A stair lift that is designed for a straight staircase is usually installed directly onto the steps. A track and car system, which is in some ways similar to a train, is used to raise and lower an individual up and down the steps. The track system runs the distance of the stairs and the car is sent up and down the track carrying a single rider.



To carry the rider, a chair is usually attached to the car. Some stair lifts use a small perch in place of the chair, but since you must remain standing, perch lifts are not usually recommended unless you suffer from a disability that makes it impossible to safely sit. The stair chair, which is a stair lift that uses a seat to carry its occupant, is much safer and is the best choice for most people.

If you decide to go with a stair chair, as most people do, you might want to consider going with a lift that comes with a seat belt or at least has one available. It is a good idea to buckle up, but if you are purchasing your lift for someone you take care then it is an essential accessory.

Those that choose to install a stair lift must make the decision to purchase an electric stair lift or go with a battery powered lift. If the area you live in sees frequent power outages, then you will probably be better off going with a battery powered stair lift. Battery powered lifts use a constantly recharging battery to power the lift. When the power goes out, the lift will still be able to function, which ensures you will never be left stranded in your home.

While a battery powered stair lift is a great choice for many situations, it does tend to cost a little more than an AC powered lift. AC powered lifts get their power directly from the wall, so if the power goes out, so does your stair lift.

In addition to having a higher out of the box cost, battery powered stair lifts also have a higher maintenance cost. This is as a result of the necessity of replacing the battery from time to time. Usually the battery must be replaced every 1 to 2 years, but this number varies by model. The cost of the batteries is not tremendous and is most often around $50 to $70.

Whether you decide to go with a battery or an electric powered stair lift, the decision is one that could ultimately be responsible for saving your life or preventing accidents.