While stairlifts and wheelchairs for stairs help climb up and down the stairs, they are pretty different in their working principle and mechanism. However, both tend to work for a quite common cause of comfort, safety, and independence that they can bring to the elderly and people suffering from various mobility issues who find it hard to walk or climb stairs. Let us see the differences between the two types of mobility aids in detail.
A stairlift is a motorised carriage attached to a rail running along the staircases. The rail is fixed to the stairs for the movement of the stairlift. Users sit on a seat attached to the carriage to use a stairlift, and they operate the lift with a control button built into the arms of the carriage.
Most of the wheelchairs for stairs have a tracked system and are fitted out with motors that provide both power to the climbing mechanism and stability. Advanced balancing and stabilizing technology ensure stability for avoiding tipping off while traveling up the stairs.
Stairlift vs Wheelchair for Stairs: Let’s dive deeper
Features | Stairlifts | Wheelchair for stairs |
Flexibility | Fixed on the staircase and is not portable | Portable and does not require to be fixed to a specific staircase |
Installation | Requires installation, which is a time consuming process | No installation is required |
Operation | Self driven or Caregiver Operated | Caregiver Operated |
Cost | Expensive, the most basic ones start from about INR 1.5L | Less expensive and the basic ones may start from INR 25,000 |
Ease of use | Easy to use with simple controls. | Requires minimal physical push and pull. |
Stairlifts and wheelchairs for stairs are different in terms of their functionality, installation, and cost. Discover the several pros and cons of both to make a better and informed decision.
How do stairlifts work?
Stairlift works on the below-mentioned mechanisms:
- Rail System: The stairlift is installed and fixed on the rail, then the chair is securely attached to the railing.
- Motorised Chair: The user sits on the electric-powered or battery-operated chair which is connected to the rail allowing safe and smooth movement.
Control System: The stairlift is easily controlled with various mechanisms, including joystick buttons on the armrest or through a remote controller that can control the speed of the stairlift.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Stairlifts:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Offer increased safety and stability | Expensive |
Ease of use for people with limited mobility | Will work till the battery charge is available |
Availability of customisation options | Requires regular servicing |
Can increase the value of home | Requires large space |
How do wheelchairs for stairs work?
A combination of the following systems makes the perfect wheelchair for stairs:
- Specialised wheels or tracks: These wheelchairs come along with highly specialised tires or tracks for hold and grip. These tracks or tires ensure safe and smooth ascend and descend.
- Safety features: Mostly designed with features such as electromagnectic brakes. The control of these wheelchairs is generally handled with minimal effort.
- Control Systems: Stair wheelchairs have electric motors associated with them, so they can move up or down, up to the last flight, with very minimal physical effort.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wheelchair for Stairs:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Increased independence for people with mobility | Higher physical effort required |
Suitable for both outdoor and indoor activities | Heavier and bulkier than regular wheelchairs |
Versatile for different staircases, whether curved or straight. | Requires an attendant all the time |
Foldable, when not in use | Needs regular charging |
In summary, both stairlifts and wheelchairs for stairs are both helpful means of assistive technology in aiding people, offering increased independence and safety. However, the right choice should be based on the individual needs of a user, the layout of the home, and personal preference.
Seedee- The trusted name for wheelchair for stairs
Wheelchairs for Stairs by Seedee are designed scientifically and operate without effort on stairs, making convenience and protection a priority. Our wheelchairs for climbing stairs have been used throughout, including hospitals, residential areas, multinational companies, and many more. Our wheelchairs work seamlessly both indoors and outdoors on smooth surfaces.
We offer home demo services of our wheelchair for stairs in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and all over India.
Seedee is not limited to the mere basics to wheelchairs for stairs, it goes further to allow:
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