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The Different Types Of Stair Lift That Are Available
from:With prices of stair lifts getting cheaper, buying and
installing one has become a real option for many. They can help
people with mobility problems regain their home. Many types are
on offer - both new and used - so there's going to be one that
is suitable no matter the requirements. What follows is a quick
guide to the types of stair lifts on the market.
There are two models the market; the straight and the curved. As
their names suggest, one is for situations where the staircase
is straight, whereas the other is for staircases that are
curved, turn, have intermediate landings or obstacles on the
stairway.
The price of a curved unit is considerable more than that of a
straight one. A straight model is factory built and can be
installed in a matter of hours. But the curved model is designed
specially designed for a specific location and can take weeks to
install. Not all manufacturers make curved models; those that do
include the Electra-Ride III Curved Rail stair lift from Bruno
and the 260 stair lift from Stannah.
You can get both home and outdoor models. Not all manufacturers
can supply outdoor models. Those that do include the
Electra-Ride Elite Outdoor stair lift from Bruno and the Acorn
Superglide Outdoor Stair Lift.
When they were first made, they were all powered using AC mains
electricity. Batteries were seen as being unreliable, took a
long time to charge and their charge soon dissipated. However,
rechargeable batteries have gotten much better, so much so, that
most companies now only make DC battery electric units. Battery
operated models offer certain advantages over AC mains ones.
Battery electric units give smoother start and stops; don't
require any special wiring for installation; and the lift can
still be operated during power outages. However, AC mains
operated electric units do offer one advantage; they don't
require constant charging - an important consideration if you
plan on using your lift many times during the day or if there
will be more than one person using it.
Summit stair lifts are AC mains electric units.
Stair lifts come in many different configurations. You can get
remote control operated models or you can opt for a joystick (or
both); you can get different types of safety belts; seats come
in different sizes; you can get manual or motorized swivel
seats; the list goes on. Many manufacturers are aware that not
everyone can sit down comfortable and have developed 'perch'
models, the Acorn Superglide Perch stair lift being one such.
To use an ordinary unit the person must be able to lift
themselves on and off the seat. For many wheelchair users this
is not an option. Some companies do manufacture wheelchair
units, but most domestic situation prohibit their use as home
staircases are typically not wide enough and the track must be
secured to a load bearing wall. However, if you home is suitable
the Stannah Stairiser Wheelchair Stair Lift is an excellent
product.
The above is an overview of the different types of stair lifts
available. Before you decide on which one is best for you, you
should consult with a reputable dealer. They are easy to find on
the web. Many will do a home survey free of charge with no
obligation to buy.
About the author: Robin OBrien
Follow the links for wheelchair stair lifts and Stannah stair lifts as well as stair lift reviews.
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