Stair lifts offer a simple and safe way of travelling from one floor to another. The investment can be for purchasing be from £1395-£4,500, which is possibly cheaper than the costs of selling/purchasing another property. Another alternative to rent a stair lift.

There is however, a wide choice of different types, of which the main two would be either ’straight stair lift’ or ‘curved stairlift’. The straight stairlift is used for stairs that are in effect; straight and therefore doing not require travelling around a ‘bend’. The curved stairlift is designed to travel around bends enabling various types of stairs to be traversed.

There are also several manufacturers of stairlifts, which offer different designs and options.

Consequently, with a wide selection of styles, designs and manufacturers, it is vital to have some basic knowledge before entering into the selection process of what you may require and from whom you should purchase it.

How to choose the right stairlift.

If you have access to the internet, you will be able to view several suppliers’ websites.

Consider whether each company offers a wide choice of products and makes, enabling you to choose the best product for your needs.

Consider whether the company offers a warranty that covers a long a period as possible, preferably 3 years for new stair lifts.

Consider whether the company operates within your locality, which is likely to provide you with a more personal service, and fast response when required.

Consider whether the company is ’small enough to care’ but big enough to deliver. Family companies often provide that added ‘personal service’.

Consider whether the company staffs has extensive experience in the ’stair lift’ business, as some salesmen may have limited experience, and recommend the wrong solution.

Consider that when choosing your stair lift, consider if the product or make of stair lift will be the right stair lift for your needs, not just now, but also in future.

Confirm that the potential supplier offers a ‘FREE’ home visit, with no strings attached and offers a good choice of stairlifts.

In preparation for your Home Visit.

Having reviewed several suppliers, and their brochures identifying possible solutions for you.

Request several testimonies, with the option to call any one of the previous customers, if necessary.

Discuss your need with any friends that may have purchased a stairlift, asking for their advice and opinion.

List any concerns or issues that worry you, for the engineer to address during his visit.

If necessary, invite a friend to be with you during the engineer’s visit, to provide support and conformation of your choice.

During the Home Visit

Let the visiting engineer know of your choice and preferences.

Explain any concerns that you may have to him. An experienced engineer will listen carefully and point to a solution.

Listen carefully to the engineer’s recommendations, which should guide you through the selection process smoothly and help with identifying the best solution for your need.

Ensure that a written quotation is provided during the survey for your choice of stair lift that also includes the warranty details.

Ensure that the quotation includes all items and work, required for completion. Be wary of ‘additions’ later such as ‘additional wiring’ etc.

Because homes are various this demands there to be a mixture of lifts that customers can select from. Acorn Stairlifts has many of the most diverse range of models and features that can be employed on average stairs, long, twisted stairs, and stairs situated outside of their houses.

The three forms of stairlifts provided by Acorn and many other producers include; straight, curved, and outdoor. Each model is utilized in a distinct way and may utilize different materials that will function best in the surroundings it is being put in.

Straight Stairlifts

A straight stairlift is utilized on staircases that run straight up and down. They are the simplest to establish making them the most affordable. They are also one of the only models that you will have the power to purchase used because they can often be used on various staircases and can therefore be taken with you to new homes.

Curved Stairlifts

Curved stairlifts are utilized on staircases that are commonly longer and have a distinct bend or curve to them. All curved models that are bought have to be custom fitted to fit the staircase. Because of this the installment process is slightly longer and is more costly.

Outdoor Stairlifts

Outdoor stairlifts are employed on any type of stairs that are located outside of the house. They are normally small and therefore not as expensive. In order for them to weather the elements each one is constructed utilizing special components that will not wear away or fade while in the sun or rain.

The most obvious option is to have a swivel seat stairlift. This means that you can swivel the chair when you reach the top of the stairs, so that you are facing away from the staircase when you get off. This makes it much easier and safer to get on and off the lift. The stairlift chair then acts as a barrier so that if you were to lose balance you could not fall down the stairs. A swivel seat is a standard option on most stairlifts these days, so you shouldn’t have to pay extra. If possible try and visit a showroom to compare the different stairlifts available.

Powered swivel seats are also available if you are unable to turn the seat yourself. This will add to the cost quite significantly and the quality can vary according to the manufacturer. As always seek independent advice and get prices from more than one source. If a powered swivel isn’t necessary at the moment but could be useful in the future make sure the seat can be adapted.

