There are many other people like you who are looking for the perfect stair lift for their home and have questions.
MediTek would like to share the answers with you. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
If your question wasn’t answered or have more, please contact us so that we may help you.
- What is a Stairlift?
- Are all stair lifts the same?
- Where can I buy a MediTek Stair Lift?
- How much does a MediTek Stair Lift cost?
- Can stair lifts be installed on any shape of staircase?
- What is the lifting capacity of a MediTek Stair Lift?
- Will I have to have rewiring done in my home?
- Does the rail attach to the wall?
- Can I install a stair lift outdoors?
- What is the expected life-span of a stair lift?
- Can I return or exchange my stair lift?
- Do you make stair lifts for children?
- Can other people still use the staircase?
- Is there a stair lift for someone who cannot bend comfortably at the hips or knees?
- What is the lowest/steepest stair angle a MediTek straight stair lift can run on?
- Can my stair lift be installed on either side of the staircase?
- Does the seat come in different widths?
- Do you manufacture a stair lift for multiple flights of stairs?
- What color materials are available?
- How quickly can MediTek manufacture a stair lift?
- I have narrow stairs, will a stair lift fit?
- How long does it take to install a MediTek stair lift? How disruptive is it?
- I'm told some stair lifts are noisy and uncomfortable – How about MediTek?
- What happens if there is a power outage?
- How long does the battery in a MediTek stair lift last?
- What are the critical parts to look out for?
- How are the batteries charged?
- Why is easy installation important?
- Why is adjustable seat height so popular?
- Why are there so many variations and options?
1. What is a Stairlift?
In simple terms, a stair lift is a motorized seat that transports a person up and down a staircase. Stair lifts are used by people throughout the world for a huge variety of reasons. The common factor is that users find negotiating stairways to be difficult or impossible, uncomfortable or potentially dangerous. Wherever there is the risk of a fall on the stairs, a stair lift should always be considered.
2. Are all stair lifts the same?
Whilst the basic physical requirements of a stair lift are similar (i.e. to transport a person up and down stairs), individual design solutions are, by no means, the same. It is certainly worthwhile asking about the different brands. Asking a relative or a friend with some technical knowledge about the parts and build quality of the stair lift can prove prudent in greatly reducing the cost of ownership.
3. Where can I buy a MediTek Stair Lift?
MediTek has a large network of competent and trustworthy dealers throughout North America – all of whom are known personally to us. We are very particular about who we allow to represent our brand. Please contact us, either through the contact form on this web-site, or via our toll-free telephone number and we will advise you of your nearest dealer.
If you live in Florida, we can supply you direct, from our National Distribution Center.
4. How much does a MediTek Stair Lift cost?
Each stair lift is built to fit the individual staircase. It will depend on the length and type of staircase and any required accessories. Please fill out the Request a Quote form for MediTek to accurately assess your situation.
5. Can stair lifts be installed on any shape of staircase?
On all but the most convoluted of staircase shapes, yes!
In North America, by far the most common staircase configurations are either 'straight run' or 'L-shape'. Occasionally we encounter a 'sweeping curve' and very occasionally we see staircases that have a turn at the very top of the flight, with triangular-shaped steps at the turn.
MediTek can supply you with a stair lift that will safely and comfortably transport the user in the vast majority of cases. Please call us to discuss your particular situation.
6. What is the lifting capacity of a MediTek Stair Lift?
The standard lifting capacity is 350 lbs (160kg).
The stand and perch stair lift can lift a maximum of 220 lbs (100kg).
7. Will I have to have rewiring done in my home?
Absolutely not. MediTek stair lifts are powered by a battery pack, contained within the lift itself (DC Power). The stair lift’s battery charging power supply simply plugs into the nearest wall outlet.
8. Does the rail attach to the wall?
No, the rail is designed to lie on the nose of each stair tread with clamps periodically spaced. By keeping the rail on the stairs ensures the utmost stability and the minimum protrusion into the hallway.
9. Can I install a stair lift outdoors?
Yes. A MediTek Stair Lift can be installed outdoors to a maximum of 300 feet. Please see the section that covers outdoor stair lifts on our web-site.
10. What is the expected life-span of a stair lift?
Modern stair lifts are very durable and reliable pieces of equipment. All MediTek stair lifts are built using the very highest quality components and workmanship and our quality control is regarded as the most rigorous in the industry.
You can be confident that your MediTek stair lift will give many, many years of faithful service, provided the equipment is looked-after appropriately.
11. Can I return or exchange my stair lift?
Because we supply each stair lift custom made to the dimensions of your staircase, all sales are final. Once your order has been processed, it is not possible to cancel it and we cannot refund monies paid.
In certain circumstances, we may be able to exchange items ordered in error for a more suitable alternative, though re-stocking and shipping charges will be applicable in these cases.
Needless to say, if, in the unlikely event, that a manufacturing or product defect occurs within the warranty period, the goods will be exchanged or repaired at no cost to you.
We are here to help you. If you have any concerns or doubts about what you think is right for your particular needs, please contact us. We are quite expert in this field.
12. Do you make stair lifts for children?
Yes. MediTek has become renowned over the years for its ability to adapt its stair lifts to individual or specialized needs. MediTek has built stair lifts for babies and children with special needs. These adaptations have been approved by many government agencies and physical therapists.
