Lift For Stairs - What alternatives are there?

The general building codes states that the function of stairs that is regarded as the primary escape route must not be restricted by the installation of a lift in the stairs. There are many requirements that has to be met in order for a lift for stairs to be approved.

The minimum effective width of the staircases that are 100 cm or narrower must can maximum extend 20 cm out from the wall. A handrail must be possible to be used as normal. If a lift for stairs goes over several floors, there must be a sufficiently large waiting area on each floor so that people encountering the lift can be out of the way.

When not in use, the lift for stairs must be possible to push into a parked position manually.

Lift for stairs require a relatively large amount of space, especially in the area where it's parked. The rail system of a lift for stairs usually takes up around 18 cm of space out from the wall. In addition, the seat unit takes up about 40 cm when not in use.

Stairs usually don't have enough space to park a chair lift while complying with the general building regulations. The chair unit must therefore be parked somewhere else than in the staircase, for example at a landing with sufficient space.

Typical space requirements for a lift for stairs is:

• Height: 98 cm
• Seat height: 44 cm
• Total depth: 57 cm
• Total depth (folded): 31 cm
• Width of the footrest: 31 cm
• Total width: 60.5 cm
• Seat depth: 60.5 cm

How much does a lift for stairs costs?

The price for a chair lift is usually around C$ 3,000 - 4,000 for one straight staircase without landing and roughly C$ 10,000 - 20,000 for stairs with curves.

The final price can increase from this level, depending on what service contract you choose as well as extra features.

Technical challanges is often a reson to why a lift for stairs is not the best solution, but there are also other reasons as to why you should consider better alternatives.

During the last few years there as been and increasing focus on "everyday activity" and aging in place. Everyday activity is about mastering everyday activities in your home.

Surveys clearly shows that most people want to continue to live in their own home their whole life. This is also by far the most socio-economic solution.

Keeping your body in activity has great effects both physically as well as mentally.

Physical activity contributes to the following, among other benefits:

• Lower risk of diabetes type 2
• Lower risk of colon and breast cancer
• Better memory and other cognitive functions
• Greater change to stay independent and take care of yourself
• Reduced risk of falling and experiencing fractures

(Source: https://www.zeit.de/zeit-wisse...)

A lift for stairs, on the other hand, helps to passivate you

Experience shows that people who have lifts installed in their home - and thereby stop walking stairs - lose the ability to climb stairs within the matters weeks or months. Seniors and people with disabilities and reduced muscle mass are particularly effected.

AssiStep is a stair assistant developed by industrial designers in Norway. It was launched in 2015 and has expanded to most European countries in the period 2017 - 2020. In September 2020 it was officially launched in Canada.

There are today thousands of people that use AssiStep on a daily basis, and it has many benefits compared to traditional lift for stairs.

The AssiStep is developed for people who still have a certain walking ability and gait functioning, but for different reasons need increased support and safety while climbing stairs.

• Seniors
• People affected by stroke
• Amputees
• MS-patients
• Parkinson-patients
• People with muscle diseases
• People with hip fractures
• COPD-patients
• Children with Cerebral Palsy or similar diseases that reduces walking ability

The AssiStep is a stair walker that requires the user to have a certain walking ability, and is especially useful when there isn't expected a quick decline in the mobility of the individual. For many people, the AssiStep can enable the person to maintain or even improve their gait functioning and thereby staying independent from the help of others.

• AssiStep is the only home adaptation that has won the prestigious award for "Best solution" by the SilverEco Aging Well Award.
• The AssiStep is 100% modular, which allows for very quick delivery and installation.
• No recurring costs, since you usually don't need to apply for building permits, periodic lift control, service or repairs.
• Environmentally friendly production and assembly since it's produced with only hydro power.
• Superior reliability since it's a pure mechanical product that usually don't require any service at all.

The AssiStep became available in Canada in September 2020, and we're quickly expanding through a network of partners and distributors in every populated area of the country.

Do you want to receive a quote or learn more about the process of having an AssiStep installed?