A recent development is the option of a two-way powered swivel. This enables the user to get off the seat in the most convenient position at the top and bottom of the stairs. This is a costly option and isn’t necessary for most people, however it can be of great use in certain circumstances. At the time of going to press only one of the manufacturers is able to provide this option.

The inability of the person to move on their own does not only bring interruptions to normal living but also bring forth a sense of inferiority to the person. With a stairlift, a handicapped or an aged individual can freely move from one place to another without asking assistance from anybody else.

On the other hand, independence is another factor which can be greatly affected by any stairlift. The act of doing things on your own promotes a sense of worth within. By using a stairlift, the handicapped and the aged can move up and down the stairs and to and fro the house humps without being worried about by other family members.

There are a multitude of choices for stairlifts nowadays in the online market. Before clicking on a certain model for purchase you must have knowledge on the actual needs of the user. Some users might only have weak knees but are still capable to sit and get out of the stairlift and can walk on flat surfaces. This case only requires you to purchase a cheaper stairlift that primarily caters to the climbing problem. However, some disabilities cause a person total immobility that you need to have a stairlift that does not only bring the person up and down the stairs but also to fro the house multi-floorings. This could be more costly but more useful for the user.

On the other hand, the user’s physical environment should also be looked into. The stairway is a great consideration.

The shape, the height and the structure of the stairs to which the stairlift will be attached should be focused on. A straight stairlift, logically, cannot fit a curved or bent stairway.

All these and more are just a few of the many things to consider when buying a stairlift. The handicapped or the aged further need some features for security. Look for a stairlift with a seatbelt to ensure that the user is intact as he goes up and down the stairs. You can also take one with sensors that anticipates barriers along the way and automatically stop for safety.If you are not certain about what to purchase, you can consult the user’s occupational therapist for some recommendations. You can also inquire from the manufacturers who know every detail of their product.

Oftentimes, a call could send in representative to your home who will assess the physical characteristics of your house and who will look for a stairlift which perfectly suits the user’s needs.

You might want to have a second thought in buying a stairlift for your loved one. If you have the money, why not take one of the stairlifts offered online all for the user’s safety and mobility. You might not know your money’s worth until you see your handicapped or aged family member smile for independence.

There can be problems when buying secondhand stairlifts. Straight rails can be safely re-used to install a second-hand straight stairlift but curved secondhand stairlifts always need new rails. This is because even if the carriage is secondhand, the rails have to be tailor-made to fit individual staircases because they must not obstruct doorways and must fit tightly to the stairs. Experts in the industry say it is just not possible to use secondhand curved rails safely.

Some people have purchased Stannah curved rails that have been re-manufactured from a number of old rails which have been cut up and welded together in an attempt to fit to a particular staircase. They are known in the industry as ‘cut and shuts’ – named after a similar practice in the secondhand car market.

Many customers have been misled into thinking they were buying genuine Stannah rails as advertisers have made no attempt to clarify the fact that the rails they are selling have been re-manufactured from a selection of old Stannah rails.

Due to the limitations of this re-manufacturing process, the quality and fit of the rails to the staircase is generally extremely poor and – most importantly – the stairlift could well be unsafe.

To be sure that you a receiving a brand new rail then you will need to go directly to Stannah or one of their approved dealers. Approved Stannah dealers all sign up to an agreement not to use cut and shut rails, giving the customer peace of mind that they are getting a brand new, and most importantly, a 100% safe rail.

It is also worth considering that companies that use cut and shut rails are not authorised dealers and therefore cannot buy spare parts from Stannah. This could seriously effect their ability to maintain and service your stair lift. This also means that their stair lift engineers have no training from Stannah.

If you have received a quotation from a company for a curved rail stair lift and they cannot prove that they are authorised dealers, then you should contact the manufacturer to see if they are on the approved list. If you think you have bought a stair lift that uses a cut and shut rail then you should contact the original manufacturer who can advise you what to do next.

Acorn stairlift reviews

Acorn stairlift reviews gives one the chance to sample different types of stairlifts and select one according to his taste and needs. Acorn stairlift reviews help the consumers get a well defined picture of the esteemed brand. The client gets an overall picture about the models’ specifications, price ranges, features as well as a comparison with other brands in the market to highlight the advantages of using Acorn over the rest. These reviews help the buyer in selecting the correct stairlift and getting his value for money.

