standing stair lift

December 2023 

 

Standing Stair Lifts In December 2023

Who Needs a Standing Stair Lift?

There are many people in the world who may benefit from a standing stair lift. This can include those who are wheelchair-bound, have difficulty walking or have a disability that prevents them from ascending and descending stairs. For these individuals, a standing stair lift can provide considerable independence and freedom.

A standing lift is very similar to a traditional seated stairlift, except that the seat is replaced by a ‘perch seat’ at a higher level which allows the user to relax while remaining standing. This type of stairlift is perfect for those who can still stand, as it allows them to retain some mobile independence.

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Flexibility Issues

Standing stair lifts have also become more prevalent in recent years due to the growing population of seniors. As we age, our flexibility decreases, and it can become more difficult to bend down low enough to sit on a traditional stairlift seat. The perch seat on a standing lift solves this problem, as it is adjustable to fit the user’s height.

Its unique design means that a user suffering from flexibility issues can ride in a perched position or an upright position and thus avoid having to unnecessarily bend their legs or strain their hips. 

Other health issues

People who struggle with arthritis or who have restricted movement in their hip joints benefit from this type of lift as it requires less manoeuvrability.

Joint issues also become an issue as we age and can make it difficult to lower ourselves into a chair. A standing stair lift eliminates the need to do this every time you go upstairs, which can be painful and dangerous.

How Does a Standing Stair Lift Work?

A standing stair lift is powered by electricity and runs along tracks that are attached to the side of your stairs. The lift will stop at each landing, so you can step on and off easily.

The lift carriage contains a seat (or perch seat), as well as all of the safety items that you would expect in a stairlift – such as a safety belt and footrest. The seat is also adjustable to fit the user’s height.

You simply step on the compact stair lift, strap yourself in using the seat belt and remain in a standing position as you travel to the top of the stairs. 

When not in use, the standing stair lift carriage can be folded up so that it doesn’t take up any extra space.

Power Source

The power for the lift comes from a standard wall socket, so there is no need to worry about having a special power supply installed.

If your home has frequent power shortages, however, you may want to consider getting a battery-powered stairlift. This will avoid you having to call someone out to come and help you if you get stuck on the lift or on one floor of your home.

How Much Does a Standing Stair Lift Cost?

Prices for standing stair lifts start at around £2,000 and can go up to around £4,000, depending on the features that you require. 

The price will also depend on whether you are getting a straight stairlift for straight stairs, a stair lift for curved stairs or a bespoke stair lift for particularly narrow stairs. In general, curved stairlifts will be more expensive than straight stairlifts due to the added complexity involved with curved staircases. 

If price is an issue, consider renting a stairlift. This will be more cost effective if you only intend to use the lift for a short amount of time. Additionally, second hand and refurbished stair lifts are often available at more reasonable prices.

When it comes time to choose a standing stair lift for your home, make sure you talk to an expert who can help you find the perfect model for your stairs. With so many options available on the market today, it’s important to find one that will suit you and your lifestyle.

perch stairlift

Advantages of a Standing Stairlift

There are many advantages to using a standing stair lift, such as:

  • Independence and freedom – A standing stairlift gives you the independence to move about your own home without relying on others. 
  • Ease of use – The standing stairlift is very easy to operate and can be stopped at each landing so that you can step on and off easily. It is even easier to dismount from a standing position than it is from a seated position. 
  • Adjustable height – The perch seat on a standing stairlift is adjustable to fit the user’s height, which makes it perfect for seniors or those with joint issues.
  • Safety – A standing stairlift comes with all of the additional features that you would expect in a stairlift, such as a seat belt and footrest.
  • Can accommodate both straight stairs and curved stairs

Disadvantages of a Standing Stairlift

There are also a few disadvantages to using a standing stairlift:

  • Limited mobility – A standing stairlift is perfect for those who can still maintain a standing position, but it may not be suitable for those who have limited mobility.
  • More balance needed – a certain level of balance and endurance is required as you must be able to remain standing for the duration of the journey
  • Expensive – A standing stairlift can be more expensive than a traditional seated stairlift, but this varies depending on the make and model.
  • Takes up space – The standing stairlift carriage takes up some room on the stairs when not in use, so it’s important to measure your stairs before purchasing one.

