If you are looking up stair lifts, then it is a necessity that you are looking for to provide assistance for going up and down stairs without much difficulty. While a stair lift may be an appropriate solution for your needs, there are quite a lot of types, and choosing the best one is crucial as this will have to be a worthy one-time investment to ensure you do not burn a hole in your pocket. Here are a few facts that can help you get on track to finding the best stair-lift for your loved ones:

• Start with the Location
  Where do you need to go using the stair lift? You cannot just fit a stair lift in any environment as it needs its own set of set up. Is it possible to avoid using the stairs of your home or is it a key component to all the members of the house? While the stair lifts are primarily designed for indoor use, there are outdoor stair lifts built to withstand the weather. The one you choose should not hinder free movement in your home.
• What Type of Stairs do You Actually Have?
  Each stairway may have a similar design but the built-up area and specifications are unique. Do you have straight stairs that you can easily access without much obstruction or are your stairs curved ones that have landings and are spiral? Installing a stair lift in the former type is easier when compared to one that has a certain amount of architectural designs.
• Always Go for the Long Run
  You are making quite an investment and this needs to last in terms of weight of the individual as well as durability of the functioning. A standard duty stair lift can carry up to 300 lbs while a heavy duty lift can carry up to 750 lbs and has a wider seat. A heavy duty lift also requires a minimum stairway width of 36 inches. Be sure to evaluate the needs your stair lift project is addressing and have an appropriately sized unit installed.
• Always make note of foot traffic
  Having a stair lift limits the space on a stair so getting one that has a foldable seat will ensure that you can have ample moving space without any hindrance. Moreover, knocking over the stair lift can cause damage to both the equipment and the seat itself making it susceptible for too many frequent repairs.
• Be aware of the safety features
  One of the most critical elements that you have to look out for in a stair lift is the safety features. Some of the most common ones that ensure rider safety are seat belts, safety switch, and safety sensors. Initially you may think of them as accessories but in reality, they are important to ensure that the rider does not tumble over or get frenzy from a stair lift ride. Safety belts ensure that the rider does not fall over or get queasy with the lifting or the jerk landing. Having an easily accessible safety switch will ensure that the seat is in the right positing before or when in transit. A safety sensor, on the other hand, ensures that it stops its function when it comes in contact with an object or person using the stairs when the lift is in moving.
• Check the Controls Available
  Having controls makes it easy for the user to control their own movement and not be hindered by waiting upon someone to manually operate the stair lift unless the person does have mobility issues. There are different types of controls for ease of use. The armrest controls can help the rider to access their movement, the wall controls can help with moving the seat to the desired position, the contact pressure controls help which help movement based on the pressure applied, etc.
• Know Your Options
  There are options on a stair lift as well. These customizing options make the stair lift more than user friendly. Some of the common elements that meet your functional and aesthetic needs are as follows:

• Upholstery
• Power swivel seat
• Power folding footrest
• Larger footrest
• Oversized seat
• Folding rails
• Painted Rails to match your decor

You should also choose to either rent or buy a stair lift on the basis of your financial convenience. Renting is ideal for short-term use and projects with limited budgets while purchasing a stair lift is for long-term use. Also, remember that your stair lift should come with a warranty so that you do not face any issues with repeated use.