Stairlift FAQ

A stairlift is a motorized chair installed on a rail along a staircase, designed to carry people safely and comfortably up and down stairs. It’s commonly used by individuals with mobility challenges, such as the elderly or those with physical disabilities, who may find navigating stairs difficult or unsafe. By providing a smooth, reliable ride between floors, stairlifts enhance independence within the home, reducing the risk of falls and making it easier to access all levels of the house.

A stairlift operates by moving along a rail system that is securely attached to the staircase, not the wall. The user sits on a comfortable seat, buckles the safety belt, and uses a control switch on the armrest to move up or down the stairs. Most stairlifts are battery-powered with a charging station at the top and bottom of the rail, ensuring that the lift continues to work during power outages. Sensors on the stairlift detect any obstructions on the stairs, stopping the lift safely if needed. The entire system is designed to provide a smooth and stable ride, allowing users to travel between floors with ease and confidence.

These are the primary reasons people often chose to install a stair lift.

Mobility Impairments: If you have difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to age, injury, arthritis, joint pain, or any other mobility-related issue, a stair lift can provide a safe and convenient means of navigating between different levels of your home.

Chronic Health Conditions: Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as heart or respiratory issues, may find it challenging to climb stairs. A stair lift can help them maintain independence by eliminating the need to navigate stairs manually.

Aging in Place: If you plan to age in place and remain in your current home as you get older, installing a stair lift can enhance accessibility and allow you to continue living independently.

Safety Concerns: If there are safety concerns related to using stairs, such as a fear of falling or a history of accidents, a stair lift can provide a secure and stable way to move between levels.

Our product consultants will perform a free site evaluation to suggest the best options for your needs and location, with no obligation from you.

Choosing the right stair lift for your needs involves considering several factors related to your home and personal requirements. Here are some key considerations to discuss with our product consultants.

Straight Stairs: If your staircase is straight without any curves or landings, a straight stair lift is a simple and cost-effective option.

Curved Stairs: If your staircase has curves, turns, or intermediate landings, a curved stair lift is designed to navigate these complex layouts. In some cases two straight stair lifts can be used (to reduce costs)

Weight Capacity: Ensure that the stair lift chosen can accommodate the user's weight comfortably.

Control Options: Assess whether the control mechanism (buttons, joystick, etc.) is easy for you to use, considering any physical limitations.

Cost Considerations: Compare prices of different stair lifts and consider your budget constraints. Some features may add to the overall cost.

Yes, with a stair lift, others in the house can still use the stairs as usual. Stairlifts are designed to be compact and foldable. They can be folded up or parked at the top or bottom of the staircase when not in use, ensuring the staircase remains accessible for those who prefer conventional use. The foldable design takes up minimal space, allowing the staircase to function normally when the lift is not in operation.

The expected lifespan of a stairlift is typically between 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the lift, frequency of use, and how well it is maintained. Regular maintenance, such as annual servicing and prompt attention to any minor repairs, can extend the lifespan and keep the stairlift operating smoothly. High-quality stairlifts from reputable brands are often built with durable materials and reliable components, ensuring they last longer. Proper care, like keeping the rail clear of dust and debris, also contributes to the longevity of the stairlift, making it a reliable and long-term investment in home accessibility.

Yes, the stairlifts come with two remote controls, found at either end of the stairlift. This means you can ‘send’ the stairlift up or down remotely to the next user. Of course the chair is to be occupied by only one person at a time.

Stair lifts come in different types to fit various staircases. Stairs can be straight, have a middle landing, or be curved. If you have a middle landing, you can use two straight stair lifts—one for the first set of stairs and another for the second set. This can be a more affordable choice compared to a curved stair lift. However, the person using the lift needs to transfer from one lift to the other at the middle landing to use this option.

In Canada, this is usually not a problem. Because most stair lifts can be folded, you can easily park them away when you're not using them. Our MEDmobility product consultant will talk to you about how you plan to use the stairlift and whether you need someone to assist you while using it on the stairs.

Yes a stair lift will work. However our product consultant will need to discuss and explain how this could be done. Special packages are available if two stairlifts are required.

