Welcome to UK-Stairlift
Acorn Stairlifts 800 Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Acorn Stairlifts 800. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Stair Chair Lift - What To Look For When Buying
from:To buy and install a stair lift has become a popular choice for
many handicapped or disabled people or for those who just find
if difficult or tiring to walk up and down stairs. But deciding
to buy one is the easy part; deciding on what is the best stair
lift to buy is the hard part.
Prices vary greatly but don't make the mistake of buying the
cheapest you can find. You should buy one that uses modern
technology, has the features you want and comes with a good
warranty.
But what to look for when buying a stair chair lift?
First, you should make sure that it uses modern technology and
design. You should really only buy one that uses a rack and
pinion system to pull the chair and it should also be powered by
DC 24 volt rechargeable batteries. Older versions used a cable
to pull the chair up and down the track. However, a cable system
doesn't give the user the smoothest ride and you have the issue
of the moving cable that is continuously being wound in and out
as the chair travels along the track; a moving cable will suffer
wear and tear and will need replacing at a future date.
Also, older lifts used mains AC electricity. This means that it
needs an electrician to carry out the wiring. Modern stair chair
lifts are powered by rechargeable batteries. This not only makes
installation much easier but it's also safer as there is no
possibility of someone being electrocuted when using the chair.
Most manufacturers of stair lifts like Bruno and Acorn make rack
and pinion battery powered stair chair lifts. Summit stair lifts
continue to make cable and mains powered unit.
The arms should lift up to allow easy access to the chair. The
seat and foot rest should also be foldable so that when not in
use, there is ample room for others to use the stairs.
Just about all models come with safety belts. But you should
decide whether you want retractable inertia seat beats or
3-point fixed shoulder belts - not all stair lift suppliers fit
these types.
Make sure the unit you buy comes with two wireless call/send
remote controls.
As well as remote controls you need to decide on what other
controls you need. Controls are usually fitted on the armrest
and should always override the remote control. The most common
types of controls are pressure rocker switches (the user must
keep it pushed down when using) and a joystick. You must decide
on what control type best suits your requirements.
Pay close attention as to what safety systems come as standard.
There should be at least a footrest sensor to stop the chair if
an obstacle is encountered on the stairs. Bruno stair lifts come
with 5 sensor surfaces on the footrest and carriage, so that any
obstacle encountered on either the stairs or the track will stop
the chair.
A stair chair lift should come with governors to slow the
carriage from travelling over a certain speed or will stop it
completely if anything breaks.
What weight will the stair chair need to carry? Most, like the
Acorn Superglide Stair Lift, can carry a maximum of 300 lbs
whereas the Bruno Electra-Ride Stair Lift can carry 350 lbs.
You should check out the seat and determine if it can be
adjusted (along with the footrest) so you feel comfortable when
using it.
Finally, find out what warranties the supplier provides. Also,
what after sales service is provided? Ideally you should find a
dealer that provide 24/7 telephone support.
Installing a stair chair lift can greatly improve one's quality
of life. But installing one that doesn't best serve you can be
detrimental to your quality of life. Take your time when
choosing a unit and carry out as much research as you can before
buying.
About the author: Robin OBrien
Follow the links for more on buying a stair chair lift from makes like the Acorn stair lift and the Bruno stair lift and others.
Use Our Free Service Now!
If you are looking for a new stair lift, a reconditioned | second hand stair lift or a rental stair lift, we can help.
Fill in your details below and we will contact the leading Stairlift Comapnies that operate in YOUR AREA on your behalf. Once you have been contacted, you can then decide on the best deal that has been made available to you.
Let us do all of the running around for you.
Note: This service is only available to UK residents.