Straight Stairlifts
There are two types of stairlifts for your home, straight and curved stairlifts.
As the names imply, straight stairlifts only go in straight lines whereas
curve stairlifts turn around corners ad also loop onto landings. This
page will hopefully give you all the information you require when
looking to purchase a straight stairlift.
Basics of a Straight Stairlift
As previously stated, straight stairlifts are designed for straight flight staircases. The only factor that changes from home to home is the overall length of the staircase. The length of the rail is determined by this measurement. The rail is then cut to length, this differs slightly depending on the manufacturer. The rail will run along the staircase, parallel with the steps (the rail is not attached to either the wall or banister ). The distance between the track and steps varies between manufacturers, this usually varies between 0-100mm.
How the rail is Positioned
How far the rail is positioned from the wall will depend on any factors or obstacles that protrude into the stairs, ie windowsills, dado rails, pipework etc. the distance will be set from the further most point and will be set at equal distance top and bottom.
The start position of a straight stairlift is on the ground floor, with the seat positioned just before the first step. When you are getting on or off the stairlift at the bottom you will always have your feet firmly onto the floor.
At the top of the stairs, the finish is slightly different. The stairlift will finish in line with the top step/landing and the footrest will be approximately the same level as the landing floor. The seat then turns toward the landing allowing the user to disembark safely facing away from the stairs.
Powered Swivel Options
The powered swivel options is a motorised aid to the swivel mechanism that turns the seat automatically when it reaches the top of the rail. The operation is continuous from the direction control, the stairlift travels up the stairs using the up direction control, when it reaches the top of the rail the stairlift stops then the swivel operation begins within seconds. When the seat turns all the way around it stops to allow the user to disembark safely.
The swivel is easy to operate and is designed to help people safely at get on and off at both the bottom and top of stairs.
Powered Footrest
A powered stairlift footrest is a supportive platform at the base of the stairlift seat, designed to provide comfort and safety for the user’s feet during travel up and down the stairs. It works in coordination with the chair to fold up or down automatically, maximizing space when the stairlift is not in use.
Some models feature a powered footrest option that enables the footrest to fold with the push of a button, eliminating the need to bend down. The footrest also includes non-slip surfaces for added stability, ensuring a secure and comfortable ride every time.
Benefits Of A Powered Swivel Seat Are
- Helps to aid users who have restricted mobility
- Helps to aid users who have problem with strength in the lower back
- Overall ease of use with less operations to remember