Buying a Used Stairlift
Here is a guide to help you gather some measurements if you decide to purchase a used lift
Step 1: Determine Mount Side
Mount Side: From the bottom of your staircase looking up, determine on which side you want the lift installed. Because the lift mounts to the stairs and not the wall, you may choose either side. Many models cannot be switched.
Step 2: Measure for Length of Track
Measurement A - Top to Bottom: Stand at the top of your stairs and extend your tape measure down the staircase. The tape measure should lightly touch each stair tread and the tip should touch the landing at the bottom of the steps. The measurement should be from the front edge (nose) of the top landing to the floor at the bottom landing. This is usually the critical Measurement.
Step 3: Measure the Stair Tread & Rise
Measurement C - Stair Tread Length: Measure the tread of a stair from front edge (nose) of a stair to back.
Measurement D - Stair Rise Height: Measure the rise of a stair by measuring the length from the front edge (nose) of one step straight down to the next tread.
Calculate the stair angle. http://www.calculator.net/stair-calculator.html
Step 4: Measure Top & Bottom Obstruction Distances
Measurement E - Top Obstruction Distance: Measure the distance from the front edge of the top step to any obstruction on the top landing. Common obstructions include doors, walls or railings.
Measurement F - Bottom Obstructon Distance: Measure the distance from the front edge of the bottom stair to any obstruction on the bottom landing.
Step 5: Measure Width of Stairs
Measurement G - Stair Width: Measure the width of the stairs from side to side. Typically 32”and under is the point where you should use caution.
Whether you call them Stair lifts, stair glides, stair chairs or stair elevators they are a safe effective way of overcoming difficult stairs when a quality product is installed properly.
Being an educated consumer is the best thing for you and the entire industry!! Do your research, search for complaints and issues not just the polished up marketing information.
