Stairlift Reviews

Most countries have laws that require public places like commercial centers, malls, airports, train stations, schools, hospitals, and places of worship to provide the elderly and the handicapped a means to access these places. In fact, the construction blue prints for these structures must already include a provision for handicap access. Otherwise, the government will not issue the required building permit. The most economical option to comply with the handicap accessibility requirements of the law is by installing commercial stair lifts in public places.

A commercial stair lift is basically a motorized platform that travels over a straight flight of stairs to carry wheelchair-bound people from one floor level to another. These can be installed on the right or left side of the stairs and its tracks are attached to the walls. While it has internal switches to allow the rider to operate the lift, it also has wall-mounted call-send controls at top and bottom of the stairs, which can be independently used. Its heavy-duty AC motor usually runs off the standard electrical outlet of the building and is powerful enough to carry a load of up to 500 pounds up to 20 feet of stairs at a speed of 20 feet per minute.

Generally, commercial stair lifts are not fitted with swivel seats because it does not address the accessibility needs of wheelchair-bound patients and other handicapped people who are unable to bend their knees. On the other hand, a stair lift that is fitted with a platform can accommodate wheelchair-bound people, cane-users, those on crutches the elderly and other people who are too weak or handicapped to climb up or down the stairs.

The technology and mechanism of a commercial stair lift is just like a stair lift chair that is installed in residential housing units. They run on the same aluminum tracks; powered by the same electric motor; operate under the same rack and pinion drive system; and, have the same “soft start and soft stop” technology that gives the lift the smooth gliding action as home stair lifts. The only difference is that commercial stair lifts have heavy duty mechanism to withstand the wear and tear of constant public use. A commercial stair lift is cheaper to put up than constructing a fixed ramp alongside the stairs. Moreover, it has installation flexibility in the sense that it can be placed anywhere inside or outside the building premises.

While a commercial stair lift is generally very safe and useful mobility equipment, some security precautions should be exercised by installing the lift in an area where no unsupervised children will stray inside and play with the lift and mount the controls high enough so that no child can reach it.

Tags: Handicapped, Bruno, Electric, Chair Stairlift, Acorn, Stair Lifts, Concord, Disabled, , A1

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A handicapped person usually is confined in just a single space with some barriers for accessibility everyday. It is good that these days there are many devices that a person with disability can use to overcome barrier for more mobility. One of the challenges a person with disability continuously face is the problem of accessing the stairs. The best solution is having a vertical lift installed in the home where he is usually staying. A vertical lift is already similar to a mini elevator. There are other options besides vertical lifts and these are stair lifts, lifts that shortly rises and stair climber. These are three devices for accessibility and each has a different purpose answering various needs of handicapped people.

1. A stair lift is also viewed similar to a chair. There is a stair lift however that has no seat. Stair lifts are chairs that run on the track that has been mounted on both sides of the stairs. The typical stair lift works with batteries and can be remotely controlled. This device gives some independence on the user while managing the staircase.

2. The stair climbers usually need that help of another person like a nurse. Generally there are 2 kinds of stair climbers, the stair climbing type for the wheelchair and the mobile type. The mobile type works with batteries that can be recharged. It can have a seat fully attached so that the user will feel comfortable. The stair climber unlike stair lifts isn’t connected to the stairs itself. The stair climber can even be used outdoors and with any kind of stairs. It is possible to use the stair climber outside the house on any other type of staircase. The caregiver must be familiar in operating the stair climber and should know how to adjust its controls especially when navigating on an unfamiliar staircase.

Stair climbing wheelchairs are operated with the features of enabling the wheelchair to manage the stairs but the house should also have the requirements for the stair climbing wheelchair. The stairs’ steps must be equal to avoid the climbing wheelchair to halt at any point in the travel.

There are lifts which rise for a short distance only. This is good for the places where the difference between the ground floor and the floor upstairs is small. Making a wheelchair ramp is not also possible because of the limited space. They are similar to elevators for the shorter distance only.

Tags: Acorn, Stair Lifts, Stairlift, Chair Stairlift, A1, Handicapped, Disabled, Concord, , Bruno

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Putting a straight stair lift is easy and most people with a small amount of Do it yourself experience can install one in only a few hours. However, many people are not certain about getting a straight stair lift because they don’t know how to get the exact measurements needed for their stairs so that they can feel uncomfortale on the idea of ordering one. However, measuring is not that difficult and 5 minutes is all that is needed actually.
You can save a great deal of money is you buy and install a straight chair lift yourself. Even if you have the dealer install it for you, you can still sometimes save money if you give them the measurements beforehand; some agents make a charge for a pre-sales, on-site inspection.

