Buying A Stairlift Mountain West

Buying A Stairlift Mountain West: How to Choose the Best Stairlift For Your Home and Your Needs.

Stairlifts are a cost-effective way to make your home safer and more accessible, especially for someone with limited mobility. Whether you are aging in place, planning for the future, or recovering from an injury, a stairlift offers access and sustainable independence in your home at an affordable price. But buying a stairlift Mountain West isn’t easy, particularly if it’s your first time.

Thankfully, this article will help you learn more about the different types of stairlifts, their benefits, stairlift installations, warranties, and how to buy a stairlift so that you can make an informed choice.

What is a Stairlift?

A stairlift is a simple piece of accessibility equipment, designed to help people with limited mobility get up and down stairs safely. The primary components of a stairlift include a chair, a motor and the fixed track they travel along. Stairlifts can be fitted to a variety of staircase types, including curved and outdoor stairs.

Stairlifts also come with a number of convenience and safety features that make it easier (and safer) to use your stairlift. While the basic design remains relatively consistent, these features and the quality of the service provided represent the biggest differences between the different stairlift companies.

How a Stairlift Works

Electric Stairlifts

Stairlifts use a battery-powered rack and pinion drive system, constantly charged by a nearby outlet at the top or bottom of the stairs. This design allows the stairlift to carry its rated load up and downstairs.

Safety features, like the over-speed governor and emergency braking system, ensure that the stairlift will never travel faster than it is supposed to. Typically, stairlifts travel at about 18 ft per minute.

Power Outage

In the event of a power outage, the batteries will continue to operate your stairlift for approximately 20 roundtrips. In this situation, you can usually save battery power by turning off an isolator switch when you aren’t using the stairlift.

However, this is only recommended during an outage and it’ is important to leave your stairlift switched on the rest of the time.

Batteries

The main power supplied by the electrical outlet helps the batteries maintain a full charge so that your stairlift is always ready to go. However, the stairlift won’t overdraw from your electrical supply and the minimal output means there won’t be any significant impact on your electric bill.

Replacing the Batteries

Stairlift batteries last between 1 and 5 years. Battery life depends on usage and how often the stairlift is left off charge. When it is time to get them replaced, a professional technician (ideally a representative from the manufacturer or an authorized dealer) can service your batteries for you.

Unfortunately, this isn’t something that you can do on your own, as these industrial batteries are stored within the stairlift’s carriage and require technical training to install. However, stairlift batteries are usually covered under an initial warranty or extended service plan.

Weight Capacity

Stairlift weight capacity depends on your staircase type and the model you need for your home. Straight stairlifts can carry heavier loads than curved stairlifts, which operate on a different track that should adapt to the bends and turns of your staircase.

Typically, you can expect weight capacities between 300 lbs. and 350 lbs. for straight stairs and 265-300 lbs. for curved stairs.

Stairlift Dimensions

A common question before buying a stairlift Mountain West is whether or not it will fit on your staircase. That is why the first step of our buying process is to schedule a free in-home visit, where a Stannah stairlift expert will measure your stairs and get a sense of your needs.

Types of Stairlifts

There are three basic stairlift types: straight, curved, and outdoor. Each type is suited to a different type of staircase and comes with a unique set of attributes and benefits. Let’s look at the different stairlift types, so you can figure out which is right for you.

1) Straight Stairlifts

Straight stairlifts are the most common type of stairlifts, as they are designed for simple, straight-run staircases. Usually, these are between 12 and 16 steps, but every house is different and a straight stairlift can be installed on a staircase that is up to 12 meters (39 feet) long!

Thankfully, most staircases are much shorter than that and straight rails can be cut down to the precise length you need, making straight stairlifts are also the most adaptable and reusable type of stairlift.

Since the rail can be cut down to fit on shorter staircases, you can re-sell or donate your stairlift, or simply take it with you if you decide to move. It’s important to note that this doesn’t guarantee the new set of stairs will be wide enough for a stairlift and the track cannot be extended if the new staircases are longer than the original.

