Stairlift Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have a handicap stair lift question that
is not listed here? Or just need more information? Just give us
a call (800-684-0270) or Email
us!
Q. Can a stairlift interfere with
a pace maker?
A. We surveyed several manufacturers regarding this question,
and the short answer is no. The long answer involves very detailed
engineering studies for RF Emissions (Radio Frequency Radiation).
Basically, all those tests are done to ensure that the stair lift
and the remote controls meet or exceed the FCC guide lines for
safe RF Emissions.
Q. What area does All-Ways Accessible
service?
A. All-Ways Accessible sells, installs and services stairway lifts
in New Hampshire (NH), Massachusetts (MA), Maine (ME) and Vermont
(VT).
Q. Does the stairlift rail get installed
on the wall?
A. Many people think it attaches to the wall, but all of them
attach to the stairs.
Q. Why not just buy a stair lift off
the internet? They are cheaper.
A. Cheaper does not always mean less expensive. If you buy off
the Internet you have to install it yourself, you have no labor
warranty and very often get an inferior product. Most of the reputable
manufacturers sell through dealers because dealers can support
the lift.
Q. What do stairlifts cost?
A. The price of a stair chair lift depends on many factors - is
it a straight or curved stair way? Is the stairlift battery operated
or a/c powered? Are you looking for a plain basic chair lift with
standard features, or do you want a high end stair lift with custom
upholstery and automatic folding options? Does the stairlift stop
in front of a doorway at the bottom of the stairs? Do you need
a power folding rail? Or do you want the chair lift to turn the
corner at the top and/or bottom so it's out of the way of the
stairs when it's parked. The answer to these and many more questions
will help us determine which stair lift is best for you, your
home and your budget!
Q. What makes and models of electric
stair lifts do you carry?
A. All-Ways Accessible, Inc. is an authorized dealer for:
- ThyssenKrupp Access Stairway Lifts
- Stannah Stair Lifts
- Bruno Stairlifts
- Savaria/Concord Stair Chair Lifts
- Summitt Stairway Lifts
- Sterling Stairlift
Q. How do I know if my staircase is
wide enough to fit a stair lift?
A. Well, it's really not a matter of the lift fitting on the stairs,
it's more a matter of will the person using the stairlift be able
to ride the stairway elevator comfortably and safely. If your
stairs are 32 inches or wider, you are probably in good shape.
However, we've done chair lifts on stairs as wide as 26",
but a lot has to do with the user's size and ability to turn their
legs. So to answer the question - it might be possible to install
a stair-lift on a small narrow stairway but it is critical that
we do the home evaluation to determine the safety of the installation
for the person using the stairway lift.
Q. My stairs are curved; do they make
a stair lift that does turns?
A. Yes, we do many curved stair lifts. However, curved chair lifts
are custom made, which will take more time to have manufactured
and installed, therefore they will be more expensive than a straight
stair chair lift.
Q. My stairs have a pie shaped set
of steps at the bottom - do they make a stair lift that will accommodate
those types of stairs?
A. Yes we can accommodate pie shaped stairs at the top, bottom
or middle.
Q. I live in a split level - will
a stair lift work in my home?
A. Yes, it's possible to install a stairway lift in a split level
home, but it can be a challenge. There are number of options to
consider so be sure to talk to a qualified lift specialist first.
Q. Can you install a stair lift outside?
A. Yes, but if you live in New England, you might want to reconsider.
Q. What is the weight capacity?
A. It depends on the stair lift, but most are about 300 pounds
and some go up to 400 pounds.
Q. What happens during a power outage?
A. It depends on the stair lift. A BOS (Battery Operated System)
will work for a limited time, allowing you to access to your entry/exit
level. An A/C operated unit will not operate during a power outage.
Q. Do you rent stair lifts?
A. Yes. If you'd like to know more about our rental program, please
contact our office.
Q. How much does the stair lift stick
out from the wall?
A. It depends on the stair lift, but on average its 24 inches
when in the riding position and 13 inches when folded up against
the wall.
Q. Will others still be able to walk
up the stairs?
A. Yes, the seat, arms and footrest on the stairlift all fold
up, leaving your stairs free for other's to use.
Q. How will I know which stair lift
is best for me and my home?
A. Our qualified Accessibility Specialist will perform a FREE
site evaluation to suggest the best options for your needs
and location, with no obligation.
Q. How is the stair lift installed
on the stairs?