Acorn stairlift prices

At times, the prices of Acorn stairlifts seem a little high as compared to the rest, but this does not affect the buyers in any way. Consumers are ready to dig deeper into their pockets and get exceptional quality products. Moreover, Acorn stairlifts can be considered as a one time investment which hardly requires any maintenance in the future.

Why Acorn stairlift?

Acorn stairlifts possess features which are rich in strength and durability. Acorn stair Lifts have high degrees of resistance and endurance power as compared to other stair lifts brands. They also have a dedicated team of professionals who do a good job of installing the stairlift in any place required and also help in its implementation. Acorn stairlifts are also enhanced with over the top safety features which allow the user to participate in a risk free journey. They are enabled with limit sensors which allow the user to control his movements and operate the stairlift on his own. Both mechanical and electronic brakes are present for the user to operate. Safety belts are given to the user and a swivel seat locks his position in place. Pressure sensitive points integrated into the body of acorn stairlifts help detect any danger in its route of journey.

Even so, there are many who claim that the stairlift is not an American invention at all and dates back to the era of King Henry the VIII. The crude device was crafted after the king injured himself in a jousting accident and consisted of a block and tackle system that was hauled by several servants.

Whoever was credited with the actual invention, many companies have been able to improve on the design offering a variety of styles and systems for individuals in need of assisted in home mobility.

The greatest of these innovations was the addition of various types of rail systems. The basic premise of the rail system is to create a reliable pulley station/port for the actual chairs. The rail can be made of aluminum or steel and is placed on the wall alongside the stairs in question. Rails can come flat or curved and are chosen based on the design of the stairwell.

Ramps made out of aluminum or steel are also a welcome addition to the device, providing a new option for those who have wide and/or small steps where a rail system may not be as necessary.

The basic design of rails or ramp platforms has not changed over time but the carriage system has evolved to become far more efficient and to deliver a smoother ride. The cable and chain drive mechanism was the very first type of carriage system used for the stairlift. This mechanism was later improved upon via a rack and pinion system which utilizes a pair of gears that engage the teeth of a flat bar (the rack). The system usually engages a circular rotation that helps the gears move the chair up or down.

With these bases, stairlift manufactures were able to come up with numerous types of units that would improve the lives of those who needed to move about but had difficulty doing so for a number of reasons.

Early systems concentrated on affixing wheelchairs to rails but specially made lift chairs soon followed. If you are wheelchair dependant, the former choice would be best as you are more familiar with this type of transport. Drawbacks-the wheelchair systems have to be built to order, are harder to install and can be more expensive than a simple chair lift. One should weigh the wheelchair versus simple chairlift option before making a firm decision in this regard.

In the beginning, the focus of the design was primarily on indoor maneuverability but modern units can be utilized both in and out of doors. Some restaurants and businesses even have outdoor models installed for the convenience of their customers.

Easy to access and use switches, toggles and buttons have evolved over time as well culminating in electric and remote controlled devices that make navigating the chairs even easier. The speed of the chairs can also be controlled, putting even more control in the hands of the chair user. Another modern convenience that comes with the purchase of a contemporary stairlift is a warranty that protects the purchaser in the event of disrepair.

The stairlift has evolved since the days of King Henry VIII and some can even be easily installed by the buyer. With these units becoming even more affordable the elderly or those with debilitating conditions can maintain a greater degree of autonomy with ease and tremendous style.

This brief overview should provide you with an insight into the areas you need to investigate, questions you need to ask and things you need to think about, to choose the right stair lift.

Overview of the stairlift market

The UK stairlifts marketplace is amazingly crowded. There are around 12 major stairlift manufacturers all producing products aimed at a market that’s growing year by year. As the population ages the demand for their products has increased significantly.

Here’s the best way to go about buying a stairlift. Before you pick up the phone and call Stannah or Bison Bede or Minivator, talk to your friends and relatives. Do they know anyone who’s had a lift installed? If so, speak to them. Ask them about their experiences, the benefits and the drawbacks, if any.