Taking measurements is quite straight forward; there’s not that much to it. The measurements are few and very easy to take. These machines are made to disregard somet differences, like the runners of the carpets. These things will not impact a big difference, so don’t worry. Just follow these simple instructions in order. You should have a paper and a pen and a good measuring tape that has a length that runs throughout the stairs.

1.The first measurement is also the most essential measurement. This will be started by looking up while standing at the end of the stairs and make a decision on which side will the lift be placed on. Many people has a staircase that is against the wall and so they also choose to put the track along with that side. The stair lift’s track will be fixed to the tread of the staircase and not on the wall. The minimal obstruction such as the rails will not become a hindrance since most stair lifts are made tolerating such hindrances.This is the first and most important measurement.

2.The second measurement will be done while standing at the very top of the staircase and then just lay down the tape on each tread making it in a way that it runs equal to the board for its skirting. Asking for help while doing this is helpful. The measurement is taken when the tape touched the end of the staircase in most cases the floor.

3.The third measurement is taken for the edge of the beginning step and the top step’s edge. This is actually what we refer to as the tread.

4.The next measurement is also for the entire width for the stairs which is also easy to take. From the door or the wall found at the end of the stairs use the tape to measure the distance of it from the last step. This will be the measurement for the clearance.

The instructions mentioned are easy to follow and can give the buyer an idea of the accuracy of the measurement offered by many suppliers for free nowadays. There are still dealers of stair lifts that charge for the inspection but gives a set of instructions to follow for free.

Tags: Acorn, Electric, Disabled, , Handicapped, Chair Stairlift, Stairlift, Elderly, Stair Lifts, A1

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Stairlift gives a wide range of functionality not only to the user but also to other member of the family. The advantages of this machine over one’s own movement are highly recognized by many individuals. Many innovations have been made wanting that the person with disability be able to be self-reliant.

Known to many as a mechanical appliance used to lift a person with disability in a wheelchair or not, the advantages are undoubtedly real. First and foremost, the primary advantage of stairlift is surely for convenience. The use of this machine started upon realization that disabled persons need not rely to their family, friends or other relatives to freely move from one floor to another in his own home. In this regard, the disadvantage of convenience is also given to every member of the family. The person using the stairlift will be independent. The expediency is practically well suitable for one’s use of the stairs. The machine is easily accessible and can be use immediately without the help of any individual.

Take also not the user-friendly efficiency of the stairlift. These are one of the clear advantages that it can give to the people who cannot use the stairs by foot. The effectiveness relies on many modern changes that the stairlift had undergone from being a battery operated to electricity operated or being easy to use by the use of an instant push button. The comfort that stairlift can give to the user is truly an innovation. The designs have a wide variety that added on the advantages that the stairlift could give and contribute to ease of use. Some are remote controlled since electronic era. Most often, there is appropriate arm and foot rest that added to comfort as well as well balanced design having a full back support of the seat.

Of course, one more thing that must be included in the advantages of the stairlift should be in regard to safety. Many organizations can give guarantee on the engineering of the machine. One more thing that stairlift would not compromise the speed of travel on the stair just like walking through it. There are devices that protect the user from fall down. It is supreme that the user upon purchase of the machine should consider safety. There are standards that would guarantee the quality of the machine therefore giving security and protection while gliding the stair.

Used by people of various ages, the disadvantages of stairlift are undeniably giving a chance for disabled individuals to be self-reliant.

Tags: Electric, A1, , Concord, Bruno, Elderly, Disabled, Stairlift, Handicapped, Chair Stairlift

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A stair lift at home installed for a disabled person can be very helpful equipment making him feel more independent. Installing a stair lift can be a new experience for many families and the new ones can also be pricey. Nowadays most people resort in buying a used stair lift but knowing what to watch out for when buying used stair lifts can help you choose the right one for your home. Basically there are two kinds of stair lift; the curved stair lift and the straight stair lift. Stair lifts can be operated by batteries that are rechargeable or by electricity. Another thing to do is asking the necessary things when buying a used stair lift which are the following:

1.The basic knowledge starts with knowing what stair lift works for the stair you have at home. A curved type will fit a stairway with landings just at the middle level. The curved stair lifts are usually customized and takes longer to be installed. The curved ones also costs more than the straight stair lifts so buying a used curved stair lift may not be ideal since each curved stair lift is customized. If you choose to buy a used curved stair lift certain modifications particularly on the track where the chair will travel will also be made.

2. Installing curved stair lifts that have been previously owned requires a special skill. This is not required if the person buying also knows the skill. There are many companies that can install a used curved type of stair lift and they can also give warranty. These companies usually advertise online and surely there is one in the city you are living.

