Table of Contents
- Mistake #1: Selecting a Chair Lift Without Properly Assessing Your Staircase
- Mistake #2: Putting Price Before Safety and Engineering Quality
- Mistake #3: Failing to Incorporate Physical Comfort and Needs of the User
- Mistake #4: Not Being Prepared for Power Loss and/or Emergency Situations
- Mistake #5: Not Planning for Future Mobility Requirements
- Mistake #6: Incorrect Placement of the Controls & Call Stations
- Mistake #7: Not Considering the Clearance of Your Stairs for Other Users
- Mistake #8: Not Using a Trained Professional for Chairlift Installation
- Mistake #9: Not Considering After Sale Support and Maintenance
- Mistake #10: Thinking of a Stairlift as a Short-Term Solution Rather Than an Upgrade to Your Lifestyle
- What Is the E50 Stairlift?
- Benefits of Using the E50 Stairlift
- Technical Specifications
When installing a chairlift to allow for easier access to the second floor of your home, it is important to understand that while installing a chairlift is an upgrade for your home, it also represents an incredible opportunity to improve the quality of life for anyone living in your home who may have mobility challenges, as well as being a significant, long-term investment for families planning on future accessibility needs. For elderly individuals, people with mobility difficulties, and families who plan to continue living in their homes for the foreseeable future, a chairlift can restore a sense of independence and safety in their homes while providing them with added confidence as they navigate their way around their homes.
Unfortunately, even though there are many benefits to installing a chairlift in your home, many homeowners make several mistakes throughout the process of choosing, installing, and planning their new chairlift. These mistakes often lead to discomfort, safety issues, long-term costs that are higher than necessary, and even the need to reinstall or reposition their chairlift within their home.
If you are interested in installing a stair lift in your home and are located in Malaysia, understanding what NOT to do when installing a chair lift is equally important to understanding what TO DO when installing a chair lift. Here is a guide to help you identify the top mistakes people make when installing chair lifts in their homes so that you can make an informed decision that will be a benefit for years to come.
Mistake #1: Selecting a Chair Lift Without Properly Assessing Your Staircase
One of the most common—and costly—mistakes that homeowners make when selecting a stair lift is assuming that all staircases are built the same.
The truth is that staircases come in all shapes and sizes:
- Straight versus curved
- Width and angle
- Landing area
- Any obstructions (such as railings, doors, or windows)
Again, by selecting a chair lift without assessing your particular staircase configuration, you risk selecting a chair lift that may fit poorly, provide inadequate comfort, and/or have installation and operation complications.
Why Is This Important?
A chair lift should be aligned to the geometry of your staircase to ensure:
- A smooth ride
- Safe boarding and disembarkation
- No obstructions to other users of the staircase
Elite Elevators Malaysia takes this one step further by requiring a minimum of a site evaluation to recommend chair lift solutions that will fit seamlessly into your home.
Mistake #2: Putting Price Before Safety and Engineering Quality
Choosing the cheapest available chair lift, while budget conscious, will put your safety, reliability and durability at stake. Low-quality chairlifts can often have the following missing controls:
- Advanced safety sensors
- Not having smooth Start Stop
- Not having emergency battery backup
- Non-ergonomic seating design
The Hidden Expense of “Cheap”
What appears to be affordable today may lead to:
- Frequent failures
- Increased maintenance costs
- User discomfort
- A reduced product life
A premium quality chair lift has been engineered to be used daily over a long period, thus, generating worry-free long-term consistent performance. This is what all mobility solutions offered by Elite Elevators were designed to do.
Mistake #3: Failing to Incorporate Physical Comfort and Needs of the User
Every user is unique. One of the major mistakes made in choosing a chair lift is to ignore the user’s unique physical dimensions: height, weight, and daily comfort needs.
Some of the most important and overlooked comfort factors are:
- Armrest position
- Footrest size and stability
- Ease of Swivel at Landings
A chair lift that looks good on paper and feels uncomfortable in first-hand use is pointless. The correct system should feel instinctual, supportive, and effortless.
Mistake #4: Not Being Prepared for Power Loss and/or Emergency Situations
Power failure isn’t foreign to anyone, and the thought of a chair lift stopping in the middle of a power loss can create both fear and insecurity. However, most homeowners tend to be unaware of the importance of this feature.
Three Power Loss Safety Features to Look For Are:
- Built-in Battery Backup
- Automatic Safe Stop Functionality
- Manual Lowering Options
Only an extremely reliable system will consistently allow a user to safely operate their chair lift even during a power loss. Therefore, this is a feature you cannot skimp on when purchasing any of the new generation of modern chair lift systems.
Mistake #5: Not Planning for Future Mobility Requirements
A chairlift should address a current problem, but also anticipate the challenges associated with possible changes in mobility requirements. Some homeowners make the mistake of planning for current mobility requirements but do not consider what changes might come. A homeowner should ask themselves:
- Will I need support later on?
- Are there multiple users in my family? Is it adaptable?
