Used Stair Lifts: Risky?

Stair lifts are devices that are used to carry an individual up and down the stairs. They typically feature a chair or small platform that is attached to a track that is secured to the stairs. Like most things, it is possible to find used stair lifts for sale, but you should exercise caution when buying one used.

When you buy a used stair lift it is a good idea to purchase it from a certified dealer. You will still save money, but are guaranteed that the device will be completely restored to factory conditions. A reputable dealer of used stair lifts will also offer a warranty on the device, so should anything malfunction, it will be fixed immediately.

There are several risks that you face when you purchase a used stair lift from a private person. The history of the unit is generally unknown, so you have no way to know if it has been abused or misused. It may have been improperly maintained and frequently there may be pieces that are broken. You will also likely have to purchase additional lengths of track or cut the existing track to fit your stair case, because it is essential that they track be properly sized to fit your stairs.

While you can save money by purchasing a used stair lift, be very wary of purchasing a stair lift from a private person. Instead it is almost always better to find a certified distributor of used stair lifts and be assured that you will have many years of dependable service.

Stair Lifts: Investing in Health and Safety

There are many things that you can invest your money in, but your health is one of the best investments around. If you have difficulty using the stairs than you might want to consider investing in a stair lifts.

Whether due to age or disability it may be difficult to use the stairs. In these cases a stair lift could be a beneficial health aid. Stair lifts, using a rail system, send a person up and down the stairs. They usually use a chair, but for those with joint problems sitting may be very difficult. Those with severe joint problems may wish to purchase a perch lift, which is similar to a traditional stair lift, but uses a small platform instead of a chair.

People that live in areas with frequent power disruptions will likely want to purchase a battery powered stair lift. They still plug into the wall, but instead of running directly off of the house current, they instead run of a battery or batteries. You used to have to remember to park the stair lift in a specific place in order for it to recharge, but modern stair lifts can charge at any point on the track.

Stair lifts can be found in many homes and businesses and can greatly increase your independence and ease of movement.

Stair Lifts and Curved Staircases

It was in the 1920’s that the first stair lift was implemented. It was created by a man that wanted to help restore his neighbor’s independence. Since, they have become a common way of ensuring that people can safely use their stairs. A stair lift is a medical aid that literally carries an individual up and down the stairs.

If you have a straight stair case, you can rather easily install a stair lift. Generally a reinforced aluminum track is secured to the stairs. After the track has been fully secured, a special ‘car’ is slid onto the track. This car will travel up and down the track and has a seat or small platform on it that is used to carry the individual as it traverses the stairs. In these cases the track is custom cut to fit your stairs and often comes in several pieces. While the installation is fairly easy, there are several companies that can do it for you inexpensively in a matter of hours.

A straight stair lift can be ordered and installed in a matter of days, but a curved staircase can present several difficulties. Stair lifts for curved staircases are much more expensive, because the track is custom built to your exact stair case. It is necessary to have an in home estimate to determine the proper measurements and cost of your unit. They can cost well over $15,000 and can take several months to be built and installed. The other major disadvantage is that they have very little resale value. The track will only work with your specific stairs, and because there is no standard when it comes to curved staircases, it will likely be useless in any other home.

If you are mobility challenged than a stair lift can greatly improve your standard of living. For those with curved stairs, speak with a stair lift dealer that specializes in straight stair lifts. Sometimes you can install 2 straight stair lifts in place of the curved one and in these cases you will save a tremendous amount of money.

Tips to Save Money on a Stair Lift

Almost everyone likes to save money. When you are purchasing a stair lift or other medical equipment, it is important to save money, but you do not want to save money at the cost of quality or safety. There are a few things that can be done to save a little on your stair lift.

One of the most important things you can do is not purchase a stair lift that has features you don’t need. There are many different types of stair lifts that offer different features. Analyze your requirements before you begin shopping around. If you are of petite build then you do not need a unit that has an extra large seat. If you are less than 300 pounds then you likely don’t need a heavy duty stair lift. If you are not going to use the stair lift outside, there is no need to get one that is weather proof. These features all cost extra, but if you are not going to use them then they can be safely eliminated.

If you live in an area that has frequent blackouts, you may want to get a unit that operates off of battery power. Battery powered units typically cost a little more than a unit that operates off of regular household power, so consider getting an AC unit instead of a DC(Battery) unit. Of course remember that if the power goes out than an AC unit will not function.

Buying your stair lift used can also save you a good deal of money. However you should be extremely cautious when purchasing a stair lift from a private individual. You have no way of knowing the actual condition of a used stair lift purchased this way. It could be abused or misused, and will probably not be covered under any sort of warranty. It is better to find a reputable dealer that sells used stair lifts. A1 Medical Supplies is one such dealer. They sell new and used stair lifts as well as other types of equipment. Any used stair lift they sell has been completely refurbished to factory standards and is thoroughly tested. In addition they offer a minimum of 6 months warranty on all of their used stair lifts.

A stair lift is a device that will last for many years and provide consistent dependable service. Many units are easily installed, and they can also typically be moved and reinstalled without a problem. If you are in the market for a stair lift you can save some money by following these tips.

Heavy Duty Stair Lifts

Most stair lifts are designed to support around 300 pounds. If you need a stair lift that can support more than this then you will need a Heavy Duty Stair Lift. A heavy duty stair lift will be specially reinforced to support extra weight and strain. Many times they also have wider seats that are specially padded.

There are not too many models available that will support more that 350 pounds. AmeriGlide, a well known and reliable manufacturer of stair lifts, makes two models that can support over 350 pounds. The AmeriGlide Ultra Heavy Duty can span distances of up to 32 feet and support 375 pounds. Its armrests are farther for added comfort.

The AmeriGlide Heavy Duty Stair Lift is considered by many to be the Mack Truck of stair lifts. It can support up to 500 pounds and uses a ½ horsepower motor. It is built to last and has a wider seat and extra heavy duty armrests. It can span distances of up to 20 feet.

These two models are perhaps the best choice if you need a heavy duty stair lift. They are very durable and are designed to safely transport you time and time again.