3. A used straight type of stair lift is much easier to install because modifications will not be made. However, the buyer has to check if the stairs it will be installed to can accommodate either a left side or right side rail fitting. Another thing to be sure is that the used stair lift should have the correct size that can occupy the stairs. The tracks can vary in length.

4. The latest models of stair lifts usually work on batteries. One good advantage for using a stair lift operated on batteries is that it can be used even when experiencing power outage. It also does not require getting an electrician for installing wires.

5. Another thing to check is the chair. Is it still in good condition the buyer should try swinging the chair and check for the seatbelt.

6. Check the batteries and the condition of the charger if they are still in good condition if the used stair lift is operated on rechargeable batteries.

7. There are many suppliers online that a buyer can purchase used stair lifts along with the installation service. This is also a good idea because they usually give warranty which can cover the service long after the sale has been made.

Tags: Chair Stairlift, , Bruno, Stair Lifts, Electric, Elderly, Handicapped, Acorn, Stairlift, Disabled

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Many people who are very healthy can certainly do several activities in a day without giving much effort. A lot of us take walking and running for granted and we don’t realize that there are many people who cannot even do these anymore. This huge population has also earned a place in the market with the trend for many varieties of stair lifts. One of the emerging types in the market available today is called the vertical stair lift.

There is a growing market for the handicapped and products that give them mobility and accessibility is continuously gaining popularity and demand. In buildings today we can see elevators for handicapped or ramps for the wheelchairs. There are other equipments that are out in the market for easier mobility for those with wheelchairs. The vertical stair lifts for people on wheelchairs have been made for their convenience in places without elevators too.

Vertical stair lifts for the wheelchairs are very useful for the handicapped people because they can just stay sitting there as they are lifted. The vertical stair lifts are commonly electricity powered or pulled by a system made up of hydraulics. This type of lifts can also be utilized in many occasions like the following.

1. The vertical lift allows any person on wheelchairs get more accessibility right in the homes they own because it can allow the person to elevate in any part of the home like the steps coming from the path leading to the porch found in front of the house.

2. The vertical lifts can be apart of the stage in a huge convention center or auditorium so that people with disability on wheelchairs can also easily gain accessibility on stage. Nowadays many schools and different institutes had them installed to help students and people faced with this challenge.

3. There are still buildings with elevators that cannot be occupied by wheelchairs so vertical stair lifts are a good alternative in solving this problem. Many old buildings opt for installing vertical stair lifts and not ramps because of the logistic advantage it gives.

In USA due to the act for the disable known as Disabilities Act, most of the old buildings without these lifts should install to follow the ordinance. Vertical stair lifts should be placed in an area with enclosures and a platform where the wheelchair stays. The walls of that area will avoid any movement when lifting. Another version is the shaftway type which can fit like most elevators.

Stair lifts provide not only mobility and more independence for the handicapped person but equality for all as well.A vertical stair lift can be the best solution for buildings that cannot accomodate installation of elevators.

Tags: Acorn, Elderly, Stair Lifts, Chair Stairlift, Electric, Bruno, Concord, Handicapped, A1, Disabled

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Many houses nowadays are designed with areas for the patio or viewing decks which are mostly accessed by stairs and are found outside for viewing. People who are disabled also miss this pleasure of enjoying this part of the house. They have great difficulty accessing the staircase for these areas and can also be dangerous without a stair lift. A stair lift made for the outdoors has been invented to answer to this need. Today there are several choices to choose for the right stair lift for the areas outside the house like patios.

Parts of the Outdoor Stair Lifts
Every stair lift is made up of four parts that are basic; the train that drives the stair lift, the track, the chair and the chassis. Drive trains are found inside the stair lift’s chassis and are also made up of pulley and a few gears that can make it move along its track. Drive trains can be operated by the cable, pinion or a rack. The system that is run by pinion system and rack system makes use of gears and the rail has a tooth like appearance. The ones that are on a cable system make use of the strength and quality of the cable typically from aluminum that is tied on the pulley also inside the lift’s chassis.

The track is the part of the stair lift that is installed on the stairs and it provides support for the weight of the system like the seat and the chassis and ultimately the one riding it. Many stair lifts already has the tracks with gears made for the cable, pinion and rack systems. Chassis of stair lifts is also made up of a motor run by electricity that can lift the rail. The chair is also installed above the chassis and it can be folded up when it’s not being used.

Other factors are also considered when a stair lift is going to be installed on the stairs. Dealers usually ask the type of material the steps are made from. The concrete type of steps will need another kind of fastener different from the steps made of wood. A correct measurement of the stair’s length should also be accurately obtained to have the correct length for the track and thereby getting a good quotation from a supplier or a dealer.

