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Stair Lifts · Glossary

Stair lift glossary

Straight rail means a single unbroken flight with no turns, priced $2,000-$8,000. Curved rail means the rail is custom-made to a staircase with turns or landings, priced $8,000-$20,000. A perch lift carries a semi-standing user, a platform lift carries a wheelchair, and a VPL is a vertical platform lift that travels straight up rather than along stairs.

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Straight rail: a stock rail cut to length for a single straight flight. Curved rail: a rail manufactured to match your staircase, including bends, turns and landings. This is the single biggest price determinant in the category. Rail overrun: the section of rail that extends past the top or bottom step so the seat can park clear of the stairs - worth asking about, because it affects whether the parked lift blocks a doorway.

Perch lift: supports the user in a semi-standing posture for people who cannot bend their knees or hips comfortably. Swivel seat: rotates the seat at the top landing so the user faces flat floor rather than the stairwell; manual or powered. Seat belt: standard on residential lifts and not optional in practice.

Platform lift: carries a wheelchair and its occupant. Inclined platform lift: travels along a staircase. VPL (vertical platform lift): travels straight up, like a small open elevator, typically used for porches and short rises. Fixr prices platform lifts at $5,000-$20,000.

ASME A18.1: the US Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts, covering design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance and repair. Rated capacity: the maximum user weight the model is certified for - standard seated lifts are typically around 250 pounds, with heavy-duty models above that.

How to choose

Ask about rail overrun at the survey
It determines where the parked lift sits and whether it blocks a doorway or hallway at either end.
Do not confuse a VPL with a stair lift
A vertical platform lift travels straight up for a short rise. It is different equipment with different siting and permitting implications.
Get the rated capacity as a number
"Standard" is not a specification. Ask for the pounds figure for the specific model in writing.
Powered swivel versus manual swivel
Clarify which you are being quoted. A manual swivel requires the user to operate a latch and turn the seat themselves.
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All stair lifts glossary

Straight Rail

Curved Rail

Perch Lift

Platform Lift

VPL

Swivel Seat

Call Send Controls

Soft Start

Battery Backup

Weight Capacity

Rail Parking

Obstruction Sensors

Refurbished Lift

Home Elevator

Through Floor Lift

FAQ

Stair Lifts glossary — common questions

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A straight rail suits a single unbroken flight and costs $2,000-$8,000. A curved rail is manufactured to a staircase with turns or landings and costs $8,000-$20,000, per Fixr. Your staircase determines which you need.
A vertical platform lift - an open platform that travels straight up, typically for porches and short rises, rather than along a staircase. It is covered by the same standard, ASME A18.1, as stairway chairlifts.
A lift that carries the user in a semi-standing position, for people who cannot comfortably bend at the knee or hip. Fixr puts standing lifts at $2,500-$10,000.
The maximum user weight the model is certified to carry. Standard seated lifts typically handle up to about 250 pounds per Bob Vila; heavy-duty models cover more and cost $5,000-$20,000 per Fixr.
Sources

Where these figures come from

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