A. Bolts are installed directly into the treads approximately
every 3-4 feet that hold the brackets to keep the stair lift secure.
Q. Do I plug the stair lift charger
into a standard household outlet?
A. Yes, just make sure the outlet is not connected to a light
switch.
Q. Will it harm the chair lift if
the batteries are over charged?
A. Most battery chargers will not allow the batteries to over
charge.
Q. Do batteries and the charger come
with the stairlift?
A. Yes, if the stair lift is battery operated.
Q. Can the speed be adjusted on a
stairway lift?
A. Some stairlifts have the ability to change the speed of the
lift, however, for the most part; the speed is fixed based on
design and code.
Q. How do I properly store my stairlift
for extended periods of non-use?
A. Storage procedures can vary substantially depending on the
model of stairlift. Please contact
our office and we'll be happy to provide you with complete details
on properly storing your chair lift.
Q. Can a stair lift handle any stair
way configuration?
A. There is a make and model stairlift that can fit just about
any type of stairway configuration. Most staircases are either
straight, have a middle landing, or are curved/spiral. In some
cases, a customer who has a middle landing can install 2 straight
stair lifts; one lift on the first set of stairs and the other
lift on the second set. Often times this is a far less expensive
option than having a curved stair lift installed. Keep in mind
that the person who uses the lift must be able to transfer from
one lift to other at the middle landing in order to use this two
lift option.
Q. Do I need to do anything special
to prepare the home for a stair lift?
A. Not really, unless you don't have an electrical outlet to support
the operation of the stair lift. In this case, you would need
an electrician to install an outlet before the stair lift is installed.
In some cases, the hand rail might need to be removed if it obstructs
the operation of the stair lift.
Q. How is the stair lift secured to
the stairway?
A. The stair lift is bolted directly to the stair tread. It requires
rail brackets about every 3-4 ft.
Q. What is the difference between an
A/C powered chair lift and a battery Operated stairway lift? What
are the pros and cons?
A. An A/C unit is powered by plugging it into a standard household
outlet. If the electricity goes out, the stair lift will not operate.
But there are no batteries to replace over time. A Battery Operated
Stairlift (BOS) receives its operating power from a standard 12V
battery. The batteries are charged through use of a wall powered
charger. The BOS will operate if there is an electrical power
failure for as long as the batteries last (typically 20 trips).
Batteries for these lifts need to be changed annually. Typical
cost for 12V batteries are $50-$75.
Q. Will my stair lift operate if the
power goes out?
A. An A/C operated stair lift will not operate after the power
of the house is terminated. A BOS (Battery Operated System) stairlift
will work for a limited time.
Q. How much space does a stair lift
use?
A. When not in use, the stair lift can be folded up, maximizing
space on the staircase for others. The space the stairway lift
takes up depends on the make and model, but on an average, it
takes up about 14" when folded and typically opens to about 25".
Q. Will a stair lift work for someone
who also uses a wheelchair?
A. Yes, however, the person who uses the wheelchair will need
to transfer from their wheelchair onto the stairlift, and then
the wheelchair must be carried up the stairs by someone else,
or a second wheelchair must be located on the second floor. Convenience
features built into some stairlift models that aid wheelchair
users include folding arms that push up and out of the way, adjustable
seat heights, and soft, padded seats.
Q. How will the stair lift look in
my home?
A. You can typically choose from a wide variety of colors and
fabrics. Upholstery options include easy-to-care for vinyl and
fabric. Chair and track colors can be chosen to blend with most
home décors.
Q. What about safety features?
A. Key safety features on most stair lifts include a seat belt,
obstruction sensors that will stop the lift should something block
its path, a swivel seat lock that holds the stairlift in place
while you get on or off. Constant pressure controls ensure the
stairlift will stop if you release your finger from the controls.
Q. Are stair lifts easy to care for?
A. Yes. Stairlifts are designed to last for many years. Most stair
lifts come with a manufacturer's warranty; the length of warranty
can vary depending on the make and model of Stairlift you choose.
Q. Can a stair lift accommodate any
user weight?
A. Most stair lifts handle up to a 300 lb capacity. Some manufacturers
offer stairlifts up to 375 LB capacity.
Q. Can stair lifts be installed on
any shape of staircase?
A. Yes. We have a variety of stair lifts that will fit almost
any stairs. Over the last 15+ years, we have seen a variety of
staircase configurations ranging from 'straight run' or 'L-shape'
to 'sweeping curve' and also staircases that have a turn at the
very top of the flight, with triangular-shaped steps at the turn.