If you’re considering a standing stairlift for yourself or a loved one, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Keep in mind that a standing stairlift or perch stairlift is not suitable for everyone, but they can be great options for those who have difficulty ascending and descending stairs in a seated position.

Are you looking for a stairlift? We can help you find the perfect one.

Choose from some of the world’s most innovative stairlifts from Acorn?

Some can be fitted quickly and easily to the stairs, not the wall
Some require no structural changes to your home
Affordable and reliable with low running costs
Slimline models that fold away conveniently when not in use
Hinged rail designs to eliminate any trip or hazard

Read some recent 5 star client testimonials, on Trustpilot, about Acorn Stairlifts’ fantastic support

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Call now on 0333 567 1612 to get a quote or to discuss your stairlift requirements.

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A video about Acorn stairlifts and how they work

stand up stair lift

Narrow staircases

Standing stair lifts can be a good option for if you have narrow stairs. A traditional seated stairlift may not be able to fit on your stairs if they are too narrow as your knees can protrude too far out when sitting and knock against the wall. 

A standing stairlift, due to the higher seat position, eliminates this difficulty. The user’s knees do not protrude so much, and there is more room on the straight staircase for them to travel up and down safely. The design itself is also much more slimline than a seated chairlift, so this unique design is a good option for if you want a less intrusive type of lift on your narrow stairs.

The perch seat has a shortened seat which should mean that you have enough space to move comfortably even in a very narrow staircase. 

Many stairlift models will feature foldaway footrests and perch seats as well as folding armrests so that you can open up enough room on the stairs when the lift is not in use. This is a sought after feature for people who live with others and people who live in houses with narrow staircases.

Safety Features:

Since these stair lifts are moving technical devices, it is important to ensure they are safe for everyday use. Below is a rundown of the range of different safety features you should look out for when buying a stair lift.

Braking Mechanism

Standing lifts come with safety sensors which detect if there is something blocking the stairs and make the lift automatically stop. This is an excellent feature if you have pets or live with other people who can leave things lying around. Other stairlift models will have manual controls, so you will need to stay more alert to prevent knocking into something.

Seat Belt

All lifts will come with some form of seat belt or safety barrier arm to keep you from falling out of the lift when riding. These are usually adjustable so that they fit the person snugly.

perch seat

Some models will have a built-in safety system whereby the lift will only start to move if the safety belt is in place.

Footrest

A footrest is essential on a standing stairlift as it provides support for your feet and stops them from slipping while you are ascending or descending the stairs. It also helps to keep you in an upright position on the perch seat.

Weight Capacity

Most standing stairlifts have a capacity of up to 250 pounds, which is suitable for most people. If you are heavier than this, then you will need to look for a model with a higher weight capacity.

The perch seat is subjected to a lot of force, so you must ensure that your lift is equipped to deal with this.

Non-slip seat

Consider looking for a model with a non-slip seat for extra security. This, along with the seat belt, should ensure that you do not fall off the stairlift while riding it.

Installation

Installation is often very straightforward and can usually be completed in less than a day. The installation of straight stairlifts is especially quick. Your chosen stairlift company will provide a fitting service and test the stairlift once it is installed to make sure it’s safe for everyday use.

A track is fastened to the wall with brackets for support, keeping the stairlift rails from touching the stairs while it is being installed. The treads of the steps are secured to the bannister and walls surrounding the staircase with multiple screws per bracket to avoid damage.

perch chair

You can always contact the staircase supplier for additional support and expert advice should you need it. They will be happy to arrange a home survey and offer a free quote. 

Will a stairlift damage my walls?

A standing stairlift is attached to your stair treads, not your wall, so you don’t need to worry about damaging it.

Since the perch seat comes up slightly higher than in a seated stairlift, you may want to remove any pictures off the wall in case they are damaged as the seat moves up and down.

