Different Types of Stairlifts
As life moves on, your needs change. Mobility and the ability to move around your home freely can become challenging and whether it be you or your loved ones that are having mobility issues, finding a solution is crucial to maintaining your quality of life. This is the reason stairlifts can play a critical role in keeping your home a place of peace and security when your mobility is altered.
The style and layout of a home are what will dictate the type of stairlift that must be installed but thankfully there are stairlift styles to match any home, making home mobility accessible to everybody. What are the different types of stairlifts?
Different Styles of Stair Lifts
- Curved Stairlift
Phil from Anglia Stairlifts said “Curved stairlifts are designed for curved staircases or staircases with up to a 90-degree turn. Whether you use a single or double rail system, the curved stairlift provides the lift you need to continue to use every level on a multi-level home.” These are even great for staircases that have a smaller set of stairs leading to a larger set of stairs, removing the need to have to use any stairs at all.
- Straight Stairlift
Many homes are equipped with straight staircases, making the straight stairlift common and practical. Stairlifts for straight staircases are typically a single-track system and they are mounted to the wall, providing the necessary track length to get someone from the first to the second floor without any turns or extra custom pieces of track.
- Outdoor Stairlift
The entrance to your home may be on the second level and it may not be accessible by anything other than an outdoor staircase. This is a big problem for those with limited mobility. Luckily, they have devised a weather-resistant, outdoor stairlift to help people get to the floor they desire. This way, you can avoid slippery steps and other hazards that are present on the staircase.
- Seated Stairlift
Most stairlifts are seated stairlifts, meaning that the person using the lift will be in a seated position during the ascent to the next level. Seating is the preferred position because it reduces the potential for injuries or accidents while on the lift.
- Narrow Stairlift
Narrow stairlifts are designed for narrow staircases and are, out of necessity, standing stairlifts. When a stairlift is installed, the type of lift is determined by the dimensions of the staircase and for narrow stairs, whether it be a straight or curved stairlift, the design would often be a standing lift.
- Through Floor Lift
These types of lifts, while not a stairlift, are a great alternative.. They travel through a floor or ceiling using frame. The installation and design of these lifts is more expensive but the ease of use and compact size may well be worth the price and effort.
Check out our other alternatives to stairlifts here.
Extra Stair Lift Features
Regardless of the style of the staircase, many features help a stairlift be more functional as well as practical. These features include:
- Power Swivel Seat (for ease of access at the top and bottom of the stairs)
- Seat Belt (for safety while travelling)
- Folding Rail/ Folding Footrest (to help decrease the footprint of the stairlift when not in use)