Yes, we can install a stair lift on stairs that have a wedge-shaped set of steps at the bottom. Whether the steps are at the top, bottom, or middle of the staircase, they can be accommodated.

Yes, we do many curved stair lifts. Curved chair lifts are custom made so they require more time to manufacture and install, which also makes them more expensive than a straight stair chair lift. Check our Bruno CRE and Handicare Freecurve models.

MEDmobility offers options for staircases with landings or turns. You can choose a custom curved stair lift or install two straight stair lifts with a transfer in between. Opting for two straight stair lifts is often the most cost-effective solution.

The stairlift is affixed to the steps of the staircase and does not make contact with the wall. The installation process does not require any construction, and we utilize appropriate screws to secure a mounting bracket at intervals of every second or third step.

The stairlift can be easily removed. Straight stairlifts are easily to transfer to another location and can be re-sold.

Stair lifts are easily removable and won’t impact your home’s resale value.

MEDmobility is an authorized dealer for: Bruno, AccessBDD, and Handicare/Savaria Stair Lifts

Acquiring a stairlift from MEDmobility is a straightforward and seamless procedure:

A. Initiate the process by contacting us for a complimentary site assessment – no fees or obligations involved.

B. Following the assessment, MEDmobility will furnish you with a commitment-free quote.

C. Upon your decision to proceed, we will schedule a convenient day for the installation of the stairlift.

Our comprehensive pricing, as quoted by our product consultants, encompasses the entire stairlift package. This includes the complete unit, batteries, travel time, meticulous installation, and a thorough clean-up process. Rest assured, our commitment is to deliver a seamless and all-inclusive solution tailored to your needs.

The cost of stairlifts in Alberta varies based on the type of staircase and specific features required. Here's a general overview:

Straight Staircases:

Price Range: Approximately $2,500 (refurbished) to $3995 for a basic new model.

Details: These stairlifts are designed for straight staircases without curves or landings. The final cost depends on the chosen model and any additional features.

Curved Staircases:

Price Range: Starting around $11,000, with potential costs up to $19,655 or more.

Details: Curved stairlifts are custom-made to fit staircases with turns or landings, which increases the complexity and cost.

Additional Stairlift Considerations:

Installation: MEDmobility includes installation in the overall price.

Customization: Features like powered swivel seats, folding rails, or higher weight capacities can increase the overall cost.

Maintenance: Regular servicing is recommended to ensure longevity and safety, which may involve additional costs.

For precise pricing tailored to your specific needs and staircase configuration please contact us.

Yes, we have stair lifts for demonstration at both north and south MEDmobility locations.

Site visits for evaluations and quotations are provided at no charge. There is no obligation on your part.

If you meet the criteria, financial assistance for your stairlift may be available through government funding and grants. It's important to note that approval for most grants is typically required before commencing work. Our product consultant is ready to be a resource to assist you and guide you through the application process.

Check with your insurance company for the answer to this question.

It is best to check the CRA

Purchasing a stair lift from the internet may not always provide the best value. When buying online, self-installation is typically required, there's no labor warranty, and the product quality may be subpar. Reputable manufacturers prefer selling through dealers, as dealers offer support for stair lifts.

Operating a stair lift is easy and effortless, controlled by a simple toggle switch on the right or left armrest, based on your preference. Applying pressure to the toggle switch initiates gentle movement, stopping immediately when pressure is released, encountering an obstruction, or reaching the top or bottom landing.

Each stair lift has wireless remotes on either end of the staircase to call the stair lift to your level.

Yes, a chair lift can work for someone who uses a wheelchair. They would need to transfer from the wheelchair onto the stairlift. After reaching the destination, someone else would carry the wheelchair upstairs, or a second wheelchair should be available on the upper floor.

No, a stairlift plugs into your regular electrical outlets without extra costs. It remains reliable during power outages with a backup battery. If the only outlet is controlled by a light switch, get an electrician to install a new one for the stair lift

Yes, the stairlift comes with battery backups for situations like power outages. These batteries typically provide 10-12 lifts until power is restored.

