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Home > Independent Living Products > Mobility > Stairlifts

Stairlifts and throughfloor lifts

Arthritis and other conditions can make climbing stairs a problem.

Rather than moving to a bungalow or confining yourself to one level of your house, a stairlift can give you access to all areas.

Examples of the range available, which includes models for both straight and curved staircases, are shown on this page.

For stairs that curve at top or bottom, or turn midway, there are solutions in the form of curved stairlifts such as the one on the right, that are made to measure for your stairs, or perhaps a bridging platform which can be used to accommodate a curve at top or bottom of the flight.

If space is very limited, or if you have a condition that makes sitting down difficult or uncomfortable, then a 'Stand and Perch' stairlift may be the answer.

The one on the left also runs on DC (battery) power, so is unaffected by power cuts.

To increase accessibility at the foot of the stairs, you can choose a stairlift with a hinged rail that is folded up out of the way when not in use.

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Stairlifts are fitted with many safety features, to ensure that you can use them with confidence. For example, pressure sensors ensure that the lift stops if any obstacle is encountered (right).

If you find small controls difficult to manage, consider a lift with ergonomic controls, that respond to a simple nudge.

A seat that swivels when you reach the top of the stairs is another popular safety feature (left), allowing you to alight from the lift well away from the edge of the staircase.

Indoor stairlifts are a well-accepted amenity, enabling people with mobility problems to access the upper floors of their homes - but did you know that you can get outdoor stairlifts now, too?

This one is from MediTek Stairlifts, who can provide a range of lifts designed to cope with the weather. 

Perfect for anyone with stairs to negotiate to access their garden or cellar.

For wheelchair users, a throughfloor vertical lift (left) may be more convenient than a stairlift.

This free-standing model doesn't require a load bearing wall for installation. The door-opening and controls can be on the left or right - and may be changed over easily, so that the lift can be relocated. 

A portable wheelchair lift is now available from Bentley Fielden, right, which requires no electrical power, and is suitable where occasional wheelchair access is required and a permanent lift structure is not feasible.

The lift is wheeled into position, manually elevated when the chair or scooter is on the platform, and wheeled away for storage afterwards.

There are also step lifts which enable wheelchairs to negotiate external steps - you can find more information on our DDA access page.

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