There are two major components to every stair lift – the rail and the chair. The rail, or track, is installed on the stairs themselves, very near the wall. Depending on the model, a rail can be vertical or horizontal. Some rail models can fold at the end to allow for a door to be closed. Vertical rails take up less space on the stairs, and can be straight or curved. You can even extend a rail around a curve to allow the chair to be parked out of the way. Most people choose the vertical rails for their sleek, compact design. None of the operating mechanisms are visible, giving them a much cleaner look. Horizontal rails are cheaper, but can only be straight, not curved. They take more space on the step, show more of the mechanics of the system, and tend to collect more dirt. Stair lift chairs come in a variety of sizes, most ranging from eighteen inches wide to twenty inches wide, arm to arm. Custom seating sizes are available. Some models offer a choice of upholstery as well. The arms, seat and foot rest can be flipped up on most models, freeing up room on the stairs when the lift is not in use. Depending on the model, the arm rest can also be easily moved out of the way for transfer to or from a wheelchair. Wireless remote controls let you call or send the unit when there are multiple users in the home. Some models can be locked to prevent use by unauthorized individuals. For anyone who has difficulty bending their knees, there is a perch stair lift that lets you maintain a more vertical position. The seat height on most models can be adjusted to suit your needs. The foot plate on some models can also be adjusted to fit. The weight capacity varies by model, from 275 pounds to 350 on most models, with a space saver model that carries up to 400 pounds. Stair lifts are easy to use with just the press of a button, located just beneath the arm rest. A seat belt provides added safety and security. The speed of the unit will be constant, set to your preference at installation. The unit will stop if you release the button, if it detects any obstruction on the steps, or when you reach the top or bottom of the staircase. You can then swivel the seat, unbuckle the seatbelt and step out onto the landing. The swivel seat locks in several increments, and can pivot a total of 90 degrees. Depending on the unit, the footplate, arm rests and seat can be folded up and out of the way. Stair lifts operate using two batteries that are continuously charged when the chair is at the top or bottom of the rail. This ensures access even when there is a power outage. The charger cord is plugged into a standard electrical outlet at either end of the staircase. When the unit reaches the end of the stairs, it must make flush contact with the set of electrodes at the end of the rail in order for it to charge. If solid contact is not made, the indicator light at the end of the rail will go out, and the unit will beep. Installation For a standard, straight rail system, typically found from a first floor to basement, we will usually have the stair lift in stock and ready to install. The rail is cut to fit by our installer at your home. For more complex or multi-level stair cases, a rail may be curved around a corner, or separate rails may be installed for each flight of stairs. In these cases, the stair lift may ordered from the manufacturer. Once we get the stair lift in, we’ll set up an appointment at your home. Even a complex installation is usually finished in under three hours. Rails are installed directly onto the base of the staircase. The screws used are strong enough to stabilize the rail system, yet small enough not to leave a noticeable mark if removed at a later date. Brackets are spaced evenly across the stair case to support the rail, and are balanced to accommodate any unevenness in your staircase. Generally stair lifts are placed approximately two to three inches away from any obstruction on the staircase, such as an arm rail. A horizontal rail will take an additional seven inches of space when not in use. Vertical rails, or space savers, will take up about four inches of space. This is an important consideration when selecting models. The entire stair lift will generally take up twenty-five inches of space when in use. Depending on the stair case and lift, rails can usually be installed on either side of the stairs. Cost Stair lifts generally start around twenty-five hundred dollars, but of course that depends on your needs and the layout of your stairs. If your staircase is longer than thirteen steps, or is a more complex installation, the cost will be higher. In instances with large landings between flights of stairs, it may be more cost effective to have one stair lift for the first set of stairs, with a separate lift for the second set of stairs. No matter what your staircase is like, our installers will recommend the best solution for your needs at the lowest possible cost. Stair lifts are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurances. MediEquip frequently offers special pricing on stair lifts. Watch for our ads in the newspaper, on television, or on our Sale page. Commercial Installations Commercial installations are for anything that is more than a one family dwelling, such as a church, restaurant, company or government building. Cost in these cases are higher than for a residential installation. Please see your MediEquip representative for details on commercial options. Warranties Stair lift warranties vary by manufacturer, but most come with up to a five-year warranty for major components. In the rare instance where service is required, just call MediEquip and we’ll be happy to help. Labor is free for the first six months, forty dollars per hour thereafter. Maintenance Yearly maintenance is required to grease the rail. Eventually the rechargeable batteries will stop holding a full charge and will need to be replaced. With minimal amount of mechanical ability, you can do either of these things yourself. We’ll even walk you through it over the phone. Or we can come out and do it for you, with a small fee for the service call. Call Us Call MediEquip today for a free in-home evaluation anywhere within 30 miles of any of our stores in the St. Louis metropolitan area, or stop by the store nearest you to try out our stair lift displays. Questions? Call us at 800.863.2619 or 314.965.9300, or email us. Copyright 2000-2008 MediEquip, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri