Stair caterpillars for wheelchair users – Compare costs & prices

Stair caterpillars allow wheelchair users to climb stairs that are not equipped with a stair lift. There are three variants to distinguish. There are stair caterpillars that can be used by active wheelchair users without an assistant. There are other models that allow the assistance of an attendant. Finally, there are models that are equipped with a platform and can therefore be used universally with several wheelchairs..

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Stair caterpillars differ from stair lifts by the fact that no structural changes need to be made to the stairs. Stair caterpillars are therefore universally applicable to any staircase. They are designed for wheelchair users. Active wheelchair users can make use of stair caterpillars that can be used completely autonomously. In addition, other models are also offered, where the user is dependent on an attendant.

Stair caterpillars as an alternative to a stairlift

Stair caterpillars, as the name suggests, have a caterpillar drive. There is no fixed connection to the stairs. Instead, the stair caterpillar is attached to a wheelchair. The drive works electrically via a rechargeable battery. A connection to the power grid is therefore also not required. The battery only needs to be charged from time to time. The range of a battery charge is up to 30 floors. Stair caterpillars can therefore be used in a mobile and flexible manner on any staircase. This is certainly the most important difference to the stair lift. This must namely always be permanently installed on a staircase.

PhotosSource: savaria.com

Stair caterpillars are designed with wheelchair users in mind. They cannot be used by pedestrians. Depending on the design of the stair caterpillar, users may have to rely on an attendant. Stairlifts, on the other hand, can almost always be used without external assistance. Users for whom comfort is of particular importance should take into account that stairlifts are usually more comfortable to use. However, for this, the stair caterpillar is also the significantly cheaper alternative.

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Stair caterpillars for active wheelchair users

There are stair caterpillars that can be used by active wheelchair users alone, without the help of an attendant. In this case, the caterpillar drive sits below the wheelchair and can be retracted or extended by the user and thus removed when not in use. No visual or structural modifications are required to the staircase itself. Such stair caterpillars can therefore be used on any staircase without approval. Nevertheless, there are some requirements that must be met. These requirements concern the user, the wheelchair and the staircase to be climbed.

For example, the staircase must be straight with a landing and the slope must not exceed 35 degrees. The staircase can be located indoors or outdoors, but in any case it should have a stable handrail. The caterpillar drive is mounted underneath the wheelchair. Not every wheelchair is suitable for this. However, suitable models or adapters are readily available. The user of a stair caterpillar must also be sufficiently active and mobile. This applies in particular to the arm or finger function.

Stair crawlers that require an attendant

Stair caterpillars that require an attendant are often referred to as stair cules. Companions can help the wheelchair user negotiate stairs without having to exert any effort themselves. A distinction should be made between models that can be temporarily yet permanently connected to a wheelchair and those that have a platform that can be used by multiple wheelchairs without any adaptation.

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The latter variant is suitable, for example, for public buildings. Such stair caterpillars can also be used without structural modifications to the staircase, making them a particularly favorable option for enabling wheelchair users to access a building or upper floors. Straps are used to secure the user. In the private sector, most customers tend to turn to adaptable systems that require a special bracket to be attached to the wheelchair. Such stair caterpillars are faster and more convenient to use.

Cost of stair caterpillars

Stair crawlers are an affordable alternative to the platform lift or a lift. Prices for basic models start at just over €4,000. More expensive examples, however, can cost up to 9,000 €. It should be noted when comparing prices that stair crawlers are aimed at wheelchair users. Stair lifts for wheelchair users are usually more expensive than those for pedestrians. Lift platforms also usually cost more than a stair caterpillar. One should also not forget the fact that a stair caterpillar can be used on several stairs. Stair caterpillars are therefore particularly economical alternatives. This is also true because costs due to assembly or conversion of stairs are completely eliminated. This also eliminates a possibly longer waiting period when stairlifts first have to be custom-made.

Save money when buying a stair crawler

Stair caterpillars can be purchased used. Since they do not have to be permanently installed and no modifications are made to the staircase, buying used is much easier than buying a stair lift. Buying a used stair caterpillar can save up to 50 percent compared to the price of a new one. Important: Health insurance companies generally do not pay for the installation of a stair lift, but may reimburse the cost of a stair caterpillar.