Stairway chair lifts:

This article describes electric chair lifts used to move between building floors by riding on a chair operated by controls on the chair arm or on the building wall.

Here we also define and describe platform lifts used for wheelchairs and similar roll-on aids, and we explain the differences between a stairway chair lift and a platform lift that might move along an incline or might move vertically between building floors.

We include inclined stairway lift standard and building code citations and also a listing of sources for stairway chair lifts in Australia, North America, The U.K., and New Zealand.

Codes & Dimensions for Inclined Stairway Chair Lifts

Shown at page top is a chair lift installed along an inclined stairway in a St. Weonards farmhouse in Herefordshire, England. The first stair lift has been attributed to King Henry VIII who used a block and tackle (and servants) to move between floors.

Modern electric stair lifts or chairlifts were designed in the U.S. in the 1920's by C.C. Crispen who wanted to build a chair to assist a friend to travel between floors. [1]

At left is a remote-controlled electric stair climbing chair illustrated by Wikipedia. Typically the chair's arms are hinged to ease entry and exit.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On modern stair carriages or chair lifts, the chair or carriage provides a seat for the user who can operate the chair lift by carriage-arm mounted controls.

The chair carriage ascends or descends the stairway along a rail that is wall or stair surface mounted. Additional controls can summons the chair between building floors.

The chair lift we illustrate at page top above rides on a single railing attached to the building stairway wall and supported further on stair treads affixed along one side of the stairway.

That chair lift makes a turn around an intermediate stairway platform in its ascent to the top floor of the Herefordshire farmhouse where it is installed.

Other stairway chair lifts may ride on a rail or rails set across the nosing of stair treads - an option that can permit installation of a chair lift when walls or guardrails are not of sufficient strength to carry the electric chair mechanism.

Reader Question: 10 Feb 2015 Do exterior concrete stairs leading to two terraces apartments have to be a certain width? One owner wishes to put in chairlift up side of staircase railing. Stairs are 84cm wide. said:

Do exterior concrete stairs leading to two terraces apartments have to be a certain width? One owner wishes to put in chairlift up side of staircase railing. Stairs are 84cm wide.

Reply:

Stairway width (in the U.S. - you don't say where you are located) should be equal to or greater than 36" of clear unobstructed distance measured at all points above the [permitted] hand-railing height.

Your "84 cm stair width", assuming that's the unobstructed width, is 33" or already 3" less than the 36" recommended.

For an example building code pertaining to chair lifts and wheelchair lifts I look at ASME A18.1- 2003, Safety Standard for Platform and Stairway Chairlifts.

This is a very extensive document (cited in detail below) that goes into detail concerning recommended safety features and controls for chair lifts or stairway chairlifts along stairs such as our example illustrated above.

Also see California's Subchapter 6. Elevator Safety Orders Group 2. Existing Elevator Installations, Article 15. (a) Inclined stairway chairlifts shall comply with ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2002, Inclined Stairway Chairlifts, which is hereby incorporated by reference, except Rule 2002.10a and Rule 2002.10c(2).

NOTE: The installation of all inclined stairway chairlifts are subject to local building codes, fire regulations, and contractors licensure.
(Title 24, Part 7, Section 7-3094.4)

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943(b), Health and Safety Code.

In my OPINION the standards and model codes give some leeway to the LOCAL building code official (who's final word is law) to accept a narrowing of the stairway to provide for the inclined stairway lift installation, provided that means of egress for walking residents is not unduly hampered. From the ASME standard I excerpt: "Lifts shall be installed so that means of egress is maintained as required by the authority having jurisdiction. "

Different rules may pertain for private residences than public buildings.

Watch out: depending on where you live, a building permit may be required to install a stairway lift; The U.S. states listed below require that residential stair lift installers be licensed.

AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, GA, HI, KY, MA, MI, MN, MT, NV, OK, OR, VA, WA, WV, WI

The U.S. states below require licensing for commercial stair lift installations:

AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NC, OK, OR, RI, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Thanks to Spinlife-Harmar (cited below) for these state licensing lists.

Codes for Stairway Chair Lifts & Platform Lifts & Wheelchair Lifts

• ASME A18.1-2017 is the Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts. - updated version of the standard cited below.
  Excerpt:
  
  Safety Standard For Platform Lifts And Stairway Chairlifts
  
  The ASME A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts presents certain guides for the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of inclined stairway chairlifts, and inclined and vertical platform lifts.
  
  It covers devices intended for transportation of a mobility-impaired person only—typically within household applications. The ultimate goal of this Standard is to help protect public safety, while reflecting best-practices of industry. 
• ASME A18.1- 2005 (Revision of ASME A18.1-2003), Safety Standard for Platform and Stairway Chairlifts, (November 29, 2005), ASME Two Park Avenue New York, NY 10016-5990 800-843-2763 (U.S./Canada) 001-800-843-2763 (Mexico) 973-882-1170 (outside North America) Email: CustomerCare@asme.org, Website: https://www.asme.org/,
  
  Quoting the retrieval source cited below:
  ASME A18.1, Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts, 2005 Edition, as required by States and Municipalities, including Arizona, Indiana, Minnesota, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Nevada, Colorado, et. alia.
  - retrieved 11 Feb 2015, original source https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/ibr/asme.a18.1.2005.pdf
  Quoting description appearing in A17.1
  
