Did you know the first stair lift was developed and built in the 1920s? A self-taught engineer named C.C. Crispen constructed the prototype for the stair lift in order to assist an ailing friend in his struggles to get from one floor of his house to another. Today, modern stair lifts help thousands of people do the same.
How does a stair lift work, exactly? Take a staircase and, assuming it’s wide enough, mount a rail to either the wall beside it or the treads of the steps themselves. A person with limited mobility sits in the seat attached to the rail and, with the simple push of a button, can ascend or descend the staircase with ease.
Most modern stairway lifts come complete with adjustable seats, battery isolation switches, call stations, a flip-up rail, a folding step, a seat belt and a function that measures the speed at which it travels. All these accessories aim to maximum the comfort of the person using the machine while simultaneously providing a safe, reliable experience. Call it modern mobility innovation.
But the stair lift is not the only mechanism that allows for this kind of safe transport. In recent years, wheelchair car lifts have become nearly ubiquitous for folks who still wish to travel around in automobiles. These aren’t just electric car wheelchair lifts we’re talking about, either. Today, modern wheelchair car lift development allows for people to enter truck cabs more easily so that they may continue to operate the vehicle as well.
Just because people are suffering from limited mobility doesn’t mean they have to forfeit their mobility altogether. This is why wheelchair car lifts continue to improve, so that folks in wheelchairs (and not just the elderly) can continue to be independent in driving and getting around town. It’s all about finding the right balance when it comes to wheelchair car lifts, stair lifts and beyond.