Do you have stairs between the garden and the porch, or the driveway and the front door? An outdoor stair lift makes it easy for those with mobility challenges to get to all the areas of the property without having to navigate the stairs, regardless of the weather.
What makes an outdoor stair lift different from an indoor one, and when should you consider installing one? Let’s take a look at what makes a stair lift suitable for outdoor use, and find out how they help you stay connected to the outdoor areas that you love most.
What Is An Outdoor Stair Lift And How Does It Work?
A stair lift is a motorised seat installed on a rail that takes the user up and down flights of stairs safely. Outdoor units do the same, but are built to be more robust and withstand rain, sunshine, and extreme temperatures.
Outdoor stair lifts are versatile and can be installed on concrete, steel, stone, or solid wood stairs. The rail is attached to the steps themselves and can be installed on stairways that are open along the sides. You can pick which side of the stairs you’d prefer the lift to run along, left or right. The seat folds up when not in use to free up stair space for other users on narrower staircases.
Weatherproof Features That Make Outdoor Stair Lifts Durable
Outdoor stair lifts are permanently exposed to the elements and have been designed to withstand the damage that rain and sunshine can cause. An indoor stairlift is less robust and would quickly show signs of rust and sun damage.
These are some of the ways that the design has been altered to make it suitable for outdoor use:
- Anodized railing is used for its corrosion-resistant properties.
- The rack, which runs alongside the rail, has been infused with oil to resist rust.
- Fixtures and fittings are made from stainless steel that is rust-resistant.
- Other metallic parts are painted with corrosion-resistant paint.
- All the switches are sealed to prevent water from getting in.
- Electronics components are protected by a moisture-resistant coating
- Plastic parts are UV-resistant and won’t fade, wear, or crack in the sun.
- Outdoor units can withstand a range of temperatures from 14°F to 105°F.
Safety Features to Look for in Outdoor Stair Lifts
Using a stair lift needs to be a safe experience that helps the user feel at ease. These are some of the features to prioritize.
Manual or powered swivel seat
A swivel seat rotates away from the stairs to allow the user to get out on level ground. Manual options are great for those with enough dexterity, while powered swivel seats are an excellent option for those who don’t have the upper body strength.
Safety belt
Outdoor stairlifts should come with a safety belt that clips and unclips easily. The belt should be easy to adjust and hold the user securely, without being uncomfortable.
Footrest Sensors For Obstacle Detection
The outdoors can be unpredictable with pets and wind-blown debris. It’s important to choose a stair lift with safety edges that stop the lift if they detect an obstruction.
Emergency stop button
A user-driven stop button is just as crucial, as it gives the person using the stair lift control over their journey. Being able to stop the lift when needed gives them great peace of mind.
Simple Controls
Pick a stair lift that is easy to operate. The lifts we install have a small joystick built into the armrest, which can be placed on the left or right to accommodate left- or right-handed users.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Outdoor Stair Lifts Running Smoothly
Outdoor stair lifts are made to handle the outdoors with all the rain, dirt, and heat that they’re exposed to.
To keep them running smoothly for longer, follow a simple maintenance routine that includes:
- Cover the seat with a protective cover when not in use.
- Test regularly to make sure it’s running as smoothly as it should.
- Schedule maintenance once a year to make sure the internal parts are in good condition.
Who Benefits Most from Outdoor Stair Lifts
Experiencing a mobility challenge can make it hard to access parts of your home and garden that were special to you. Outdoor stairs are one of the biggest challenges as they can be difficult to navigate safely, especially if they become slippery when wet.
Installing a stair lift can be a life-changing solution for:
- Older adults aging in place: Those who love being outdoors, but find porch, patio, or garden stairs hard to navigate.
- Individuals with chronic mobility limitations: Conditions such as severe joint pain, arthritis, or heart issues can make stairs physically draining.
- Those with balance or vestibular disorders: Anyone with a health challenge that puts them at high risk for falling.
FAQs About Outdoor Stairlifts
These are some of the questions we often get asked. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, contact our helpful team, who’ll be happy to answer your questions.
How much electricity does a chair like this use?
If you’re concerned that running a stairlift is going to affect your power bill, we’ve got good news for you. Stairlifts are designed to be highly energy efficient and will only use a small amount per trip.
Do I need to remember to charge the batteries?
Not at all. The stairlift is designed to charge automatically when it’s not being used. The chair will be ready for you when you need to use it.
Will a stairlift work on my stairs?
Outdoor stairlifts are suitable for straight flights of stairs, with a minimum of three stairs. They’re great for navigating stairs between different sections of the garden, decks, garages, patios, and porches.
Navigate Outdoor Stairs With Ease: Outdoor Stair Lifts In Fort Lauderdale, FL
Being outside has physical, mental, and emotional health benefits that improve quality of life for those with limited mobility. Investing in an outdoor stair lift can restore a sense of freedom and independence.
With the right equipment in place, stairs are no longer a barrier to enjoying your garden, patio, or porch. Our team is ready to help you rediscover the joy of your outdoor spaces. Contact us at 954-888-9292 for a free evaluation.