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If you or someone you know has trouble climbing up and down the stairs, a stairlift can help. However, these machines can be pretty slow, leaving you wondering if there’s anything you can do to change the speed settings and make your ride from banister to banister faster.
Stairlifts have different speed settings, but they are not adjustable. Stair lifts can only move forward at the pace designated by the manufacturer. A stair lift will start slow, reach top speed, and slow down around turns to keep the rider safe.
The rest of this article will describe the overall trajectory of stair lifts, offer suggestions for faster movement, and provide safety tips. Additionally, I will help you decide whether or not to fork out the cash to purchase one for yourself.
A Stair Lift Has Three Speeds: Slow, Medium, and Full
Stairlifts can move forward with the press of a lever, which must be held in place by the rider. This lever only turns the machine on or off, moving it forward or stopping. This lever does not increase or decrease the speed of the moving carriage.
Although the stair lift moves forward, it may change its velocity based on its current location on the track.
The initial ride will have a slow speed, a straight path will have the maximum speed, and the turns will feature a medium speed. These speeds make the trip safe and comfortable for the rider from start to finish.
How Do I Change the Stair Lift Speed Settings?
You cannot change the speed of the stair lift on your own, but the velocity will vary according to its position on the track. It will start slow to prevent jerking the rider forward, ramp up to maximum speed along straight paths, and move at a medium pace around curves.
If you want a faster stair lift ride, consider purchasing a different model or installing it on a linear path that will not hinder its movement.
How Do I Make a Stair Lift Go Faster?
You cannot make your currently installed stair lift go faster, but there are ways to get a faster-moving stair lift. You could choose to purchase a model that operates at a faster speed and install it for a quicker ride.
Alternatively, you could install the unit along a path that goes in a straight line to benefit from the top speed of a linearly-moving machine.
Sometimes, the stair lift battery may run low, so improving the speed is as simple as replacing the battery pack.
How Fast Can a Stair Lift Go?
A stair lift can move forward between 0.15 mph (0.24 kph) and 0.34 mph (0.55 kph), which is slower than a walking pace. These speeds are limited by law to keep riders and residents safe during transit. Some models will move faster than others, so choose one that provides the speed and comfort you desire.
Why Is There a Speed Limit for Stair Lifts?
Stair lifts go on stairs, which typically endure a lot of foot traffic, so there are higher chances of getting into accidents. To mitigate the potential damage and frequency of mishaps, manufacturers limit the maximum velocity of the stair lift.
The local government has the final say on the overall speed, so feel free to check the allowed rate in your area.
How Long Does It Take To Get to the Top or Bottom of the Steps on a Stair Lift?
It will take a stairlift about a minute to get from the bottom of the stairs to the top. However, this duration will depend on the length of the stairs. You can easily measure the time it takes by getting into a stair lift and keeping an eye on a stopwatch.
You may also perform manual calculations by finding the distance of your stairs and the speed of your stair lift, then solving for time.
Stair Lift Safety Tips
Stair lifts can provide years of utility when kept in good condition and used safely. To keep the rider and those around safe, please follow these safety tips:
- Only one person can ride at a time
- Ensure you are within the weight limit before using your stairlift
- Position yourself correctly on the seat with your feet hanging down
- Always secure the safety belt when riding the stairlift
- Clear obstacles from the stairs before riding
- Do not operate the machine when small children or pets are around
It is always essential to put your safety and the safety of those around you first when operating your stair lift.
Stair Lift Maintenance Tips
Once installed, your stair lift will require periodic attention to keep it in good condition. Here are a few maintenance tips to help you keep it in operation:
- Keep your stairlift debris-free. Lint, dust, hair, and other gunk can get stuck in the track and other components of a stairlift, slowing it down and making it have to work harder. So, you should regularly dust off the whole system with a damp cloth and use a vacuum to clean up any hidden filth.
- Apply lubrication on the track every three months. Lubricant does not last forever, so you must apply a fresh coat to replace the previous layer. A new batch of lubrication will keep the equipment moving steadily without interruption or damage.
- Keep your eye on the stairlift battery. Like the battery in a car, your stairlift will draw power from its pack. Keep it powered up by letting it charge after every use. Always keep it attached to the power supply to avoid electric problems.
A stair lift may not take as much effort to maintain as other household appliances. Still, moderate attention can keep it as good as new.
Is a Stair Lift Right for My Family?
Stair lifts are great for those needing a mobility solution but can be expensive.
However, they can be a worthy investment if:
- Your home has a lot of steps.
- Walking up or down the stairs is difficult for some family members.
- You have a family member with knee or leg problems.
- You have a family member with respiratory issues.
- You don’t have small children or pets.
- You can afford it.
Only you can decide on making the final purchase. Still, the above situations indicate that a new stair lift could make your life easier and help everyone in your home get around.
Safety is the main reason stairlifts move slowly. However, there are other reasons, too. Read my guide to see a full list. 6 Reasons Why Stairlifts Are So Slow
Final Thoughts
A stair lift can move forward upon pressing a lever that allows it to get into or out of operation.
It can travel between 0.15 mph (0.24 kph) to 0.34 mph (0.55 kph), a speed set by the manufacturer. It will start slow to avoid jerking the rider, ramp up to maximum speed, slow down at turns, and stop at the destination.
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