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- About Stairlifts<\/a>\n
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- Stairlift Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n
- Types of Stairlifts<\/a><\/li>\n
- Who can use a Stairlift?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Features & Options<\/a>\n
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- Safety Features & Options<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Prices and the Buying Process<\/a>\n
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- Stairlift Prices<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to buy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Where to buy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Paying for a Stairlift<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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- Installation and Maintenance<\/a>\n
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- Stairlift Warranties<\/a><\/li>\n
- Installation<\/a><\/li>\n
- Maintenance<\/a><\/li>\n
- About Stannah<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
About Stairlifts<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.stannah.ae\/ar-ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/05\/stairlifts-stananh-about-1024x512-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAn Introduction to Stairlifts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What is a Stairlift?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
A Stairlift<\/a> is a simple piece of accessibility equipment, designed to help people with mobility limitations get up and down their stairs safely. Consisting of a motorized chair that travels along a fixed track, stairlifts can be adapted to a variety of staircase types, including curved and outdoor stairs.<\/p>\n
Stairlifts also include 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 various stairlift companies. Let\u2019s take a deeper look at stairlifts and how they work.<\/p>\n
Stairlift Dimensions<\/strong><\/h4>\n
A common question before buying a stairlift is whether or not it will fit on your staircase. That’s 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. Nevertheless, if you are looking for technical specifications of our stairlifts, you can find details \u2013 such as height, width, depth and rail length \u2013 by reading our Stairlift Dimensions<\/a> page.<\/p>\n
How a Stairlift Works<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Electric Stairlifts<\/strong><\/p>\n
Stairlifts employ a battery-powered rack and pinion drive system that is constantly charged by a nearby outlet at the top or bottom of the stairs. This allows the stairlift to carry its rated load up and downstairs, while the overspeed governor and emergency braking system ensure that the stairlift will never travel faster than it is supposed to (most stairlifts travel at about 18 ft per minute).<\/p>\n
Batteries<\/strong><\/p>\n
The main power supplied by the electrical outlet helps the batteries<\/a> maintain a full charge, so that your stairlift is ready to go at all times. However, the stairlift won\u2019t overdraw from your electrical supply and the minimal output means there won\u2019t be any significant impact on your electric bill. You can learn more about energy efficient stairlifts from Stannah here.<\/a><\/p>\n
Power Outage<\/strong><\/p>\n
In the event of a power outage<\/a>, 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\u2019t using the stairlift. However, this is only recommended during an outage and it\u2019s important to leave your stairlift switched on the rest of the time.<\/p>\n
Replacing the Batteries<\/strong><\/p>\n
Stairlift batteries last between 1 and 5 years, depending on usage and how often the stairlift is left off charge. When it\u2019s 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\u2019t something that you can do on your own, as these industrial batteries are stored within the stairlift\u2019s carriage and require technical training to install. However, stairlift batteries are usually covered under an initial warranty or extended service plan.<\/p>\n
Weight Capacity<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Stairlift weight capacity<\/a> 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 has to 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 stairs that turn.<\/p>\n
Types of Stairlifts<\/strong><\/h3>\n
There are three basic stairlift types: straight, curved and outdoor. Each is suited to a different type of staircase and comes with a unique set of attributes and benefits. Let\u2019s take a look at the different stairlift types<\/a>, so you can figure out which is right for you.<\/p>\n
Straight Stairlifts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Straight stairlifts<\/a> are the most common type of stairlifts, as they\u2019re 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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 is important to note that this doesn\u2019t guarantee the new set of stairs will be wide enough for a stairlift and the track cannot be extended, if the new staircases is longer than the original.<\/p>\n
Curved Stairlifts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Stairs that turn are a more complicated proposition than straight-runs. Fortunately, curved stairlifts<\/a> can handle the bends and turns of almost any staircase. Typically, there are two sorts of curved stairlift: custom-made \u201cbespoke\u201d models and modular stairlifts.<\/p>\n
- Installation<\/a><\/li>\n
- Stairlift Warranties<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to buy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Stairlift Prices<\/a><\/li>\n
- Prices and the Buying Process<\/a>\n
- Safety Features & Options<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Types of Stairlifts<\/a><\/li>\n
- Stairlift Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n