Are stairlifts and stair risers on the way up or down?
Stairlifts and stair risers are still a popular choice for customers. Here's why.
First designed in the 1920s by C.C. Crispen, the stairlift or 'inclinator' as it was originally named by its inventor, has safely transported millions of people with limited mobility up and down the stairs for centuries. It has enabled the elderly, sick, injured and disabled to stay in their homes, remain independent and enjoy a better quality of life.
Thanks to the continually evolving platform lift industry, we now have other products available to overcome stairs and steps. Low rise platform lifts can reach up to 3 metres and vertical lifts can service several floors in the same way a passenger lift can. Home and domestic lifts have also become fashionable.
Does this mean the end of the stairlifts and stair risers?
Installing a basic seated stairlift is still one of the cheapest and simplest ways to combat the stairs but only in domestic environment. They are not suitable for public or commercial use. Do they add value to a property? Probably not but they are a reliable way of future proofing an environment without building work or major investment.
A stair riser has fold out platform and is designed for wheelchair users. It can be installed within a domestic and commercial environment. Some models of stair risers are specifically designed for curved or very narrow staircases. This type of product offers a degree of design flexibility making them a popular choice for specifiers looking for a bespoke solution that doesn’t impact on the building or architecture.
With stairlifts and stair risers there there will be a regular but necessary cost for servicing, we recommend two a year.
Quick and easy to install
Installation is simple as there are no structural alterations and they are very cheap to run. One of the best things about a stairlift or stair riser is that it can be easily removed and reinstalled provided the staircase is wide enough.
The average width of a staircase in the UK is 860mm whereas most stair risers suitable for wheelchairs need an average width of 1200m. Specialist platform lift companies like us will have slimmer models available, for example, our straight stair riser requires a minimum stair width of 1050mm.
Unlike off-the-shelf stairlifts, our stair riser is built individually to the width and length of the staircase. It is an excellent choice where space is minimal. Likewise, our curved stair riser is also built to specification. The minimum stair width of this curved stair riser is 1215mm.
Both our models of stair risers are suitable for internal and external installation.
Small footprint
Modern stair risers are designed to be compact and can be neatly folded away. Aesthetically, they are still visually noticeable but no more than a through the floor lift which also takes up more room. Obviously, a vertical platform lift or cabin style residential lift offers the ultimate design solution but they come with a much higher price tag.
User experience
The operation of a stair lift or stair riser is still far more time-consuming than just getting in a lift and pushing a button. Another drawback is the weight limitation of stair risers especially if the person is using a wheelchair. Better quality products may cost more but can carry more. For example, our stair risers can carry up to 250kg as standard or can be modified to carry up to 300kg.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you choose the best solution whether you are looking for a wheelchair lift for your home, commercial setting or public venue. You can also visit our platform lift showroom, which is based in Andover, Hampshire.
