A stairlift’s job is to carry a seated passenger up or down a staircase along a rail fitted directly to the stairs. A motor and drive system move the chair along the rail, while rechargeable batteries provide power. The user controls the stairlift from the chair or with a remote control.
Here is a closer look at how each main part works.
How Do Stairlifts Work?
All Acorn stairlifts have been designed and manufactured to travel on a single rail track that is customized to flawlessly flow with, as well as mount seamlessly to your staircase.
Our high-quality stairlifts are powered by the innovative technology of our rail and carriage system, as well as our convenient, rechargeable batteries that charge automatically, ensuring a dependable lift that will still operate in the event of a power outage.
Your stairlift can be moved both by the arthritis-friendly approved toggles on either arm of the chair and the remote control, which is included with your purchase.
Our stairlifts are intuitive and user-friendly so that you don’t have to stress every time you travel up and down the stairs.
With just a slight touch of a button in the direction you want to go, you can sit back and relax as your stairlift safely and smoothly delivers you to your desired destination.
What Are the Main Parts of a Stairlift?
Most stairlifts rely on several main components working together:
- Rail: Provides the track that the stairlift travels along.
- Carriage and seat: Carry the user up and down the staircase.
- Motor and drive system: Moves the carriage along the rail.
- Rechargeable batteries: Supply power to the stairlift.
- Controls: Allow the user to start and control the direction of travel.
- Safety Systems: Help stop the stairlift if an obstruction or operating issue is detected.
Acorn stairlift rails are fitted directly to the staircase rather than the wall.
How Do You Operate a Stairlift?
Using an Acorn stairlift is straightforward:
- Lower the seat, armrests, and footrest.
- Sit securely in the seat and fasten the seat belt.
- Make sure the seat is locked in its correct travel position.
- Press and hold the control in the direction you want to travel.
- The stairlift moves along the rail and stops at the end of its journey.
- At the top, the swivel seat can be turned and locked to make getting off easier.
Remote controls can also be used to call or send the stairlift when it is on another floor.
How Does a Stairlift Get Its Power?
Acorn stairlifts operate using rechargeable batteries.
The batteries recharge when the stairlift is parked at its designated charging position.
Because the stairlift runs from battery power, it can continue to operate during a household power outage while sufficient battery charge remains.
Keeping the stairlift correctly parked when it is not in use helps maintain the battery charge.
How do Straight and Curved Stairlifts Work Differently
The basic operation is similar, but the rail depends on the shape of the staircase.
A straight stairlift, such as the Acorn 130, travels along a straight rail designed for a staircase without bends or turns.
A curved stairlift, such as the Acorn 180, uses Acorn’s modular FastTrack® rail system. The rail is configured to follow staircases with bends, turns, and landings.
What Happens if Something Blocks the Stairlift
Acorn stairlifts include safety sensors around the carriage and footrest.
If a sensor detects an obstruction in the direction of travel, the stairlift stops. Once the obstruction has been safely removed, the journey can continue.
The stairlift also includes safety systems that help prevent operation when components such as the seat or armrests are not correctly positioned.
Learn more about stairlift safety features.
How Does a Stairlift Stop at the Top and Bottom?
The stairlift automatically slows and stops at its designated stopping position.
The user must continue holding the direction control while traveling. Releasing the control stops the stairlift.
At the top of the staircase, the seat can be swiveled away from the stairs and locked into position to help the user get on or off.
FAQs
Do stairlifts work during a power outage?
Yes. Acorn Stairlifts operate using rechargeable batteries, so they can continue to work during a household power outage while sufficient battery charge remains. Keeping the stairlift parked correctly at its charging point helps maintain the battery.
For more information about charging and routine care, read our stairlift maintenance guide
How do I know whether I need a straight or curved stairlift?
A single, uninterrupted flight of stairs will generally use a straight stairlift. Stairs with bends, turns, or intermediate landings may require a curved stairlift.
Take a look at our Straight vs. Curved stairlifts guide for a more detailed comparison.
How do I know if a stairlift will fit my stairs?
The shape, width, number of steps, and available space at the top and bottom all help determine which stairlift configuration may be suitable.
You do not need to take precise measurements yourself before a professional survey, but our guide to measuring stairs for a stairlift explains what matters.
How much maintenance does a stairlift need?
Most day-to-day care is straightforward. Keep the staircase and rail clean, make sure the stairlift charges correctly, and watch for unusual noises or changes in movement.
Professional servicing is also recommended.
How long does a stairlift last?
There is no exact lifespan for every stairlift. Correct use, regular cleaning, professional servicing, frequency of use, and the installation environment can all affect how long it lasts.
Learn more in our stairlift lifespan and replacement guide.
What affects the cost of a stairlift?
A professional home survey can confirm the staircase layout, take the required measurements, and determine which stairlift may be suitable.
What is the next step if I am considering a stairlift?
A professional home survey can confirm the staircase layout, take the required measurements, and determine which stairlift may be suitable.
Request a free home survey to discuss the available options.