  This safety Standard covers the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of inclined stairway chairlifts and inclined and vertical platform lifts intended for transportation of a mobility impaired person only.
  • ASME Europe Office Avenue de Tervueren, 300 B-1150 Brussels, Belgium Email: info-europe@asme.org Tel: + 32 2 743 15 43 Fax: + 32 2 743 15 50
  • ASME India Office c/o TECNOVA India PVT LTD 335, Udyog Vihar, Phase-IV GURGAON -122 015 (Haryana) INDIA Tel: + 91 124 430 8411 + 91 124 430 8413 Fax: + 91 124 430 8207
• ASME A17.1-2004, (Revisionof ASME A17.1-2000) "Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Includes Requirements for Elevators, Escalators, Dumbwaiters, Moving Walks, Material Lifts, and Dumbwaiters with Automatic Transfer Devices", American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
  and older copy = ASME A17.1-1993, Section 2002, Inclined Stairway Chairlifts [first added in 1981], ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, 2004, as required by States and Municipalities, including Minnesota, Montana, Kansas City (MO), Ohio, et. alia. - retrieved 11 Feb 2015, original source: https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/ibr/asme.a17.1.2004.pdf
  Note: this code does not cover platform lifts and stairway chairlifts within the scope of ASME A18.1, CSA B355, and CSA B613 that we cite above.
• ASME A17.5 -
• BS EN 81-40:2008 - European safety standard - 'Specification for powered stairlifts'.
• California Building Code, Subchapter 6. Elevator Safety Orders Group 2. Existing Elevator Installations, Article 15. (a) Inclined stairway chairlifts., - retrieved 11 Feb 2015 original source http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3094_4.html
• CE mark - meets the requirements of the applicable European Directive(s).
• IBC ICC Model Code Excepts:
  ICC Building Code Excepts re stairway chair lifts - retrieved 2021/05/11 original source https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/MBC2015/chapter-10-means-of-egress
  
  IBC 1009.4 Stairway Width.
  
  The width of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but such width shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm). See Section 1007.3.for accessible means of egress stairways.
  
  Exceptions:
  
  1. Stairways serving an occupant load of less than 50 shall have a width of not less than 36 inches (914 mm).
  
  2. Spiral stairways as provided for in Section 1009.12.
  
  
  3. Aisle stairs complying with Section 1028.
  
  4. Where an incline platform lift or stairway chairlift is installed on stairways serving occupancies in Group R-3, or within dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, a clear passage width not less than 20 inches (508 mm) shall be provided.
  
  If the seat and platform can be folded when not in use, the distance shall be measured from the folded position.
  
  IBC 1007.5 Platform lifts.
  
  Platform (wheelchair) lifts shall not serve as part of an accessible means of egress, except where allowed as part of a required accessible route in Section 1109.7, Items 1 through 9. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 27. for platform lifts permitted to serve as part of a means of egress.
  
  1007.5.1 Openness.
  
  Platform lifts on an accessible means of egress shall not be installed in a fully enclosed hoistway.
• ICS 91.060.30 Ceilings. Floors. Stairs
• ISO 91 91.060, 91.060.30 CEILINGS. FLOORS. STAIRS INCLUDING SCREEDS, RAMPS, ETC. - ISO, Tel: +41 22 749 08 88 Email: customerservice@iso.org Website: https://www.iso.org/ics/91.060.30/x/
• ISO 3881:1977 Building construction — Modular co-ordination — Stairs and stair openings — Co-ordinating dimensions
  Excerpt:
  Gives general principles for coordinating dimensions of stairs and stair openings in building construction. Applies to buildings of all types. Belongs to a series of ISO publications concerning modular co-ordination in building construction.
• ISO 9386:2-2000 International standard for stairlifts
• ISO/TS 22269:2005 Reaction to fire tests — Fire growth — Full-scale test for stairs and stair coverings
• MEANS of EGRESS, Chapter 10, ICBO, as adopted by the state of Virginia, retrieved 2017/05/15, original source: https://www2.iccsafe.org/states/Virginia/Fire_Prevention/PDFs/Chapter%2010_Means%20of%20Egress.pdf
• Minnesota Stairway Chair Lift Rules: found in MINNEOTA RULES CHAPTER 1307 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY ELEVATORS AND RELATED DEVICES [PDF] (2017)
  Excerpts:
  
  1307.0030 PERMITS.
  
  Subpart 1. Permits required.
  
  It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to hereafter install any new passenger elevators, freight elevators, hand powered elevators, moving walks, escalators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts, endless belt lifts, vertical reciprocating conveyors, stage and orchestra lifts, or any other related device, or make alterations or repairs to or remove any existing of the same without having first obtained a permit for the work from the authority having jurisdiction. Alterations, modifications, and practical difficulties will be done in keeping with the rules of the Department of Labor and Industry.
  
  1307.0047 SPECIAL PROVISIONS.
  
  Subpart 1. Scope.
  
  The special provisions in this part apply to the design, construction, and installation of equipment governed by ASME A17.1/CSA B44-2010 and ASME A17.3-2011.
  
  Subp. 2. Chairlifts.
  
  Inclined stairway chairlifts shall only be installed within a private residence or as approved in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 471.471. The installation shall be in accordance with ASME A18.1-2011.
  
• "STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS" [PDF], Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, 1400 E. Washington Ave., Madison WI 53073 (2016), retrieved 2017/-5/15, original source: http://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Industry%20Services/Forms/Elevator/2016-8-15%20Stairway%20chairlifts.pdf
  
  Subp. 2. Chairlifts. Inclined stairway chairlifts shall only be installed within a private residence or as approved in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 471.471. The installation shall be in accordance with ASME A18.1-2011.
• United States Access Board, guidelines for buildings, sites, and the ADA Standards, Website:https://www.access-board.gov/
  
  Chapter r: Elevators and Platform Lifts: retrieved 2017/05/15, original source: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-standards/guide-to-the-ada-standards/chapter-4-elevators-and-platform-lifts#ar410

Comparing Code Requirements for Stairway Chair Lift vs Wheelchair Platform Lifts

Question: fire safety code requirements regarding stairway widths where stairway chair lifts are installed, compared with wheelchair lifts & platform lifts

2017/05/15 Susan Z. said:

What is the minimum stair width allowable for a chair lift to meet fire rescue needs for emergencies.