13. Can other people still use the staircase?
Yes. The MediTek Stair Lift has foldable armrests, footrest and seat so that it does not obstruct your staircase.
14. Is there a stair lift for someone who cannot bend comfortably at the hips or knees?
Yes. MediTek’s Stand and Perch Stair Lift allows you to use your stairs without having to strain your hip or knee joints.
15. What is the lowest/steepest stair angle a MediTek straight stair lift can run on?
MediTek Straight Stair Lifts can accommodate stairs between 22 to 55 degrees. (the most adaptable in the industry). There are however some considerations that should be taken into account such as the height of the seat on installation or weight capacity. Please contact MediTek about a stair lift for your staircase.
16. Can my stair lift be installed on either side of the staircase?
Yes. All stair lifts are designed so that they can be installed on either side of the staircase.
17. Does the seat come in different widths?
Yes. MediTek manufactures seats with widths between the armrests of 470mm (Standard), 500mm and 550mm.
Note: Increasing the arm width does increase the turning circle of the seat when swivelled at the top of the stairs. This will necessitate moving the rail further of the wall and require the minimum stair widths for installation to be considered.
18. Do you manufacture a stair lift for multiple flights of stairs?
Yes. MediTek can accommodate multiple flights of stairs by either fitting a straight stair lift on each flight or we can build a purpose built multi-flight stair lift.
19. What color materials are available?
Red, blue, green and beige.
20. How quickly can MediTek manufacture a stair lift?
MediTek can manufacture a stair lift in 48 hours and in many cases ‘rush’ orders can be shipped on the same day they are ordered.
21. I have narrow stairs, will a stair lift fit?
MediTek has a long-standing reputation for fitting onto some of the narrowest staircases worldwide, to the extent that if a staircase is considered particularly narrow, a MediTek stair lift is the default choice by many Physical Therapists. The minimum staircase width is just over 25 inches.
22. How long does it take to install a MediTek stair lift? How disruptive is it?
It only takes an hour to install your MediTek Stairlift and because the stair lift is attached to the stair treads, not to the wall, the process is quick, clean and simple.
23. I'm told some stair lifts are noisy and uncomfortable – How about MediTek?
A MediTek stair lift is battery driven through a high quality industrial DC Electric Motor and a Cast Iron Gearbox which designed to ensure the stairlift has smooth, gliding ride characteristics and is near silent in operation. The rail system is designed so that it is extremely stable and the center of gravity of the stair lift is right where it should be – above the rail, rather than to one side of it, like many competitor designs. This configuration provides a very stable, reassuring ride, with no rocking or trundling.
24. What happens if there is a power outage?
MediTek Stairlifts are battery powered and will continue to work even in a power outage. A fully charged battery will complete approximately 30 Return Journeys on a 35 degree staircase. This is, without doubt, the best in the industry and a testimony to the efficiency and quality of the MediTek Electric Drive.
25. How long does the battery in a MediTek stair lift last?
Obviously, the weight of the user, the length and angle-of-climb of the staircase, frequency of use and care of the batteries (keeping them charged) all play a part in battery life.
This is where the importance of continuous charging is realized. MediTek leads the industry in this area of innovation by designing-out charging stations and trailing cables to ensure a continuous trickle charge is maintained at all times. Typically 3 years can be expected.
Additionally, it is worth noting that MediTek stair lifts use standard, off-the-shelf batteries that are readily available from any battery supplier. They typically retail for around $50.00 per pair.
26. What are the critical parts to look out for?
The most critical (and hardest-working) component in a stair lift is the drive system, comprising the motor and the gearbox. Gearboxes that are monolithic (one-piece) offer the highest torsional rigidity (strength), safety, reliability and long life. Other components worth noting are the rollers or the wheels that the stair lift runs on. Typical designs have six or maybe even eight rollers, MediTek stair lifts have no less than twelve rollers each running on a true double "sealed for life" ball bearings, that ensure an unrivalled smooth, gentle glide that is both luxurious and comforting.
27. How are the batteries charged?
Experience has led to only one solution - continuous charging without trailing cables or top and bottom charge points. Regardless of where the lift is parked, you can rest assured that the batteries on your MediTek stair lift are ready to transport you up or down your stairs.
28. Why is easy installation important?
A MediTek Stair lift can be installed in less than an hour and refitted onto either side of the staircase.
Simply put and due to its adaptability, this gives you the best resale value should you ever wish to sell your investment.
29. Why is adjustable seat height so popular?
Factory settings are usually a compromise and the ability to change the seat height to suit individual needs can greatly improve the comfort and safety of the ride. Another compelling and popular reason is that the seat height can be set to make sitting down and standing up so much easier. Adjustments can be made at the time of installation or a later date.
30. Why are there so many variations and options?
No one person and no one house is the same. MediTek stair lifts are renowned for their range of intelligently designed and appropriate options and accessories. We have many years of experience in this industry and we understand what is important to our customers. Remember, at MediTek we are “stair lift people” through and through. We don’t make scooters, elevators, dumb-waiters and ramps. We are specialists in this industry and we are proud of the fact.
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