How to choose a wheelchair stair climber
Stair Climber
Stair climbers are portable stairlifts designed for individuals facing mobility challenges with stairs, aiming to improve users' quality of life and independence. Here are their main benefits:
- Safety: Stair climbing equipment provides a safe and reliable way for elderly people to go up and down stairs, reducing the risk of falls, especially for those with physical limitations or mobility difficulties.
- Improved caregiver and user health: Reduces the physical exertion and risk of injury associated with climbing stairs.
- No installation required: Can be used immediately, no need to damage stairs or building structure.
- Enhanced mobility: Provides mobility and portability, allowing users to easily access different floors, breaking the limitations of traditional fixed stairlifts, enabling them to freely visit homes, friends, and public spaces.
- Easy to use: New stair climbers are beautifully designed and narrow, easy to operate, usually requiring users to simply press a button to safely and smoothly glide along the stairs. Easy to store, can be used in most Hong Kong tenement buildings and detached house stairs.
- Latest models use lithium batteries: Lighter, enhanced portability and battery life, more flexible to use.
Main Types of Stair Climbers
1. Strut-Type (Claw-Type) Stair Climber
- Relies on alternating wheel struts to climb stairs.
- Limited by stair height; struts must be higher than steps for the machine to lift.
- Requires more physical effort and angle adjustment during operation; improper operation carries a risk of falling.
2. Tracked Stair Climber
- Driven by tracks (tank tracks), easy to operate, just press a button.
- High safety, the mainstream in the market.
- Requires minimal physical effort during operation, the tracks climb along the stair's incline, and can stop instantly in any situation.
Stair Dimensions
Stair height/width/depth, and turning platform dimensions:
Most stairlifts require a minimum stair width usually between 80 and 120 cm, depending on the brand and model. This means that when choosing a lifting device, it is essential to ensure that the stairs meet this standard for safe installation.
Stair data requirements:
-
Strut-type (Claw-Type) Stair Climber:
- Requires the height, width, and depth of each step
- Turning space on the platform (G, H as shown below)
- Tracked type:
- Only requires turning space on the platform (G, H as shown below)
Common L-shaped stairs in Hong Kong, found in old buildings, foreign-style houses, and tenement buildings
Stair example (for tracked stair climbers, we usually only need the narrowest platform dimension) - common L-shaped in Hong Kong
What are U-shaped, L-shaped, and Straight stairs?
U-shaped stairs: Requires platform (b&c) or narrowest stair dimensions (a&d)
L-shaped stairs: Stair width and/or platform size(f&e)
Straight stairs: Stair width (g)
Common applications in Hong Kong:
- If the stairs are narrow, we recommend using the tracked Mobile Stair Lift series of stair climbers.
- If it is for public places like care homes, we recommend using the tracked Sunwa series of stair climbers
Detailed Comparison Table of Tracked vs. Strut-Type Stair Climbers
| Comparison Item | Tracked Stair Climber | Strut-Type Stair Climber |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ★★★★★ (Automatic sensor brake) | ★★★☆☆ (Manual control required) |
| Difficulty of Operation | Extremely easy (single person operation) | More effort (requires skill) |
| Suitable for Stairs | Straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, Spiral stairs | Only straight stairs, Spiral stairs |
| Narrowest Stair | 70cm | 80cm |
| Battery Life | 30-50+ floors | 15-25 floors |
| Recommendation Index | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Straight and Curved Stair Design
Some newer stairlifts, such as curved and straight rail stairlifts, can adapt to different types of stairs, including straight and curved stairs, making them more flexible in various residential environments.
Space occupied:
Many stair climbers can be folded or stored when not in use to reduce obstruction.
Battery Performance
- Battery Life and Charging: Modern stairlifts are usually equipped with high-performance lithium-ion batteries, which can support multiple trips up and down floors when fully charged. The lithium batteries in stair climbers, like those in electric wheelchairs, can last for 3-5 years. With lithium batteries, the overall weight is reduced, making them easier to operate.
- Charging Convenience: Many devices feature automatic charging, where users simply need to park the device in the charging position. Additionally, developing good charging habits, such as regular charging when not in use, can prevent inconvenience caused by low battery levels.
- Safety of Use: To prevent malfunctions due to battery depletion, modern devices usually have a low battery warning system to remind users to charge in time.
In conclusion, stair climbers are an important barrier-free innovation. The continuous innovations in size and battery performance of stair climbing equipment for the elderly make them safer, more convenient, and more adaptable, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Our stair climbers and accessibility facilities are certified. Free trial appointments for stair climbers are available. Can be used in conjunction with the Elderly and Rehabilitation Tech Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wheelchair Stair Climbers (FAQ)
Which is better, tracked or strut-type?
Tracked type offers higher safety and easier operation, suitable for narrow stairs and L-shaped stairs in Hong Kong; strut-type is cheaper and suitable for straight stairs and occasional use.
What is the narrowest width that can be used in Hong Kong tenement buildings?
Tracked type (such as Sunwa, Mobile Stair lift series) can be used for as narrow as 70cm; 80cm or more is more comfortable.
How long does it take for one floor? How many floors can the battery climb?
An average of 45-90 seconds per floor, a fully charged lithium battery can climb 30-50 floors.
Is there a warranty? How long is the warranty period?
The Hong Kong agent provides a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, 1 year for the battery, and lifetime repair service.
