STAIRS POSE A CHALLENGE to many of our members and visitors. One option to increase accessibility is to install a stairlift. The prime location for a stairlift is in the front stairwell of the sanctuary building, between the street-level doors to Main Street and the lobby level.
Below the jump, this post discusses a stairlift for that section of stairs, based upon my meeting with one vendor (for orientation).…
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| One of the available models. |
A stairlift would be the quickest and easiest way to enable access to our sanctuary from Main Street, for most of the people who find stairs challenging.
It would be helpful for someone with achy knees, a cane, crutches, or a walker. However, it not provide full ADA-level access. A wheelchair user would need to transfer into the stairlift seat, and then transfer back into the wheelchair at the other end of the stairs. (And someone would need to carry the wheelchair up or down.) Nonetheless, a stairlift seems to be optimal for this setting. It would provide substantial benefit to many people, for relatively modest cost.
Even if we had an elevator, there is no feasible way that it could directly reach the Main Street level. This stairlift would still be called for, as a feeder to the elevator.
Alternatively, a stairlift on this leg might well be the first stage in installing additional stairlifts on the other two legs of the stairwell, for improved access to the basement.
Stairlift technology is well established and reliable. Installation and permitting are relatively straightforward.
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| A chairlift would fold up out of the way when not in use. |
Basic features
- This setting calls for a standard straight-rail stairlift, with an “incline finish,” meaning that the chair would stop above the top step.
- Dual wall-mounted remote controls allow the chair to be summoned from either end.
- Operated by directional controls on one armrest.
- One option, a power-fold footrest, operates independently of the folding seat. This makes it easier to sit down, especially if you are using a cane or a walker. After sitting, you would press a button to lower the footrest.
- Weight capacity of 350 lbs.
- The stairlift would travel at 18 ft./min. (the same rate as our former inclined vertical lift).
- Seat, armrests, and footrest all fold up out of the way when the stairlift is not in use.
- Ambulatory folks could easily pass by on the stairs even while the stairlift is in use.
Space occupied
- Folded width = 18" (beyond the handrail).
- Unfolded width = 25" (beyond the handrail)
- For comparison, the stairwell is about 65" wide.
Safety considerations
- Automatically swivels at the top of the stairs to face the landing, for safety.
- Operated by a continuously charged battery, so that in the event of a power outage, the stairlift would still work for several trips up and down.
- Safety sensors would stop the motion if the stairlift meets an obstruction.
- A wall-mounted key lockout would allow staff to enable/disable the lift as needed.
Installation
- Installation attaches directly to the tread of the stairs; no need for construction and no damage to the walls.
- Installation would need a city building permit and inspection.
- Installation would require an electrician to bring power across the width of the stairwell to a new outlet.
Useful life and maintenance
- If maintained properly, the stairlift can be expected to last at least 10 years.
- Current basic maintenance contract is about $330/year, with a discount on parts; $591 for a premium package.
Indefinite future
- If removal should be desired within the first 3 years, a 10–20% refund (or upgrade credit) may be available if the unit is in good working condition. Beyond that time frame, the removal itself would be free.
For a typical vendor’s general information, see:
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