How stairlifts work

Many potential stairlift owners are curious about how stairlifts are powered or how they work in general. A stair lift mechanism is quite simple, however. Essentially, there are three components that are vital to ensure the smooth running of any stairlift: the motor, the battery, and the gear. Here is more information on where each component can be found and the roles they play:

• Motor – The motor is usually found within the base of the stairlift and powers the unit’s movement, so there is often no need for a separate power supply.
• Battery – The battery, also located within the stairlift’s base, powers the motor and is responsible for maintaining maximum comfort and reliability. Please note that high-quality stairlift batteries are extremely long-lasting and should not need to be replaced regularly or require a battery charger. Battery-powered stairlifts are among the most common and suit the needs of many due to their reliability. Battery-powered stair lifts often have a backup battery in case of a power cut.
• Gear – The gear (which is turned by the motor) is a key part of the stair lift mechanism and is connected to a geared strip and helps to propel the stairlift in either direction. The strip is built into the track which the unit travels up and down.

Other typical stairlift components are as follows:

• Remote controls – In the past, it was often necessary for stairlift controls to be fixed to the wall near the base and top of the staircase that was being used. Nowadays, however, the more advanced models benefit from simple remote controls, making stairlifts much easier and more convenient to move, slow down and reduce speed.
• Seat – Depending on the stairlift you select, a number of seat choices will be available to you. Swivel functionality, adjustable height, a range of colours and the option of a powered seat which tilts to enable easier entry and exit are just some of the available features to consider.
• Seatbelt – A discreet but important feature, the seatbelt is a requirement that ensures maximum stairlift safety and offers peace of mind with every stairlift.

How do stairlifts work? – A simple summary

• Stairlifts move up and down stairs on a rail fixed to the staircase.
• Stairlifts are powered by a rechargeable battery or a direct link to a power source.
• The stairlift is operated by a remote control that the passenger can use as they ride.
• Stairlifts typically offer safety features, such as seatbelts and sensors that identify obstacles blocking the stairlift.

How to measure for a stairlift

If you are curious how to measure for a stairlift, there are two parts to the process: deciding which side of the staircase the unit will be placed on and taking the actual measurements.

It may seem obvious to you at one glance where your stairlift should be placed but there are a couple of important factors which need to be considered before any work is undertaken.

Firstly, be aware that a little extra ‘overhang’ room will be required at both the top and bottom of your stairs to accommodate the ends of the track and the stairlift itself.

Secondly, potential obstructions to the stairlift’s path of travel must be taken into account, such as windowsills, radiators and doorways. With this in mind, there are a number of different options which are perfect for a variety of different stairs, including those that would need a narrow stairlift.

READ ALSO: Types of stairlifts

When it comes to taking the actual measurements for your stairlift, there are four figures which need to be noted down: the length of the staircase, its width, the amount of clearance at the bottom and at the top. One important point to bear in mind is that some staircases vary in width; to be sure that the stairlift will fit, the width should be measured at the stairs’ narrowest point.

Handicare PhotoSurvey 4D

If you’re wondering how invasive the stairlift installation process is, then you needn’t worry. Handicare PhotoSurvey 4D is a quick and effective service that allows your stairs to be measured in ten minutes. The lightweight device means that there is no need for markers to be placed on your walls, and it can factor in any obstacles that your stairlift may face.

PhotoSurvey 4D is also extremely helpful if your home has several flights of stairs, as the device can measure up to four flights continuously, with 100% accuracy. With this service, your at-home appointment with one of the stairlift advisors can be used to ask any questions that you may have, with more time to talk about your needs, something which many people find beneficial.

Using a technology called photogrammetry, PhotoSurvey 4D takes several photos of your stairs with the pointer markers placed on them. As each picture is processed, a model of your stairs is created, allowing you to visualise what the stairlift will look like on your staircase and how the stairlift travels on the route. Whether you have a straight stairlift or a curved stairlift, this technology will give accurate measurements in order to ensure that your new stairlift is the perfect fit.

PhotoSurvey 4D is also great if you’re having difficulty visualising what the finished stairlift will look like in your space, and if you’re wondering whether it will suit your current décor. This can be a great comfort to many, as pictures in brochures can sometimes be hard to translate into your own home.