Reply:

It's easy to get confused about this topic since there are fire code specifications for wheelchair lifts, also referred to as platform lifts - those may NOT be the same as the stair lifts described in our article above, but rather are an elevator type lift for wheelchair users.

A short answer that's pretty safe is modeled on the U.S. Wisconsin Code:

SPS 362.1009 Stairway width. This is a department rule in addition to the requirements in IBC section 1009.1: Where installing an inclined platform lift or stairway chairlift, the clear− passage width shall be provided with the lift in the unfolded, usable position 

But we provide quite a bit more detail below.

Also, see MEANS of EGRESS and also STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS codes and guidelines among the stairway chair lift references cited above and excerpted below.

Distinguish between "stairway chair lifts" and "wheelchair lifts or platform lifts".

Some confusion can arise where a wheelchair lift moves not vertically (an elevator design) but along an inclined railway along stairs.

The two forms of platform lift shown above are excerpted from the United States Access Board "Chapter 4: Elevators and Platform Lifts" cited in the references earlier in this article.

You can see that both of these devices are designed to accommodate a roll-on wheeled aid - different from the stairway lift devices illustrated earlier on this page.

• Definition of wheelchair lift or platform lift: A lift, vertical or inclined, that is designed to carry a wheelchair is referred to as a wheelchair lift or platform lift.
  
  A platform lift can be equipped with a seat, including those that fold-up out of the way, but they must be located outside the minimum clear area required for platform lifts that are sized to accept or accommodate wheeled mobility aids (wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs).
  
  Platform lifts (in public spaces or where required) must may not require operation by an attendant. (ASME A18.1 Standard). Platform lifts must provide “unassisted entry and exit from the lift” (§410.1).
  
  Platform lifts also generally must be permanently installed:
  
  Platform lifts must be permanent and installed at the time of construction or alteration with few exceptions.
  
  Platform lifts can be provided after construction only to provide access to raised work stations in courtrooms (sufficient space and electrical service must be provided in design to facilitate installation). Only platform lifts serving temporary structures can be temporary or portable.
• Definition of stairway chair lift: A lift, normally inclined, moving along a stairway, that includes a built-in seat used by the occupant, is referred to as a stairway chair lift.
  
  A stairway chair lift can NOT be used where building codes require a platform lift. That's in part because stairway chair lifts, having a fixed seat are not independently usable.

For an example of stairway lift regulations we can refer to the Wisconsin code in the U.S. f:

A stairway chairlift is a powered hoisting or lowering mechanism that is guided and equipped with a seat to transport a passenger along a stairway. SPS 318.1004(10)(o).

A stairway chair lift has a seat for a rider, two armrests and a footrest. A stairway chair lift has controls at each landing to call the chair to that landing and up and down controls on the chair for the rider.

A stairway chairlift is not an inclined platform lift. An inclined platform lift is similar to a stairway chairlift in that an inclined platform lift may also be located in a stairway, and is also subject to the stairway width requirements described herein.

Unlike a stairway chairlift. an inclined platform lift has a horizontal platform (folding or stationary) for a rider who may be standing or in a wheelchair. An inclined platform lift may have a fold-down seat in addition to the horizontal platform. 

Residential Stairway Chair Lift Regulations re Fire Exit

In Wisconsin (as our example) residential stairway lifts are excluded from regulation regarding widths of stairway for fire exit safety.

A stairway chairlift may be installed to serve an individual dwelling unit in a one- or two-family building without regulation by the DSPS elevator safety program, however local permits and inspections may be required.

Note: This also applies to bed and breakfast (B&B) establishments, adult family homes (AFH), community based residential facilities (CBRF) and residential care apartment complexes (RCAC) that are regulated as single family dwellings. A stairway chairlift may be installed entirely within an individual dwelling unit in a larger multifamily and inspections may be required.

Stairway Chairlift in a Shared Stairway of a Residential Building:

A typical apartment or condominium building containing more than two dwellings is considered an R-2 commercial occupancy. Common areas in such a building that may be accessed by two or more dwellings (therefore not limited to one individual dwelling unit) are considered commercial spaces, not part of a single dwelling.

Commercial building code requirements apply to such common areas. Stairway chairlifts installed in common stairways are regulated by the DSPS elevator safety program.

Note: The Petition for Variance process may allow reduction in the width of a shared stairway in such a building where the stairway serves not more than two dwellings above the ground floor.

A petition for variance form must be completed. The residents of the two upper dwellings and the owner of the common area (landlord or condominium association) must provide written statements agreeing to the installation of the lift.

The local fire department must provide a signed position statement on the petition for variance application form. Additional requirements may apply as part of granting a petition for variance.

Fire Safety Egress Regulations where Wheelchair Lifts or Platform Lifts are Installed

In the U.S. the ADA Standard (§207.2) requires that platform lifts, where permitted on an accessible means of egress, must have standby power.

Where Platform Lifts are Permitted [§206.7]

Platform lifts can be part of an accessible route in existing facilities that are altered. In new construction, platform lifts can be used to provide an accessible route to these areas only:

• wheelchair spaces, performance areas, and speakers’ platform
• incidental spaces with a maximum occupancy of 5 that are not for public use
• raised courtroom stations, such as jury boxes, witness stands, judges’ benches, clerks stations and depressed areas such as the well of the court
• levels within transient lodging guest rooms and residential dwelling units
• certain recreation facilities: amusement rides, play areas, team/player seating areas in sports facilities, recreational boating facilities, and fishing piers and platforms

They also are permitted in new construction where topography or other existing exterior site constraints make a ramp or elevator infeasible.

