Consumers Advocate and other consumer affairs organizations frequently rate Handicare and Harmar among the top stair lift companies serving the aging-in-place and mobility needs of homeowners across the US – for good reason. Handicare and Harmar stair lift companies provide safe, affordable and reliable products reflecting leading edge technology. Before considering the specific details of the stair lift reviews for Handicare and Harmar, let’s look at the various types of lifts, and consider some critical stair lift facts.
Stair Lift Types: Straight, Curved & Platform Lifts
Stair lifts carry people up and down stairs safely and gently in a motorized seat attached to a track that is entirely supported on the treads of the stair (not connected to the wall). The electrical (battery-charged) motor lifts the chair up and down the stairs, controlled by a toggle stick, remote control or a power button. When purchasing a stair lift, you’ll first have to answer an important question; will you need a curved stair lift, straight stair lift, or platform lift? Let’s consider each of these types.
Straight stair lifts run straight from one floor to the next, requiring the stair lift passenger to be able to get in and out of the stair lift. The chair lift is often able to be installed within a few days following a home assessment, is installed in a matter of hours, and requires minimal training for the user.
Curved Stair Lifts run up a portion of stairs to a landing, and then up another portion of stairs, from one floor to the next. This lift requires the stair lift passenger to get in and out of the stair lift chair. The curved stair lift is custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of the stair including the steps, landing and second set of steps.
Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) carries the passenger vertically in their wheelchair or scooter from one floor to the next. The passenger is not required to transfer from the wheelchair or scooter to a lift seat, but can simply ride the lift in the wheel chair.
Critical Stair Lift Facts
Below are 5 critical stair lift facts to consider when researching a new lift for a wheelchair bound elderly or disabled loved one:
- Straight, curved and vertical platform lifts require a certified stair lift installer in the State of Georgia.
- Stair lift pricing includes a home assessment, stair lift materials, installation and final review by a state certified installer.
- Powered from rechargeable batteries and direct current, chair lifts are able to continue functioning during a power outage.
- Handicare and Harmar models include a fold-up seat, footrest and armrests enabling adequate space on the stair for other stair users.
- Most Handicare and Harmar lift models come standard with a manual swivel seat for safer transfer on and off of the lift, and a retractable seat belt.
Straight, curved and vertical platform lifts require a certified stair lift installer in the State of Georgia.
Elizabeth Greenewald, CAPS; Stair Lifts Atlanta, LLC
The following are stair lift reviews for Handicare and Harmar including detailed reviews of four popular stair lift models:
Stair Lift Review: Handicare
Working for more than 30 years to achieve their goal “to improve the quality of life for disabled and elderly people” Handicare now provides a wide range of indoor and outdoor mobility products widely available in the US and abroad. Two popular Handicare stair lift models are the Handicare Xclusive straight stair lift and the Handicare Freecurve curved stair lift.
The Handicare Xclusive Straight Stair Lift
The Handicare Xclusive is a reasonably priced stair lift designed to accommodate the full range of needs any stair lift user may have, offering an ergonomically designed toggle switch control, an optional power swivel seat and an optional power folding footrest. According to Handicare, the Xclusive is a compact straight stair lift, with, “… a slim waistline and diamond-shaped backrest, an aesthetic all its own.” The following are the standard Handicare Xclusive features:
- Seat: Wide seat and back with removable and washable upholstery
- Weight Load: 286 pounds
- Power Source: DC plug-in power, with battery back-up
- Charger: Charging station at top and bottom of stairs for continuous charging
- Speed: 15 m/sec
- Controls: The controls include a convenient easy to use toggle control, two wireless remotes, and a key-operated switch to prevent operation from unwanted users
- Safety Sensors: Equipped with sensors to immediately stop the lift if an obstruction is detected
Available Options:
- Power Swivel Seat: A powered swivel seat for safer transfer on to and off of the lift is available.
- Power Foot Rest: No need to bend down to fold or unfold the footrest.
Handicare Freecurve Curved Stair Lift
The Handicare Freecurve curved stair lift offers optimal aesthetics, ergonomics and convenience. This stair lift is custom designed to fit your unique staircase or tight spatial requirements, and is available in multiple models and colors to meet your needs. As we evaluate stair lift reviews for Handicare and Harmar lets now consider the standard Handicare Freecurve features:
- Seat: The seat is available with different options and various colors. The stylish upholstery has a protective layer making it durable and easy to clean.
- Weight Load: 275 pounds
- Power Source: DC plug-in power, with battery back-up
- Charger: Multiple charging points
- Speed: .49 f/s (max)
- Controls: The controls include a convenient easy to use joystick control, two wireless remotes, and a key-operated switch to prevent operation from unwanted users
- Safety Sensors: Equipped with sensors to immediately stop the lift if an obstruction is detected
Available Options:
- Swivel Forward: This option swivels your seat forward so that your back is facing the staircase while riding; available on staircases as narrow as 27.2 inches.
- Illuminated Footrest: Illuminated footrest when the footrest is folded down
- Child Seat: Child seats adapts the stair lift for children
- Power Footrest: The power footrest removes the need to bend down to fold or unfold the footrest
- Power Swivel Seat: The power swivel seat automatically swivels the seat toward the landing
Stair Lift Review: Harmar
Harmar is a leading manufacturer of stair lifts meeting the aging-in-place and mobility needs of homeowners with durable and affordable products that improve quality of life and safety.
According to ConsumersAdvocate.com, “Harmar manufactures stair lifts that offer a lot of unique advantages compared to others within the industry. Their compactness, lesser weight, and unique, patented gear system combine to make them a very good option for battery-powered stair lifts, as they require less maintenance and upkeep than other, similar models.”
The Harmar Pinnacle Stair Lift SL300 is an industry leader for its state-of-the-art design, reliable performance and durability. Its patented drive system sets it apart from other stair lifts available today.
The Harmar Pinnacle SL300 standard stair lift features:
- Seat: Seat pad size is 19″ W x 16″ D and the back is 16.5” W x 9.5″ H
- Weight Load: 300 pounds
- Unique design: Stable, durable and lubrication free
- Compact: Extremely compact with folded width at 11”
- Manual swivel seat: Swivel seat at upper landing
- Safety: Safety sensors in the footrest (optional in the chassis) stops the lift at an obstruction
- Speed: 20 ft/min
Available options:
- Power Folding Rail: Power folding rail at bottom to create clear space
- Seat Belt: Retractable seat belt
- Key Lock: Key lock to prevent access from children or unwanted riders
Available Option: The manually operated hinged rail enables the pedestrian to fold up the lower section of the rail
As these stair lift reviews for Handicare and Harmar attest, these are frequently listed among the top stair lift manufacturers – consider purchasing one of these units for your home!
Georgia Certified Lift Installation
Every lift installation and inspection is performed by technicians certified by the State of Georgia, offering professional home lift installation, maintenance and repair. The state certified lift installer conducts a free in-home assessment to measure the lift area, and provide you with stair lift pricing, availability and warranty information.
Contact Stair Lifts Atlanta, LLC by telephone at (770) 880-3405 and we will assist you in the choice and installation of a stair lift that is exactly suited to meet your mobility needs. Or, you may enter your information in our online contact form, and we will call you!
Call (770) 880-3405 for a Home Assessment,
Pricing and Stair Lift Information
Frequently Asked Questions About Stair Lifts:
Does Your Home Require a Straight, Curved, or Double Straight Stair Lift?
Are Stair Lifts Safe? 10 Best Stair Lift Safety Features
What is the Actual Cost of Adding a Stair Lift?
What’s the Cost to Rent a Stair Lift in Atlanta?