Comprehensive Guide to Stairlifts: Your Questions Answered

April 29 2025, by Richard Spafford, 10 min reading time

Stairlifts are a vital solution for individuals with mobility challenges, offering safe and convenient access to all levels of a home. As a leading provider specializing in Harmar and Access stairlifts, we’ve crafted this extensive guide to address common questions about stairlifts, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. Below, we provide clear, concise answers followed by a detailed exploration of each topic.

Key Points

Safety: Stairlifts are generally safe, equipped with features like sensors, seatbelts, and compliance with strict safety standards.
Customization: Most stairlifts can be shortened or designed to navigate corners, with Harmar and Access offering tailored solutions.
Energy Efficiency: Stairlifts use minimal electricity, comparable to a small TV on standby.
Cost and Installation: Prices range from $2,500–$11,000+, with installation taking 2–5 hours depending on the model.
Weight and Width: Capacities vary from 250–600 lbs, and stairs typically need to be 28–34 inches wide.
Purpose: Stairlifts enhance independence for those with mobility issues.
Top Brands: Harmar and Access are highly regarded, with models like the Harmar SL600 HD standing out for heavy-duty needs.
History: The modern stairlift was likely invented by C.C. Crispen in the 1920s.

Are Stairlifts Safe?

Stairlifts are designed with safety in mind, featuring sensors to detect obstacles, seatbelts, and emergency stop switches. Harmar and Access models, for instance, adhere to rigorous safety standards, ensuring reliable operation for users.

Can Stairlifts Be Customized?

Yes, stairlifts can often be shortened to fit shorter staircases or designed to navigate corners using curved rails. Harmar’s SL300 Curve and Access’s custom solutions are excellent examples of adaptable designs.

How Do Stairlifts Operate?

Stairlifts run on a rail system powered by batteries, allowing smooth travel up and down stairs. They’re energy-efficient and can function during power outages, with Harmar and Access offering user-friendly controls.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Stairlift?

Choosing a stairlift involves assessing your staircase type, weight capacity needs, and budget. Harmar and Access provide options for various needs, with professional consultations ensuring the best fit.

Who Benefits from Stairlifts?

Stairlifts are ideal for elderly individuals, those with disabilities, or anyone recovering from injuries, offering independence and safety in navigating stairs.

In-Depth Exploration of Stairlifts

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of stairlifts, addressing every aspect from safety to historical origins. As a provider focused on Harmar and Access stairlifts, we emphasize their quality and reliability while providing general insights applicable to all stairlift users. Below, we answer each question in detail, supported by data and expert insights.

1. Are Stairlifts Safe?

Stairlifts are engineered for safety, making them a trusted solution for those with mobility challenges. Key safety features include:

Obstruction Sensors: These detect objects on the stairs, stopping the lift to prevent collisions.
Seatbelts: Standard on all models, ensuring users remain secure during operation.
Cut-Out Switches: These halt the lift if a malfunction occurs, enhancing reliability.
Key Switches: Prevent unauthorized use, ideal for homes with children.
Safety Standards: Compliance with codes like ASME A18.1 in North America ensures rigorous testing.

Harmar’s Pinnacle SL600, for example, includes advanced sensors and a robust seatbelt system, while Access stairlifts are designed with similar safety priorities. These features make stairlifts a safe choice for elderly or disabled individuals, reducing the risk of falls, which the CDC notes as a significant concern for those over 65.

2. Can a Stairlift Be Shortened?

Most stairlifts can be shortened to fit specific staircase lengths, but this must be performed by a certified technician to maintain safety and functionality. The process involves cutting and reassembling the rail, which requires precision. For instance:

Harmar Stairlifts: Models like the SL600 are modular, allowing adjustments for shorter staircases.
Access Stairlifts: Known for customization, Access offers solutions tailored to unique staircase dimensions.

Professional installation ensures the stairlift operates smoothly post-modification. Attempting to shorten a stairlift without expertise can compromise safety, so always consult a qualified engineer.

3. Can Stairlifts Go Around Corners?

Yes, stairlifts can navigate corners through curved stairlifts, which are custom-built for staircases with bends, landings, or spiral designs. These models feature:

Custom Rails: Designed to match the staircase’s exact shape for smooth travel.
Advanced Engineering: Ensures secure movement around corners.

Harmar’s SL300 Curve is a top choice for curved staircases, offering seamless navigation, while Access provides bespoke solutions for complex layouts. Curved stairlifts are more expensive due to their tailored design but are essential for non-straight staircases.