While the site constraint must reflect exterior conditions, the lift can be installed in the interior of a building. For example, an exterior or interior platform lift could be used to provide an accessible entrance or to coordinate interior floor levels at a new building constructed between and connected to two existing buildings if there is not sufficient space to coordinate floor levels and also to provide ramped entry from the public way.

Also, you can see how a solution to adequate stairway width (for fire egress) can be provided by a folding platform design:

Platform lifts must meet the ASME A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts. The ASME A18.1 covers the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of lifts that are intended for transportation of persons with disabilities.

Inclined platform lifts can have a folding platform and are typically located at stairways. They must be installed so they do not encroach on required means of egress. Passenger retaining arms are permitted as an alternative to a platform enclosure under the ASME A18.1 Standard. 

Using as a model building code the ICBO, I excerpt:

1007.5 Platform lifts. Platform (wheelchair) lifts shall not serve as part of an accessible means of egress, except where allowed as part of a required accessible route in Section 1109.7, Items 1 through 9 of the International Building Code. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Section 604.2.6 for platform lifts permitted to serve as part of a means of egress.

1007.5.1 Openness. Platform lifts on an accessible means of egress shall not be installed in a fully enclosed or fire rated shaft.

Thank you for asking

 

Stairlift & Stairlift Information Sources

Australia Stairlifts

• Acorn Stairlifts, Acorn Mobility Services Ltd Unit F 6 Narabang Way BELROSE NSW 2085Tel: 0800-300-812
• Master Lifts, Website: masterlifts.com.au, Tel: 1300 454 387; the company has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adeliade, Canberra, Newcastle, Perth, Darwin, Hobart, East coast, and regional centres.
• Stannah Stairlifts, P.R. King & Sons, New South Wales, 155 Victoria Road, Marrickville, NSW, 2204, Australia, + 61-2-9560 7344 + 61-2-9568 3886, Email: inclinator@prking.com.au Website: prking.com.au
  The company has locations also in Victoria and in Western Australia

Canada Stairlifts

• AmeriGlide Toronto 5 Furbacher Ln #2 Aurora, ON L4G 6W2 (416) 628-8132 (855) 505-7230 http://www.ameriglide-toronto-aurora.ca

New Zealand Stairlifts

• Acorn Stairlifts, Acorn Stairlifts PTY Ltd 5a Lorien Place East Tamaki Manukau 2013 New Zealand FREEPHONE: 0800 782 475
• Independence Stairlifts, PO Box 40254 Upper Hutt 5140 (Showroom in Auckland), Tel: 0800 92 66 77 (free call), 04 526 6565, Email: info@independence.co.nz
• Weka Stairlifts, Enable New Zealand 69 Malden Street PO Box 4547 Palmerston North 4442 New Zealand, distributed on both North Island and South Island, Tel: 0800 362 253, Website: weka.net.nz

UK Stairlifts

• Acorn Stairlifts, Acorn Mobility Services Ltd Telecom House Millennium Business Park Steeton West Yorkshire BD20 6RB, U.K., Website: acornstairlifts.co.uk Tel: 0800 073 9775
• Bison Stairlifts, U.K., Tel: 0800 073 9770, Website: bisonbede.co.uk
• Candor Stairlifts, Castle House South Street Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicestershire LE65 1BR, U.K., Website: candorstairlifts.co.uk/ , Tel: 0800 169 2377, Email: info@candorstairlifts.co.uk
• Companion Stairlifts UK 24b-24c Oxford Road Guiseley Leeds West Yorkshire UK LS20 9AS Tel: 0800 019 7787, Tel: 01943 882000 Fax: 01943 874953 E-mail: enquiries@companionstairlifts.co.uk, Website: companionstairlifts.co.uk/london-stair-lifts.html
• Minivator Limited 82 First Avenue Pensnett Estate Kingswinford West Midlands DY6 7FJ England, U.K., Website: dolphinlifts.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1384 405710 Fax: +44 (0)1384 408719 Email: sales@minivator.co.uk

USA Stairlifts

Above: the Acorn 130 straight stairlift. [Click to enlarge any image]

• Acorn Stairlifts, Inc. 7335 Lake Ellenor Drive Orlando FL 32809,USA, Website: acornstairlifts.com, Tel: 888-211-1245, Email: customerrelations@acornstairlifts.com
  
  ACORN STAIRLIFT QUICK USERS GUIDE [PDF] includes simple stairlift quick user's guide for straight and curved stairlifts.

Above - AmeriGlide stair lift.

• AmeriGlide Stair Lifts, Tel: 1-800-9987-6308, Website: ameriglide.com - the company has offices in many U.S. States; example:
  
  AmeriGlide Rochester, NY 48 Mt. Hope Ave, Suite B Rochester, NY 14620 (855) 638-7550 (585) 232-3385 http://www.ameriglide-rochester-ny.com
  
  AmeriGlide Phoenix 4838 E Baseline Road #102 Mesa, AZ 85206 (480) 208-1669 (855) 265-5694 http://www.ameriglide-phoenix-az.com/
  
  AMERIGLIDE Horizon Standard BROCHURE [PDF]
  
  AMERIGLIDE Horizon Standard INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF]

Below: the Bruno Elan Stair Lift cited just below, shown here in its "folded" position.

• Bruno Stairlifts, Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc. 1780 Executive Drive, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 USA, Website: bruno.com
  
  BRUNO ELAN STAIR LIFT BROCHURE [PDF] (2020)
  
  Bruno Independent Living Aids — The Only ISO 9001 Certified United States Stair Lift Manufacturer [according to the company, as published in January, 2012 - Ed.] - retrieved 2022/05/14, original source: https://www.stairliftsatlantaga.com /2012/01/07/bruno-independent-living-aids-the-only-iso-9001-certified-united-states-stair-lift-manufacturer/
  
  

Above: Harmar Access Stairlift model SL350AC specifications excerpted from the documents cited below.

