Stair lifts are mechanical devices which lift people and wheelchairs up and down stairs. One of the leading names in stair lifts is
Bruno, among the few manufacturers in North America which has been manufacturing them for over a quarter of a century now. A stair lift is the perfect solution to someone with mobility issues. This is especially applicable to seniors or handicapped people suffering from knee, leg and hip disabilities which make it difficult or impossible for them to climb stairs.

What are the various models of Stair Lifts Bruno offers?

Bruno provides arguably the largest range of stair lifts in the country. Here are brief details of their chair lift models:

• The Electra-Ride LT is ideal as an entry-level, home straight-rail stairlift. It is powered by a battery operated, direct-drive motor which makes it usable even during power outages. Its generously sized swivel seat folds up, along with the footrest and arms, to enable free movement of others when the lift is not in use. This model has a capacity of 275 pounds.
• The Electra-Ride II has the same features along with swing-away arms to facilitate wheelchair or mobility scooter transfers. It also has a larger capacity up to 350 pounds.
• The Electra Ride Elite is a straight-rail home chair lift with a carrying capacity of 400 pounds. This is a more elegantly designed version with an offset swivel seat.
• The Outdoor Electra Ride Elite is an outdoor straight-rail chair lift specially designed for outdoor use. It is weather-resistant with a powder coated finish on all aluminum and steel parts, and with a weather-resistant chair cover. Like all other Bruno models it is generously spaced and able to handle up to 400 pounds. All other features of the indoor Elite model are incorporated in this version which, being battery operated, is able to work during power outages.
• The Electra-Ride Curved III is a custom-curved rail stairlift that has been designed to work on almost all curved stairways. It has a 400 pound capacity and all other features of the Elite models.

Bruno Stair Lift Safety Certification

Bruno makes a complete range of residential and commercial stair lifts, hence it is important that the company is ISO 9001 certified which means it has to adhere strictly to high quality standards to retain this certification. It also boasts a worldwide network of dealers so a customer is assured of after-sales service through skilled personnel. Owners can easily replace Bruno stair lift parts as they are widely available with the dealers or online.

Electrical safety features of the Acorn Superglide 120 Stair Lift

This brand of stair lift does not use domestic mains supply directly, but works on rechargeable battery-operated DC current to ensure a smooth and silent ride. With this arrangement it works even during a power outage. A unique additional feature is its batteries, which are maintenance free and recharged by domestic mains power supply. The mains supply is stepped-down through a transformer to only 15V so none of the operating components operate on mains voltage. This feature eliminates any possibility of a shock from mains current. The chair has no cables trailing behind it like with other AC chair lifts. Its ‘Soft Start and Stop’ feature ensures a smooth start without a hint of a lurch, and a gentle finish without a jolt. Transportation on this ultra-silent chair lift provides a safe and stable experience.

What are the other safety features?

The Acorn 120 Superglide has an array of safety features triggered by electronic limit sensors. With these safety features in place there is no possibility of uncontrolled descent, and the chair will always come to a ‘Soft Stop’ in the precise position.

The chair seat swivels to enable the user to mount or dismount in the most comfortable position, then it locks in place.  The safety interlock ensures that the lift will not operate unless the chair seat is securely locked.

If there is any obstruction on the stairway, five sensitive safety sensors are in place to detect the obstruction and stop the lift on contact.

What are the Acorn 120 Control Features?

With the Acorn 120 Superglide the user has a choice of control either through a mechanical ‘joystick’ on the seat arm, or through an infra-red operated remote control handset. It features a mechanical override which bypasses the remote control. Remote controls are the perfect solution when the chair lift is being used by more than one person in a house. The chair can be called up and down as needed. The wireless design ensures there is no ugly wiring, or wall mounted control stations.

A digital display on the carriage indicates that the lift is in the correct operating position. The display is also self-diagnostic, providing useful information in the improbable event of a fault.

Acorn 120 Stair Lift Ride Quality

This model is built with a distinctive eight-roller chassis riding a double-tube rail profile to provide a larger surface contact area than any of its competitors. With this unique design the Acorn 120 Superglide offers the smoothest and quietest ride of any stair glide on today’s market. This stair lift boosts the user’s confidence with the stability and the smoothness of its ride.

Price Of Acorn Superglide 120 Chair Lift

The Acorn Superglide 120 Price may be out of reach for those who are on a tight budget as it hovers around $3000. However, for those who can afford it, the Acorn 120 is definitely a good deal worth your money. If you wish to have a reliable device for your elderly or handicapped family member, then Acorn 120 Stairway lift will be the answer.

Braun Lift Product Specification

Although there are several popular stair lift manufacturers, Braun is one of the oldest as well as the most well-known. This is primarily because; Braun has been the acknowledged brand leader in the mobility equipment area for over the last twenty years.

Some of the main specifications of the Braun stair lift are listed below;

• They come with safety sensors and a smooth start and stop facility.
• Have integrated safety belts.
• It comes with a battery backup.
• It works with either straight or curved staircases (that is, despite the shape of your staircase, it comes with a foldable rail that is designed to suit the sides of your staircase)
• It also has outdoor models.
• Different types of stair lifts are available such as Perch Lifts for those who have difficulty in bending or folding their knees. There are also Braun Wheelchair lifts for vehicle or indoor use.
• Comfortable and adjustable seats.

Braun Lifts Price Reviews

Generally, most straight stair lifts come with a price tag that ranges between $2,800 and $4,500. An area where Braun scores over most stair lifts is its payment and financing function. Braun is extremely helpful in this matter and a dealer will be assigned to each customer until they find the best way to finance their order. People have the option to find more than one funding source and the buyer can order, if he or she knows where to obtain the funding source. You can also get used/ second hand Braun stair lifts from Amazon/ eBay and these costs anywhere between $500 to $1500. The lift also comes with a three year warranty

Reviews On Braun Home Stair Lift

Stair lifts are becoming common in modern houses and are no more a luxury item. But buying the best home stair lift is a difficult task as there are so many companies in the market and these provide machines with varying qualities. Hence, it’s hard for someone to select the best for their loved ones. However, given Braun’s reputation in this area, I feel it is a good buy while selecting a stair lift for our loved ones to help them retain their mobility. When selecting a stair lift, just keep in mind that a good stair lift should not only has solid lifting power, but also has great security features and the Braun stair lift provides this.

Excel Home Stair lifts are no more a luxury item as they have become very affordable to the common man. It is extremely useful for the disabled and the physically challenged. With rapid advancement in technology and reduction in prices, it has a huge customer base as the Excel stair lift is uniquely and primarily designed keeping comfort, cost, convenience and safety as its main factors.

Excel Stair Lift Specifications

Excel stair lift is a product of ThyssenKrupp Access. With a history reaching back to 1947, ThyssenKrupp Access is one of the oldest and most trusted providers of residential elevators. The TK Access Excel has two operating systems, which is the Excel A/C model operates on a standard household current and the battery operated system. Excel Stair lift parts are similar to that of other manufacturers’ and can be used interchangeably.

Designed for both indoors as outdoor use, there are various models that can be purchased in the market today, and these include Citia Standard, Citia Standard Plus, Citia Excel, Citia Select and Citia Silver.

Some of the primary specifications of the Excel home stair lift include:

• It runs on a foldable rail that is mounted sideways along the sides of your staircase.
• Comfortable, adjustable seats that can be swiveled or locked at 90 or 60 degrees.
• Contoured seat back with a folding seat bottom with 18″ wide seat
• Independent folding arms and folding footrest
• Upholstery options include taupe, vinyl or oatmeal herringbone fabric
• Stair Lifts Finish come in ivory white powder coat finish
• Padded armrests with optional joystick control
• Has a 300 pound lifting capacity
• A wireless remote control offers improved mobility and freedom
• Control switch that can be placed on the sides of the armrest for ease of use
• Over speed break and optional hand-held pendant control
• Equipped with excellent safety measures
• Foot rest obstruction sensor

Safety Features Of Excel Stair Lift

ThyssenKrupp Access Excel stair lifts are designed with the patient’s safety in mind. They have the start-stop technology which provides a smooth acceleration during stop and start. The stair lift has sensors that can detect obstacles and temporarily stop the unit.

Excel Stair Lift Price

Most consumers shop for straight stair lifts and these cost between $2,500 to $4,000.  Most of today’s lifts are powered by electricity while others use rechargeable batteries which are slightly more expensive. However, a curved stair lift will cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. This high cost is partly due to the necessity of building a custom track for the staircase. You can also get used or second hand stair lifts from Amazon and eBay and these costs anywhere between $500 to $1500.

