Lift models and specification guides
Use these guides to prepare a shortlist and a survey question list. The numbers belong to the named model or version, not to every product from that supplier.
Stairlifts
- Acorn 130 straight stairlift
The Acorn 130 is a seated stairlift for a straight flight. Its standard and heavy-duty versions have different weight limits, so the version named on the quotation matters.
- Acorn 180 curved stairlift
The Acorn 180 follows stairs with bends using a modular rail and a self-levelling carriage. It is a different machine from the straight 130, with a lower published maximum user weight.
- Handicare 1100 straight stairlift
The 1100 is a straight stairlift with a continuous-charge rail. The details below come from Companion, which states that Handicare manufactures its stairlifts.
- Handicare 4000 curved stairlift via Companion
Companion lists the 4000 as a curved stairlift with twin rails and a choice of powered options. The standard capacity and the optional heavy-duty capacity must be kept separate.
- Stannah Sadler for curved stairs
Sadler uses a higher, tilted seating position. It may be worth discussing when a conventional low seat is awkward, but a different posture still needs a practical assessment.
- Stannah Siena: straight and curved versions
Siena is a seat range used with different rail systems. A straight Siena and a Siena for stairs with turns do not share one set of dimensions or one maximum capacity.
- TKE/Access BDD Flow X curved stairlift
Flow X uses a single rail and a seat that can turn while travelling. That changes how it negotiates bends and narrow spaces, so it is worth comparing the actual movement as well as the rail.
Home and through-floor lifts
- Pollock through-floor lift versions
Pollock publishes several wheelchair sizes, a compact seated version and a side-hung arrangement. Its standard capacity has important exceptions for two versions.
- Stiltz Duo+ and the Duo range
Duo+ is the compact two-person model in Stiltz’s Duo range. It is a through-floor lift, so the space needed above and below the ceiling opening must be considered together.
- Stiltz Trio+ wheelchair-capable home lift
Trio+ is the larger Stiltz option intended to accommodate a standard wheelchair. The actual chair, its occupant and the route through both rooms still need measuring.
- Terry Harmony and Harmony FE home lifts
Harmony is an open through-floor range for seated travel. Harmony FE is fully enclosed, with different sizes for compact passenger use and wheelchair arrangements.
- Wessex VM and VE through-floor lifts
Wessex VM is an open lift for a seated user; VE is enclosed and can accommodate standing users or a wheelchair user with a carer in suitable versions. The two ranges should not be treated as interchangeable.
Take the drawing to the survey
A published dimension is useful for comparison, but it is not a design for the house. Ask for current drawings and a written specification. Read the buying guides for the space, control and installation questions that sit behind the figures.