If you are looking to buy a stair lift for yourself or a loved one a good starting point is to do your research on the Internet. There are a great many companies that sell stair lifts direct and you will often see their adverts in magazines. It can be a lucrative market, so make sure you shop around for the best deals

You might want to think about :

It is best to check out the features that are being offered on stair lifts, particularly in the area of safety and comfort.

Choosing a Stair Lift - Are you on the right track? by Richard Stark

There are many different types of stair lifts available from a variety of different companies. When deciding to buy a stair lift, there are a few key things to consider.

Safety

Safety should be top priority for any stair lift. When looking for a unit, be sure that it has plenty of safety features and that it meets ASME standards. Some companies provide safety sensors to prevent the stair lift from hitting something in the way, as well as failsafe mechanisms which prevent operation until the seat is in the correct position. Always review safety features of the different models provided.

Purchase from Reputable Dealers

Always make sure that you are buying from a reputable company. Check that the company is a member of the Better Business Bureau or the Better Business Bureau Online. Also, check that the retailer offers a secure shopping cart on their website if purchasing online.

AC or DC

Stair lifts are available in both AC and DC units. DC units are equipped with a battery backup and are generally a little more expensive than an equivalent AC model. If you live in an area where the power goes out frequently it would be beneficial to spend the extra money get the DC unit.

Maintenance and Reliability

Most customers shopping for a stair lift probably do not want a model that will require a lot of maintenance. Always inquire with the dealer or manufacturer as to what type of maintenance is involved with the particular stair lift you are looking at. Quality stair lifts should be reliable and require very little maintenance. If you are installing in a public area such as a church or community center, make sure that the unit you are buying has a top and bottom call switch. This makes it convenient for multiple users to use the stair lift.

If you are looking to buy a stair lift, the following links may also be of interest to you:

Warranty

When purchasing online, make sure that the warranty for the specific model is clearly stated. If the warranty is confusing or there are parts that are unclear, call the dealer directly and clarify the details before purchasing.

Value

When speaking of value, don't think of just price. Value is determined by if you are getting the most for your money. It is a combination of price, quality, service, support, reliability and warranty. Always try to buy a new stair lift, as you get the full warranty, full support as well as making sure that the stair lift is the exact lengths for your stair case, as every stair lift is custom made. To ensure that you have the best buying experience, be sure to speak with a company representative to make sure you have the best product for your needs.

About the Author: Richard is a long time contributor to a variety of online senior and disability publications.

The views expressed in this website should be independently validated and Fetcher Limited does not accept any responsibility whatsoever for the accuracy or otherwise of the information provided. The contents do not constitute specific advice or guidance and should be viewed merely as an additional resource from which you can form your own opinion and draw your personal conclusions on the subject matter.  © Copyright Fetcher Limited 2006. All rights reserved