All-Ways Accessible, Inc. has installed lifts on all of these
configurations.
Q. Is there a need to have rewiring
done in my home?
A. No. As long as you have an outlet somewhere near the stair
lift so power cord (for either the lift or the battery charger)
can plug into the outlet. However, try to avoid plugging the charger
into an outlet that is controlled by a light switch.
Q. Can a stair lift be installed if
there is a door at the top of my stairs?
A. Yes. We have installed all models of our stair lifts with doors
at the top. Often times, if this is the case, there will need
to be a slight modification to the rail installation to accommodate
the landing height at the top of the stairs. This is called ramping.
This aspect of one of the key reasons it is important for an accessibility
specialist to visit the home and evaluate the stairway prior to
the installation.
Q. Does the rail attach to the wall?
A. No. The rail is designed to attach to the stair tread with
support brackets periodically spaced. By keeping the rail on the
stairs ensures the utmost stability and the minimum protrusion
into the hallway.
Q. I have hardwood stair treads - will
the stair lift installation damage those treads?
A. No, it won't damage them, but the stair lift rail does get
bolted into the stair tread, so there will be holes. Any repair
to the stairs following the removal of a stair chair lift is the
responsibility of the home owner.
Q. What is the expected life span of
a stair lift?
A. Modern stair lifts are very durable and reliable pieces of
equipment. All our stair lifts are built using the very highest
quality components and workmanship. You can be confident that
our stair lift will give many years of faithful service, provided
the stairlift is maintained properly.
Q. Does my electric stair lift need
to be serviced on a regular basis and if so how often?
A. Yes, it is HIGHLY recommended that a chairlift be service at
least once per year. Not only does regular maintenance help prevent
expensive emergency service calls, but it is mandated by the ASME
handicap lift code. All stairway lifts are designed with a series
of safety mechanisms. These mechanism need to be tested on a regular
basis. As with any mechanical part, these safety mechanisms can
wear over time and really need to be evaluated on a regular basis.
Q. Does my new stair chair lift come
with a warranty?
A. Warranties vary by manufacturer, but yes, just about every
home stair lift comes with some type of product warranty. These
can range from 1 year to "a life time". But be mindful of the
fine print. Many times the "life time" warranty is usually on
the motor or the lift frame. These are the parts of a stair lift
that are the least likely to fail. It's all the other moveable
parts that usually cause problem over time. And most manufacturers
do not cover labor. So make sure you read your warranty and understand
what's covered and what's not. All-Ways Accessible, Inc. provides
a 1 year labor warranty on any new stairlifts we install, and
we offer a 90 day parts & labor warranty on any reconditioned
stairlifts we install.
Q. If I install a stairway lift, can
other people still use the stairs?
A. Yes. Most stair lifts have foldable armrests, footrest and
seat so that it does not obstruct your staircase.
Q. How long does it take to install
a stair lift? How disruptive is it?
A. The time it takes to install a stairway lift depends on the
make and model. Most straight stairway lifts can be installed
in 3-4 hours. The disruption is minimal. Our factory trained technicians
are very professional and efficient.
Q. What happens if there is a power
outage?
A. If you choose to install a battery powered chairlift, then
your stairlift will continue working even when there is a power
outage. A fully charged battery will complete approximately 20
return trips.
Q. How long do the batteries in a stair
lift last?
A. There are several factors involved in the life of a battery
but the short answer is about 3 years. We have seen batteries
last in excess of 5 years.
Q. Why is an adjustable seat height
so popular?
A. When it comes to a proper seat height, one size does not fit
all. Being able to adjust the seat height on a stairway lift can
greatly improve the comfort and safety of the ride. Not all stair
lift models have an adjustable seat height so be sure double check
this before you buy.
Q. Why are there so many variations
and options?
A. Everyone's needs and abilities are different. That's why it's
some important for us to meet the person who will actually use
the stairlift. We try to take into consideration their abilities
at the time of install and also taking into account any changes
that may occur in the future.
Q. Can I lock the stair-lift to avoid
misuse from others?
A. Yes. Some stair lifts have an on/off key that allows you to
control who can use the stair lift. Keep in mind that these chairlifts
can be very attractive to small children and even though they
are extremely safe, no equipment should be used without adult
supervision.
All-Ways Accessible Inc.® - All-Ways the Right Choice
Serving commercial and residential customers in Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH), Vermont (VT) and Maine (ME)
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