An automatic stair lift carries the user up and down the stairs. For safety reasons, the user must depress (and hold) the button/joystick on the arm for it to operate. If they are unable to do this for themselves, they will need someone else to operate the remote control device while they travel.
While the idea of a “press once” action sounds like a good idea for a stairlift, it has safety implications hence the press and hold feature on modern stairlifts.
There are many automatic features on modern stairlifts such as the powered swivel, which allows the user to rotate at the top or bottom for easy entry/exit. Again, you must hold the button down in order to operate this feature. Letting go of the button automatically causes the stairlift to stop, as a safety precaution.
Automatic Stair Lift – Types Of Stairlifts
There’s two main types of stairlifts – straight and curved. In the picture above you can see a straight stairlift, with a curved one below. A straight stairlift is the simplest stairlift to install. Straight stairlifts also tend be cheaper than a curved stairlifts due to needing less rail customisation than with a straight stairlift, and having less complicated parts. Stair lifts are powered by their batteries, not directly from the mains. They are plugged into the mains in order to trickle charge their batteries.
This means that if there’s ever a power cut, the stairlift can continue working, and will operate for several trips before the battery starts to run down.
Automatic Stair Lift – Stairlifts For Awkward Staircases
If you have a particularly awkward staircase, you may need a specialist stairlift for narrow stairs. Here at UK Stairlifts we specialise in the installation of stairlifts on difficult staircases. Here’s one we recently installed in Bath. The narrow stairs, door and uneven step at the bottom made the installation of a standard stairlift too difficult. This stairlift is particularly useful in such a situation – the Flow X.
Automatic and Manual Features
Most stairlifts are equipped with automatic features such as the powered motor and powered seat swivel. However, some models have manual swivels which need to be operated with a lever. Other automatic features can include a powered foot plate and powered folding mechanism which folds the chair automatically at the press of a button.
Certain models, such as the Flow X even have optional extras which allow connection to a mobile phone, in case of emergencies.
Other automated features include emergency lowering button, which lowers the stairlift to the bottom of the stairs in case of emergencies. There’s also a parking option which allows the stairlift to find its parking position with the touch of a button.
A remote control can also be used to operate the stairlift – useful for carers who operate the lift for the user, if the user has a problem with operation.
Summary
A automatic stair lift is a hugely useful piece of mobility equipment. It can help someone stay independent in their home and travel between floors. Modern stairlifts are operated from the press of a button on the arm. They can also be controlled remotely by someone else from the remote control.
For safety reasons, the operator must depress and hold the button/joystick on the armrest to operate it. This means if there’s a problem, the stairlift will automatically stop when the user lets go of the button. This is a universal safety feature on stairlifts.
Modern stairlifts also come with an array of other safety features to make them as safe as possible. They are equipped with sensors surrounding the chair which are triggered by obstructions. Should someone block the safe movement of the stairlift, the sensors will be triggered and the lift will stop automatically.
For more information or to book a free home assessment, call our friendly team on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page and leave a message.
You can also see some of our installations on our YouTube channel here. Download our free stairlift buyers guide by clicking on the image below.
