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How to choose a stairlift

A stair lift (or stair chair) from Accessibility Solutions can be a life-changing addition to your home or even your business. A stair lift enables anyone with mobility concerns to have full, safe access to any floor within your house or place of business. Today, considering the stress and high cost of moving, many people are deciding to remain in the familiar surroundings of their current home. However, as people age or experience an unexpected injury or surgery, stairs can quickly become an obstacle. A practical solution is the installation of a stairlift. This article provides you with an excellent overview of stairlifts and includes the following:

  • What is a stairlift elevator?
  • How does a stairlift work?
  • What are the different types of stairlifts?
  • How is a stairlift Installed?
  • How much does a stairlift cost?
  • Are Stairlifts avaialble to rent?
  • What Brands of stairlift are available?
  • Are Stairlifts available for businesses?

What is a stairlift elevator?

A stair lift is an easy-to-use, simple elevator that attaches to the stairs in your home. A person sits on a chair and uses a simple control to lift them up and down the stairs inside or outside their home. For people who have trouble climbing up and downstairs, this is an affordable and safe way to stay in a home that has multiple levels.

How does a stairlift work?

The stair lift elevator (or stair chair) is an elevator system that has an electric motor and drive mechanism built into a chair. The stair chair is then connected to a rail that is securely attached to your stairs by trained professionals. 

Stair lifts can be installed on almost any stairway and are available in many configurations to accommodate all stairways  The stair chair can be installed for straight stairs, curved stairs, stairways with landings, indoor and outdoor.

The stair lift will also work if your power goes out because they run off 12 -volt batteries built into the chair. The batteries are charged with a standard 110v power supply that automatically charges the battery when the stairlift is not in use.

Standard features of stairlifts include a folding footrest so your stairs can be used by people walking up and down, a swivel seat that makes getting on and off the stair chair easier, wireless remotes at the top and bottom of the stairs to call the stairlift when need, and more Click here for a full list of options and features.

What are the different types of stairlifts?

What type of stairlift should I buy?  Not all stairlifts are alike, just as all staircases are not alike. First, you should look at your stairway design. Is it a simple straight staircase or does it include a landing or stair that curve?  After you determine the type of stairlift best for your home, it’s time to look at the different lifts based on style and cost. We sell straight stairlifts from Bruno, Harmar, and Handicare. Our lifts can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

Straight Stairlifts

Are designed for stairways without landings or turns. These lifts are very popular in homes due to their affordability, quick installation, and reliability. Their simple design can fit most stairway widths or lengths. Straight stairlifts are battery-powered units that recharge automatically at designated places along the stair rail. Straight stairlifts are available in three categories: Economy, Premium, or Heavy-Duty

Curved Stairlifts

These premium stairlifts are designed for staircases that curve or change directions at a landing. Curved stairlifts are custom-designed, and as a result, cost more than a standard stair chair. However, a curved stairlift is an affordable alternative to installing an elevator or relocating to a one-level home.  Click here to see our curved Stairlifts.

Outdoor Stairlifts

A stairlift will improve safe access to the outdoor spaces we enjoy such as patios, yards requiring access by stairs, and porches with steps or decks. These lifts can be built for any stair configuration, and have high-quality, weatherproof components. An added bonus is that outdoor lifts don’t require excavations or new construction. Click here to see our outdoor stairlifts.

How is a stairlift Installed?

People often ask about how the stair lift is installed, and what modifications are made to the home. The stair chair rides on a rail, that rail is attached to brackets with 2-5 screws holding the brackets to the tread of your stairs, so there is no modification to your home. The rail that the stairlift rides on are installed above the stairs and with enough space so that no scaping or damage to the wall or banister can happen.  Click here to learn more about stairlift installation.

How much does a stairlift cost?

The cost of a stairlift is determined by several things:

  1. Whether your stairs are straight, curved, or have landings.
  2. The make and model of the stair lift.
  3. The options you add to the stair chair.
  4. The purchase of a new or reconditioned unit
  5.  The option to rent instead of buy a stair lift

The cost of a new stairlift is $2600 up to +$12,000 installed with warranty. We also sell reconditioned lifts starting at $2000 installed. Keep in mind that stairlifts are tax-exempt. Installation of a stairlift is quick and requires no modifications to your home.

Are stair lifts available to rent?

Yes, you can rent a stairlift for your home or business, and rentals are our most affordable mobility solution. Whether you need a permanent stairlift or only need a one for a shorter period of time we have a rental program for you. Many people prefer affordable monthly payments instead of paying for a stair chair all at once. No matter what your situation is, we have options for you.  There is an installation fee, then you only pay a monthly rental fee. When you no longer need the stairlift, our technicians will uninstall it from your home. Here is our rental cost breakdown:

  • The initial cost starts at $880, covering the down payment, installation, and 1st month’s rent.
  • $80 rental cost for months 1 – 3
  • $70 rental cost for months 4 – 6
  • The monthly rate for the remainder of the lease is $60

Click here to learn more about stairlift rentals.

What brands of stairlifts are available?

We offer a variety of options when it comes to stairlift choices. We sell, install and service the following stairlift brands:

Our team of experienced lift professionals will always take the time to understand your needs and then deliver your best stairlift solution at the best price possible. If you are ready for a stairlift, fill out our free estimate form and we will get back to you as soon as we can. If you live in Central New York, Rochester, the Mohawk Valley, or the Southern Tier you can also contact us at 855-601-2173. For the convenience of our clients who live in the Capital Region or Hudson Area, we have a satellite office outside of Albany. That number is 518-731-6192. We look forward to making your home safer, enabling you to remain in place for as long as you want.

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