The stair lift is one of the many medical inventions that have created a tremendous impact in our lives. Because of stair lifts, people with mobility problems can still enjoy the freedom of movement that they used to have fully instead of being permanently confided to the lower floor of their home.

When you buy a stair lift, you are always faced with two options – to buy an electric or AC-powered stair lift or a battery or DC-powered one. Both types of stair lifts have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important for you to learn what these are before you make your purchase.

The Pros and Cons of Electric-Powered Stair Lifts

In the early days of the stair lift, the electric or AC-powered lifts dominated the market. This type of lift is connected to the house's main power supply with the use of a trailing cable, and it is plugged into a 110 to 115 VAC outlet. The trailing cable is stored in a spring-loaded drum that is often installed at the top of the stairs.

The main advantage of electric-powered stair lifts is that you do not have to change or charge batteries. Thus, you do not have to deal with any such hassles, especially when the stair lift is in high demand and more than one person uses it. In addition, AC-powered stair lifts are generally cheaper than the battery-run type.

However, an AC-powered stair lift is obviously not advisable if you live in an area that experiences frequent power interruptions. Also, the AC-powered stair lift model is sometimes prone to jolting. This jolting can be uncomfortable or even painful for people with arthritis and similar injuries. The cables that link this type of stair lift to your main power source can also trip people and cause them to fall down the stairs.

The Pros and Cons of Battery-Powered Stair Lifts

Battery-powered stair lifts, as the name suggest, work with the use of batteries. As such, they need to be recharged regularly. Some AC-powered stair lift models have charging stations on the lift track, while some models have their charging stations at both ends of the track.

The great thing about this type of stair lift is that you can still use them in times of power outage. You do not have to be dependent on the main power source of your home. It is also generally quieter and smoother, so whoever uses it will be able to enjoy a more comfortable ride.

On the other hand, stair lifts powered by batteries may be out of the question if there is more than one person using the lift or if the lift is in high demand. Charging and changing the batteries can also be tedious and time-consuming. You also have to set aside a budget for replacing these batteries after a few years, and batteries for stair lifts are not exactly cheap.

Whatever you choose, whether it is an AC-powered or DC-powered stair lift, the important thing is that you buy a stair lift that suits your needs best. You will need to consider the physical condition of the people using the stair lift, how often the lift will be used and your budget. After you have weighed in your considerations, you will find it easier to choose which type of stair lift to purchase.