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from: What Is The Best Handicap Stair Lift?
If you're handicapped a stair lift can really give you back your
independence. But the cost of a handicap stair lift is expensive
so before you part with your money you should make sure you buy
the best stair lift for you. Here's a quick review of stair
lifts for the disabled.
There are two basic types of stair lift; the straight stair lift
and the curved stair lift. These further divide into electric AC
mains stair lifts and DC battery operated stair lifts. First
off, do you require a curved stair lift? The price of a curved
stair lift is many times more expensive than a straight stair
lift. And most stair lift manufacturers only make straight stair
lifts. These manufacturers will tell you that you can use two
straight stair lifts if you have a middle landing, however you
should bear in mind that you will have to get on and off the
stair chair lift twice; this may not be so easy, depending on
your handicap, especially when changing stair lifts on a small
interim landing.
Until recently just about all stair lifts for the disabled were
powered from mains electricity. This had some problems: the
units were noisy: they had a trailing cable, which could be
easily tripped over; the ride action was somewhat 'juddery'; and
you couldn't use it when there was a power failure. Most new
handicap stair lifts are battery powered. You get many
advantages with a battery stair lift: quiet ride; smooth ride;
no mains wires and easy to install; and you can use it when
there is a power outage.
However, there are some advantages to main power. With an
electric stair lift you can use it as much as you like; battery
operated stair lifts need to be recharged. So, if you think you
might use the handicap stair lift more than 20 times a day, then
you could consider an electric stair lift.
The following manufacturers make handicap stair lifts for
straight stairways only.
The Acorn Superglide 120 stair lift is a very good battery
powered unit. You get many features as standard; safety sensors
to stop the chair when it encounters an obstacle, fold up seat
and flip up foot rest, swivel seat, and a directional paddle
switches that are operated by the lightest touch and can be used
easily by those even with limited dexterity. You also get a
choice of safety belts; inertial reel lap harness comes as
standard - you have to pay more for a fixed 3-point shoulder
harness.
Finally, Acorn also manufactures the Superglide Perch Stair
Lift. This perch stair lift is especially useful for those who
have only limited movement in their knees - it's also ideal for
stairways that are narrower than normal.
Summit stair lifts are designed to be cheap and easily
installed. The company makes electric stair lifts and not
battery. You get many of the features that come with the Acorn;
however the controls on the Summit stair lift are not ideal for
the disabled. Also, you don't get a safety belt. If your
disability is such that you have limited use in your hands or
you need to be secured with a safety belt, then you really
should consider the Acorn; the price of its disable stair lift
is more than that of the Summit stair lift but you do get a lot
more features that are better for the handicapped.
If you need a curved stair lift then you're probably best is
considering either a Bruno stair lift or Stannah stair lift -
both of these companies also make excellent straight stair lifts.
All Bruno stair lifts are battery powered. The company makes the
Bruno Electra-Ride III Curved Rail stair lift. You get a
retractable safety belt; optional wrap-around parking so the
chair doesn't occupy too much space on the landing; and it can
carry up to 350 lbs. All in all, the Bruno is an excellent stair
lift for the disabled.
Stannah is a UK stair lift manufacturer who supply handicap
stair lifts all over the world. The Stannah 260 stair lift is
its curved stair lift. This stair lift is ideal for the
disabled. The arms come with integrated controls that operate at
the lightest touch - you can also get a joystick option if you
prefer. You get a manually operate swivel seat as standard but
there's also a powered swivel option. The stair lift comes with
9 sensitive safety edges to detect any obstacle and stop the
chair. Finally, the chair travels along a unique dual track that
is very elegant in design.
The Stannah stair lift is a little more expensive that the Bruno
handicap stair lift but it is worth paying that little bit extra.
The above four stair lifts all work well for the disabled. For a
straight stair lift, the Acorn Superglide stair lift is your
best option. For a curved stair lift, the Stannah stair lift is
my recommendation. Whichever model of handicap stair lift you
choose make sure it has the features you need.
About the author: Robin OBrien
Following the links for a handicap stair lift,
Stannah stair lift and stair lift reviews.
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