Stairlifts are useful pieces of equipment that can be installed in your home to enhance accessibility and convenience. If you have limited mobility and struggle to navigate your home, you should consider purchasing a stairlift for your home.
Stairlifts work by providing you with a safe ride up and down the stairs and are often smooth-running, providing you with little to no issues. Have you ever wondered how they operate? If so, read on to find out how stairlifts work.
Understanding the Basics
Essentially, stairlifts are motorised chairs that are attached to the track or rail system that runs along a staircase. Not only are stairlifts safe and reliable, but they also provide users with independence in their homes.
The different components that make up how a stairlift works include the following:
The different components that make up how a stairlift works include the following:
- Stairlift track – the track is how the stairlift is able to move up and down the stairs. It is what is fitted to the wall. The track ensures a safe ride to the top and bottom of the stairs and can be fitted to a plethora of different staircase types, including straight and curved structures.
- Motor – this is what gives a stairlift its power so that it can move. A stairlift motor is one of the most important components, helping maintain a steady and controlled ride up your staircase.
- Battery – in the event of a power cut or other power-related issues a stairlift has a backup battery that it will use as a backup power source. The battery also recharges itself and the stairlift returns to the starting position.
- Seat – the seat is there to keep you safe, secure and comfortable as you travel. Most modern stair lift designs offer seat customisation to ensure optimal support.
- Seat belt – a stairlift seatbelt is there as a safety feature to ensure a safe ride.
- Sensors – sensors will bring the chair to a halt if there is something obstructing the path of the stairlift.
It can be challenging to live with mobility issues, and being able to access the top and bottom of the stairs in your home with ease should be a given. Stairlifts move effortlessly to the upper and lower parts of your property without the need for much physical movement.
A typical stairlift design consists of a swivel seat, seat belt, footrest, armrest, and remote controls. However, stairlift designs can vary, and each stairlift chair is manufactured differently. Before purchasing a stairlift, it’s important to understand the basics of how it works.
The Key Components of a Stairlift
If you’re considering purchasing a stairlift, it’s important to understand the key components. Stairlifts increase independence and help you navigate your stairs easily. Numerous key components make up a stairlift.
They keep the stairlift moving efficiently and ensure a smooth ride up and down your stairs. A stairlift seat is a key part of any stairlift, offering comfortability to users. Most modern stairlift designs offer seat customisation to ensure optimal support.
Other vital stairlift components include stairlift tracks and motors. A stairlift track serves as the pathway, allowing your stairlift to move freely. The track ensures a safe ride to the top and bottom of the stairs and can be fitted to a plethora of different staircase types, including straight and curved structures.
Powering the movement of the stairlift along the track is the motor. A stairlift motor is one of the most important components, helping maintain a steady and controlled ride up your staircase.
Additional components, including gears, safety sensors, and seatbelts, are notably important to keep your stair chair moving during operation. All these key components must work together for the stairlift to operate efficiently.
Battery-Powered Stairlifts
Curved and straight stairlifts can be powered in two different ways: by using electricity from the mains or by rechargeable batteries.
Here at Halton Stairlifts all of our stairlifts are powered by lead acid or lithium batteries. These are recharged when the stairlift is not in use. Our battery-powered stairlifts come with a range of benefits including a smoother ride quality and the ability to still run in the event of a power cut.
Battery-powered lifts are highly versatile and come with rechargeable batteries. They are a preferred option when there’s a concern about power outages, as they can continue to operate even when the main power is down.
These stairlifts have a charging station at the top or bottom of the stairs, ensuring that the batteries are always ready for use.
How to Operate a Stairlift
Operating a stairlift is relatively straightforward, but it can be confusing if this is your first time owning one. Stairlift models range in size and design, meaning they all operate differently. The best way to find out how to operate your stairlift successfully is by reading through your user manual.
A user manual is equipped with key information regarding your stairlift and will explain how to use your stairlift once it’s been installed. Typically, if you’ve had your stairlift installed by the company you purchased it from, they should inform you of how the stairlift chair works before leaving your property.
However, if you’re unsure how to use your stairlift model or can’t find your user manual, you’ll be glad to know that we’ve got you covered. Before using your stairlift, ensure that it’s ready to move by checking for any visible damage or potential obstructions on the track.
This way, no accidents will occur during your journey. Spend some time familiarising yourself with the key features and controls; you can do this by researching your stairlift model online or looking in your manual.
This provides you with better insight into how to control your stairlift correctly and operate the power switch and direction control switch efficiently. Once you’ve figured out how everything works, you can position yourself on the chair.
It’s essential to ensure the seatbelt is tightly fastened; this way, you’re fully protected and won’t move from your seat. If the stairlift belongs to a loved family member, you’ll need to get the user safely seated and keep the user’s feet on the footrest, which will be placed towards the bottom half of the device.
The direction control switch can then be used to encourage the stairlift to move. If you own a perfectly working stairlift, the ride should offer a smooth transition to the higher and lower levels of your home.
We recommend avoiding sudden stops and jerks, as these movements can wear down some of the stairlift’s key components over time. After operating your stairlift to the top or bottom of your stairs, you can gently bring the stairlift to a stop, turn the power switch off, and undo your seatbelt.
Preventing Your Stairlift From Breaking
It can be daunting when your stairlift starts to make an unfamiliar noise or doesn’t move in the opposite way back down your flight of stairs. To prevent issues like these from occurring, we recommend monthly maintenance checks and inspections.
If you’re unable to perform a maintenance check, you can ask a family member or a professional stairlift company to do so for you. Maintaining the condition of your stairlift helps it last considerably longer and prevents it from breaking.
Signs that your stairlift needs some TLC before fully breaking down could be when your chair moves and the seat swivels, preventing you from being able to safely sit on your device, or when you hear loud, persistent beeping noises. Beeps often come from a stairlift when there’s an issue arising.
Stairlifts Available at Halton Stairlifts
If you’re searching for a long-lasting, modern stairlift, you’ll be glad to know that we can help. Here at Halton Stairlifts, we offer a wide range of stairlift designs that are suitable for many different staircase types. Whether you need a straight stairlift or an outdoor stairlift, we have it all.
We understand that all properties have different staircase types; from simple staircase structures to curved stairs, we can help you find the best-suited stairlift for your home. We offer both new and reconditioned stairlifts.
Our refurbished stairlift models are cost-effective and provide our customers with an inexpensive alternative to buying brand-new. Our expert DBS-checked engineers will visit your property to take accurate measurements to ensure the installation process goes according to plan.
Our stairlifts are designed with key safety features and provide users with comfort and luxury. We only sell battery-powered stairlifts, which means customers can still use their stairlifts during emergencies, such as a power cut. Find your dream stairlift today; to find out more, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.