Most indoor accidents happen on stairways. That is why it dangerous for handicapped or elderly people to even attempt to climb up or down the stairs unassisted. A stairlift elevator enables them to move between floors safely, easily and comfortably.

A stairlift elevator is most commonly found in medical facilities to enable wheelchair-bound patients, those on crutches or lying on gurneys to be safely and quickly moved from one portion of the facility such as the emergency room to the CAT scan room, ultra sound room or chemistry laboratory. A stairlift elevator can also be found installed in handicapped-friendly public buildings in compliance with the Accessibility Law. Some homes are now equipped with these accessibility devices to provide a handicapped loved one easy access from the front driveway into the house.

A stairlift elevator is different from an elevator or a lift that moves vertically. These are installed at the right or left side of a short flight of stairs and attached directly to the concrete wall and moves diagonally along the slope of the stairway. A stairlift elevator is a box-like contraption with safety barriers and a ramp that automatically unfolds when called to use so that a wheelchair or gurney can be wheeled in. It has sensitive edges and a non-slip platform surface for additional safety. It has internal controls for use of the user and can be operated as well by and attendant from an external control box. It is a cheaper alternative to providing access between floors than a ramp. Moreover, it has installation flexibility in the sense that it can be installed anywhere inside or outside the building. To a certain degree, it is portable because it can be moved out and installed to another location.

When installed in a residential unit, a stairlift elevator is used in place of a chair stair lift, especially when the person is wheelchair-bound and transferring from wheelchair to stairlift chair is inconvenient and difficult. It is also suitable for cane users or people with crutches who find it difficult to bend their knees and would prefer to ride the stairlift elevator standing up.

Stairlift elevators also provide the handicapped with safe and easy access to medical clinics, therapy centers, malls and shopping centers, schools and doctor's offices. These devices are used not only in providing accessibility to handicapped people but also in easily moving bulky boxes of supplies or documents that cannot be transferred efficiently between floors using a push cart.