FAQ

Who needs a StairLift Chair?

Many people have the need to use a chair lift. Some of the reasons might include: the daily exhaustion of having to climb too many stairs, the danger of falling and becoming injured, a temporary or permanent injury or disability, or just anyone having trouble getting in, out and around the house.

 

How do I know if I need a curved stairlift or a straight stairlift?

A curved stair lift unit is needed for stairs that have a platform or that need to turn a corner.  Give us a call at 1-510-326-4823, or send us a picture to Info@LairdLifts.com to get a better quote of your needs over the phone.  We will generally respond within 24-48 hours, all week long, including weekends.

Is it possible to rent a unit for a short period of time?

It is possible, although it is not the most recommended course of action. However, if a stair lift is needed for a short period of time, our company will rent out our units for a 6-month term. If you would like to schedule a rental unit, please contact us at 510-326-4823.

My stairs have a platform half-way up…can I still purchase a single stair lift for the entire length?

Unfortunately, a single stair lift will not suffice in this situation.  We can work to design a few ways around this issue.  One option is to acquire two of the same or similar straight units and install one on the bottom portion of the stairs and the second on the upper portion of the stairs. Another option to work around this issue is to install a curved unit.  The bonus of a curved unit in this situation is that it will circumvent the need to move from one chair to the other.

Are self-installation units something that you offer?

At this time we do not allow our units to be purchased alone with the ability for self-installation. However, by contacting us we can give you an accurate quote that will include the unit plus installation. We pride ourselves with integrity in our installation process which puts our customers at ease without the hassle and worry of trying to DIY. As a whole we not carry hidden fees or costs with Laird Lifts.

How long does the installation take, and who will be performing it?

A straight-railed unit will generally take between 4-6 hours.  A curved lift unit could take up to two days depending on the layout of the stairs in the home. As for the installation itself, all work will be done by our Owner/Senior technician with more than 11 years in the field.

Is it possible to install more than one chair on one track or rail?

It is not possible to install more than one chair on one track.  However, with an in-home or phone consultation, we will be able to give you the options that are available to make sure we maximize your freedom, no matter the stair challenge.

If I have carpet, will that be a problem for installation?

Carpet is not a problem at all. The stair lift is installed above the carpet.  The chair is then installed directly onto the rail suspended over the stairs.  As for safety, there is no concern installing over your rug or carpet.

How do I know my children or grandchildren won’t get hurt or be able to play on my chair lift?

If there is a concern of children playing on the chair, there is a removable key that will temporarily disable the use of the unit until the key is reinserted again.  However, this will not stop the charging of the unit itself.

What if the power inside the house goes out?

If the power goes out inside your home, there are backup batteries that will continue to power the unit for a few days.  When the power comes back on, it is easy to charge up the batteries again on the charged part of the track.

How long to the batteries last, and can I replace them myself?

The batteries tend to last for around 5 years with good charging practices.  Once the batteries need to be replaced the chair will start to slow down, which will be a good indication the batteries need replacing.  This is a good time for a service call, we will come out, clean and inspect the unit while replacing the batteries.

Is it easy to clean the unit?

Very easy in fact!  Using a terry cloth and pledge furniture cleaner will do your unit the best you have to offer.  You do not want to use water, as there are many electric parts that keep the chair functioning.  As for the leather on the chair, it is recommended to use a car leather protectant.  This gives the chair an added layer of protection while maintaining its shine.

How is the chair used…For example, do I need to hold a button, or is there a remote my caregiver can use to help me power the chair?

It is really quite simple to operate your new chair lift. There are two different ways to operate it. On the armrest, there is a button that can be pushed to make the chair go up or down. The additional way is using a remote control that will allow a caregiver to help you with going up and down your stairs.

Where are your products manufactured?

Our products are manufactured in the U.S.A. as well as other places located around the world. Call for more information and we can discuss what will be best for your needs.

What is the height and weight capacity of these powerchairs?

Stairlifts have a marginal adjustment to accommodate taller or shorter users.  Stair lifts also have a weight limitation that does need to be paid attention to. The weight limitations of stairlifts ranges from 300 to 650 pounds.  A stairlift with the proper weight limit needs to be ordered based on the users weight.

How do I measure my stairs to get an accurate estimate?

Call for help measuring your staircase, or an on-site appointment can be arranged.  This is highly recommended for accuracy of the custom rail.

What is a typical length of a track on the stairs?

Our tracks are custom-fit to your home.  There is no stairway too long or too short for us to expertly fit a rail onto your stairs.

What if something goes wrong after installation?

Our company holds high value on pleasing our customers.  If anything happens to a unit that is installed by us, we guarantee to fix it or replace the unit with one of equal or greater value for a period of 2 years.  We will continue to service the unit year after year if you desire for an annual nominal fee.

How long does the stairlift continue to work?

The level of care that goes into the stairlift after installation is crucial to how long the unit will last.  Regular cleaning between service calls is important and necessary.  A service call is recommended at least once a year for a check-up and deep cleaning.

What are the safety features of electronic power chairs?

There are many safety features installed on stair lifts.  Each brand is different, but some basic features include: seatbelt, seat swivel at the top of the unit, the seat will swivel to the top of the landing, a safety cutoff switch in the footrest, bumper safety in the carriage so the unit does not crush anything on the track or the stairs,

How is the stairclimber powered?

Stairclimbers can be powered two different ways: with AC current and DC current.  Please note that our company stocks and installs units that are DC current only.  This means it is very simple to power and charge the unit.  During the installation process we assess any electrical requirements needed.