Fun facts about stairlifts

Stairlifts have become such an integral aid for those with mobility problems that sometimes they almost get forgotten about. Their contemporary designs mean that they are quieter, more comfortable and more discrete than ever before, but don’t let stairlifts fade into the background; here are some fun and fascinating facts you might not have known about stairlifts.

Stairlifts are older than you think

Anyone who has ever thought about purchasing a home stairlift may have also thought about where they come from. The earliest recorded instance of the use of a stairlift was by Henry VIII when his well-known weight issues became too much for his servants. It is thought that whilst jousting, the famed overweight king sustained an injury and was unable to make it up the stairs of Whitehall Palace.

As his servants were unable to carry the 30-stone king up and down the stairs through pure strength alone, a form of a stairlift was created at the palace to improve the monarch’s mobility.

READ ALSO: Who invented the stairlift?

Stairlifts are very economical

You might think that running a stairlift is an expensive endeavour in terms of electricity costs. However, these mobility devices are actually economical as they are very energy efficient.

Utilising rechargeable batteries, stairlifts can be favourably compared to everyday electrical appliances like kettles and microwaves, using around 0.06 kWh a day. The actual cost of running a stairlift comes to about £10 a year, which is a small price to pay for renewed mobility and independence at home.  

Stairlifts are made to last

Unlike some big appliances and home technology, stairlifts are built to last, serving those with limited mobility for many years. In fact, if a quality stairlift is regularly serviced and properly maintained, stairlifts will keep going and going. Users tend to find that stairlifts which are well looked after last until they are simply not needed anymore.

READ ALSO: Essential stairlift information

Stairlifts aren’t just for older people

There are numerous reasons why someone might require the use of a stairlift, meaning that all types of people have them installed. Stairlifts can benefit people who naturally lose their mobility in older age, but they are also used by people with disabilities and those who suffer injuries.

Stairlifts can make a life-changing impact for people of all ages if their condition prevents them from climbing the stairs unaided. Stairlifts can even be a temporary solution if a person is expected to recover from an injury or illness, making stairlift rentals a possibility.

READ ALSO: Signs you are ready for a stairlift

Stairlifts have made numerous media appearances

As such an integral part of everyday life these days, it is understandable that stairlifts have made it into popular culture and the media. Alongside numerous films such as Gremlins (1984) and Up (2008), stairlifts have also been featured in soap operas such as Emmerdale and chat shows, including the Paul O’Grady Show, where a stairlift was installed to enable guests to easily make it down the show’s stairs.

Stairlifts even seem to have made an impression on the music industry, having featured in popular virtual band Gorillaz’s 2012 music video ‘Do Ya Thing’.

Stairlifts offer a range of health benefits

While it is known that stairlifts can reduce the risk of falls and therefore improve the health and mobility of their users, mobility aids are also proven to hold great mental health benefits. As people regain a sense of independence and are able to access all parts of their home, their anxiety can potentially be reduced.

Stairlifts can provide a new sense of mobility that hadn’t been possible before, thus improving a person’s wellbeing and overall happiness.

READ ALSO: Future proofing your home

Royalty use stairlifts, too

Did you know that members of the British royal family have utilised stairlifts? It is thought that the late Queen Elizabeth II had used a stairlift to help her get around Balmoral’s Craig Gowan House. The property was fitted with a stairlift to help fix some of the historic property’s mobility limitations.

The late queen’s mother also made use of a stairlift. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother had a stairlift installed at Balmoral Castle – a favourite residence of hers and the location of the royal family’s summer holidays.

People are using stairlifts for their pets

The benefits of stairlifts may be well-known by the human community, but they are now even being realised by our four-legged friends as people have started installing dog and cat stairlifts.  Of course, most pets will never need a stairlift, perhaps except for an injury or illness in older age, but it just goes to show how useful and versatile stairlifts can be.

Stairlifts are strong enough to carry an adult lion

Stairlifts are very strong, boasting a heavy load-bearing capacity, helping these mobility devices to easily carry passengers up and down the stairs. The average maximum weight of a stairlift is 25 stone or 160kg, which is equivalent to the weight of an adult lion or brown bear.

There is more than one type of stairlift

Stairlifts are not all the same; there are various different types of stairliftst s available depending on the person’s needs. For example, if your home has a staircase that goes in a straight line up one flight of stairs, a straight stairlift is a great solution. If your home has staircases that go around corners and landings, a curved stairlift will better suit your needs.

There are also options depending on your level of mobility. As well as standard stairlifts that allow the passenger to ride in a seated position, there are perch/standing stairlifts available. These models make it possible for people to climb the stairs in a standing position, which can be very helpful for those who have difficulty sitting.

Interesting facts about stairlifts

• Stairlifts are older than you think
• Stairlifts are very economical
• Stairlifts are made to last
• Stairlifts aren’t just for older people
• Stairlifts have made numerous media appearances
• Stairlifts offer a range of health benefits
• Royalty use stairlifts, too
• People are using stairlifts for their pets
• Stairlifts are strong enough to carry an adult lion
• There is more than one type of stairlift

Have questions about stairlifts? Take a look at our helpful advice guides, covering a range of topics, including stairlift removal, second-hand stairlifts, stairlift aftercare, stairlift troubleshooting, and other essential stairlift information. 

This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, who provide a range of home mobility products such as stairlifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch.