Stairlift manufacturers: List of the best stairlift suppliers

In the following article we present the best known regional and national stairlift manufacturers. In addition, we also address the topics of service, quality, safety and advice.

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If your parents have mobility problems and rely on a cane, walker or wheelchair, you should consider installing a stair lift. Stairlifts (also known as seat lifts) allow users to sit comfortably in a seat while the lift takes them up the banister.

Photo: tkelevator.com | © ThyssenKrupp AG

Among the best known and largest manufacturers operating in Germany are the following companies: Acorn, Garaventa Lift, Handicare, Hawle Stairlifts, Hiro Lift, Högg, Lifta, SaniMed Stairlifts and ThyssenKrupp. Learn more about each of these companies and how stairlifts work below. All seven manufacturers are known for high quality products, very good service and reasonable value for money.

Individual stairlift suppliers differ mainly in model selection, equipment, warranty period and prices. In the following, we present the best-known manufacturers in more detail and show which features make them stand out. The order in which we present the stairlift suppliers is random, as we do not want to highlight any supplier in particular. Further down in the article you will find a complete list of regional stairlift suppliers sorted by state.

Lifta

The manufacturer Lifta was founded in 1977 in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, and is one of the largest manufacturers of individual stairlifts in Germany, according to its own statement. Lifta was the first company to not only sell stairlifts, but also rent them out. The manufacturer offers three different models each for straight and curved stairs. For a straight staircase, the models GTL 2000/2100, GTL 3000/3100 and GTL 320 are available. These stairlifts differ mainly in their maximum load capacity and various extras, such as a weight sensor or removable armrests. The curved stairlifts are the models 5000/5100, 6000/6100 and 4100. In order to be able to guarantee a better curve position, Lifta also offers these models with a 2-rail system. In addition, the colors for the seat cushion and the rail can be adapted to your own wishes.

ThyssenKrupp

One of the best-known manufacturers of stairlifts is ThyssenKrupp. The company was founded in 1999 as an offshoot of ThyssenKrupp AG in Hamburg. In 2011, the company location was moved to Neuss. ThyssenKrupp AG offers a total of five different stairlift models. For curved stairs and a very narrow staircase, the Flow II is used. This stairlift has a 1-tube rail system that can be laid over several floors if required.

PhotosPhoto: tkelevator.com | © ThyssenKrupp AG

The Levant model series, which includes the three stairlifts Classic, Comfort and ComfortPlus, is designed for use on straight stairs. The main differences between these three models relate to the maximum additional weight and the various electrically adjustable individual parts. For outdoor use, ThyssenKrupp offers the Lift Levant Outdoor. This is made of robust and resistant material and is completely waterproof.

Acorn Stairlifts

The manufacturer Acorn is known for its affordable stairlift models. The company was founded in 1992 in Düsseldorf, Germany, and has several branches throughout Europe. While in the early days the company specialized in selling used stairlifts, nowadays Acorn also manufactures its own models and is one of the largest producers in Germany. The German manufacturer offers stairlifts for both straight and curved staircases.

Photo: © Acorn Treppenlifte GmbH

At the same time, Stiftung Warentest classifies the company as very reliable. As can be read on the manufacturer’s website, Acorn guarantees the installation of the stairlift within seven working days. In addition, the various stairlift models can be equipped with various extras. These include colored seat covers, customizable armrests and additional seat belts. The most popular models include the Superglide for straight stairs and the Acorn 180 for curved stairs.

Handicare

The Handicare company was founded in 1886 in the Netherlands, where the company’s headquarters are still located today. The stairlift manufacturer has a number of European branches, including one in Germany in Minden. Handicare offers four different curved stairlifts: the Rembrandt model, Van Gogh, Vermeer and the Handicare 2000. The Handicare Rembrandt is designed to be mounted on the inside of the stairs, while the Van Gogh model is mounted on the outside of the stairs.

The Handicare 2000 and the Vermeer model can be mounted on both the inside and the outside. In addition, the Vermeer model allows transport over several floors. The manufacturer offers four other stairlift models for a straight staircase. These are the following models: Simplicity, Simplicity+, 1000 and Handicare 1000XXL. Compared to the standard Simplicity model, the Simplicity+ offers some automatic features, such as electrically adjustable armrests and an automatically retractable footrest. It is worth mentioning that the Handicare 1000XXL is suitable for people weighing up to 200 kilograms.

Hawle Stairlifts

The stairlift manufacturer Hawle was founded in 1967 as an independent company and belongs to the Hawle Group International. The headquarters of Hawle Treppenlifte GmbH is located in Ruppichteroth, where the lifts are produced and tested. The product range includes the HW10 stairlift for curved stairs and the HW20 for straight stairs. Both stairlifts are extremely robust and, thanks to their design, can also be used on very narrow staircases. The models are suitable for a gradient angle of up to 75 degrees and feature a swivel comfort seat that can also be customized in color on request. Hawle offers a total of 17 different covers for this. Both stairlift models are driven by a 200-watt gear motor.

Hiro Lift

The Hiro Lift company is one of the oldest manufacturers of stairlifts. The company was founded in 1897 in Bielefeld, where the headquarters and factory are still located. The Hiro 160 model is designed for use on curved staircases and and is installed with a special double-tube rail system. The stainless steel double tube increases safety by improving curve stability.

For straight stairs, the stairlift manufacturer has the Hiro 150 on offer. This lift can be used both indoors and outdoors and features a space-saving design and narrow rail system. The Hiro 120 and Hiro 220 models are very flexible stairlifts that are also suitable for wheelchair users. This is because the seat here can be replaced with a wheelchair platform or standing platform.

Högg Lift systems

The Högg company has been producing stair and platform lifts for a wide range of applications since its foundation in 1905. The company’s headquarters are located in Lichtensteig in the canton of St. Gallen. The lift manufacturer also has a branch in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia. The Superglide 120 stairlift model is suitable for use on straight stairs and can also be used in narrow stairwells due to its narrow design. The Högg Flow, on the other hand, is designed for curved staircases. This model features a joystick that allows the lift to be moved easily and without effort. The Swiss company also offers the SL-50 model, an overhead lift that can be used in very narrow or steep stairwells over several floors.

Adresse

Högg Liftsysteme AG
Adresse: Wilerstrasse 137
Firmensitz: CH 9620 Lichtensteig

Telefon: 004171 987 66 80
Internet: www.hoegglift.ch

How do you recognize reputable stairlift providers?

Photo: © Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock

Transparent customer consultation: Before buying a stairlift, it is essential to arrange a consultation appointment with the provider. This usually takes place at the customer’s site, so that the employees can get a picture of the premises in which the stairlift is to be used. Without an assessment of the living environment, it is not possible to make a serious offer. Important: A reputable company will carry out both the consultation itself and the on-site inspection without obligation and free of charge. Care should be taken with providers who charge a flat rate for travel or a consulting fee.

Measurement by trained personnel: To be able to guarantee an exact fit of the stairlift, the provider must measure the conditions on site exactly. A folding rule or tape measure is not sufficient for this. As a rule, infrared distance measuring devices and other modern technical aids are used. The calculations of the step height and the angle of inclination must be carried out without error, otherwise the stairlift may not function or may function only to a limited extent.

Customer service: Since the buyers of a stairlift are dependent on the fact that this functions without restriction and at any time, one should inform oneself already in the apron about the availability of the customer service and the technical emergency assistance. It is important to pay attention to the following things: Is customer service available at all times? How quickly will the repair or replacement of the stairlift be carried out? Is the service hotline free of charge? Are the technicians of the emergency service certified and trained? Are there any costs involved if the repair is done on a weekend or holiday?

Testing facilities: A reputable provider has showrooms where you can not only examine the various stairlift models, but also test them in detail. Buying a stairlift based only on photos in a catalog can quickly lead to problems.

Additional services: Reputable providers often allow free financing of the desired stairlift model. In addition, trained customer advisors know how to apply for a financial subsidy from the health insurance company and what requirements must be met – at no extra charge.

Types of stair lifts

A stair lift has a rail mounted on the wall of the stairwell and a motorized chair mounted on the rail. The electrically powered seat moves up the stairs at a reasonable speed while the passenger is safely strapped in.

Photo: tkelevator.com | © ThyssenKrupp AG

In the event that another person needs to use the chair, a “call and send” button is available. The three main types of stairlifts are straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts and outdoor stairlifts.

Straight stairlifts – Designed for a set of stairs that go straight up to a second floor or straight down to a basement or lower floor. Standardized rails are used and installation time is minimal at 1 to 2 hours.

Curved Stair Lifts – Required for stair courses where there is a curve, bend or landing in the middle of the staircase going up or down. Installation for curved staircases requires building a custom rail to fit your unique staircase. Curved lifts take longer to fabricate and install.

Outdoor Stair Lifts – Are typically installed on porches, patios and decks. Customization may be required depending on whether the stairs are straight or curved. Outdoor stair lifts are designed to withstand weather conditions through the use of vinyl and weatherproof covers.

Standard functions of stairlifts

Many stairlift companies offer the following features as standard on their models.

Photo: Flickr.com | Press image from Lifta

Folding Seat & Footrest – Designed to minimize the stairlift’s footprint when not in use. Some models offer an electric option that automatically folds the footrest when the seat is raised.

Swivel Seat – Allows the user to swivel the seat away from the open staircase for safer exit from the lift.

Adjustable/Customizable Seat – Added comfort features such as generous padding, adjustable seat height and armrests provide a comfortable ride.

Safety belts and safety sensors – Safety belts ensure that the rider cannot fall off while riding the stairlift. Safety sensors can detect objects on the stairs and stop the stairlift from moving.

Remote controls – Can be used to automatically “call or send” the stairlift up and down the stairs, allowing multiple users to use the lift.

How can you evaluate stairlift companies?

Following questions will help you evaluate companies and make sure you buy the right product:

Photo: © Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock

• What is the price range you are willing to spend on the lift?
• Does the company offer a financing plan or installment payments?
• How many models does the company make?
• Do you need an indoor or outdoor stair lift?
• How many years warranty does the company offer?
• What safety features are integrated into the product?
• Does the stairlift have to install itself?
• Does the stairlift work in the event of a power failure?
• Is the lift battery operated or electric?
• Do you want to buy or rent the stairlift?

When answering the above questions, consider both the current and future needs of your loved one. Be accurate in your research and reviews of individual companies and schedule on-site appointments with all stairlift companies. These should be free of charge and without obligation to you.