• Harmar Access, 2075 47th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234 USA, Web: www.harmar.com Tel: 800-833-0478
  
  Harmar - SpinLife Stairlifts, Website: spinlife.com, Tel: 800-850-0335. Note: this stair lift mounts to the stair treads at one side (left or right), not to the wall.
  
  Harmar SL350AC Access STAIR LIFT SPECIFICATIONS [PDF]
  
  Harmar Access STAIR LIFT INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF]
  
  Harmar SL350 SERIES STAIR LIFT BROCHURE [PDF]
  
  Harmar Summit INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF]
  
  Harmar Access STAIRWAY LIFT USERS MANUAL [PDF]
  
  Harmar STAIR LIFT MEASUREMENTS WORKSHEET [PDF]
• Savaria [citation needed]
• Stannah Stairlifts Inc. 45 Knollwood Rd., Suite 103 Elmsford, NY 10523 www.StairliftNewYork.com Toll-free: (888) 334-9571 Website: stairliftnewyork.com, Tel: 877-799-2279,
  
  Stannah Stairlifts Inc. 20 Liberty Way, Suite A Franklin, MA 02038 www.StairliftCT.com Toll-free: 1-888-334-9571 Tel: (508) 520-7878 Fax: (508) 520-7883 Email: stannah@stannah.com

Tables of Stair Lift / Chair Lift Features & Specifications in Comparison

[In Process; we are adding to this data; contributions are welcome. Use the page top or bottom CONTACT link]

Watch out: when shopping for a stair lift, and asking prices from stairlift manufacturers, dealers, installers: there is considerable variation in transparency in quoting prices, and a risk of a sort of bait-and-switch tactic among some of these brands and their installers. The product quality and installation may be fine but the installed price may be a surprise.

The average installed-cost for a stairlift is $8,000, with installed prices ranging between $3,000 and $20,000 with curved and outdoor stairlifts at the higher end of that range.

Notes to the table above.

Most of these companies offer multiple stair lift models and within each model there may be multiple features and accessories among which to choose. Models vary by straight vs. curved stair cases and by indoor or outdoor use.

Most tracks are extruded aluminum.

1. Footprint dimensions in-use or parked are projection distance out from wall or guardrailing; some manufacturers refer to this as "depth" . Some unit specs include a separate track footprint.
2. Weight limits may be reduced for longer-distance stair lift rails. E.g. Harmar's 350 lb. lift capacity is reduced to 250 lb. (113.4 kg) when using extended rail lengths from 16' to 25' (4.9m to 7.6m)
3. Acorn stairlifts are available in multiple models besides the Acorn 130 indoor straight-stair lift whose data is shown here. Some sources put the Acorn 130 straight stairlift weight capacity at 350 lbs. The curved stair weight limit drops to 280 lbs.
4. AmeriGlide Horizon standard, Anodized aluminum single rail track;
5. AmeriGlide Rave 2, charges battery parked at top or bottom of stairs; 10 ft. power cord w/charger box in the middle; track width 4.875" (i.e. less than "footprint"); aluminum track.

Notes to the table above

1. In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
   
   CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.
2. Acorn stair lift footrest width: 12.25.
3. AmeriGlide Horizon standard Footrest thickness 1.5" is included in total height. Seat space between arms not given, somewhere wider than 16" from photo. Source: AmeriGlide Platinum Stairlifts Horizon standard brochure.
4. AmeriGlide Rave2: seat flips up for parking (most of these stair lifts have seats flip up - Ed)

Notes to the table above

1. Most batteries are 24VDC and re-charge from 100-240 VAC. Typical power cord length, 10 ft. Most units can re-charge at top or bottom of stairs.
2. Types of safety features vary by stair lift model but may include:
   • Constant pressure control
   • Cut-Off switch
   • Footrest obstruction detection switch
   • Limit switch
   • Seat belt
   • Slack cable brake w/switch (Harmar)

Notes to the table above

1. AmeriGlide horizon Plus with power swivel retails between $4,400 and $2,200
2. Typical cost to install a stair lift: $500. to $1,000.
3. Typical cost to remove and dispose of a stair lift: $500.
4. Handicare 2000 for curved stairs $6,200.
5. According to some sources Acorn does not provide prices except by in-home consultation by an Acorn factory representative.
6. Bruno offers a powered or manually-operated folding rail for use at narrow hallways or where a doorway opens at the very bottom of the stairs

 

Powered Stair Lift Accessories & Extra Features

Examples include:

• Bracket extensions
• Food tray
• Wall-mounted hinged travel rail
• Reaching tools
• Tray clips onto chair arm rests

Home Elevators - alternative to stair lifts?

For some people a home elevator may be a useful alternative to a stair / chair lift. Some home lifts such as the Trio Alta from Stiltz can accommodate a wheelchair.

• Easyclimber, Web: https://www.easyclimber.com/ - no address at website
• REMI Home Elevators 1709 N Orchard Knob Ave Chattanooga, TN 37406 USA Tel: (800) 545-6120 Web: https://remihomeelevators.com/
• Stitlz Homelifts, Stiltz, Inc. 57 South Commerce Way, Unit 130, Bethlehem, PA 18017 USA Tel: (844) 919-0333 Email: admin@stiltzlifts.com Web: https://www.stiltzlifts.com/ Tel: 1-833-269-1960 - (844) 640-5851
• Symmetry Home Elevators, 10000 N Galena Rd Peoria IL 61615 USA Email: customerservice@symmetryelevator.com Tel: 877-568-5804 Web: https://symmetryelevators.com/

Also of interest

• Kaplan, Marilyn E., AIA, REPLICATING HISTORIC ELEVATOR ENCLOSURES [PDF] (1989) Preservation Tech Notes, U.S. NPS, Mechanical Systems No. 1, retrieved 2022/10/10, original source: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/tech-notes/Tech-Notes-Mechanical01.pdf
  
  Excerpts: at the Guaranty Building, Buffalo, New York,
  
  The four original elevators performed poorly with respect to both travel and response time.
  