Then get in touch with all the reputable companies that you can and start to compare their products and prices, keeping in mind that reliability and safety are the most vital elements. The web is a great place to start; all the major manufacturers have websites for you to view.

During the process of choosing a stairlift, grill the sales representative. After all, it’s their job to know everything about their products, be they curved, straight or outdoor. Talk about your relative’s staircase, about their particular mobility problems and about the budget you are working around.

Warranties

Try to get hold of as much information as possible on the manufacturer and its products. How long have they been in business? Do they have full insurance? Try to read testimonials from genuine customers.

Ask them about after-sales. Once the lift is in place, how long is the warranty? Is it extendable and for how long? How much will this cost and what will they include? Ask them about the small print, some manufacturers will put a lifetime guarantee on their products. This sounds great, until you realise it’s just for certain components.

Then there’s service and support. If the lift breaks down, how quickly will the company get to you? Will it be their own stairlift engineers who visit or will the service be contracted out, so that you might have to wait a couple of days for the problem to be solved?

The Internet is a great tool to help you find out all you can about stairlift manufacturers. Look in the regular media for stories about them and check online forums, is anyone making negative comments? Stay clear of cold callers and take each lift for a test ride in the showrooms before you part with any money.

Buying the right stairlift means taking into account the needs of the user and deciding on the features that will be most important for them, not just today, but in a few years down the line.

If their needs are likely to change in the future, take this into account when deciding on the key features you are looking for.

Curved or Straight?

The next step, once you’ve whittled down the manufacturers to a manageable number, is to get company representatives in to assess your staircase. First things first: there are two main sorts of stairlift, straight and curved. Straight stairlifts are made for stairs without bends or half-landings. If your stairs are on a straight run, you’ll find you can save quite a bit of money on your stair lift.

If, however, you have a staircase with bends, corners or half-landings, you’ll probably want a curved model, which is a little less straightforward. Your lift rails will need to be custom-built for your staircase. Because of this, it’s wise to be sure that you definitely need a stairlift, as you will be unable to send it back. Your curved stair-lift will also be a lot more expensive than a straight version. Buying a reconditioned curved is also more problematic, although not impossible, as the rails will have been made for someone else’s staircase.

You do have the option of buying two or more straight models for your curved staircase. The user will have to perform a ‘mid-flight transfer’ between the two lifts and so is not always an ideal solution, but it could save money. The other downside of this method is the potential for paying more maintenance costs, owing to the upkeep of two motors. You could, however, install reconditioned models, making further savings over new. When buying your lift, you should also consider that you can buy different chairs for the carriage, get the option that is the best for you, making the ride as comfortable as possible.

The Sales Rep

A company representative will call, both to talk about the options that company has available and to assess the staircase. When the sales rep comes round to your relative’s home, it’s wise to be there yourself or to get another relative or friend to be there, too. This is because remembering information and asking key questions will be vital.

Watch the stairlift-company rep closely. They should assess the staircase thoroughly and ask all the right questions about your relative’s needs, particularly how easy they find it to get on and off the stairlift. Make sure they give you a quote in writing for the full cost of the stairlift, including installation.

Don’t feel pressurised when the rep is in your relative’s home. They’ll make it sound like theirs is the only stairlift manufacturer worth buying from. They’re only doing their job, but it doesn’t mean you have to buy from them. Talk to a few stairlift companies, it will help you come to a decision. If you find the stair-lift manufacturers just a little too biased, one great idea is to call an independent retailer like UK Stairlifts. They have no axe to grind and will give you impartial advice about the right stairlift for your relative’s circumstances.

Reconditioned Models

Buying a reconditioned stair lift is another possibility. Reconditioned stairlifts are pre-owned. Both the stairlift and the rail have been refurbished and are virtually as good as buying a new stair lift, and your relative will usually get many years of good service. Buying reconditioned model is a very popular option. Most of the lift is brand new, with a new seat, new rail and a reconditioned engine that should be good for a few years. You’ll save around one-third on the price of a new stair lift.

However, you should be prepared to ask the supplier many questions about the stair lift. It’s always best not to buy a reconditioned stair lift that’s over 18 months old, to make sure it’s in great condition. Make sure you get a one-year warranty, too.

This brief guide should help you identify the main issues for you to consider and the questions you need to ask. Remember to do your research: about the needs of the user, the companies themselves and the products they offer.