The cost to run a stairlift is generally very low. Most stairlifts are powered by rechargeable batteries, which are charged automatically when the stairlift is parked at its docking stations at the top or bottom of the rail. The electricity used for recharging is minimal, similar to the power consumption of a small household appliance or a nightlight. On average, a stairlift costs only a few dollars per year in electricity, making it an affordable solution for mobility support in the home. Additionally, since it’s battery-operated, the stairlift can still run during a power outage, ensuring continuous functionality.

No, you should never turn off your stairlift, even if you're away from home. The mains power charges the battery, ensuring it's ready for use when you return.

There are several factors involved in the life of a battery but the average is about 3 years depending on the usage of the lift.

All stair lifts use a trickle charge system, which means the batteries are always charging when the lift is not in use. The batteries only stop charging when you are actively moving up or down the stairs.

The batteries for stair lifts are easy to find and widely available. Stair lifts use two batteries, and a pair typically costs between $60 to $90 (as of December 2023), depending on the model.

Stair Lifts will continue to work as they are primarily powered by batteries.

Stair lift battery chargers are designed to prevent overcharging of the batteries.

The time to install a stairway lift varies based on the type. For most straight stair lifts, it takes 3-4 hours with minimal disruption. Our skilled technicians work efficiently.

Installing a curved stair lift for stairs with turns or curves is more intricate and can take half a day to a full day, depending on the staircase complexity.

After installation, thorough testing ensures the stair lift operates smoothly and meets safety standards. Installers clean up the area, leaving your home as it was before.

No, unless you lack an electrical outlet for the stair lift. In that case, you'll need an electrician to install an outlet before our technicians can set up the stair lift. Occasionally, the handrail may need removal, which our technicians can handle. Clearing the stairway beforehand is appreciated as it ensures a smoother and more efficient installation.

We do not sell stair lifts for self-installation. Our agreement with our suppliers mandate that MEDmobility is responsible for ensuring the high-standard installation of their products. Reputable manufacturers prioritize the safety and operation of their stair lifts.

No, the rail is made to attach to the steps using support brackets spaced along the stairs. This design ensures maximum stability and minimizes how much it sticks out into the stairway

No, the stairlift won't damage your staircase or walls. After removal, the only evidence will be small holes where the stairlift was attached to your stairs. These holes are minimal and can be patched with filler and stain on solid surfaces or have minimal appearance on carpet.

If there is a door at the top of your stairs, there may be a need for a slight modification to the rail installation to match the landing height. This highlights the importance of having an accessibility specialist visit the home and assess the stairway before the installation.

Yes, stair lifts are easy to care for. Designed for durability, most come with a manufacturer's warranty, the duration varying by model. Annual servicing by a qualified technician ensures proper mechanics and safety features. Replacement batteries are needed every few years, depending on usage.

Yes, it is recommended to service your chairlift at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly emergency service calls. Stair lifts are equipped with safety mechanisms that require routine testing. Like any mechanical part, these safety features can wear over time and should be evaluated regularly to ensure proper functioning.

Stairlifts are designed to be easy to operate and provide comfortable transportation to your destination. Stair lifts, such as those from AccessBDD and Bruno, come equipped with safety sensors on the chassis and footrests. They are created to automatically stop the lift if any obstruction is detected on the steps, allowing for the removal of the object.

Key safety features on most stair lifts include a seat belt, obstruction sensors that will stop the lift should something block its path, and a swivel seat lock that holds the stairlift in place while you get on or off. Constant pressure controls ensure the stairlift will stop if you release your finger from the controls.

Yes. Some stair lifts have an on/off key that allows you to control who can use the stair lift. Keep in mind that these chairlifts can be very attractive to small children and even though they are extremely safe, no equipment should be used without adult supervision.

All of our stair lifts are equipped with safety sensors on the footplate and carriage that stop the stair lift if it meets an obstruction.

It depends on the stair lift, but on an average they run between 250 pounds and 400 pounds.

It depends on the stair lift, but on average it’s 24 inches when in the riding position and 13 inches when folded up against the wall.