  In 1903, less than ten years after the building's construction, the original Sprague electric system was replaced with the Standard Plunger hydraulic system.
  
  Although this conversion required little change to the decorative elevator enclosure, subsequent alterations had major impacts.
  
  Between 1954 and 1962, the main stair and elevators were fully enclosed and fire-rated sheet rock was placed over the first floor glazed partitions.
  
  In 1962, the elevators were again replaced, apparently in response to code requirements and leakage at the seals of the water-based hydraulic system that sprayed water on those waiting for the elevator at each floor.
  
  The 1962 changes had a major impact on Sullivan's original design. The four 1903 cabs were replaced with a 3-cab, electrically powered system, with the remaining shaft left vacant for future use.
  
  The glazed elevator cabs were replaced with fully enclosed ones, and the open elevator shaft and single stairway were enclosed with two-hour, fire-rated masonry walls (see figure 3).
  
  Throughout the building, almost all elevator ornament was removed, leaving only a small piece of the elevator framework exposed within the stair to the west of the elevator bank.
  
  Window openings within the elevator shaft were infilled with concrete block, and the shaft's skylight was removed to provide space for a new elevator penthouse. Subsequent changes and damage to the building occurred as a result of a fire and the lack of a general and consistent maintenance program.

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Elevator & Stair/Chair Lift Inspection Codes & Safety Requirements

On 2021-07-09 by Barbara Wolford - inspection requirements for chair lifts in a Maryland church

We have 2 chairlifts in our church. We have an inspection of these once per month at a charge of $200 per chair. Recently we received an additional charge from another company stating that the charge for for an additional inspection to watch the first inspection take place.

We were charge an additional $200 for a total of $600.

Called Frederick County va inspections and they stated that this was o.k.

I work for a doctor's office and we have an elevator for which inspection occurs monthly at a rate of $200 for one man.

Never had any addition person watching another person?

On 2021-07-10 by (mod) - Explanation of Requirement or Recommendation for Independent Expert Witness to Elevator & Escalator or Chair Lift Safety Inspections

@Barbara Wolford,

The requirement for elevator and chair lift safety inspections vary by jurisdiction (terms vary by country).

Looking at the Virginia codes we could not find an explicit requrement for chair-lift inspections, nor is there such a requirement in the Maryland code that I first found on this topic. You should ask your local building department for clarification.

The choice of using an independent "witness" to elevator inspections appears to be in the hands of the local authorities and of the inspection company itself; the witness, as we explain in more detail below, is there to assure an independent confirmation that the proper tests and inspections have been made: a step asserted to reduce the liability for both those performing these safety inspections and for the elevator or stair lift or escalator users, as well as for the property owner. Yes you might decide to eschew that extra level of certification if your local authorities so permit.

Virginia Elevator Law, Inspections, Codes

In general, in Virginia, elevators are inspected every six months [this may vary by local municipal authority] and are tested (this is a more thorough step than visual inspection) every one, three, or five years depending on the type of elevator equipment installed.

In Virginia the building owner is required to use an approved elevator inspector who in turn, provides an elevator ( or chair lift, etc) report to the local municipal authority. Below is an excerpt from the pertinent Virginia Building Code, Title 35, Housing, Chapter 6, Article 1, General Provisions,

§ 36-105.01. Elevator inspections by contract.

The inspection of elevators in existing buildings and the enforcement of the Building Code for elevators shall be in compliance with the regulations adopted by the Board.

The building department may also provide for such inspection by an approved agency or through agreement with other local certified elevator inspectors.

An approved agency includes any individual, partnership or corporation who has met the certification requirements established by the Board.

The Board shall establish such qualifications and procedures as it deems necessary to certify an approved agency. Such qualifications and procedures shall be based upon nationally accepted standards.

1994, c. 574; 1999, cc. 333, 341.

The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.

Virginia's building code effective in 2021 is not currently made available free to the public (as in my OPINION it ought to be if the state wants to make compliance easy), but you can purchase a copy of the Virginia building code at

• 2015 Virginia Code Regulations Effective September 4, 2018 - (Select State of Virginia from the side scroll bar) - https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/virginia
• 2018 Virginia Code Regulations NEW! 2018 Virginia Code Regulations Effective July 1, 2021 - https://shop.iccsafe.org/state-and-local-codes.html?state=Virginia
• Contact: [in my home-town by the way]
  
  Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
  Main Street Centre, 600 East Main Street, Suite 300
  Richmond, VA 23219
  
  Phone: (804) 371-7000
  Website: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/
• ASME A17.1a: all elevators shall have an annual pressure or safety test, and, if applicable, the five-year full load test.
• ASME: Handbook on Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators A17.1/CSA B44 HANDBOOK - 2019 - available from https://www.asme.org/

For additional information for Frederick County VIRGINIA contact:

• Frederick County Virginia Building Department,
  107 N. Kent St.,
  Winchester, VA 22601
  
  Tel: (540) 665-5600
  Tel: to schedule an inspection: 540-665-5650

Maryland Elevator Law, Inspections, Codes

For other readers: here's another Frederick County in the U.S. -

Special thanks to R. Kaese Dillman, Chief Elevator Inspector for Maryland, for a rapid, clear, and courteous reply to our request for clarification on the Maryland law on this point. Excepting from that correspondence:

Mr. Friedman, the question that Mrs. Wolford posted appears to be for Frederick County Virginia, not Frederick County Maryland.

She also states that she is paying $200 a month for a chairlift inspection. There is no requirement for a monthly inspection on a chairlift per the A18.1 code.