Reviews  on the Excel Home Stair Lift

Automatic Home Stair lifts are becoming a necessity in most modern house where there are any aged, disabled or physically handicapped people. Mobility problems can occur to anybody and due to various reasons such as age, arthritis, stroke or even accidents. The Excel Home Stair Lift is a great addition to a home where there are physically challenged people present. With its wide array of safety features and easy assembly, the Excel Home Stair Lift is definitely worth a buy.

Stairlift Battery Specifications

The average stairlift is powered by either two or more batteries that are located in the stairlift carriage itself. The other location for the batteries is in a box at the base of the stairlift. The batteries are 12V lead acid batteries. Most stairlifts for children and adults have 7Ah batteries whereas those that serve heavier load such as wheelchairs have more powerful 12Ah batteries and they may even have three batteries instead of two.

Buying Stairlift Batteries

Most stairlift on the market use standard batteries that are mounted in standardised enclosures. Whether you are looking for batteries for Bruno, Acorn or Bison stair lift, chances are the same battery will do for all the brands. You need to check though whether your stairlift takes 7Ah or 12Ah batteries and how many it needs. Once done you can go to sites like batterysharks.com or batteriesplus.com that specialise in replacement batteries for all makes and models of stairlifts.

Prices Of Stairlift Batteries

For a regular 7Ah stairlift battery you can expect to pay between $75 and $100 depending on the discount you get and the brand you go for. Yuasa and Panasonic are two of the best brands to go for and a quick way to check the quality of a battery is to feel its weight. More weight equals more lead in the lead acid battery and hence better power capacity as well as life expectancy.

Replacing Stairlift Batteries

Consult the manual that came with your stair lift before replacing batteries yourself. If the model was designed to have user replaceable batteries you can go ahead and follow the instructions. If the manual says that the batteries must be replaced by a professional you should have an electrician do the job. If you are replacing batteries yourself always make sure you disconnect the mains connection and do not reverse polarity on the batteries as they may cause short circuit. Also lead acid batteries must always be kept upright to prevent leakage.

How does one choose between a stair lift and a platform lift when the two perform similar functions? Should one just consider the prices of the competing lifting devices because if so then a stair lift is the most obvious choice because it’s cheaper? Before you actually decide which home lifting device to buy, it is advisable to consider factors such as who are the users and their special needs, what is the objective of this device etc. It is only after careful consideration will you be able to identify which type of device can meet your home mobility needs.

A stair lift is a kind of lifting equipment that is mechanical in nature and lifts people up and down a staircase. It utilizes several components for it to function including the track or rail, which is placed along the side edges of a staircase and the motorized equipment where the carriage of the lift is placed. It has three types depending on the position that the user prefers. There is the standing stair lifts for those users who have difficulty bending their knees thus wants to stand while being transported. Then there are the seated stair lifts and the Perching Stair Lifts for those who want to be in sitting or perching position while being lifted.

There are two Types Of Stair Lifts that one can have installed in one’s stair case. This time the difference lies in the shape of the staircase where the stair lift is going to be placed. There are the curved stair lifts for curved staircases and the straight stair lifts for straight staircases.

A Platform Lift is a kind of elevator-like lifting device minus the complicated electrical wiring and numerous installation requirements that elevators need. It is composed of a platform that is lifted up and lowered down with the aid of a hydraulic system. The motor power system is also more powerful than stair chair lifts as platform lifts usually carry heavier loads such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Functional Difference Between Stair Lift And Platform Lift

As to the kind of platform lift that is most suitable to one’s mobility lifting needs, this will depend on where one wants the lift to be installed at home because there are platform lifts for indoor use as well as outdoor use. One will have to make a decision too as to the length and width of the platform lift one prefers as well as the weight capacity of the said lift. This is actually where the difference in features and capabilities lie between a stair lift and platform lift because the latter is quite capable of lifting the person together with his wheelchair or together with a companion. A stair lift is limited in this manner. Therefore, if one is purchasing a lifting device for transporting persons in wheelchairs up and down the staircases, only a platform lift can answer such a need. However, if the person only has difficulty climbing up and down staircases but is still quite capable of walking around unassisted, then a stair lift is the best option for him.

