The Access Flow X Stairlift is one of our personal favourites here at UK Stairlifts. If you’re looking for a top of the range stairlift with all the bells and whistles, look no further! The Flow X stairlift is one of the most versatile and nimble stairlifts on the market. Whether you find it aesthetically appealing or whether you need a nimble stairlift for a difficult or awkward staircase, the Flow X fits the bill.
The Flow range uses patented technology to effortless glide past even the trickiest of obstacles. It uses an unique Advanced Swivel Levelling (ASL) technology, which allows the seat and footrest to rotate together during the journey, both up and down. The downward facing chair position means you can navigate stairs as narrow as 62cm in width.
Originally, the Flow X stairlift was part of ThyssenKrupp’s Home Solutions division, known for its engineering excellence. However, after a restructuring, ThyssenKrupp sold this division, and the stairlifts are now managed under the Access BDD brand. Here’s a bit more information on the Flow X Stairlift from Access BDD (Formally from Thyssen).
Access Flow X Stairlift
One of the first things you might notice about the Access Flow X stairlift is the arms which pivot and cradle the user. This offers a comfortable and secure journey, helping you to feel cradled by the chair. The arms pivot to allow easy access to the chair and can be set to accommodate your side and preferences.
The ergonomic seatbelt also comes as standard, giving you that extra security while travelling. Other features include the joystick feature and button controls on the hand rests. As an optional extra with the Access Flow X Stairlift you can also connect to your mobile phone, allowing you to call friends and family through your chair, should the need arise.
Automatic Features Of The Access Flow X Stairlift
Other features include an under-seat lever to control the foot rest. This gives you ease of access without having to bend down to manually fold the footrest. You can also opt for a push-button automated folding footrest option, for ease of use.
There’s even an emergency lowering device which can be used in the event of a break-down. This push button control activates a lowering device should your stairlift face any power outages or problems. So you’ll never get stuck!
Access Flow X Stairlift – Options
With the Access BDD Flow X Stairlift it’s all about options. The Flow X is loaded with them, both as standard and as optional extras. When folded, the stairlift is only 34cm in width. This is great for smaller houses of if you have a doorway or corridor at the base of the stairs.
There’s also the functionality of storing the chair further up the rail – an option we used on a recent stairlift installation. This is the perfect option if you have no space for storing your stairlift at the top, or bottom of the stairs. A remote control is used from the base or top of the stairs to call the lift.
Rail Configuration
Here’s some rail configurations of the Flow X stairlift which can be suitable for homes with other obstacles at the base of the stairs.
Each configuration can be used according to the particular layout of the home the lift is installed in. We have used a “drop nose” configuration on a recent installation in Manchester.
Here’s another of our stairlift fittings using a Flow 2 stairlift (the predecessor to the Flow X) on a spiral staircase. As you can see, we used the “parking curve” option here to keep the stairlift out of the way of the staircase when not in use.
Here’s one of our fittings using the “drop nose” configuration.
This keeps the rail away from the corridor and doorway which was just to the side of the staircase. The stairlift was “parked” on the staircase itself, out of the way of the corridor and doorway. Pictured here is a reconditioned Flow 2 Stairlift (not the Flow X).
Access Flow X Stairlift – Remote Controls
Despite the remote control being a relatively simple device, it’s a godsend for stairlift installation. With a remote, you can “park” the stairlift anywhere on the rail, and even half way up the stairs. To use it, simply press your remote control button to summon the lift. Remote controls are placed at the top and bottom of the stairs and they also allow use of a stairlift by multiple users who may be on different floors.
Technical Specification
The technical specification of the Flow X stairlift has a range of benefits too. Not only does the patented technology (ASL) allow it to navigate the most difficult of staircases, but it’s design allows it to sit right up to the wall/rail, saving space which might be needed elsewhere.
Traditional stairlifts face outwards, limiting the range of motion available for navigating difficult turns and twists in a staircase. The movement on a typical (straight) stairlift is limited by the leg length (see below left).
With a Flow stairlift (pictured below right), this problem is solved by the downward facing chair. Combined with the Flow X technical specifications, and it’s ASL (Advanced Swivelling and Levelling) technology, this makes it one of the best choices for navigating difficult staircases or small spaces. See also compact and space saving stairlifts.
Summary
The Access Flow X Stairlift is one of the most versatile stairlifts on the market. It allows staircases to be fitted with a lift which might have otherwise been inaccessible. It’s loaded with features so you can opt for even connecting it up with your mobile phone to talk with your family on the go!
One of its greatest features of course is the ability to navigate awkward and difficult staircases with its ASL (advanced swivelling and levelling technology). This allows it to pivot, climb/descend and tilt simultaneously giving you an effortless ride while navigating awkward and difficult terrain!
The park feature and remote control also culminate in one of our favourite points of the Flow X. Its ability to park on the rail anywhere is another huge space saving feature which makes the Flow X one of the best. It’s definitely number 1 for our stairlift of choice!
