While there are plenty of different types of stair chair lifts available out there, not all are created equal. When you want to be able to go from one floor to the next you don’t want it to take all day, which is why finding a fast stair chair lift is an important part of the decision making process. You also want to make sure the speed it goes is one you are comfortable with – if it goes too fast you may feel like you are riding a roller coaster or a ride at an amusement park!
You may be wondering how fast do stairlifts go? The answer to that greatly depends on the make and model. Most stairlifts have a speed between 13 feet per minute and 30 feet per minute. Obviously the lifts which go 13 feet per minute are much faster than those which travel at 30 feet per minute. Some people find that those which are electrically operated are sometimes faster than those running on a battery, but that is not always the case – and of course battery operated models do have the added benefit of being able to work in the case of a power outage.
Unfortunately, there haven’t been any studies we are aware of that announce which is the fastest stair lift – nor do any manufacturers claim that their models have the top speeds. So the answer to the question of which stair lifts are the fastest may be one that remains unanswered for quite some time. However, there are some things to do to make sure you don’t get stuck with one that is slow and takes too long to move from one level to the next up and down the stairs.
Research, Research, Research: You shouldn’t buy the first stairlift you see. While it may be a good one, it helps to make sure you consider all of the different types of models. You may luck out and be very happy with the first brand you are introduced to – but it never hurts to comparison shop, especially when there are so many different options available.
Ask Questions: When you are researching what type of lift to buy and talking with an authorized vendor or sales representative, make sure you discuss speed in addition to the other features. Having a list of questions prepared before meeting with someone will make sure you don’t forget anything during the conversation.
Test it Out: If possible, always try to give the model you want to buy a test run before purchasing, as it is a large investment and you’ll want to be able to know exactly how long it will take for it to ascend or descend the flight of stairs.Vendors who have a storefront and displays are typically able to let you try it out.
Time It: While it may seem silly, it’s not a bad idea to bring a stop watch and time exactly how long it takes, especially if you are comparing different models and can’t decide on which one is right for you. Most lifts will travel the same speed up or down, but some may have slight variances due to the gravity.
Consider Ease of Use: While little things like searching for the right button or buckling the safety lap belt may not seem like a big deal, they also affect how much time it will take for you to use it. If it takes you 10 minutes to struggle with putting on the seatbelt, it doesn’t matter how fast it goes!
Another thing to keep in mind is that although some people like fast stairlifts, this does not always mean that you will. Testing them out and taking them for a ride is really the only way you’ll know whether it is something that is what you want.