Since most outdoor stairs are straight a straight stair lift is also needed which is also considerably safe and less expensive. However the owner also has to secure the track and the chassis by sealing it to avoid damage from the elements outside. The chair should also be made of vinyl with a marine type to last despite the moisture of the area and the sun’s rays. Chairs for outdoor stair lifts also have covers from protection when the rider is not using it.

Tags: Chair Stairlift, Acorn, Stair Lifts, Disabled, Concord, Handicapped, Elderly, A1, Bruno, Stairlift

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Buying a stair-lift may seem easy. From a distance, they look pretty much the same, and they serve the same purpose. They help the physically challenged and the elderly get from one floor to another. However, one should be careful in choosing which stair-lift to purchase. Although it may be true that they all look quite the same, the safety and the convenience they offer vary.

The first question one should ask before buying a stair-lift is, “Will the stair-lift be used indoors or outdoors?” Indoor stair-lifts are most typically used in the home or in establishments such as hospitals and recovery centers. Outdoor stair-lifts are generally used for staircases that are exposed to the elements such as sun decks, balconies, garden and basement steps. In Japan, heavy-duty, outdoor stair-lifts are installed in train stations to help the physically challenged passengers reach the platform. It is wise to get the outdoor-type for a beach house as most of these stair-lifts are protected from the damage caused by salt air. Sometimes the outdoor-type even comes with plastic cover to shield it from snow, rain and falling leaves.

The second question is, “Is the place where the stair-lift will be installed prone to power outage?” If it is, it is best to choose the battery-operated (DC) stair-lift. It is installed in the same manner as the electric (AC) stair-lift, but it does not stop working during a power outage. Also, it is known for smoother starts and stops as compared to the electric one. However, be sure to inquire about the battery life of the product before making the purchase. Replacing the battery of a stair-lift can cost a lot of money.

The third question is, “How much weight will the stair-lift carry?” Some stair lifts have a weight limit of 300 pounds. This limit is quite generous, but should the stair lift be used in a public place where there is no guarantee as to the weight of those who will utilize it, it’s best to be on the safe side. The heavy-duty ones should be more expensive, but it guarantees safety for everyone.

The fourth question is, “What accessories should one look for in a stair-lift?” Easy control of the stair-lift is essential. The best ones come with an infrared remote control and some with a user-friendly joystick. Some stair-lifts come with a swivel seat that makes getting on and off it easier. Some are equipped with safety sensors. For narrow staircases, it is advisable to purchase a stair-lift that folds.

These questions should help in making that seemingly easy, but actually tough decision, of which stair lift to buy. Remember, the look of the lift is not as important as the safety and comfort it provides.

Tags: Disabled, Stair Lifts, A1, Concord, , Acorn, Stairlift, Electric, Elderly, Handicapped

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Having a stair lift installed in your house can provide convenience for people who find it a hassle to climb stairs in their home. If you or any of your family members is restricted by a handicap, climbing stairs need not be difficult as long as you have stair lifts installed in your home.

Installing stair lifts can give you independence despite having a physical disability. However, buying stair lifts can be difficult if you do not know where to start. Here are some helpful tips on how to purchase stair lifts.

Before purchasing the new stair lift, a representative from the manufacturer or supplier will make an ocular inspection of your home. They will take the dimensions of your staircase and give an assessment of your needs. It will be to your advantage if you will ask for a quotation and ponder on the offer before deciding to buy the lift. Stair lifts can be very expensive so you could save some money by looking for the best deals from various manufacturers.

While second hand stair lifts can be more light on your pocket, be cautious of buying them from private individuals as the product may no longer be covered by warranty. As much as possible, purchase second hand stair lifts from a reliable supplier but do make sure that they will be warrantied.

Lifts can fit to any kind of staircase. There are straight or curved lifts available. Likewise, you can consider outdoor lifts which can offer access to an entrance door or from the garden. There are additional features that are available which is determined by your need.

Moving up from one floor to another can be safer and more comfortable if you are seated which is why most stair lifts comes with seats. However, there are some modifications if you have difficulty sitting. There are stand-on lifts or perching ones that are the best choice if you are having a hard time bending or straightening your legs.

Depending on what you are looking for, an agent from a stair lift manufacturer would be able to give you the best advice as to which kind of stair lift will best cater to your need.

Being physically handicapped does not deprive you from living a normal life and having peace of mind. By setting up lifts in your house, moving to and from different floors will no longer be a hassle.

Tags: Bruno, Acorn, Elderly, Electric, A1, Stairlift, Chair Stairlift, , Stair Lifts, Handicapped

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