2) Curved Stairlifts

Stairs that turn are a more complicated proposition than straight runs. Fortunately, curved stairlifts can suit the bends and turns of almost any staircase. Typically, there are two sorts of curved stairlifts: custom-made “bespoke” models and modular stairlifts.

a) Custom Curved Stairlifts

As the name implies, custom curved stairlifts are designed specifically for your staircase. After measuring your stairs during a free home survey, our stairlift professionals will design a custom curved rail that can be made from scratch for a snug fit on your stairs.

Custom rails do take a bit longer to make, but the fit on your stairs and the smoothness of the ride are second to none.

b) Modular Stairlifts

Alternatively, a modular stairlift rail is pieced together from an existing set of rail sections. With these pieces already in stock, a modular stairlift can be installed quickly, but it is important to note that the installation won’t be as tight, and the ride can be somewhat bumpier.

Still, some users might need a quicker installation or simply prefer the look of a modular design. The important thing to understand before buying a stairlift Mountain West is that you have options!

3) Outdoor Stairlifts

Outdoor stairlifts are simply stairlifts designed for outdoor staircases. They provide access to backyards, and even garage entryways. Outdoor models can withstand harsh weather gardens, conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

Usually, outdoor stairlifts are made with durable metal rails and strong plastic seats that can handle being out in the sun or exposed to winter weather. A protective cover and a closed rail system are also vital components to ensure that your outdoor stairlift can handle the elements.

If you are interested in an outdoor stairlift, ensure you ask about a key lock system and landing controls, so that you can store your stairlift safely.

4) Heavy Duty Stairlifts

Heavy-duty stairlifts are stairlifts with a significant weight capacity (over 300lbs). While most stairlift manufacturers don’t make this distinction, it is an important question for many people. Typically, straight stairlifts have a higher weight capacity than curved models; so, if you have multiple staircases, it is probably better to install on the straight-run staircase.

If you are concerned about weight capacity, simply ask the question. Most stairlift companies can accommodate higher weight capacity; it is simply a matter of finding the right model for your needs.

5) Commercial Stairlifts

While residential stairlifts make up the bulk of worldwide installations, many corporations and public buildings have opted for stairlifts to help visitors, employees, and customers use the stairs safely.

It is important to note that stairlifts are not ADA compliant and so are more of a supplementary offering in commercial and public buildings. Still, it is important to ensure that your commercial stairlift complies with local and state building codes.

To that end, it is good to establish a line of contact between the stairlift-company and your local building inspector when buying a stairlift Mountain West. Don’t worry too much, as most experienced stairlift companies have run into this situation before and likely have local contacts and the proper documentation at the ready.

6) Reconditioned Stairlifts

Reconditioned stairlifts are a great cost-saving option. These used stairlifts have been carefully removed and fully serviced by the manufacturer or a trusted local dealer.

They undergo a thorough inspection and cleaning process before they are resold at a discounted rate. Because reconditioned stairlifts are pre-owned, it is important to make sure that you are working with a reputable company or dealer.

Tips for Choosing the Right Stairlift

Choosing the right stairlift is all about finding the best value for your situation and money. Often, the cheapest option isn’t the best solution; neither is the most expensive model. Here are THREE important factors that can help you find the right balance for your needs and budget.

Consider How Your Mobility Might Change

People often think about the stairlift process in terms of their current mobility level. Unfortunately, that can change over time. Make sure you choose a stairlift that can adapt to your needs as they change over time because if it is a struggle to use now, it is likely to get harder down the road.

Think About How Long You Want to Live in Your Home

Renting a stairlift can be a great temporary solution, especially if you are expecting to make a full recovery or move in a few months. But, if you plan on living in your home for longer than 18 months, you are usually better off buying a stairlift outright.

Determine the Value of The Full Package

Many online dealers offer enticing prices, with little follow-through on the back end. There is a big difference between a stairlift in a box delivered to your doorstep and a safe, professional installation backed by a multi-year warranty.

It is important to consider the long-term value when buying a stairlift Mountain West. Upfront costs are important, but you should always be asking, “What am I getting in the long run?” Whatever factors matter most to you, the answer should include both independence and peace of mind.