Price Comparison Of Stair Lift And Platform Lift

As to the prices of these lifting devices, let it be known that platform lifts are much more expensive than stair lifts by around $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the brand or model of the lift. This is because platform lifts are made of heavier weight materials because of the need to carry heavy loads. It is more robust powerful than chair lifts. Therefore, it is common to see platform lifts installed in the public malls as it can serve dual needs, elderly and wheelchair people.

Chair Lifts are usually installed in the home where space is a constraint. Most of the Stair Lift Parts can be shared between the two types of lifting devices except for key items such as motors, batteries and drive belts.

Aged or invalid owners of beautiful multi-storey houses with curved staircases have long struggled with the question of accessing different floors of their properties. Bruno may have a great solution with the new Electra-Ride III Stairlift for curved staircases. Bruno custom fits the Electra Ride III to each individual staircase and it can be mounted on virtually any staircase. The Electra Ride mounts on either side of the staircase for greatest flexibility.

The Price Of The Electra Ride III

Since the Electra Ride is custom designed and fitted to each individual staircase that you buy it for, there is no real base price for the model and the costs will depend upon the length and the complexity of the installation in your house or property. The installation is done by professionals from Bruno and takes just a few weeks.

Bruno Electra Ride III Features

The new Electra Ride III has the same features as the Electra Ride II and as well as additional premium features. These start with the rack and pinion drive as well as a quiet drive motor for virtually silent operation. Two remotes let you send as well as call the Stair Lift from either end of the stairs. The

controllers are also completely solid state. No moving parts means there is less likelihood of the parts wearing easily. Safety features include a retractable safety belt and a footplate with a sensor to stop the stairlift if it senses an obstacle in your path. There is also a battery back up as well so that you are never stranded half way up the stairs if the power goes out.

Electra Ride III Parts

The already custom fitted Electra Ride III can be customised even further with everything from aesthetic options like seven different types of upholstery on the seat to convenience options like a power folding footrest, midway park and charge station for staircases with a landing. Also available are top and bottom park positions for extra security and a power swivel function to help users get into and out of the chair easily. The motor, drive and the controllers are easily removable and replaceable if needed as is the chair.

Servicing the Bruno Electra Ride

Bruno Stairlift is renowned for its quality and reliability. Its top of the line Electra Ride III with a comprehensive five year service plan and a two year warranty coverage on all the parts on the stairlift for complete peace of mind. The durable construction and heavy duty parts used on the Electra mean that it should give years of trouble free service.

Electra Ride III Reviews

Users of the Electra Ride III say that it is probably the only Curved Stairway Lift that they have ever felt truly comfortable using due to its extremely smooth ride. Many users say that the swivel function that makes the chair point the right way whether travelling up or down makes for a more natural riding position. People who have had to get service for the Electra Ride are pleased with the prompt service from Bruno.

Where To Buy Lift Chair Motor Parts

When it comes to lift chair motor parts and accessories, the Internet is a great place to start looking. Popular online platforms such as Craigslist, Ebay and Amazon contain a wide range of recliner lift parts for sale. All the accessories and parts of Recliner Lift Chairs are in the affordable price range for most users. You can find the cheapest parts online and also do a price comparison between the different vendors.

The most common parts of the lift chair that need replacing after considerable use include – the lifting mechanism, the motor, the Lift Chair Control with Batteries, the transformer and the power cords. Out of the lift chair motor parts, the lifting mechanism and the motor are the most expensive and can cost anywhere between US$200- US$500. Cost of the hand controller varies from company to company and is usually under US$80. The power cords for the lift chair will cost between US$15-US$40 and the transformer will be in the range of US$150-US$200. You can also choose to buy used lift chair parts which can be much cheaper and still in good conditions. When buying lift chair motor parts it always make much more sense to buy the product from the Internet from a third party who has no overheads to pay and can give you the parts at a cheaper rate. You may buy the parts from the dealer you bought your chair from but be aware that it is going to cost you much more. If you feel you are not confident about fixing your lift chair, you can refer to the manual or look for troubleshooting guides on the Internet which will help you through the repair process. Remember to always disconnect the chair from a power outlet before opening it up because playing with electricity can be rather dangerous for someone who isn’t a trained electrician.

