Stair lifts are created to provide mobility for seniors or handicapped to move between the different floors of their homes. It ensures that people with accessibility needs can be fulfilled in a safe and comfortable manner.
If you are going to buy a stair lift, your first question would be: How do stairlifts work? There are different models of stairlifts that have different features, but they are all usually motorized and have simple controls that allow the user to maneuver them easily.
When you have decided to get stairlifts, remember to get them from a trusted supplier such as Adapt My Home.
How Do Stairlifts Work (Technically)
In technical terms, any stairlifts will have these crucial components in order to work properly, which are the motor, battery, and gear.
The motor powers the movement of the stairlifts, which is battery-powered. There are some options for older models that still requires a power supply.
These batteries are very long-lasting if you opted-in to purchase a high-quality stairlift and they don’t require you to either charge it frequently or even replace it.
The best thing about batteries is that they can work even there is a power supply cut. However, if they do not work on batteries, they will need a dedicated circuit to power the stairlift. Do not worry about how much electricity it consumes as they normally consume very little electricity as technology advances.
The last component is the gear, which connects to the geared strip that defines the direction of where the stairlift is moving towards.
Other Features
Other than the basic components, there are a few more add-ons that can be included in the stairlift array :
Remote Controls
The remote controls are used to control the direction and the speed of the stairlifts. It is usually placed on the wall on the different floors that the stairlift will be able to move. This is especially helpful if the stairlift is being used by more than one person.
The Seat
The seats usually vary according to the model you purchased. Features such as a swivel seat, height adjustments, and different color options are also available.
Seat Belt
The most important aspect in terms of safety features is the seatbelt. It is a compulsory component that increases the safety of stairlifts immensely.
Types of Stair Lift
The most common type of stairlift is either a straight stairlift or a curved stairlift. Straight stairlifts are installed on straight stairs while curved stairlifts work on curved stairs
Stair Lift Safety Feature
Stairlifts are equipped with several safety features that allow users to use it with peace of mind. The safety features include :
- Transmission system – This system is used to slow down the speed of the chair to a safe movement speed
- Backup Battery – There is a backup battery installed in case of a power cut
- Emergency Button – In case of any emergency, if the rider pushes the SOS button located on the armrest of the chair, it will either emit loud sounds or contact local authorities, depending on the provider.
Stair Lifts Installation Process
Did you know that the stair rails for stairlifts are actually installed on the stairs instead of the handrail? Support brackets are used to strengthen the stair base by using special screws that penetrate various types of materials.
Firstly, the employees will come to your home to get measurements and some photos. These data will then be inserted into software that visualizes the final product. This ensures that you are getting accurate measurements for the stairlift for it to work.
Conclusion
To sure that your stair lifts work properly, it is crucial that you do extensive research before committing to it. Get your local stairlift provider to gain more information.