Discover How Stairlifts Work

Stairlifts are essential pieces of machinery that can positively change the way you move throughout your home. Stairlifts do require professional installation to ensure they function correctly and safely. If you've ever wondered what makes a stairlift safe or how it works, check out this helpful guide about what makes a stairlift tick.   

Parts of a stairlift    

While some stairlifts may vary depending on the brand you purchase your model from; they primarily consist of the same parts.   

• Rail- This is the track on which the stairlift operates. It can be fit to the length and height of your stairway. If you have a staircase with bends, turns, or bumps, you can have a curved stairlift installed. A curved rail is similar to a straight rail, where it is made to fit your unique staircase.    

• Battery- The battery that comes with your stairlift is rechargeable. The lift only needs to be plugged in when it is not in use and is powered off.    

• Chair/seat- The place where you will sit when you take the stairlift either up or down the stairs, the seat can be folded when not in use. The two armrests on either side are also foldable, typically with the paddle controls.   

• Seat belt- Included for your safety while riding the stairlift.    

• Folding footrest- A place to put your feet while you ride the stairlift can also be folded away neatly to provide much movement on the stairs when the stairlift is not in use.    

• Motor- What moves the chair up and down the rail. There is a transmission to make sure your lift runs at a comfortable, safe speed with the electric motor.    

• Controls- Two types of controls come with your stairlift. The paddle levers are those that are on the seat itself. You can select the movement of the lift with simple up and down arrows at your fingertips. The second type of control is a remote control that you can call your stairlift no matter where you are standing on the stairs.   

Operation    

• To operate the lift, you must first insert the key and turn it clockwise; you can find the key on the carriage cover near where the stairlift meets the rail.    

• Next, you will want to fold down the seat armrests and the footrest. The arms must be down to operate the lift while riding it; the stairlift will still work with folded pieces if the remote control is used.   

• Once you are seated on the stairlift, retract the seatbelt and pull up overlap, push in the buckle until it clicks in.   

• You can control the direction you would like to move on the stairs with the arm controls. Push the switch towards the stairs to go up and away to go down.    

• If your stairlift includes a swivel seat, there will be a lever on the side. Push the lever to swivel the chair, either 45° or 90 °, to exit the lift. Side note: the seat must be swiveled back and locked into the starting position before operating the stairlift.    

Installation    

The process of installing a stairlift is a pretty simple one. Trained technicians will first come out to your home to assess your stairs. They will take note of measurements, angles, and the layout of your stairway before determining the type of stairlift that works best in your home and your quote. When installation day arrives, the process can take anywhere from a couple of hours to the majority of a day; either way, you can rest assured that your stairlift will be ready to use within a day. There is no need to worry about home disruptions as the stairlift rail is fixed to the steps and not the wall. As long as there isn't any cabinetry or debris impeding the technician's work, they can get to work, and your lift will be ready in no time.    

Adding a stairlift to your home can dramatically increase your mobility within your home. Once the stairlift is installed, it is safe and straightforward to use. Now you know how a stairlift is operating and all of its moving parts. Now discover how you can get a free no-obligation quote. Fill out our contact form to get in touch with us and to find out more about how you can have a stairlift installed in your home.