When buying or renting for the first time, it’s fair to wonder if stairlifts are safe.
The short answer is yes, very!
Stairlifts have long since improved the lives of individuals with limited mobility, providing a safe and comfortable solution for navigating stairs. Being around in one form or another for more than a century (Though the idea dates back 600 years) stairlift technology has evolved rapidly. Getting to the bottom and top of the stairs has never been easier for those with ailments and impairments.
A good stairlift prevents falls and ensures safe and easy access up and down the staircase. Giving the user with their independence back alongside some straight-forward safety measures to keep them protected. Whether you have straight or curved stairs, across multiple floors or across a handful of steps, installing a stairlift can offer peace of mind. Below, we will explore the essential safety features to consider when choosing a stairlift, and explain the importance of routine maintenance.
Have any more questions? In need of a straight stairlift or a curved stairlift? Get in touch with us today.
Not convinced? Here’s the long answer…
The Key Safety Features
Stairlift safety features are paramount to ensure a secure and reliable user experience. Getting you to safe to the top should be the number one priority for any decent stairlift company.
A crucial safety feature is a seat belt, and no respectable stair lift provider will install one without a belt.
A seat belt secures the user in place during the ride, minimizing the risk of falls or slips. Make sure the stairlift you choose includes a sturdy and adjustable seat belt for added security and stability. It’s reasonable to ask a prospective provider if one comes fitted.
Additionally, consider the presence of safety features such as a swivel seat that allows users with restricted mobility to easily get on and off the stairlift at the top or bottom of the stairs.
Plus, a powered swivel allows the user to use little to no strain in pointing the seat in the direction they need to exit the stairlift. This feature ensures that the user can exit the stairlift in a safe and controlled manner, reducing the risk of accidents.
The simplest safety feature is the carefully controlled speed of the device. Look for a stairlift with a controlled pace that’s comfortable for you. Your stairlift provider should be more than happy to show you the device going up and down the stairs as a demonstration before usage.
Stairlift Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a stairlift is an important consideration when choosing the right model for your needs. Carefully manufactured to support a maximum weight, we give you security in knowing that the stairlift can’t buckle or break.
Each stairlift has a specified maximum weight limit that it can safely support. It is crucial to select a stairlift that matches or exceeds the weight requirements of the user. Exceeding the weight limit can compromise the stability and safety of the stairlift, posing a risk to the user.
Note: Stability in general is a vital aspect to choosing a stairlift. Look for a well-built and sturdy stairlift that offers a smooth and secure ride. A robust frame, reliable track, and strong supports contribute to the overall stability of the stairlift, ensuring safe transport up and down the stairs.
The Importance of Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential for the longevity and safe operation of any stairlift. Regular inspections and servicing help identify and address any potential issues before they become actual concerns.
Stair lifts that are left too long without being checked are at risk of developing unseen faults that could snowball.
It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding maintenance and schedule professional maintenance checks as required. Usually this is an annual servicing and should be more than enough to prevent potential problems.
This proactive approach ensures that your stairlift remains in optimal working condition, and remains safe to use.
Power Cut Preparedness
Power cuts can pose challenges for stairlift users, especially if the stairlift relies on electricity. It’s fair for To address this concern, consider investing in a stairlift equipped with a backup power system, such as a battery pack. This feature ensures that your stairlift remains usable during power outages, providing you with that extra peace of mind.
To learn more about what happens to stairlifts in the event of a powercut, click here: Can I Use My Stairlift in a Powercut?
How do Stairlifts Provide Peace of Mind?
Choosing a safe and reliable stairlift not only prevents falls and accidents but also offers peace of mind. By having a stairlift installed, individuals with limited mobility gain the confidence to move freely throughout their homes, knowing that they are safe and supported. Stairlifts serve as invaluable mobility aids, promoting independence and enhancing the overall quality of life for users and their families.
One of the primary benefits of a stairlift is keeping that sense of independence, and the above listed added safety features is a big part of making this work. We’ve heard plenty of times how injured or elderly clients ended up stuck on one floor, and had to change how they live their daily lives.
By having a stairlift installed, you or your loved one regain the ability to access different areas levels of the home effortlessly. This freedom allows the user to continue enjoying their living spaces without being confined to a single floor.
Whether it’s reaching the bedroom on the upper floor or accessing the basement, a stairlift provides the means to move around with ease, maintaining a sense of autonomy and reducing dependence on others. You can even get outdoor stairlifts for the garden!
How Does Leodis Stairlifts Ensure Safety?
At Leodis we’re proud to say all our stairlifts are manufactured by established trustworthy suppliers. Each lift is made from quality materials and we carefully test each one to meet all the latest safety standards. Features include weight limits and the speed in which the machine travels.
Before and after fitting it will have be checked our friendly team of experts. The engineer will then show you how to safely and confidently use the machine.
Your stairlift will come with an easy-to-use switch that you press in the direction you wish to travel. The movement is smooth and steady, and you’ll be in control the entire journey.
Additional features include the seat belt, the arm and footrests, and an automatic cut-off switch in case of blockage. These are standard with every device.
Plus, we even offer the above mentioned powered swivel seat that makes getting on and off the seat even easier. This helps our customers with ailments that limit movement, ensuring that as many people as possible can regain independence in their homes. Our friendly surveyors take you through all the options to best find the stairlift set-up to suit you.
Our team is always happy to go above and beyond to meet the criteria set out above. By choosing a stairlift that meets these criteria, you can enjoy peace of mind, prevent falls, and improve your overall quality of life.
Learn more about the Straight Stairlifts we provide.
Learn more about the Curved Stairlifts we provide.
