Stairlift

Stairlift FAQ's?

Q1. Can I stop the stair lift between the last step and the floor, or does if need
to be on the last step or the floor for support

A. The lift does not need to be resting on the floor for support. The brackets
that attach to the stairs hold the stair lift in position.

Q2. How much reinforcement is needed on the stairs to hold the weight of the stair lift?

A. If the stairs are structurally sound for everyday use, they do not require any
extra support for the installation of the lift.

Q3. Can I take the arms off of the stair lift to make the seat wider.

A. No, the arms are an integral part of the lift for safety and support for getting
on and off the lift and provide some security while riding the lift, in conjunction
with the seat belt.

Q4. Can I move the rail further out from the wall if I have a door in the way at
the top or bottom of the stairs.

A. The rail can be placed further out from the wall as long as the stairs are wide
enough to accommodate the user safely without hitting the opposite wall or handrail.

Q5. Can I stand on the footrest instead of sitting on the seat?

A. No, the footrest is not intended to take the weight of the user for the ride
up or down the stairs, nor is it safe to ride the lift in a standing position.

Q6. I need stair lifts for outside, can all of the stairlifts be used outside?

A. There are some lifts that are for outdoor use. Not all lifts are manufactured
to withstand the elements.

Q7. What is the difference between an indoor lift and an outdoor lift?

A. Outdoor lifts are meant to tolerate the elements because they have been “sealed”
where necessary and a cover is used to protect the motor and seat. In some cases,
a heater is part of the unit to keep the motor warm.

Q8. What is a key lock?

A. Lifts are operated by means of a switch or lever that is on the arm or on a pendant.
Anyone that pushes the button can move the lift. A key lock is installed on the
switch so that only the person with the key can unlock the mechanism to move the
lift. These are most common in public or commercial installations.

Q9. What do you mean by “commercial installation?

A. A lift that is installed anywhere, other than a private residence, for single
family use, is considered to be a public building and a commercial installation.

Q10. If I live in a condominium and I am the only person using the stairlift, can
I install it on a stairway that is used by other residents?

A. No, it is being put in a public part of the building and therefore is a commercial
installation.

Q11. I am at the upper limit of the weight capacity of the standard stairlift, can
I still use it or do I need a Heavy Duty lift?

A. The lift will still operate but it will not be as efficient and may wear out
more quickly. The seat will also be smaller and may not accommodate a person of
larger size, which could create an unsafe situation.

Q12. Why can’t you supply me a list of used stair lifts?

A. Tracking used lifts for all of North America would be an impossible task. The
list changes moment by moment so it would never current.

Q13. I will drive to wherever I have to to buy a used lift. Can you tell me where
to find one?
A. No. We do not keep a list of used products for the reason stated above.

Q14. What is the difference between AC and DC lifts?

A. An AC lift is one that runs off of the power coming directly from the electrical
outlet that it is plugged into. When the power goes out , the lift will not work
until the power comes on again.

A DC lift is plugged in as well, but is operates using the power stored in the
batteries that are part of the lift . If the power goes out the lift will still
operate until the batteries are too low to work. When the power comes back on, the
batteries will recharge, unless they have been completely drained to the point where
they cannot take a charge any longer.

Q15. Which one is better?

A. An AC stair lift is usually better because as with most mechanical items, the less
parts there are to break down, the less likely you are to require service. Many
people believe that a battery operated lift is more reliable but everything in our
homes uses electricity, the fridge, our computers, t.v. , etc. None of these run
on batteries.

Q16. How long will the batteries last?

A. With consistent use and proper charging, batteries will last for several years.

Q17. Can I modify the stairlift to go faster?

A. No, the lift operates at a speed that has been determined, by the manufacturer,
to be both safe and efficient for most users. Modifying the lift in any way will
void all warranties and may put the user at risk.