchair will find this impossible so most stair lifts available in the market will not be the best choice.

A wheelchair lift certainly gives more accessibility in going up and down however there are certain factors that some houses are deemed unfit for installation. There are staircases that are just very narrow. The lift’s platform cannot be accommodated. The lift’s tracks should fit the wall’s bearing. The company would check for such things and would make recommendations to the customer.

The Wheel-O-Vator has a wheelchair lift they named Pegasus. Pegasus has the following features:

1. The ramp works in two directions and it has sensors which gives more protection.

2. The platforms are customized with the measurements of the end-user.

3. Every platform can be folded to give way for the use of the other members.

4. Every platform can be turned inside or out.

5. The user can step on each of the platform either on its side or from the front.

6. The lift’s side has ramps to keep the user on a wheelchair in place.

7. There are barriers for the arms for a safe ride. These can also be monitored.

Stannah’s wheelchair lift is called Stairiser CR. It has the following features:

1. The whole systems is automatic. It has controllable platforms which can be folded. The arms have barriers which can be locked.

2. Every platform stops as soon as there is an obstacle.

3. The user can step on from two points either the side or in the platform in front.

4. The ramps are installed for securing the user on a wheelchair.

5. The platforms can be folded after use.

6. A foldable seat can be installed.

7. It maybe used indoors or outdoors.

8. The platforms can be turned inside and out.

9. Buyers can choose the size of the platform.

10. Their platform can lift up to 225 kilograms

An employee from Stannah or Wheel-O-Vator will ask for an actual inspection of the staircase. The installation can take up to four days for straight staircases.

Making a choice between these two manufacturers will be tough because both have very similar designs. However you can ask the dealer for discounts or some freebies so you can make the better decision.

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What’s the Real Score with an Electric Stair Lift?

There are so many suppliers of an electric stair lift in the market that choosing the right one can be a pretty daunting task for the uninitiated. The amount of money needed to invest in an electric stair lift is not exactly peanuts. That is why it is important that before you even seriously think of buying one you should first consider the features that would fit your needs as well as your budget.

If illness or advance age keeps you or any member of your family from safely negotiating a long flight of stairs, perhaps you would like to consider installing an electric stair lift in your home. This equipment will certainly make your house, particularly your stairway, a lot safer and will enable you to enjoy a fuller, better quality of life at home.

There are essentially two kinds of electric stair lifts. The first is the straight stair lift, the length of which is custom-made according to the specifications of your stair way. Generally, this equipment can run on a track of around five to twenty feet in length and if installed by a qualified technician it will render years of efficient and safe service to you and your family.

The second kind of electric stair lift is the curved model, which is fabricated at site according to the dimension and specifications of a curved stairway or one that has an intermediate landing. Understandably, this type of electric stair lift takes more time to install because of the curves on the stairway. Because of the additional manpower cost, it is more expensive on the budget. Another cost factor that adds to the amount needed to install the equipment, is the on-site cost of technicians who will install the lift tracks, which by the way, would be using steel and aluminum as opposed to the aluminum railing needed in straight stair lifts.

Never attempt to install an electric stair lift by yourself even with the help of your friends and neighbors. Otherwise, your expensive equipment will be an accident waiting to happen. Always have a qualified technician fabricate and install the electric device— better yet, ask the dealer where you bought your electric stair lift to install it for you. That way, you would have more peace of mind every time that the equipment is used by a member of the family in climbing up or down your steep stairway.

If there is an absolute necessity for you to have an electric stair lift installed in your home because of a medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis but are financially challenged, perhaps, you can request the government through its Medicare system to help provide you some financing assistance in having the equipment installed in your home.

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What to Look for in a Home Stair Lift System

The basic function of a home stair lift system is to provide the elderly and people with disabilities easy and safe access between the floors of their house. But then, when people start looking for a stair lift, they would generally cast their eyes on the tag price and tend not to read the safety features. This is ironic because the focus of the purchase should be on the safety features considering the fragile physical condition of the people for whom the home stair lift system is intended. Fortunately, most stair lifts that leave the modern assembly line are now equipped with the basic safety mechanism that will keep the rider or other members of the household out of harm’s way whenever the home stair lift system is in operation.

When you are actively seeking out the appropriate home stair lift system that would fit both your stairs and your budget, regardless of whether it’s a new or reconditioned unit, be sure to look for the following standard safety features:

The ideal home stair lift system must be able to detect any obstruction in its path. Most modern stair lifts are equipped with six up to eight highly sensitive safety sensors that effectively stop the stair lift the moment they detect any kind of obstacle along its path. To prevent the stair lift from running into any obstacle on the stairs, the stair lift must be equipped with an added safety feature such as pressure-sensitive safety surfaces around the footrest, at the bottom of the carriage and at the top of the carriage. To see to it that the stair lift will always stop in the right position, it should have limit sensors as well.

