Stairlift glossary

Stairs

• Rise: the height of one step, from the top of one tread to the top of the next.
• Going: the depth of one step, measured from the front edge (nosing) of one tread to the front edge of the next.
• Pitch: the angle of the stairs. Most home stairs are between about 35° and 45°.
• Landing: a flat area between flights or at the top.
• Winders: wedge-shaped steps that turn the stairs without a landing.
• Newel post: the post at the start, end or turn of a banister.

Stairlifts

• Rail (track): the metal rail fixed to the treads that the lift runs on. Straight rails come in standard lengths; curved rails are made to measure.
• Carriage: the motor unit that runs on the rail and carries the seat.
• Swivel seat: a seat that turns at the top so the rider faces the landing to get off safely. Manual or powered.
• Hinged or folding rail: the end of the rail at the bottom folds up so it does not block a door or walkway.
• Parking bend: a curve at the bottom or top of a curved rail that parks the lift out of the way.
• Perch seat: a high, narrow seat for people who can't bend their knees well.
• Reconditioned stairlift: a used stairlift that has been checked, repaired and fitted with new parts where needed, usually for straight stairs.

Lifts

• Home lift (through-floor lift): a small lift car that travels through an opening in the floor, often without a shaft.
• Inclined platform lift: a platform for a wheelchair that runs on a rail along the stairs.
• Vertical platform lift (step lift, porch lift): a platform that lifts a wheelchair straight up a short height.
• Stair climber: a portable powered device that a trained carer uses to take a person, often in a wheelchair, up and down stairs.