As far as Maryland law and regulations are concerned, you already have the link in your email to our website which has a copy of the law and regulations posted.

In a nutshell the current law requires an annual inspection and an annual test and this has been law for many years

. What the new law requires effective 10/1/21 in privately owned buildings is that the inspection and test be performed at the same time. The inspector is required to witness the test just as he/she would do every 5 years under the current law.

There is no official witness other than the inspector.

The new law does not add any extra tests or inspections and actually can save the owner money. Since the inspector is there with the elevator/lift company, if they find something wrong it can be addressed on the spot.

In the past the unit would fail then the owner would have to hire the elevator/lift company to come back out and fix the problem then hire the inspector to come back out and re-inspect the unit. If there is anything I can assist you with please let me know. - Private email Dillman to Friedman 2021/07/12

According to Maryland's elevator safety law and the state experts,

"Currently, annual testing may be “verified” by an authorized/registered TPQEI through documentation during an onsite inspection. Witnessing of the annual test is currently an option in Maryland for privately owned elevator units, depending on the facility owner’s choice, or the authorized/registered TPQEI’s business practice."

See

• MARYLAND ELEVATOR SAFETY LAW, REFERENCES, AND PUBLICATIONS - ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR SAFETY - [PDF] retrieved 2021/07/10 original source: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/safety/elevlaw.shtml
  

and important:

• ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR SAFETY - SAFETY INSPECTION [Maryland] 2019 Code Adoption info: ASME A17.1 [PDF] - retrieved 2021/07/10 original source: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/safety/elev.shtml
  

For additional information for readers in Frederick County MARYLAND, contact:

• [Maryland] Division of Labor and Industry
  Elevator and Escalator Safety
  1100 N. Eutaw Street - Room 601
  Baltimore, MD 21201
  410-767-2990
  Fax: 410-333-7721
  e-mail: elevator.safety@maryland.gov
  
  Emergency telephone number:
  Eastern/Southern Maryland: 240-705-9374
  Western/Northern Maryland: 410-995-8116

Maryland also provides this

List of approved Third Party Inspector Companies: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/safety/elev/qeiagencies.pdf

Also, if you have not already seen Maryland's Elevator / Lift inspection form take a look at the document at

https://www.dllr.state.md.us/forms/elevtestformlifts.pdf

where on the form bottom we note these signature lines:

Name of Testing Company: ____________________________________________ Date: _________________
Mechanic Signature: __________________________________________________ License #: _______________ Printed Name: ___________________________________
Inspector Signature: ________________________________________ QEI #: _________Date: __________ Printed Name:________________________________________

Continuing:

In searching to understand the need for a witness to elevator and escalator inspections - not finding that in Maryland's documents, we cite this explanatory document from New York State, where an independent witness to the safety inspection is required by law rather than optional (as in your state).

Excerpt: What is the Reason for an Independent Expert Witness to Elevator Safety Inspections?

Quoting:

Per the NYC Department of Buildings, only third-party agencies that are licensed by them are permitted to witness annual safety tests.

Aside from Elevator Test Witnessing Being Legally Mandated, What Are the Major Benefits to You [of having an independent, certified expert witness to an elevator, escalator, or chair lift inspection] ?

Test witnessing helps you best comply with federal, state and local jurisdictions

New and more rigorous annual elevator inspections attended by independent witnesses are detecting about 50 percent more violations in New York City.

Test witnessing helps you satisfy requirements of insurance carriers and protects your assets

As a building owner or manager, you bear the responsibility under the law for hiring a competent and approved elevator inspection agency to perform elevator and escalator tests. By hiring an unaffiliated third-party agency to witness the inspection, you provide yourself with the extra assurance that you have met the requirements of the law, resulting in your insurance not becoming nullified by negligence.

Test witnessing can minimize your liability by ensuring the safety of elevator and escalator users

When performing an annual test, we subject Elevators and escalators to extreme conditions not typically encountered under normal operation. We do this to bring out any possible adverse situation that can cause the verticals to fail. Acting proactively in this manner helps us spot small issues before they become large ones, keeping all users safe.

- original source:

• New York CAT1, CAT3 & CAT5 WITNESS TESTING [PDF] retrieved 2021/07/10, original source: https://www.vsaconsulting.com/post/new-york-cat1-cat3-cat5-witness-testingn published by VSA, Vertical Systems Analysis, ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR Consulting & Engineering Firm in New York, Philadelphia, Miami & Chicago, New York- 307 West 36th Street,
  8th Floor New York, NY 10018 USA Tel: 212.989.5525 Website: https://www.vsaconsulting.com/ Telephone: 1-800-989-5525.

On 2019-10-15 by Bob

I live in an adult comunity on the 2fl. I share the 2fl with another person opposite my condo .recently this person got into an accident. She now wants to put an electric stairway chair on the stairs we share to to to our respective homes. Is this a fire hazard or even legal to install on this shared stairway?

On 2019-10-15 - by (mod) -

Bob

Check with your local building department; a permit might be required; the chair to be installed needs to be chosen (model, size, operation, space it occupies on the stairway) such that the stairway also remains usable and safe for walkers.

Stair lift codes are given in the article above.

Reader Question: I have difficulty climbing or descending stairs; How can I shorten the drop from step to step on my stairs?

4 July 2015 bonita said:

I am no longer able to walk down stairs with the standard drop.

How can I make my drop from step to step shorter?

This Q&A appeared originally at STAIR RISE & RUN CALCULATIONS.

Readers should also

see STAIR DESIGN for SENIORS

Reply: Making Stairs Easier to Climb vs. Installing a Chair Lift

Bonita:

When I'm no longer able to make it safely up and down stairs to my office I will probably install a chair lift -

see STAIRWAY CHAIR LIFTS - you are on this page -

The problem is this: you can indeed re-build a stairway to reduce the riser height but to do so the depth of each tread has to increase significantly too. That means that the entire run (horizontal length) of the stairway will get much longer than it is now, perhaps double.