To prevent accidental activation by children, the stair lift should have a lockable power switch and must run on 24 volt DC batteries instead of the traditional electrical house mains to eliminate the risk to electric shock when the home stair lift system is in operation.

One of the most important safety features that you should look for is a dual electro-mechanical braking system to prevent uncontrolled descent of the home stair lift system in case of a motor failure. Another standard feature is a “soft stop and start” technology that allows for smooth starts and stops of the lift just in case the rider has a back or neck injury that might be exacerbated by sudden starts and stops that might jerk the head back and forth. Lastly, the stair lift must have a swivel seat that will prevent the rider from falling backwards unto the stair case.

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What is the Best Stair Lift in the Market?

Many middle-aged homeowners who live in multi-storey houses are interested in stair lifts primarily for their own use. Middle age is the time when people’s alertness and reflexes start to decline. It is also the time when some senses like eyesight and hearing begin to show some signs of impairment due to ageing. Stair lifts help reduce wear and tear on hip joints, knees and ankles and make it safer for people to negotiate their staircase considering that statistics show that falls from stairs is the leading cause of household accident injuries.

Because middle aged people expect stair lifts to serve them for many years to come, and considering the significant amount of investment that it would entail, they often want to know the best stair lift in the market. Many models are now introduced in the market but experts agree that the best stair lift has a rack and pinion drive, which makes for a smoother ride. It has soft starts and stops that the rider will hardly even notice that the lift is in motion. A chain or a cable drive model is noisy and gives the lift that jerky movement which may aggravate the condition of the rider if he has a bad back or has recently suffered a whiplash injury.

While it is debatable, some would argue that the best stair lift runs on a whisper-quiet DC motor powered by a 12 or 24 volt batteries that can be re-charged on static charging stations located at both ends of the track. These battery operated systems are safe and can operate even during a power failure in the neighborhood. A stair lift that runs on an AC motor that is powered by 110 to 220 volts electricity from the house mains has a trailing cable that has the potential for giving somebody an electric shock. Moreover, a lift that runs on an AC motor will be immobilized should a power outage occur in the area and strand its rider in the middle of the stairs if the power failure happens to occur while the lift is in motion.

The best stair lift must feature a swivel seat that can be positioned at three angles, otherwise it can be dangerous to mount or dismount the lift at the top of the stairs. As an added safety feature, the best stair lift must have an over speed governor to prevent uncontrolled descent should a major drive system failure occur while the lift is in operation.

If you are looking for the best stair lift in the market, be sure that the model you are interested in has these features as minimum standard.

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What is a Stair Lift Platform?

A stair lift platform is an innovative access solution that operates over a straight flight of steps. It is typically a roll-on type of platform that is used to safely transport a wheelchair-bound person from one floor level to another. Although it can be used for residential application, a stair lift platform is usually found at wide building entrances where the street elevation is several steps lower than the building entrance. In compliance with the accessibility law, public buildings install the lift as a low-budget space-saving alternative to a ramp. Some offices install the stair lift platform to easily transfer boxes of documents from one floor to another.

Just like the ordinary straight stair lift, the stair lift platform has great installation flexibility and can be mounted either at the left or right side of the stairway. It is easy to install and its aluminum tracks are either mounted directly to the wall or to pillars.

A stair lift platform is safe and easy to operate. It has switches fitted at call stations ideally placed at the bottom and top of the stairs for independent use. When called to use, its safety barriers unfold automatically and the ramp lowers down for easy access. As soon as the rider wheels in, the barrier folds up and when the lift reaches its destination, the barriers raise and the exit ramp lowers. Additional safety is provided at sensitive edges and non-slip platform surface. Aside from its internal controls which may be operated by the rider, the stair lift platform may also be operated by an attendant using an attendant control.

When not in use, its compact design allows the platform to be neatly folded away against the wall taking very minimal stair space. A stair lift platform is also suitable for most homes. It can be installed at stairs inside the house and can be used to assist in reaching the front driveway or any external area of the house. A stair lift platform is often less expensive than installing a ramp and the nice thing about it is that when you decide to move, you can take it with you.

If you are considering to purchase a stair lift platform, you may be baffled at the large variety of models available in the market that are called by different names, yet referring to the same device that serves the same purpose. They are variously called wheelchair lift, stair lift platform, platform lift, through floor lift, short rise platform lift and a confusing variety of other names. Just for you to be sure that you get the device that will serve the purpose you have in mind the best is to call a reputable company specializing in stair lift dealership.

