Types of stairlifts?
There are multiple types of stairlifts, all made specifically to tailor to a user’s needs and wants. These different types of stairlifts can be used to accommodate people with either straight or curved staircases, a requirement for a heavier weight limit, indoor or outdoor staircases and even people with a tighter budget. Whatever the requirement is, the chances are that there will be a stairlift to suit you.
In this article, we will go through all the different types of stairlifts and their different characteristics and strengths. At South Coast Stairlifts, we will help you through every step of the way when it comes to choosing the right stairlift for you so if you want to save the hassle of finding the right stairlift for you then just get in touch with a member of the team and we would be happy to help you.
Straight Stairlifts
Straight Stairlifts can be a great mobility solution for your home, allowing you to effortlessly glide from floor to floor. If you have noticed recently that getting up and down your stairs has started to become more challenging, then it may be a good time to consider a straight stairlift for your home. The straight stairlift is one of the most cost-effective solutions to mobility issues when compared to options like downsizing your home.
All of our straight stairlifts are mounted to your stairs rather than your walls, allowing for a quicker and easier installation as well as less disruption to your home. A simple joystick on the armrest is used to operate the stairlift, simply move the joystick to the left or the right and the stairlift will move in that direction. Straight stairlifts come with a range of features to enhance safety and convenience Some of these features include, manual and powered hinged rails so you can fold it away when not in use, seat swivel features to allow you to easily get in and out of the stairlift seat and also sensors in the carriage and footrest to detect obstacles on the stairs.
At South Coast Stairlifts we offer the Brooks 130, HomeGlide and Bruno Elite as our options for straight stairlifts. To get an idea of the price, have a look at the article we put together on how much stairlifts cost.
Benefits:
- Cost-effective mobility solution
- Quick and easy install
- Short lead times
Curved Stairlifts
Curved Stairlifts are made unique to each individual staircase and provide easy access up and down staircases with complicated bends and turns. Due to being custom-made, these stairlifts can come at a higher price than straight stairlifts however, they offer much more flexibility and allow a user to effortlessly travel between the floors in their home, whatever type of stairlift they may have.
Curved Stairlifts, similarly to straight stairlifts, are operated by a joystick on the armrest that, when pointed in a certain direction will move the stairlift up or down the stairs. These types of stairlifts are also packed with unique features such as swivel features that allow them to fit into tighter spaces on their way up or down the stairs. Also, these swivel features allow a user to easily get in and out of the stairlift when they are at the end of the journey, as the chair can rotate so a user doesn’t have to get into an uncomfortable position when getting in and out of the lift. This type of stairlift is also packed with safety features such as sensors on the carriage and footrest that will stop the stairlift if they detect obstructions, a key switch to prevent unauthorized use and also a seatbelt.
At South Coast Stairlifts we offer the Flow X, and Handicare Freecurve as our options for curved stairlifts. To get an idea of the price, have a look at the article we put together on how much stairlifts cost.
Benefits:
- Can fit on any staircase
- Highly flexible and customisable
- Packed with safety features
Outdoor Stairlifts
This type of stairlift, the outdoor stairlift, is made specifically for outdoor use. Outdoor staircases can often be more dangerous than indoor staircases, it can be easy to slip or trip, especially if the stairs are wet or icy, so if you are starting to struggle more with the stairs, then an outdoor stairlift might be a safe and sensible option to consider.
What separates outdoor stairlifts from other types of stairlifts is their unique weather-resistant features that allow them to be used outside. This includes water-resistant material for the seats rather than the material used for indoor stairs and also all of the other vulnerable components on a stairlift have been switched to water-resistant alternatives or coated in a special lacquer that prevents water from seeping in.
At South Coast Stairlifts we offer the Brooks 130 Outdoor and the HomeGlide Outdoor as our options for outdoor stairlifts. To get an idea of the price, have a look at the article we put together on how much stairlifts cost.
Benefits:
- They can be used outside
- They are resistant to weathering and water damage
Rental Stairlifts
Rental Stairlifts are a great option for those who are looking for a short-term mobility solution for their home. This could be if you have an elderly relative staying with you for a while or may you have just come out of the hospital and are struggling with your mobility. Whatever it may be, a rental stairlift could be something to consider when you are looking for a short-term solution.
The main benefits of rental stairlifts are the cost and the convenience. Depending on how long you choose to have the stairlift, they can work out to be a much more cost-effective solution when compared to buying a stairlift. Also, the convenience of the short lead times between enquiring and having the stairlift installed makes renting a stairlift a great option for a lot of people.
At South Coast Stairlifts, we offer the Brooks 130 as our option for rental stairlifts. To get an idea of the price, have a look at the article we put together on how much stairlifts cost.
Benefits:
- Quick and easy install
- More cost-effective
- Great short-term solution
Heavy-Duty Stairlifts
A Heavy Duty Stairlift is a stairlift that is able to hold more weight and accommodate larger users. These types of stairlifts have larger seats, reinforced materials, upgraded batteries, and sturdy rail systems in order to ensure a safe and comfortable ride for individuals who aren’t able to use regular stairlifts.
Heavy Duty Stairlifts are designed with the user in mind, with adjustable armrests and seats to be able to get the perfect fit for you, a level to fold away the footrest eliminating the struggle of having to bend down to the floor to fold and unfold the footrest and also some models provide remote access for caregivers. These Stairlifts also include the standard features of most stairlifts like swivel options, powered and manual hinge rails, sensors to detect obstructions and a seatbelt.
At South Coast Stairlifts we offer the Bruno Elite as our option for Heavy Duty stairlifts. To get an idea of the price, have a look at the article we put together on how much stairlifts cost.
Benefits:
- Able to hold heavier weight
- Adjustable seats and armrests
- Advanced safety features
Reconditioned Stairlifts
When you’re looking for a permanent mobility solution and have a low budget, renting may not work because it isn’t a long-term solution and buying a new stairlift may be out of your price range. If you find yourself in this situation, then considering a reconditioned stairlift might be a great option for you.
All of our reconditioned stairlifts at South Coast Stairlifts are refurbished to a high standard and any worn or broken parts are replaced or repaired to ensure that the quality of the stairlift is still high despite the cost being considerably lower than a new stairlift. The lead time is also quicker than a new straight stairlift meaning the full processes from enquiry to installation can be done a lot faster with reconditioned stairlifts.
At South Coast Stairlifts we offer the Brooks 130 as our option for reconditioned stairlifts. To get an idea of the price, have a look at the article we put together on how much stairlifts cost.
Benefits:
- Quick lead time
- more affordable option
Commonly asked questions about types of stairlifts
How many types of stairlifts are there?
There are 6 main types of stairlifts, including straight, curved, rental, reconditioned and heavy-duty. Each one has its own strengths and can be tailored to each individual user.
What is the Cheapest stairlift?
Curved stairlifts will usually be the most expensive option in terms of stairlifts, but the cheapest option can depend on the situation. For instance, if you only need a stairlift for a few months then renting would likely be the most affordable option however if you are looking for a long-term solution then a reconditioned option might be for you, however, you would have to take into consideration the increased chance of breakdowns and repairs that comes with a reconditioned lift.
for a more comprehensive guide on stairlift prices, read our article on stairlift prices
How do I decide what type of stairlift is right for me?
The decision to buy a stairlift can often be a difficult one and there are a few things to consider. We recommend doing your own research first on what stairlift you think would suit you, your needs and your budget. If you would rather speak to an expert, then you can reach out to a member of the South Coast Stairlift team and we would be happy to help you.