When the time comes to remove the stairlift, it is advised to leave this to a professional. Your supplier will arrange for a technician to come to your home and remove the stairlift once it is no longer required. If you attempt this yourself, you may end up damaging the walls and fixtures.

Where can I buy a standing lift?

There are a range of different types of standing stair lifts on the market, so it can be tricky to decide which one is right for you. The best place to start is by contacting your local stairlift company and arranging for a free no obligation consultation. They will be able to come out to your home and assess the situation before advising you on the best model for your needs.

You can also find many models of standing stair lifts on online auction sites such as eBay and Amazon, but it is important to do your research before buying one secondhand. Always make sure you read the reviews to get an idea of what the lift is like to use.

Charities such as Age UK may be able to offer you advice on the best stairlift for you or even point you towards some financing options.

It is important that you buy a stairlift that meets all your safety requirements and is comfortable to use. By taking into account the range of different features listed above, you should be able to find the perfect standing stairlift for your needs.

standing seat

What to look for in a standing lift

With so many options on the market, it is helpful to have a few key features to look out for when shopping around. So, to summarise, some key features are:

  • The weight capacity: make sure the lift can hold your weight in a perching position. 
  • The size of the lift: if you have narrow stairs, make sure to get a lift that is slimline and will not take up too much room.
  • The breaking mechanism: this is a vital safety feature and one you should always look out for in a stairlift. 
  • A power foot rest: this feature means that you can fold up the footrest at the touch of a button and avoid injuring your knees by having to bend down to do so.
  • Remote control can be used to summon the lift to whatever floor you are on if you live in a home with multiple floors. 
  • Non-slip seat: to ensure your safety while riding. This is very important in a perch stairlift since you do not have the security of a completely seated position. 
  • The ease of installation: a good stair lift should be easy to install with clear instructions.
  • Warranty: most stairlifts come with a warranty so that in the unlikely event of something going wrong, you are covered.
  • Free call outs – look out for companies that will offer you a free call out in case your chair lift malfunctions. 

 

When considering a standing stairlift for your home, it is important to weigh all the different pros and cons before deciding. These lifts can be a great option for people who have difficulty using traditional stairs, and they are becoming more and more popular as time goes on.

With such a range of different models available, you are sure to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle. Contact Age UK for more advice or get in touch with a stair lift supplier to see if they can offer you a free quote. 

Have A Free Consultation With A Stairlift Specialist

You can contact a stair lift specialist in one of 3 ways:

  • Option 1 – Call directly on – 0333 567 1612
  • Option 2 – Book an appointment directly in the calendar below, and one of the team will call you back at your chosen time
  • Option 3 – Leave your contact details and Acorn will get in touch with you

Option 1 - Call Acorn Stairlifts Directly

 

Monday to Thursday – 8am – 7pm

Friday – 8am – 5:30pm

Saturday & Sunday – 9am – 5pm

Option 2 - Book an appointment, in the calendar below, for a Stairlift specialist to call you back when its convenient

Option 3 - Leave your details and Acorn will get in touch

 

Leave your contact details below and one of the team will give you a call to discuss your needs.

Please note that all calls are undertaken by Acorn Stairlifts.

Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Needs a Standing Stair Lift?

There are many people in the world who may benefit from a standing stair lift. This can include those who are wheelchair-bound, have difficulty walking or have a disability that prevents them from ascending and descending stairs. For these individuals, a standing stair lift can provide considerable independence and freedom.

How Does a Standing Stair Lift Work?

A standing stair lift is powered by electricity and runs along tracks that are attached to the side of your stairs. The lift will stop at each landing, so you can step on and off easily.

Will a stairlift damage my walls?

A standing stairlift is attached to your stair treads, not your wall, so you don’t need to worry about damaging it.

Where can I buy a standing lift?

There are a range of different types of standing stair lifts on the market, so it can be tricky to decide which one is right for you. The best place to start is by contacting your local stairlift company and arranging for a free no obligation consultation. They will be able to come out to your home and assess the situation before advising you on the best model for your needs.

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