What To Know About Outdoor Stairlifts

By now most people are familiar with the concept of a stairway lift, but not everyone is aware that there are also many models of outdoor stairlifts available today. These can make every piece of your home and your property accessible so that you can enjoy your surroundings and be safe and hassle free wherever you go. There are a few important things to learn about outdoor stairlifts before you make a final decision, therefore it's essential to read up beforehand and educate yourself on these great devices.

Choose The Outdoor Chairlift To Suit Your Needs

  • Outdoor stairlifts are very handy for people who live on hillsides where there are a lot of stairs to climb.

  • They are also very helpful for those who have mobility problems and the disabled.

  • Outdoor stairlifts are great for those seaside homes which are only accessible by long stairways. This is not a problem when one is young and fit, but become problematic when one gets older.

  • The installation of an outdoor stairlift allows people to stay in their homes and enjoy their retirement instead of having to move.

There are various types of outdoor stairlifts and most of them have basically the same components as an indoor stairlift but with added features. An outdoor stairlift must be waterproof and far sturdier than its indoor counterparts as it must contend with the elements. The electrical supply must be insulated in order to prevent moisture damage.

Different Outdoor Stairlifts Manufacturers And Brands

There are many different manufacturers of outdoor chair lifts, each with their own specific models. One of the most popular and well respected is from Acorn. They make a dependable unit that can survive in the elements and stand up to the test of time. However, there are of course other high quality brands as well, so you'll need to make a personal decision based around price and additional features. Whether you choose Acorn or anything else, you should end up with something that you're happy with.

Types Of Outdoor Chairlifts

1. Wheelchair Platform Outdoor Stairlifts

  • This is a heavy-duty chairlift which has a platform instead of a seat.

  • The person drives the wheelchair onto the platform and travels in it.

  • The wheelchair is held in place by safety rails whilst the lift is in motion.

2. Heavy Duty Outdoor Stairlifts

  • These heavy-duty bariatric chairlifts are specifically manufactured to deal with those who have a heavy build.

  • They are able to carry up to four hundred pounds.

  • They come with a protective cover which remains permanently attached to the equipment.

  • The frame is manufactured from high quality aluminium and steel and is powder-coated.

3. Stannah 320 Outdoor Stairlifts

  • These stairlifts are perfect for outdoors as they are extremely rugged.

  • They fold away when not in use so that the stairs are left clear.

  • The can be attached to wooden, solid concrete or solid metal stairs.

  • The rail is fitted to the actual stairs, not the supporting wall.

  • You can choose on which arm the controls are placed and between a joystick and a button-control.

  • A call station can be installed so that the chair can be called to where it is needed.

4. Ameriglide Outdoor Stairlifts

  • Powered by both AC and DC power

  • Can take up to 500 lbs of weight and have wider chairs which can be reinforced.

  • Sensors in the footrest will automatically stop the chair if they detect an obstacle in the way.

  • The cable has a 4,200 lb breaking point.

5. Acorn Outdoor Stairlifts

  • The only stair lift that can be installed on a straight or L-shaped staircase.

  • The chair swivels to facilitate easier access then locks into position.

  • Fitted with an electronic and a mechanical braking system.

  • The rack and pinion drive system allows for quieter operation and longer cable-life.

  • All parts are powder-coated to prevent rust.

  • All stairlifts are UV resistant and heat resistant and will not be affected by sea-air.

Acorn Superglide Outdoor Stairlift

This outdoor stair lift has many features that come with either the straight or curved stairlifts. It does have additional attributes that can be very beneficial for harsh weather conditions:

  • Five safety sensors

  • Remote controls and directional switches

  • Swivel seat that is lockable

  • Waterproof components

  • A digital display

  • Backrest with padded seat and safety belt

  • Lockable on/off switch

  • Waterproof cover

Another benefit of these brilliant stairlifts is the fact that it can easily be folded up so that it is out of the way when not being used. This in great for when you are not going to use your stairlift for quite some time and you think it better to fold it up to avoid any unnecessary injuries whatsoever.

Concerns About Installing Outdoor Stairlifts

Lots of people have concerns about installing outdoor stairlifts.

  • How will it fit on my porch, deck or back stairs?
  • Will it be secure and safe?
  • Will it stand up to the elements?

The answer is that these devices are actually fairly easy to install and secure, and there shouldn't be an issue regardless of the individual circumstance. They are setup in much the same way that a typical device would be, operating from a track that is secured to the staircase itself. The installation process goes pretty fast and it really is not such a big issue. The length of your porch stairs will be the length of your stairlift.

  • Most outdoor stairlifts can be adapted to fit either straight or curved stairs, and handrails are made to fit to the stairs and not to a wall, as many outdoor stairs do not have a support wall.

  • All components are usually rust-proof and UV resistant and many of them come with covers for all parts of the equipment.

  • Many of the outdoor stairlifts also come with seatbelts.

The Durability

As for the durability issue, yes, they are designed to be able to fully withstand the elements. Regardless of the kind of environment you live in, whether it's hot or cold, rainy or windy or anything else, a high quality chair lift shouldn't have any problems functioning for a very long time and maintaining its high level of safety and security. Most of the models come with their own cover as well just for that extra protection, but the stairlift is designed to withstand all the different elements.

Outdoor Chair Lifts Operate On Batteries

  • Another note that's important to make is that an outdoor chair lift is going to operate on batteries.

  • That way you don't have to worry about any complex outdoor electric wiring or outdoor power outlets or anything like that.

  • The batteries for these devices are made to last for a long time as well, so it won't be difficult to maintain.

When Do I Need One?

Some people may be thinking, I don't live in some crazy, steep mountainous terrain, why would I need one of these outdoors? Well you don't need to be climbing steep inclines to need the services of one of these outdoor devices. For many people, the only entrances into their home or into their yard are through moderate or lengthy stairways. And those outdoor stairways provide the same hassles and problems that indoor stairways do. You might even have more than one stairlift, they can be in the interior of your home or on the exterior of your home. Whatever makes you life easier in the end.

As you can see, outdoor stairlifts are very similar to their indoor brethren. They provide the same benefits, and they largely function in the same way. They can make it easy for you to enter and exit your home, whether it's through the garage, basement, front door, back deck or anywhere else that is exposed to the elements.