Stairlifts: FAQs

What is a stairlift?

How do I control the stairlift?

What safety features are available?

I live in a rural area – what happens if there is a power cut?

My stairs are narrow – how can I be sure that a stairlift will fit?

Is there a maximum weight that a stairlift can carry?

Can the rest of my family use the stairs once I have a stairlift fitted?

Can I turn off my stairlift so that the Grandchildren cannot injure themselves with it?

If I order stairlift – how long do I have to wait before it is installed?

How long does it take to install a stairlift?

What guarantee comes with my stairlift?

What is a stairlift? Top

A stairlift, sometimes know as a chair lift or stair chair is a mechanical device consisting of a motor and chair that runs on a stairlift track that is normally fitted directly to the stair treads.

How do I control the stairlift? Top

Controls are normally found on either arm of the seat of the chair lift in the form of a toggle switch / lever. In addition – remote controls or call send devices are also supplied. There are usually two of these devices, one for the top of the stairs and one for the bottom.

What safety features are available?Top

By today’s standards most stairlifts will have pressure sensitive switches that will sense any obstruction on the stairs or between the track and the stairlift. When the user arrives at the top of the stairs the seat section of the stairlift will swivel to face the landing shielding the user from the down side of the stairs. The swivel option maybe powered.

I live in a rural area – what happens if there is a power cut?Top

Almost all stairlifts today are powered by a D.C. motor or direct current. These are powered by modern battery units that are normally housed within the main body of the chair lift. When the stairlift is not in operation, it will recharge these battery units. (Similar to modern household cordless telephones) because no direct link to the mains is required, the chair lift will continue to operate through a power cut.

My stairs are narrow – how can I be sure that a stairlift will fit?Top

A staircase has to be very narrow before it is impossible to fit a chair lift. A perch seated stairlift is a very good alternative to the traditional seated stair lift. The best way to find out if your stairs are suitable is to have a free no obligation survey done.

Is there a maximum weight that a stairlift can carry? Top

The normal safe working load for a stairlift is around 18 stone or 120kg (approx.) But there are options for ‘heavy duty’ models that can take up to 25 - 28 stone or 177kg (approx.)

Can the rest of my family use the stairs once I have a stairlift fitted? Top

Absolutely, when the stairlift is not in use, it will be in one of two places. Either at the top or the bottom of the staircase. When the stairlift is not in use, it can also be folded flat.

Can I turn off my stairlift so that the Grandchildren cannot injure themselves with it? Top

Most chair lifts have an isolation key that you can use to turn it off completely.

If I order stairlift – how long do I have to wait before it is installed? Top

Straight stairlifts are normally installed with 7 – 10 days. Whereas curved stairlift installations can take up to 4 – 8 weeks. This all depends on the supplier of your chair lift and the question should be asked before any order is placed. Some suppliers do offer an ‘Express Fit’ in urgent circumstances, (a fee may apply.)

How long does it take to install a stairlift? Top

Straight stairlifts with no complications are normally installed within 2 hours. Curved stairlift installations take 2+ hours depending on the complexity of the curve.

What guarantee comes with my stairlift? Top

All of our approved suppliers provide a minimum of a 12 month warranty with the installation of your stairlift with the option to increase this period up to 5 years in most cases. When you purchase you stair lift ensure that you have an emergency callout option included.