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Vertical Home Lifts and Step Lifts

There are situations where stair lifts cannot be the best option because of the limitation of the house staircase or with the user’s own difficulty to rise from his wheelchair to another seat. Cumbria offers vertical home lifts as another alternative. There are still some instances that even when there is a vertical lift the user still has a difficult time getting on some steps that can be found usually at the entrance of the house. For this problem Cumbria offers the Step Lift model SP500.

The VM models by Cumbria is the vertical home lifts. They have many features that makes it user friendly because they can be controlled easily. They are known to be flexible units that can deal with many kinds of situations. The Step lift SP500 also offer different features that make it safe to use.

A typical vertical lift for the home like the VM model can be raised up from the first ground floor up to the first level reaching the other rooms of the house like the bedroom. It also comes with a foldable seat. It may also come with a wider car so there is more room since it needs to carry the wheelchair with the user on it.

The SP500 can be used as well for other steps in the house. It can manage the wheelchair’s weight and the passenger. It is compact in design and the ramp is also shallow ensuring easier accessibility.

The VM model thirty up to fifty six are lifts that have been designed to lift the wheelchair , the user and an assistant to up to 3.5 meters. They can be installed within three days and it can travel from the ground level up where typically the living room is located up to the bedrooms.

The controls are attached on either side of the carriage enabling users to have full control of the ride. It comes with an inner ramp with a slight incline for effortless entrance and exit. The design of the whole unit does not require the walls to be modified.

After parking the unit upstairs in the bedroom section the space in the living room can be utilized. The slim rail that is attached on the wall would remain visible to guests in the house. This brand is offered in six models that can be applied in different ways. This series is made for the independence of wheelchair users.

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Used Stair Lift, a Wise Choice?

If you need to purchase a stair lift and your budget is limited, buying a used stair lift will cross your mind. However, you must never sacrifice quality for a small price since the stair lift will be serving a very important purpose in your life. To ensure that you are choosing only the best, especially with regards to a used electric stair lift, take this guideline for advice:

* A stair lift equipment is made to fit specific sizes of tracks. If you are to buy a second-hand stair lift, make sure that your unit fits where it will be placed on. An electric stair lift has specific needs for space as well with regards to the cables and wires. If your staircase has enough room for the whole package, then you can give your go signal.

* Buying a used electric stair lift may give out important concerns about warranty. If you are getting a second hand unit, you will naturally expect that you have every thing to risk. This is not true. A lot of used electric stair lifts in the market have warranties that will keep you worry-free. Although they are not as good as the warranty for a brand new unit, they can easily give your money the value and security it needs.

* When you are looking to the used electric stair lift alternative, you are obviously saving on cost so you need to be sure that your purchase is truly a wise one. Do not get a second hand unit that is only a few bucks away from a new one. That will put your purpose to waste. If you are to choose a used stair lift, make sure that you are saving real money without sacrificing quality, of course.

In the end, buying a used electric stair lift depends on your requirement and your capacity to pay. If your budget is limited, you can well get a second hand stair lift. Just be sure that you are getting it not just for the convenience of paying a cheaper price. As with anything, you must not sacrifice quality with a small amount. This is especially needed when purchasing products like a stair lift, which must be used with security measures up in all fours.

If there is just a slight difference between the new and used stair lift equipment, go for the new one. Remember that wise shopping means that you are able to get a unit for a reasonable price. Do not expect too much from a used electric stair lift as well. Make sure that your ideals are realistic.

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The Superglide by Acorn

The stair lifts produced by Acorn are very user friendly and compact. They usually require less maintenance. The user can sit at once without difficulty. The stair lift can be easily operated because of the switch that can be toggled. This switch is located on the place where the arms rest. An Acorn stair lift will make the person using sit in the position where he is facing the staircase so he can have a clear view of the way. The chair can be swiveled which allows for a safer way for the person to get off the lift. Each unit’s track is mounted to the tread of the stairs not on walls this way no changes need to be done. The units are foldable which the user can do after using it allowing more space on the stairs. The units are also good for narrow stairs like for stairs measuring thirty inches.

A basic Acorn stair lift typically has a track which measures sixteen inches in length. Additional tracks can be added for customers with longer stairs. The power required by the battery is relatively low. The limit for the load the unit can carry is two hundred ninety four pounds. For heavier load there is an Acorn model that can accommodate up to three hundred fifty pounds. There are some models for outdoor use as well.

There are many Acorn models that can suit the needs of different customers. One of them is the Superglide 120. This model has been produced in huge number only in the past five years which means that used Superglide 120 are still in good shape. This model can always be relied upon because it has straight rails and the power source is a battery. It can be considered a basic unit that can be easily installed. The unit does not require consistent maintenance. The only replacement required is the battery.