- Is it flexible/robust enough to last for several years?
By choosing a flexible/robust system, you ensure that your investment will hold its value for many years to come.
Mistake #6: Incorrect Placement of the Controls & Call Stations
Another often overlooked aspect of the chairlift is the placement of the controls. A typical chairlift will have:
- Controls mounted on the chair seat, and
- Call/send switches mounted on the wall
If all of these controls are not placed correctly or are hard to get to, then this is an area where a homeowner might experience some frustration. The proper placement of the controls should:
- Be easily reached without assistance or help (from either a seated or standing position)
- Allow the chairlift to be called from either floor
- Be easy for elderly users to understand
For proper functioning, thoughtfulness in design and placement will greatly enhance the usability of a chairlift in everyday life.
Mistake #7: Not Considering the Clearance of Your Stairs for Other Users
While the chairlift must accommodate the user, it must also consider other family members. Many homeowners have made the mistake of installing a large bulky system that obstructs several stairs and interferes with their daily use and movement. Smart designs of chairlifts feature:
- Fold-down seat and footrest for ease of use
- Slim profile of rails and tracks
- Minimal obstruction when the chairlift is not in use
This allows all other users in the home to access the stairs.
Mistake #8: Not Using a Trained Professional for Chairlift Installation
A homeowner who tries to save money by using untrained installers or by using a third-party company may encounter significant installation problems.
If installed incorrectly a stairlift could result in:
Misaligned tracks, jerky movement, excessive wear, and safety hazards.
Elevators are designed as precise systems so it is essential that they are installed correctly by someone trained in load distribution, electrical safety, and ergonomic positioning.
Elite Elevators Malaysia adheres to stringent installation standards so that every chair lift will perform flawlessly day one.
Mistake #9: Not Considering After Sale Support and Maintenance
Chairlifts are a long-term mobility solution; they are not just an item you buy once.
Many homeowners simply focus on the installation and neglect to ask questions regarding:
- Maintenance schedule
- Service response time
- Spare part availability
- Technical assistance
Mistake #10: Thinking of a Stairlift as a Short-Term Solution Rather Than an Upgrade to Your Lifestyle
The most important error of all is to think of purchasing a stair lift as a temporary solution instead of the lifestyle-enhancing improvement to your life.
A quality-designed stairlift:
- Provides you with your independence once again
- Helps to increase the likelihood of injury from falls
- Increases self-esteem and provides you with additional confidence in your ability to live independently
- Allows Seniors to comfortably remain in their own homes as they age
What Is the E50 Stairlift?
The E50 Stairlift is a premium motorised chairlift, designed to provide a user with a safe and comfortable way to move between levels of a home (ie; for seniors and those with mobility issues). It has been engineered in Germany and manufactured in Europe, providing a high degree of quality, comfort, safety and manufacturing.
E50 Upgraded Capabilities and Features
1. Fits All Stairs
The E50 fits all straight, curved, circular, and L-shaped stairs, including narrow stairs (610mm wide).
2. No Structural Modifications Needed
Installation can be done without the need for any civil work (no drilling through your wall). Installation requires no civil work and will not affect the structure of your house.
3. Smooth & Silent Ride
The E50 chairlift has been engineered to provide an ultra-quiet and smooth ride.
4. Very Easy Controls
The E50 has a very user-friendly soft-touch joystick and can also be operated by remote control (for those with limited fine motor control).
5. Space Saving
The seat and footrest of the E50 fold up when not in use, allowing others to use the stairs without having to step over the chairlift.
6. Customisation Options
The seat will be available in different colours, fabrics, and finishes depending on your preference.
Benefits of Using the E50 Stairlift
- Independence: The E50 chairlift allows a user to move about independently without needing assistance.
- Convenience: The E50 chairlift has an ergonomic seat, fully adjustable for maximum comfort.
- Safety: The E50 chairlift has many safety features, including swivel seats and fully secure belts.
- Quick Installation: The E50 chairlift can be installed in less than 30 minutes with minimal disruption to the home.
Technical Specifications
- 125kg Weight Capacity
- Whisper Quiet Operation
- Fits Various Stair Angles and Shapes
- Compact Installation Footprint
Ideal User
- Seniors or seniors looking For Mobility Challenge
- Multi-level homes
- Anyone wanting Safe Easy Access to Stairs without Renovations
Firdaus
This is a very informative article. I especially liked how you explained the common mistakes people make when choosing a stairlift. The section about prioritising safety over price really stood out. The E50 Stairlift features sound very impressive.
N Aisyah
Thank you for sharing this detailed guide. Planning for future mobility needs is something many families overlook. The explanation about battery backup and emergency safety features was very reassuring.
M Faizal
Great read! I didn’t realise that staircase shape and clearance play such a big role in stairlift selection. The E50 Stairlift seems ideal for narrow staircases commonly found in Malaysian homes.
S Hanim
Well-written and easy to understand. The explanation about after-sales support and maintenance was very helpful. The E50 Stairlift looks reliable for daily use.