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All About Stairlifts: Your FAQ Answered

12:00am | | FAQ

Here at Acorn Stairlifts, we never want to leave any questions unanswered about your specific stairlift needs. Whether you are a current Acorn customer or simply curious about how an Acorn stairlift helps someone in the world regain their independence, mobility, and life every eight minutes, Acorn Stairlifts has you covered. Learn all about how and why an Acorn stairlift can lift your life with the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Stairlift General Questions

  • What is a stairlift used for?

Stairlifts are primarily used by people with mobility restrictions, disabilities, or anyone that has a fear of falling or struggles going up and down the stairs. Stairlifts can be a life-changing solution for people of all ages. In fact, here at Acorn, we offer a stairlift option for children as well. With this option, you can choose to replace the usual lap belt with a 5-point harness to ensure that your child is securely buckled in throughout the entirety of their ride.

  • How do stairlifts work?

Your Acorn stairlift has been designed and manufactured to travel on a single rail track that is mounted directly to your staircase, not the wall. The stairlift can be moved by a button on the chair’s arm or by a remote control. There are three main components to our lift: the motor, battery, and gear.

  • How much do stairlifts cost?

stairlift technician talking with customers The price of an Acorn stairlift all depends on your own personal requirements and the configuration of your staircase. Each stairlift is tailor-made to fit our customers' needs and requirements. Our trained surveyors can carry out an assessment and give you an accurate quotation.

  • How long does it take to install a stairlift?

Typically, an Acorn stairlift takes 1 to 2 hours to install, with more complex installations taking between 4 and 5 hours. After installation, the engineer will guide you through the easy controls of an Acorn stairlift.

  • How do I choose a stairlift?

Different models of stairlifts suit each person's needs. Acorn can assess your personal needs to ensure that the right stairlift is fitted. This includes curve models, standing models, and comfortably seated indoor or outdoor models.

Once you've decided to get a stairlift, the next step is choosing the correct model for you. This will depend on whether your staircase is straight or curved. If you know somebody who owns a lift, have a chat with them so that you can get an unbiased opinion. You then need to consider what is important to you such as cost, reliability, or brand name. Here at Acorn, we manufacture, install, and service all our lifts.

Stairlift Functions and Features Questions

  • How much weight can a stairlift hold?

Acorn stairlifts can hold up to 159kg (25s) (350lb).

  • How fast do stairlifts go?

A stairlift's speed is quite slow, traveling up to a maximum rated speed of 0.15 meters per second (0.34 mph). This ensures a safe, comfortable ride.

  • Does a stairlift use a lot of electricity?

An Acorn stairlift doesn't use a lot of electricity; it typically uses the same amount of electricity as a small television on standby (might add 35kwh per year for a curved stairlift / 23Kwh per year for a straight stairlift).

  • Can a stairlift go around corners?

Stairlifts can go around corners and can be fitted to 99% of stair configurations. Speak to Acorn, who can professionally advise the best solution for your staircase, whether this be a straight or curved stairlift. Depending on your unique needs and home, Acorn will advise you on what is the best stairlift solution for you. Here at Acorn Stairlifts, we manufacture stairlifts that can travel around corners, spiral staircases, and across landings. Our stairlifts are customised to fit each individual staircase.

  • How wide do stairs need to be for a stairlift?

At Acorn Stairlifts, we aim to fit even the narrowest of staircases. Our Acorn 130 needs only 66.04 centimeters, and our Acorn 180 needs only 69.85 centimeters to ensure that the user can swivel around comfortably. One of our fully trained surveyors can assess your staircase to ensure that a lift is possible.

  • Can a stairlift be shortened?

Most Acorn stairlifts can be shortened, but this must be carried out by an Acorn-approved engineer. This will ensure safety and continued reliability of the product.

Get Started on Securing Your Stairlift Today

Now that you have all the answers to your biggest stairlift questions, do not wait to start securing your Acorn stairlift and living your life to the fullest. Click here to take advantage of our free, no-obligation quote and home survey today.


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