The Superglide 120 also has two categories namely the RH and the LH unit. These two units cannot be reversed. The parts like the track are also produced. The units are all produced in United Kingdom but they are hugely marketed in North American countries. Superglide units underwent revisions back in 2006. The new units are already called “slimline” units. The parts of the new units cannot be interchanged with the parts of the old units. A basic thing to keep in mind when buying used units is to be sure that the track is long enough for the stairs it will be installed on.

The Acorn Superglide model has definitely changed into one of the untis that can be easily installed. It is also highly reliable and is widely sold in today’s markets. Buying the Superglide is a good choice regardless if it is a new unit or a used one.

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The Electric Ameriglide

The life of a mobility challenged person will definitely get a fresh change with increased accessibility. This is what every stair lift manufacturer wants to achieve. The company who made Ameriglide has newly updated the product and made it electric.

Components of the Electric Ameriglide-The electric Ameriglide can carry anything as heavy as three hundred pounds. The company also provides a warranty lasting for ten years for the train and five years on all other parts. The gears and the motor have also passed the test conducted. The test is done by running each unit for thirty thousand cycles which also equals sixteen years. The footrest can be moved at the user’s will.

The seat is padded and the backrest has been curved rather than straight. This provides maximum convenience. The seat swivels in one hundred eighty degrees to let the user get off easily without exerting much effort upon landing. Seating down on the seat is easy and controlling it is easier you just need to push the button that is meant for control. The wheels are also made of nylon incorporated with technology in it. The quality of the wheels helps give a smoother ride all the time.

The electric Ameriglide is also designed with the ultimate safety of the passenger in mind. Every detail of our electric powered stairlift is designed with your safety in mind. The footrest is built with sensors and a lock mechanism. The sensors sense any object blocking the way and the lock mechanism helps the unit stay in one place after usage. The seat belts ensure the passenger’s safety. The unit is equipped with limits at both ends of the rail to stop it automatically. Another mechanism called the failsafe stops the whole unit from running until the seat is properly in place. In today’s market this stair lift belongs to the top safest brands. It is listed under the ETL and has satisfied the A18 and the ASME A17.1 standards for safety. The unit comes with a call station that should be attached to the floor or on the wall. The buyer can even install the whole unit if he has the confidence to install it on his own. There is no need for special wires since the only thing needed is a near AC outlet to plug it in.

The electric Ameriglide is typically colored almond and the upholstery is made of vinyl with a light grey shade. The whole unit can be folded that it only eats up a space of fourteen inches. It can turn into a compact piece of furniture.

The electric Ameriglide is an excellent stair lift. It satisfies what most consumers are looking for in a stair lift. It is safe, durable yet still stylish.

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The Difference of Pollock Stair Lifts

Pollock is a company manufacturing excellent stair lifts in United Kingdom. They also offer through floors lift and platform lifts. The stair lifts they offer are always guaranteed a safe answer to your worries. The stair lifts by Pollock are also dependable because they are sturdy and the brands new units come with a warranty. The stair lift by Pollock is one of the best solutions for people having difficulty going through their staircase. The stair lift is a mobility or accessibility aid that gives more independence on the user giving him access to all parts of the house.

Pollock stair lifts are made for the satisfaction of the end users. The Pollock stair lifts come in different models offering different key features for a stylish and elegant look which can be customized to accentuate the other furniture in your house. Other consumers also have personal preferences that they want to be satisfied and Pollock Company gives them this option. Most of the stair lifts by Pollock come with compact styles minimizing the factor of intrusion on the staircase. It leaves enough space for the other members of the house. There are models meant for curved stair case and most are made for the straight stairs type.

Pollock stair lifts come with features that are considered standard for most units among other brands. For the physical convenience of the person riding the seat is foldable. There are foot and arm rests for maximizing the space. The seat can be swiveled manually for safer use. The user will access the unit with ease. The track is nestled along the stair’s edge. It is also slim. The height for the seat can be adjusted according to the user’s preference. The seat is fully upholstered to the color choice of the user. The footrest has a carpet that can prevent users from slipping. It is also one of the most durable features of the stair lift. The footrest ends at the floor’s level for a worry free transfer.

The controls of the stair lifts by Pollock are placed on the unit’s arms. The controls are easy to use. It has another controller which comes with an infrared that can be mounted on one side of the wall. It has one digital screen for displaying the status of the unit.

Pollock stair lifts come with basic safety components. They are equipped with sensors that halt the stair lift when meeting any obstruction. There is a backup energy system through batteries that works in case the electricity in your area gets cut.

Pollock stair lifts are durable and the company guarantees that each unit will last for years. This could be the stair lift you are looking for. Anyone can contact the company because they have a helpful staff for customer support. They can answer questions about the products.

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