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