4. Do Stairlifts Use a Lot of Electricity?

Stairlifts are highly energy-efficient, typically consuming 23–35 kWh per year, comparable to a small TV on standby. They operate on 12-volt batteries, charged via a standard household outlet, which allows:

Power Outage Functionality: Batteries support 10–15 round trips without power.
Low Operating Costs: Minimal electricity usage keeps costs down.

Harmar and Access stairlifts are designed with energy efficiency in mind, ensuring sustainable operation without significant impact on your utility bill.

5. How Do I Choose a Stairlift?

Selecting the right stairlift requires careful consideration of several factors:

Staircase Type: Straight staircases need simpler models, while curved ones require custom rails. Measure stair width (typically 28–30 inches for straight, 30–34 for curved).
User Needs: Consider weight capacity (Harmar’s SL600 HD supports up to 600 lbs) and comfort features like swivel seats.
Budget: Straight stairlifts cost $2,500–$8,000, while curved models start at $11,000. Financing and rentals are available.
Brand Reliability: Harmar and Access are trusted for their durability and warranties, with Harmar offering a lifetime warranty on major components for some models.
Professional Assessment: A free in-home consultation ensures the stairlift fits your home and needs.

Visiting a showroom to test models, like those from Harmar, can help you make an informed choice.

6. How Do Stairlifts Work?

Stairlifts operate using a motorized carriage that travels along a rail mounted to the stair treads. Key components include:

Rail System: Straight or curved rails guide the lift.
Carriage and Chair: The chair, mounted on the carriage, swivels for easy access.
Power Source: 12-volt batteries, charged via a household outlet, ensure operation during outages.
Controls: Simple switches or remotes allow user-friendly operation.

Harmar’s Pinnacle series, for instance, features a smooth rack-and-pinion system, while Access stairlifts offer similar reliability with intuitive controls.

7. How Fast Does a Stairlift Go?

Stairlifts travel at a slow, safe speed to ensure comfort:

Straight Stairlifts: 0.07–0.15 m/s (about 0.34 mph or 13.78–29.53 ft/min).
Curved Stairlifts: Speeds vary, slowing on bends for safety.

This deliberate pace, seen in Harmar and Access models, prioritizes user comfort and stability.

8. How Long Does It Take to Install a Stairlift?

Installation times depend on the stairlift type:

Stairlift Type	Installation Time
Straight	2–3 hours
Curved	3–5 hours

Harmar and Access stairlifts are installed by certified technicians, ensuring quick and reliable setups. Curved models may require additional time for custom rail fabrication.

9. How Much Are Stairlifts?

Stairlift costs vary based on type and features:

Stairlift Type	Price Range
Straight	$2,500–$8,000
Curved	$11,000 and up
Heavy-Duty	Higher, varies by model

Harmar’s SL600 HD, for heavy-duty needs, may cost more but offers exceptional value. Financing, rentals, and grants can make stairlifts more accessible.

10. How Much Weight Can a Stairlift Hold?

Weight capacities differ by model:

Brand/Model	Weight Capacity
Harmar SL600 HD	Up to 600 lbs
Access Standard Models	250–350 lbs

Harmar’s heavy-duty options are ideal for larger users, while Access provides reliable standard-capacity models.

11. How Wide Do Stairs Need to Be for a Stairlift?

Stair width requirements vary:

Stairlift Type	Minimum Width
Straight	28–30 inches
Curved	30–34 inches

Harmar and Access offer models adaptable to various staircase widths, with professional assessments ensuring compatibility.

12. What Is a Stairlift Used For?

Stairlifts enable individuals with mobility challenges to safely navigate stairs, benefiting:

Elderly individuals with reduced mobility.
People with disabilities or injuries.
Those recovering from surgery.

By providing independence, stairlifts like those from Harmar and Access enhance quality of life.

13. What Is the Best Stairlift?

The best stairlift depends on your needs, but Harmar and Access are standout choices:

Harmar SL600 HD: Perfect for heavy-duty use with a 600-lb capacity.
Access Custom Models: Ideal for unique staircase configurations.

Consider staircase type, weight capacity, and budget when choosing. Professional consultations can help identify the best fit.

14. Who Invented the Stairlift?

The modern stairlift was likely invented by C.C. Crispen in the 1920s, who created the “Inclin-ator” to assist a friend. Commercial production began in the 1930s by the Inclinator Company of America. Earlier references include Frederick Muffett’s pre-1920s design and a 16th-century system possibly used by King Henry VIII.

Conclusion

Stairlifts, particularly from Harmar and Access, offer a reliable, safe, and customizable solution for mobility challenges. Whether you need a heavy-duty model or a curved stairlift, understanding these aspects ensures you choose the right option. Contact a certified dealer for a personalized assessment and reclaim your home’s accessibility.