Curved Lifts: All you need to know

There are two basic types of stairlift: curved and straight. All curved stair lifts have a curved top surface (usually a wavy pattern) that curves around the outside edge of the step. Straight stairs usually feature a smooth, continuous surface on all sides of the step. When you step onto a curved stairlift, the angle created between the side of the step and the top of the rail can create grip wider than that provided by a straight staircase.

Points to remember:

Stairlifts cost more for several reasons. First, they are typically designed with a curve to fit the human body and any medical equipment that might be placed on them (e.g., ramp support or wheelchairs). Second, they must be designed with sufficient space between the top of the stairs and any obstructions (e.g., a wall, a fence) to allow users with foot injuries or disabilities sufficient freedom to get up and down without holding onto an upward-bound handrail or bracket. Failure to provide this space can lead to injury or even crush cases as people attempting to flee or lay flat on their back end up being thrown off the railing due to their position relative to the railing itself.

Curved stairlifts are not only more aesthetically pleasing in appearance, but they also offer additional benefits for patients in rehabilitation as well as patients who are learning to walk. Straight stairs can be intimidating for people who have limited mobility or limited strength, particularly if they have experienced an injury or accident that limits their ability to walk straight. Stairlifts offer an alternative method for approaching or ascending stairs that can be more comfortable for people with physical limitations. For example, even a severely limited person can typically use a stairlift to move around level grounds without significant hindrance.

The cost of a curved stairlift can vary greatly depending on the material and style of the stairlift system, as well as the angle at which it is being installed. Straight stairs are frequently used because there is less cost for replacing or repairing them once they have broken down. Curved stairlifts, on the other hand, often require replacement or repair at various points along their length due to their design. Some curved stairlifts may have vertical supports inside also which can be utilized in the event of an emergency

Curved Stairlifts may appear sleeker and more elegant than straight stairlifts, but their manufacturing costs are often higher and hence they are more expensive.

Straight stairlift rails are significantly cheaper than their curved counterparts and are better suited to heavy loads. Straight stairlift rails can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, but curvy ones generally cannot.

Curved stairlifts can be manufactured to Any angle; however, the weight restrictions of curved lifts make them unsuited for larger or heavier people.

Curved stairlifts have a beautiful aesthetic. They can be manufactured to any angle you desire.

When choosing the best curved stairlift for your home, you should consider your own specific climbing requirements. For instance, if you frequently climb ladders or are plate-encumbered, then a curved rail can help you achieve an ideal height for your standing position on top of the stairlift. On the other hand, if you rarely use stairs and own small children who might fear heights, a straight rail could be better suited for your needs. In either case, when you shop for a new stairlift make sure to ask questions about stairlifts service and features such as power output, total cost of ownership, vertical distance travelled and clearance from other stairs and obstacles.