In the inteiror of most homes, doubling the run of a stairway between floors would be horribly expensive - if it would fit at all, or making a long stairway that winds or turns - taking more room in other dimensions.

I suspect that the cost of a stair rebuild indoors would be much higher than the cost of adding a stair lift.

On 2019-09-18 by john -how far does a stairway chair lift device extend into the width of the stairs when in an upright position

how far does your device extend into the width of the stairs when in an upright position, in other words, how far does a stair lift (rail lift) intrude into the clear width of the stair when in the upright stored position?

On 2019-10-04 by (mod) - special stairway chair lifts for narrow stairs

John

Apologies if this article was misleading: it's not "our" device.

InspectApedia is a research and publishing website; to protect reader trust we do not sell anything.

Chair lifts, when folded up or "parked", project into the stairway about a foot; but the actual projection depends on the specific brand and model.

For example the Horizon chair lift shown below has the following footprints or "projections" into the stairway:

Parked: 13.5"

In Use: 24.8"

Added remark:

For narrow stairways, some stair lift companies such as Bruno's Elite Stair Lift can provide a folding rail that compresses more-tightly against the wall when the lift is not in use.

On 2019-07-22 by Grace

I am an Invalid .How can I get a permit to have a stairlift installed in the building stairway where I live.

It is a small building with 6 apts. Two on each floor. I am on the second floor. My landlord has agreed to have one installed for me in order to adhere to the accessibility laws in NYC.

How can I get a permit and hoe long will it take to get a permit for a stairlift in a commercial space?

On 2019-07-22 by (mod) -

Grace,

You don't give country and city, so my best advice is to have the installer stop by or call your local building department to ask the permit procedure, fee, timing.

On 2019-05-11 by Ted Williams

Can a home owner be liable for selling a used stair chair lift if some installs it them self and they get hurt or worse or ii it caused a fire Because of faulty installation and not by a certified elevator company.

On 2019-05-16 by (mod) -

Ted

This sounds worrisome - it's a question to take to your attorney who will ask much more specific questions and for more information than are in your note. Else one cannot guess. In general a buyer is normally expected to do their own pre-purchase inspections and due diligence, but NOTHING stops someone from suing you.

On 2017-12-05 by Rosanne

Can a condo landlord deny a chairlift in her apartment. I am handicapped by law.

On 2017-12-05 by (mod) - Can a condo landlord deny a chairlift in her apartment?

Good question, Rosanne. I suspect the legal answer depends on

- where you live and thus what laws apply

- the question of what accessibility the landlord is obligated to provide may, depending on where you live, depend on the size of the home the number of dwelling units.

In general, excerpting from an explanation from one of the stair lift manufacturers: for homes in the U.S. where the ADA applies:

While stair lifts will not help your building become ADA compliant, platform lifts, also known as wheelchair lifts, will.

Section 4.11 of the ADA details the requirements for compliance when installing platform lifts in a commercial building.

If platform lifts are used at an entrance, they must facilitate unassisted entry, operation, and exit from the lift in compliance with 4.11.2. If you are planning to use platform lifts in your building, they must also meet several other requirements within the ADA, including the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

Commercial buildings legally must follow ADA compliance requirements.

To avoid any legal issues, make sure that your building meets all the codes laid out by the legislation.

While stair lifts are not a good way to be compliant with the ADA, platform lifts are. Be sure your building, either being designed or altered, meets all of the ADA requirements. - retrieved 2017/12/04 original source: http://www.indystairlifts.com/

- the physical limitations of the dimensions of the stairwell: can a chairlift be fitted in

On 2017-05-15 by Susan Z.

What is the minimum stair width allowable for a chair lift to meet fire rescue needs for emergencies.

On 2017-05-15 by (mod) - What is the minimum stair width allowable for a chair lift to meet fire rescue needs for emergencies.

Susan,

The answer is ... as Mark Cramer says ... It depends...

Generally the width of your residential stairway is set by your local, state, provincial building code. We give typical required stairway widths separately

at STAIR DIMENSIONS, WIDTH, HEIGHT https://inspectapedia.com/Stairs/Stair_Dimension_Specifications.php from which I excerpt:

Stairway width should be equal to or greater than 36" of clear unobstructed distance measured at all points above the [permitted] hand-railing height. This is the blue arrow in our photograph below.

Stairway width should also be equal to or greater than 36" of clear unobstructed space between the top of the handraill (the permitted handrailing height) and the required headroom clearance upper height.

For the effect on stairway width of adding a stairway chair lift, the impact on stair width requirement depends further on where you live and also how clearly we distinguish between a stairway chair lift and a vertical or inclined wheelchair lift or platform lift.

It also may depend on whether your stairway chair lift has a foldable seat.

This short answer is from Wisconsin's state code:

SPS 362.1009 Stairway width. This is a department rule in addition to the requirements in IBC section 1009.1: Where installing an inclined platform lift or stairway chairlift, the clear− passage width shall be provided with the lift in the unfolded, usable position

In the article above I have added a much more detailed reply to your question. Please give 24 hours (and purge your browser cache) to see the new information.

Daniel

...

Continue reading at STAIR DIMENSIONS, WIDTH, HEIGHT or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
• ADA STAIR & RAIL SPECIFICATIONS
• ELDERLY & VETERANS HOME SAFETY
• FIRE ESCAPES & FIRE STAIRS
• STAIR DESIGN for SENIORS
• STAIR DIMENSIONS, WIDTH, HEIGHT
• STAIR RISE & RUN CALCULATIONS
• STAIR CODES & STANDARDS - home
• STAIR CODE DETAILS

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STAIRWAY CHAIR LIFTS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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