FAQs about stairlifts

Having a stairlift installed in your home can positively impact how you can move around your home, especially if you rely on other aids in the house, like a walking stick or reclining chairs. Although having a stairlift installed can be a great addition to the home, people often have questions they want to be answered before they dive into looking at stairlift prices or booking a home visit.

In this guide, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions that you might want to resolve before looking at the options Handicare Stairlifts UK can offer you.

What types of stairlifts are there?

There is a selection of different stairlift types and different models and designs. The three main types of stairlifts are straight, curved and outdoor stairlifts, all of which offer something different and work for different types of homes and staircases.

Straight stairlifts – Straight stairlifts are designed for stairlifts that are straight and have no bends or corners to go around. Straight stairlifts only travel in straight lines, and Handicare Stairlifts UK offers two straight stairlift solutions. The first of these is the 1100 stairlift which comes with the slimmest rail in the market, meaning it can be fitted to any staircase, even the narrowest types. The second model is the 1000 stairlift which is the most established straight model on offer and offers minimal intrusion onto the staircase.

Curved stairlifts – Curved stairlifts are designed for stairs that go around at least one bend or corner. Curved stairlifts are great for stairs with a more complicated layout, and almost any type of staircase can be fitted with a curved stairlift. Similarly to the straight stairlift, Handicare Stairlifts UK has two curved stairlift models, the first being the Handicare 4000. The Handicare 4000 model is known for its strength and stability and offers a reliable and smooth journey up the stairs. The second of the curved stairlifts is the Handicare Freecurve which is a customisable model that can be designed to fit any staircase seamlessly.

Outdoor stairlifts – There aren’t just stairs inside the home; stairs can also be found outside the home in gardens and at businesses premises, so there is often a need for outdoor stairlifts. Handicare Stairlifts UK has two outdoor stairlifts in their range, the 1000 Outdoor Straight stairlifts and the 4000 Outdoor Curved model.

How are stairlifts installed?

The installation of a stairlift is a lot less complicated than most may think. Firstly, our dedicated team will come out to explain the process to you, so you know exactly what will happen on the day your stairlift is delivered.

Stairlifts run on brackets which are attached to the treads on the stairs and are secured with screws; this means that there will be no damage to the bannister, walls or surrounding areas during installation. People often worry that the stairlift may ruin their carpet. However, the screws go through the carpet instead of sitting on it, and with a small diameter, once the screws are removed, there will be no larger visible holes.

How do stairlifts work?

The way in which a stairlift works is quite simple, and there are three main components to a stairlift, the motor, the battery and the gear. The motor powers the battery’s movement, whilst the battery powers the motor, and the gear allows the user to control the stairlift to go in the desired direction.

A stairlift sits at the bottom or the top of the stairs and allows a user to sit comfortably and move slowly up or down the stairs to avoid unnecessary strain on muscles and joints. Additions like perch seats and standing lists can also be fitted for certain scenarios. The stairlift will move smoothly and slowly when the user chooses to do so with the gear.

How long does it take to install a stairlift?

Installing a stairlift is a relatively quick job and will require around 4 to 5 hours; however, this doesn’t include the consultation time you may have prior to the fitting of your stairlift.

How much do stairlifts cost?

All stairlift variants can differ in price, depending on the model and any extras you may choose to add to it. It is hard to give a price guide based on this information, but our stairlift experts will be able to offer you advice and guidance on how much the model you want will be.

What sort of person would benefit from a stairlift?

Stairlifts are great for those who struggle with mobility and need help around their home. Travelling up and down the stairs with mobility issues can be a worry, and to avoid accidents, aids like stairlifts can be installed in the home. If you or someone you know lives alone, and you often worry about their safety in their home, then why not consider a stairlift?

How much does it cost to run a stairlift?

It costs less than you may think to run a stairlift, with the average model only using around 24 watts per hour, which over a yearly period only adds up to between £10 and £20.

If you’re thinking of having a stairlift installed or you know someone who might benefit from a stairlift, then hopefully, this guide has answered some of the questions you may have had. To find out more about our straight stairlift and curved stairlift models, then make sure you check out our website or head to our blog for more articles like this.