Electric Stair Chair Lift

A stair chair lift is a chair that moves on a track along a staircase. An electric stair chair, as the name suggests operates on electricity. The stair chair lifts can be fitted on the either side of a staircase and can be operated using a remote control. It is mainly installed in homes that have old people or people who suffer from knee problems and cannot climb stairs. Alternately, it can also be used to carry load like laundry, luggage or groceries to the upper floors.

Benefits of a Stair Chair Lift

The benefits of stair chair lifts are mainly related to health.

• Climbing up and down the stairs causes a lot of stress on the knees, ankles and hips. Installing a stair chair at home ensures that these joints are relieved of such trauma.
• It is specially beneficial for old people and people with medical conditions that prohibit them from climbing stairs.
• These chairs can be used to carry loads across the floors. This reduces the probability of the joints being injured because of carrying around heavy loads.
• Stair chairs reduce the chances of sprains or other injuries that may be caused due a fall from the stairs.

Features of a Stair Chair

The utility of stair chair lifts is so high that that they are being manufactured with features that make them very user friendly. Some of the features are:

• Stair lifts are designed so they can be installed for any type of staircases - straight, spiral or curved.
• The seats of most of the stair chairs swivel. The seats can be lowered or raised depending on the height of the user.
• Foot rests are also adjustable for maximum comfort.
• Stair chairs are able to bear large amount of weights.
• These chairs can be operated by remote control.
• There are a wide variety of stair chairs that come in various colors and fabric that allow them to gel with decor of the house.

Though most of these features are there in all stair chairs, one must definitely check for these while buying a stair chair.

An Electric Stair Chair vs Battery Stair Chair

• Electric stair chairs are more reliable than battery operated ones as the latter tend to develop problems faster than electric ones.
• All batteries have a certain life after which they can't be used. If a battery fails during an emergency, it could cause serious consequences.
• The batteries of a stair chair lift need to be replaced once every 18-24 months.
• The cost involved in replacing a battery of a stair lift is considerably high. The cost of electricity used to operate a stair lift is very less
• However, in case your area has frequent power cuts, a battery operated stair chair is more feasible than an electric stair chair.

Most manufacturers suggest that the plug be close to the staircase. The plug receptacle should be of the three prong type. Check if your electric stair chair has an option to be operated on batteries as well. Most of them do. Ensure that you meet local government regulations or building codes about installing electric stair chairs, if there are any.

Electric stair chairs are a good alternative for those who want to avoid climbing stairs. As these chairs have a lot of user friendly features and also come in a wide variety of styles, they also blend in well with the look of one's home.