Bariatric Lift Recliner Chairs

With the advent of fast food and easy meals, obesity has become a rampant problem in almost all parts of the developed world. An obese person’s body frame is not built to take the weight of the entire body and after a while movements are severely restricted. Majority of the weight most men and women put on is on the upper part of the body which makes it impossible for knees and other joints in the lower part of the body to function normally. Bariatric lift recliner chairs are solely meant for the purpose of making it easier for an obese person to lower and raise himself onto a chair without having to put pressure on the lower body. People who are obese put maximum strain on the knee joint when getting into and getting out of a chair which can be painful and can also lead to further degeneration of the joints. Bariatric lift recliner chairs come with different attributes. Some can take weights of up to 450 pounds while others can go up to 700 pounds. There are some bariatric lift recliner chairs that have a back rest that won’t move beyond 90 degrees while there are others that can move back to 135 degrees. There is also the third kind in the market which allows the person to lie back completely by pushing the back rest down to a full 180 degrees. Recliner Lift Chair Parts are cheap and anyone will be able to replace worn or faulty parts on their own with the help of the instruction manual. Bariatric lift recliner chairs are pretty much a necessity for an obese person if he wants to be mobile and live an independent life.

In order to get the suitable stair lift for your home, you need to assess the product from several aspects. As each handicap stair lift can easily cost a few thousand dollars, it is better to get a holistic view of the product before any commitment. The difference between choosing a good and bad stair lift can have a long run impact on your lift. The right stair lift can last you a good four to five years with minimal operation problems whereas the wrong stair lift can give you problems as early as the first year. We will discuss the major points for buyer consideration when selecting a stair lift.

Find a Good Manufacturer and Customer Support

The disabled stair lift industry has many manufacturers and each of them has their own unique proposition. It is not necessary to pick the most branded manufacturer which is costly, but the key is to pick a brand which offers you what you need in a stair lift atacorrect price. There are big name manufacturers like Invacare which produces a wide range of assistive devices from stair lifts to electric wheelchairs. There are also companies which specialize in stair lift technology. There are pros and cons for each type of manufacturer. Large manufacturers can offer price advantages and support whereas small specialist manufacturers can give dedicated and efficient service. Stair lift manufacturers will market their own range of handicap lifts and you should be familiar with them. Some of the popular ones include Acorn Superglide Stairlifts, Bruno Electra Ride, Brooks Lincoln, Bison 50/80, Ameriglide, Summit Stairway and Sterling 1000/2000.

You can do more research online for the credibility of a manufacturer and get first-hand experience from customers. You should also find out from others the quality of post sale customer service provided by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers have poor customer service and slow response time which will prolong the down time of your device. A good customer support for stair lift is important to solve your problems promptly with minimal interruption to usual activities. A rich source of information online can be found in discussion forums on disability. You can engage in lively discussion with users of handicap lifts and know from them the recommended brands of stair lifts.

Must have Safety Features of Stair Lifts

A stair lift should be well equipped with safety features to protect the users. It operates along the stairway and any unforeseen circumstances can put the users in dangerous situations. You should carefully review the safety features built into each stair lift and place them for a side by side comparison. Equipments with advanced safety functions will be more costly, but you should ensure that the minimum precaution is in place. They can be sensors to detect collision, seat belts, and swivel seats to alight safely and alarm systems. Your tight budget may not get you first class safety but it should be sufficient buy one with acceptable level of safety functions.

Easy Availability of Stair Lift Parts

The stair lift is made up of electrical and mechanical components and it is natural for them to experience wear and tear after prolonged usage. You will need to replace some of the parts in stair lift after some time. The stair lift you select should have parts which are common and can be easily sourced from the shops and online. Try to avoid stair lifts which have too many proprietary parts for good reasons. First, the cost may be higher since there are no alternatives. Second, there are limited channels or sellers where you can get these parts. Lastly, delivery time will be longer and your disabled users may not be able to use the lifts while waiting for replacement parts to arrive. In any case, the right thing to do is to always keep a spare set of the stair lift parts at home and replace them when needed, you can replenish them later.

The points mentioned above are just some of the factors you should review when selecting a stair lift but they are the priority ones. There are other factors for consideration not in this guide, they include the motor specifications, type of drive belt system and stair lift control system. Whether you are buying new or used stair lifts, this guide should still be relevant in your selection process. Always do enough due diligence to help you in making the right purchase decision.