Glossary of Terms

Alternating current/ Direct current
AC refers to a mains electric model of the stair lift. The DC refers to a battery model.

Arms
Every stair lift has two arms like a dining room chair.

Auto powered swivel
An electric motor will turn the seat at the top of the stairs instead of manually.

Controls
A toggle switch or level control can usually be found at the end of the arm.
 
Footplate
You can have an enlarged or a reduced footplate depending on the size of your staircase.

Heavy Duty
Specifically designed for the larger user, the maximum weight capacity is 28 stone.

Hinge
A hinged track comes in two forms, a manual and a powered hinge.
 
Overhang at top of stairs
If the stair lift overhangs at the top of the stairs there will be an extra piece of track that protrudes onto the landing.
 

Platforms
Platforms can be used as an alternative method to a curve rail stair lift, but the user and the surveyor should carefully assess their use.
 
Powered Footrest
An electric motor will lift the footplate up and down at the push of a button, instead of the user having to bend to pick the footplate up manually.

Powered hinge
A powered hinge is lifted by an electric motor. The main advantage of the powered hinge is that it can be operated from the top of the stairs.

Release Lever
This eliminates the chance of the stair lift beginning the downward travel whilst the user dismounts.
 

Seat Belts
The most common form of lap belt is the Velcro Strap.

Shoes and Track
All stair lifts run on a track.
 
Stand and Perch
This model is available to users who cannot bend their knees to sit.

Swivel Seat
All models mentioned have a swivel seat option, but not all come as standard.


Weight Capacity
Stair lift seats are designed to take 17 stone and a maximum weight of 21 stone. For the larger user there is also an option of a heavy-duty seat that can take up to 28 stone.