Top Considerations for Choosing a Comfy & Safe Stairlift

Installation Environment

Where you plan to install your stairlift–indoors or outdoors–is a fundamental consideration. Indoor stairlifts offer easy access to different levels within the home, while outdoor stairlifts make spaces like garages, gardens, or patios accessible year-round. For a stairlift to safely operate outside, it must be specifically designed for those conditions. 

Stannah offers stairlifts for both environments, including our durable Outdoor 320 model. This stairlift is crafted to withstand various weather conditions, operating safely between 14°F and 105°F, and includes features like a protective cover, weather-resistant materials, and a lockable key for added security. With Stannah’s outdoor stairlifts, you can safely access outdoor areas year-round.

Staircase Shape

Every staircase is unique, and a stairlift must fit the shape precisely to provide a secure ride. A standard rail offers a straightforward solution for straight staircases, while curved or multi-landing staircases typically require custom-built rails to accommodate turns and angles. 

Stannah offers a range of models for both straight and curved staircases. Each curved rail is crafted to match the shape of your stairs, achieving a seamless fit. Whether your stairs are straight, winding, narrow, or spiraling, Stannah’s stairlifts are designed to follow every contour, making your entire staircase accessible safely. 

Type of Seating

Choosing the right seat type is crucial for comfort and ease of use, especially if you have specific needs. Stannah’s stairlifts come with seating options to match various preferences and physical requirements:

• Siena: Our compact, best-selling model features wider seats and armrests. It supports up to 350 pounds on straight stairs and 352 pounds on curved stairs. It’s ideal for users seeking comfort and reliability on all stair types. 
• Sadler: Designed for those with limited mobility due to arthritis, the Sadler offers a near-standing position that can be gentler on the knees and back. This model is a great choice for narrow stairs and has an adjustable seat height. 
• Starla: For those seeking customization, the Starla stairlift offers various upholstery options and wood trim choices so it can be tailored to your home’s style. The Starla is versatile and suitable for both straight and curved stairs. 

Manual vs. Powered Swivel

Swiveling the seat at the top of the stairs allows users to exit the chair safely, facing away from the staircase, with the chair as a protective barrier. While some people may find manual swiveling manageable, others may benefit from a powered swivel option. 

Stannah stairlifts come with a reliable manual swivel, and we also offer an optional powered swivel for added ease. With the powered option, you can use the remote or hand control to rotate the chair smoothly, providing extra convenience and making dismounting even safer. 

Retractable Rail 

In homes with a walkway or hallway near the base of the stairs, a retractable rail can keep the area clear when the lift isn’t in use. 

For safety reasons, Stannah installs a retractable rail in these situations.  As the stairlift moves, the retractable rail extends or retracts, adjusting to the direction of travel. This way, your space remains accessible and safe for everyone in the home. 

Type of Seat Belt

A seat belt is included in a stairlift to ensure that each ride is as safe and secure as possible, preventing any accidental movement during travel. Stannah stairlifts come with multiple seat belt options to suit different preferences and needs:

• Standard Retractable Seat Belt: This user-friendly option is included in models like the Siena and Starla. The seatbelt is tucked away, ready for the user to pull out as needed. 
• Immobilizer Seat Belt: Standard on the Sadler model, this design allows the stairlift to operate only when the belt is fastened.
• Center Clasp or Five-Point Seat Belts: These belts provide added support across the user’s torso and, if needed, between the legs. This option is ideal for those needing extra protection for comfort and security. 

Upholstery Selection

For many, the look and feel of a stairlift are as important as its functionality. Upholstery choices allow you to personalize your stairlift, matching it to your home’s decor and style. 

Stannah offers a range of upholstery options, including vinyl and woven fabrics, in various colors. The Starla model even includes wood trim choices, giving you a refined, custom look that feels right at home with your interior design. 

Specific Hand Control

A stairlift’s hand control should be easy to use, even for those with limited dexterity. Stannah provides ergonomic hand controls that are comfortable and simple to operate. For those with arthritis, our “rudder” style control offers an alternative design that is particularly easy to grip. 

This versatility ensures that each user can select the hand control style best suited to their comfort, enhancing the ease and reliability of their stairlift experience. 

Seat Load Sensor and Delayed Start

For added safety, a seat load sensor ensures that the stairlift only operates when the user is fully seated. This feature prevents accidental or premature movement, offering users and their loved ones peace of mind. 

Available on models like the Starla, the seat load sensor reinforces Stannah’s commitment to safety, ensuring that your stairlift is as secure as possible. Even without the seat load sensor, all Stannah stairlifts are equipped with a 3-5 second delay, ensuring safety is always a priority. This delay provides peace of mind, so if the controls are accidentally activated prematurely, there’s no need to worry. Safety remains at the forefront of every Stannah design.

Powered Footrests and Folding Seats

A powered footrest can be a game-changer for users who find bending difficult. With a push-button control, the footrest flips up or down as needed, making entry and exit more convenient. 

Stannah’s Siena and Starla models come with powered footrest options. Additionally, Stannah stairlifts fold compactly against the wall, allowing others in your household to use the stairs when the lift is not in use. Models that do not include the powered footrest option have a seat-to-footrest link. When the user folds up the seat, the footrest will raise. Stannah understands that users may not have the ability to bend over or use one leg to raise a footrest. These features we provide make the overall use of a stairlift safer, especially when at the top of the stairs. 

Safety Edges

Safety edges add an extra layer of protection, stopping the stairlift if it encounters an obstacle on the stairs. This feature ensures that your ride is secure, even if there’s a misplaced item along the route. 

Stannah stairlifts are equipped with multiple safety edges, which gently but immediately halt the chair’s movement upon detecting an obstruction, providing stress-free travel on the stairs. 

Explore Stannah Stair Lifts

Choosing a stairlift entails finding a solution that feels natural and personal. Stannah stairlifts are thoughtfully designed to meet diverse needs and preferences, from customizable upholstery to robust safety features. Whatever the layout of your staircase or your unique mobility requirements, Stannah stairlifts deliver quality to help you regain full use of your home. 

Discover the Stannah difference by booking a free home survey. A specialist can discuss your needs, answer your questions, and recommend the perfect stairlift for your home.