Revolutionizing personal accessibility, Stairlifts, (also known as Stairway Lifts, Stairway Elevators, StairGlides, Chair Lifts, and Stair Chairs) have become more and more popular in recent years.  Recognized as a safe and convenient means of transportation from one floor to another when one is tired or unable to navigate the stairs, Stairlifts are also excellent conveyors for groceries and laundry.  Straight application Stairlifts range in price between $2,000 and $4,500, and between $4,600 and $15,000 for custom engineered Stairlifts.  Although all Stairlifts accomplish the same goal: safe travel between floors, there are many important differences to consider when shopping for one.  There is a comparison guide below.  After reading Stairlifts 101, the comparison guide below will be even more helpful.     

Drive Type: There are primarily four types of Stairlift drives available on the market today: cable, chain, worm or screw, and rack & pinion drives. Due to their bulkier size, less appealing appearance, and increased potential for interruptions in service, many manufacturers have discontinued their cable, chain, and screw drive systems, with the exception of their heavy duty models.  Rack & pinion drive is the most widely used today.  Some models have a visible gear rack, usually in the middle of the track.  Models with a hidden gear rack are more popular.

Rail / Track Characteristics: Stairlifts travel the stairs on a track or rail that is secured to the stairs, not the wall.  Steel and aluminum are the two primary metals used in manufacturing.  Due to its malleable characteristics, steel is used for custom engineered applications, where as Aluminum is typically found in straight applications because of its lighter weight and interchangeability.  It is the extrusion process that allows aluminum rail to be interchangeable.  The use of steel for straight applications is considered old technology and certainly more difficult to re-configure for a different staircase.  However, a Hybrid rail combines the strength of steel for its replaceable gear rack with the interchangeability of extruded aluminum.  These systems can be reconfigured for a different staircase by either cutting the existing rail or purchasing additional rail and gear rack.  

Battery Power: Most Stairlifts today are powered by batteries.  Compared to the cost of replacing the travel cable (used to power AC and charge some battery powered lifts) batteries are inexpensive and work during power outages.  Charging of the batteries is achieved by either Station Charging or through the use of a Travel Cable or Charge Strip.  There are two types of Station Charging: Static Charging consists of permanent charging stations positioned at each end of the rail.   Flexible Charging allows the charging stations to be moved anywhere on the rail.  Some prefer to remove their lift from view by sending it up a few steps.  This is only possible with either Flexible Station Charging,Travel Cable, or Strip Charging.  Although the travel cable allows charging anywhere on the stairs, it is an additional moving part that may require future service.

Swivel Seat: In order to safely access the upper landing or the Stairlift, one must swivel the seat onto the landing.  A Lever Lock Release Arm releases the lock, allowing the seat to turn.  Some seats have a single release arm, while others conveniently have one on both sides.  Depending on the model, releasing the swivel lock is done by either lifting or pushing the release arm.  Some models incorporate both methods.  There are two types of swivel seats: offset Pivoting and Center Pivoting.  Offset Pivot seats are attached to the upstairs side of the Stairlift chassis.  Placing one's feet further onto the landing; the Offset Pivot seat provides safer access to and from the landing.  Center Pivot seats are attached to the center of the chassis and allow the seat to turn at both landings.  Since most Stairlifts stop well into the lower landing, swiveling the seat is unnecessary, if not cumbersome.  If lower landing swivel is needed, consider an Offset Pivot seat with armrests that completely fold out of the way.

Installation Adjustability: Newer lifts include independent seat and footrest adjustment, combined with the length of the track to affect the seat and footrest height at both landings.  A horizontal adjustable chassis allows the seat and footrest to be moved in or out for the best possible fit.  If a change is needed to better accommodate the user or the lift is going to be moved to a different location, a Stairlift that can be easily converted to the opposite side of the stairs will save time, money, and hassle.

Specialty Options:A manual or power folding, hinged rail for when there is a doorway or other obstruction at the lower landing, allows the rail to be folded out of the way when not in use.  A power folding footrest eliminates bending down by automatically folding or unfolding when the seat is folded or unfolded.  A user controlled, power swivel seat, automatically turns the seat at the upper landing for safe, effortless entry/exit.

Service and Reliability: A Stairlift is an elevator and requires specially trained and certified technicians for proper configuration and installation.  A good test to ensure the business performing the installation has the experience to properly customize the lift for one's specific needs and application, ask if their liability policy specifically states "Elevator Maintenance".  As for service and reliability, consider what each business has to offer.  Inquire if they have a Display Room, where the lifts can be test ridden.  Businesses that offer 24-hour service with live representatives are easier to contact and will generally provide better service.  Try calling the business at night.  Answering machines and voice mail systems are tell-tale signs of businesses that might not be available when you need them.  Check with your local Better Business Bureau if there any doubts or concerns.

Article written by Larry Miller who has worked in the Accessibility Industry, specializing in Stairlifts, Wheelchair Lifts, and Residential Elevators since 1981 with the following companies: The Whitaker Company, Access Industries, Access Elevator, Whitaker of Albany, HandiLift and EazyLift Elevators, Stairlifts, and Wheelchair Lifts.