Stairlifts

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.

Click to go straight to more on:
Straight stairlifts
Curved stairlifts
Outdoor stairlifts
Special features
Lifts for wheelchair users

Straight Stairlifts

The most straightforward situation is where you have a straight staircase, and the installation of a stairlift should, in most cases, be quick and easy. Depending on the model, the rail (which also houses any necessary wiring) is either attached to the wall or the stairs themselves.

Early stairlifts tended to run on mains electricity, but nowadays, most have integral batteries (DC power), so they are not affected by power cuts. Automatic recharging while the lift is parked at the top or bottom of the staircase will ensure that power doesn't run out in mid-ascent.

Even if your staircase is rather narrow, you should be able to find a stair lift that can be used on it.

Back to top

Curved Stairlifts

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 left, 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.

Until recently, curved stairlifts were a bespoke product, which involved quite a long wait for the track to be manufactured to order. This has changed with the development of modular rails, which mean that curved stairlifts can now be installed much more quickly.

Outdoor Stairlifts

Perfect for anyone with stairs to negotiate to access their garden or cellar, an outdoor stairlift is specially designed to cope with the weather.

With a special finish to help resist the effects of wind and rain, outdoor stairlifts are available for short and long flights of steps, with the same safety features as indoor lifts.

With no external moving parts, and a failsafe braking system which ensures that the lift can't descend in an uncontrolled way, outdoor stairlifts are available with remote control or joystick operation.

Back to top

Stairlift Features

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Back to top

Lifts for wheelchair users

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

This free-standing model doesn't require a load bearing wall for installation. The car is compact, and has an integral ramp, for easy access. It can be installed in less than two days.

Portable wheelchair lifts are now available, such as the one on the left, 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. Battery powered portable wheelchair lifts can also be provided; ideal for venues like schools, village halls, etc to lift a wheelchair user onto a stage or platform, for example.

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

Back to top

Quick links to other Independent Living Product sections below: