Categories Stairlifts & Home Lifts

What Safety Features Should Your Stairlift Include?

Stairlifts provide essential independence for those with mobility challenges, allowing safe and comfortable access to all levels of your home. However, choosing a stairlift with comprehensive safety features is critical to protect users and provide peace of mind for families.

Modern stairlifts in 2025 come equipped with multiple safety mechanisms designed to prevent accidents and ensure reliable operation. Here are the essential safety features your stairlift should include.

Secure Seatbelt System

All quality residential stairlifts feature retractable lap belts that secure users during transit. This prevents falls from the seat, which could cause serious injury on staircases.

Seatbelts are particularly important for users with conditions that cause involuntary movements or balance issues. The belt keeps you safely positioned throughout the journey, from bottom to top.

Emergency Battery Backup

Power cuts shouldn’t leave you stranded mid-staircase. Modern stairlifts include rechargeable battery systems that automatically engage when mains power fails.

These batteries typically provide enough power for several trips, ensuring you can reach your destination safely. The stairlift continuously charges when connected to power, so the backup system is always ready when needed.

Obstruction Detection Sensors

European safety standards require all new stairlifts to include advanced sensors that detect obstructions on the track or in the stairlift’s path. When an object is detected, the stairlift automatically slows and stops smoothly.

These sensors protect both the user and other household members, including pets. They prevent collisions and potential injuries from moving parts.

Lockable Swivel Seat

Swivel seats rotate to help users get on and off safely at the top landing. However, the seat must lock securely in position during travel to prevent unwanted movement.

Quality stairlifts feature automatic locking mechanisms that engage when the seat faces the stairs. This prevents the seat from rotating while in motion, eliminating fall risks.

Smooth Start and Stop Function

Modern stairlifts incorporate soft-start and soft-stop technology that eliminates jerky movements. The stairlift accelerates and decelerates gradually, reducing strain and preventing loss of balance.

This feature is especially beneficial for users with joint problems, vertigo, or anxiety about sudden movements.

Pressure-Sensitive Controls

Constant-pressure controls require you to hold the button throughout the journey. Release the control, and the stairlift stops immediately.

This gives you complete control over movement speed and stopping points. If you feel uncomfortable or need to pause, simply release the button. The stairlift remains stationary until you’re ready to continue.

Dual Control Options

Households with multiple users benefit from dual control systems. These allow the stairlift to be called from both the top and bottom of the stairs using remote controls or fixed call stations.

Dual controls also provide safety benefits in emergencies, allowing caregivers or family members to operate the stairlift if needed.

Safety Edges and Footrest Sensors

The footrest and carriage edges feature sensors that detect contact with objects or walls. If the footrest encounters resistance, the stairlift stops automatically to prevent injury or damage.

Key-Operated Power Switch

Many stairlifts include a key-operated power switch to prevent unauthorized use, particularly important in homes with young children. When the key is removed, the stairlift cannot be operated.

Overspeed Governor

This mechanical safety device prevents the stairlift from exceeding safe speeds. If the stairlift begins moving too quickly due to a fault, the governor activates brakes automatically.

Diagnostic Display

Modern stairlifts feature diagnostic displays or indicators that alert you to maintenance needs or faults before they become serious problems. This proactive approach prevents breakdowns and ensures ongoing safety.

Weight Capacity Indicators

Stairlifts are designed for specific weight limits, typically 125-160kg for standard models. Quality manufacturers clearly display these limits and build in safety margins.

Find Your Perfect Mobility Solution

Irish Stairlifts has provided safe, reliable mobility solutions across Ireland for over 20 years. We specialize in supplying and installing home mobility equipment tailored to your specific needs.

Our comprehensive range includes:

  • Straight and curved stairlifts for all staircase configurations

  • Reconditioned straight and curved stairlifts
  • Straight stairlifts rental

  • Through-floor lifts for multi-level access

  • Wet room installations for accessible bathing

  • Ramps and rail installations for step-free access

  • Mobility scooters for outdoor independence

  • Wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs for daily mobility

  • Home accessibility assessments and expert advice

Every stairlift we install includes all essential safety features, professional fitting, and comprehensive after-sales support. Our experienced team ensures your stairlift integrates seamlessly with your home while meeting all current safety standards.

Visit irishstairlifts.ie to explore our full range of mobility products and services, or contact us today for a free home consultation and quote.

Author ISBMobility Categories Stairlifts & Home Lifts
Categories Stairlifts & Home Lifts

Top 5 Benefits of Installing a Curved Stairlift in Your Home

The demand for home mobility solutions has grown significantly in recent years. More homeowners are now seeking adaptable systems that fit their unique living spaces. Among the most popular options are curved stairlifts, designed specifically for homes with non-straight staircases.

Why You Might Need a Curved Stairlift

Stairlifts provide essential support for people with mobility challenges. They enable independent movement between floors without relying on assistance from others. For homes with curved, spiral, or multi-landing staircases, a curved stairlift offers the perfect solution.

Unlike straight stairlifts that only work on linear staircases, curved models navigate complex layouts with ease. This makes them ideal for traditional Irish homes with winding staircases or modern properties with architectural features.

Custom-Built to Fit Your Home’s Structure

Every curved stairlift is custom-designed to match your staircase exactly. Professional installers take precise measurements to ensure the rail follows every turn, angle, and landing. This bespoke approach means the system fits seamlessly into your home, regardless of the number of curves or the gradient of your stairs.

Curved stairlifts work for both indoor and outdoor installations. Whether you need to access upper floors inside or navigate garden steps outside, these systems adapt to your specific requirements.

Enhanced Safety Features

Modern curved stairlifts come equipped with comprehensive safety features. These include:

  • Comfortable, ergonomic seats with armrests

  • Secure safety belts for stability during movement

  • Smooth start and stop mechanisms to prevent jarring

  • Obstruction sensors that stop the lift if objects block the path

  • Swivel seats that make getting on and off easier

  • Battery backup systems for operation during power outages

The custom installation process also ensures the rail is securely attached to your staircase. This provides additional stability compared to standard solutions.

Eliminates Painful Stair Climbing

Curved staircases require more physical effort than straight ones. Users must change direction, adjust their pace, and navigate awkward angles. For people with arthritis, joint pain, or limited mobility, this can be exhausting or even dangerous.

A curved stairlift removes the need to climb stairs entirely. You simply sit in the chair, fasten your seatbelt, and use the control button to glide smoothly between floors. This reduces pain, prevents falls, and makes daily life more comfortable.

Promotes Independent Living

Independence is crucial for people with mobility limitations. A curved stairlift allows you to access all areas of your home without waiting for assistance. The simple controls are easy to operate, even for users with limited dexterity.

Most modern systems include:

  • User-friendly joystick or button controls

  • Remote controls for calling the lift to your floor

  • Adjustable speed settings for comfort

  • Easy-to-reach safety features

This independence supports dignity and quality of life, allowing you to maintain your routine without depending on caregivers or family members.

Cost-Effective Investment

While curved stairlifts require custom manufacturing, they remain surprisingly affordable. Most suppliers offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make the investment manageable.

Consider the long-term benefits:

  • Avoid costly home modifications or moving expenses

  • Reduce the risk of stair-related injuries

  • Increase your home’s accessibility for aging in place

  • Potential to reclaim unused upstairs space

Many users find that the value of remaining in their home far outweighs the initial investment.

Complete Mobility Solutions from Irish Stairlifts

At Irish Stairlifts, we understand that mobility needs vary. That’s why we offer comprehensive solutions beyond curved stairlifts:

  • Wet Room Installations – Safe, accessible bathing spaces with level-access showers designed for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
  • Through Floor Lifts – Discreet platform lifts that provide access between floors without major structural changes to your home.
  • Ramp & Rail Installation – Professional installation of indoor and outdoor ramps, grab rails, and handrails for improved accessibility throughout your property.
  • Mobility Products – A complete range including manual and electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking aids, and daily living equipment.

With over two decades of experience, Irish Stairlifts is Ireland’s trusted name in mobility solutions. Our expert team provides personalized assessments, professional installations, and ongoing maintenance support.

Ready to Improve Your Home Mobility?

Contact Irish Stairlifts today to discuss your specific needs. Our specialists will help you find the perfect mobility solution for your home and budget.

Request a Free Quote: Visit irishstairlifts.ie to request a no-obligation quotation online.

Email: showroom@irishstairlifts.ie

Explore Our Full Range: Browse curved and straight stairlifts, wet rooms, through floor lifts, wheelchair ramps, and mobility equipment at irishstairlifts.ie.

We serve homes across Ireland with professional installation, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. Let us help you maintain your independence and enjoy every area of your home safely.

Author ISBMobility Categories Stairlifts & Home Lifts
Categories Accessible Bathrooms, Mobility Aids, Outdoor & Independence Solutions, Stairlifts & Home Lifts

Ways to Adapt Your Home If You Need Mobility Support

Home adaptations make daily living safer, easier, and more independent for people with mobility challenges. With Ireland’s population aged 65 and over projected to exceed 1 million by 2030 and reach 1.81 million by 2057, accessible home design has become essential for aging in place. These modifications range from simple adjustments to comprehensive renovations, all aimed at helping people maintain dignity and independence in their own homes.

The senior mobility aid devices market exceeded USD 10.4 billion in 2024 and continues to grow as more people seek solutions that allow them to remain comfortable at home. Fortunately, advances in accessible design mean that modifications no longer look clinical or institutional—today’s solutions blend seamlessly into modern home décor.

Installing a Stairlift

Navigating stairs remains one of the biggest challenges for people with limited mobility. Stairlifts provide a safe, comfortable solution for moving between floors without risk of falls or strain. Modern stairlifts adapt to any staircase configuration, whether straight, curved, or spiral, making them suitable for virtually every home layout.

Research shows that 31.3% of people with mobility needs have stairlifts installed in their homes. These devices restore access to upper floors, allowing people to use their entire home independently rather than being confined to ground-level rooms.

Creating Barrier-Free Access with Outdoor Ramps

External steps often prevent people from leaving their homes independently, leading to isolation and reduced quality of life. Installing an outdoor wheelchair ramp with handrails eliminates this barrier entirely. In Ireland, building regulations recommend a gradient of 1:20 where space allows, though 1:12 is acceptable in limited spaces.

Ramps must include non-slip surfaces for safety in wet or icy conditions, with handrails on both sides for stability. Level landings at the top and bottom provide safe resting points, while the minimum clear width of 900mm to 1200mm accommodates wheelchairs and mobility scooters comfortably.

Installing Through-Floor Lifts

Through-floor lifts offer an elegant alternative to stairlifts for those who need to transport wheelchairs or mobility scooters between levels. These vertical platform lifts require minimal structural changes and can be enclosed for safety when rising more than 2000mm. They provide complete independence for wheelchair users while adding long-term value to the property.

Widening Doorways for Easy Navigation

Standard doorways in Irish homes often measure too narrow for wheelchairs or walkers to pass through comfortably. Widening doorways throughout the home eliminates the frustration and difficulty of squeezing through tight spaces with mobility aids. This modification creates better flow between rooms and reduces the physical strain of daily movement.

Universal design principles now emphasize wider doorways and hallways as standard features that benefit everyone, not just those with current mobility needs.

Adapting Kitchen Worktops

Standard kitchen worktop heights create significant challenges for wheelchair users and people with limited reach. Lowering worktops or installing wheelchair-accessible sections makes food preparation, washing up, and other kitchen tasks manageable without assistance.

Adjustable kitchen worktops and cabinets offer even greater flexibility, allowing multiple family members to use the space comfortably regardless of height or mobility level.

Installing Wet Rooms

Wet rooms have become increasingly popular for their superior accessibility and safety features. Unlike traditional bathrooms with shower trays and high-sided baths, wet rooms feature a completely level, waterproofed floor with a gentle slope directing water to a drain. This barrier-free design eliminates tripping hazards and allows easy access for wheelchair users, people with mobility scooters, and anyone with limited mobility.

The spacious, open layout provides room to maneuver with mobility aids, while slip-resistant flooring reduces fall risk. Wet rooms also accommodate shower seats, grab rails, and other assistive features without compromising on style or functionality.

Adding Strategic Grab Rails Throughout Your Home

Grab rails rank among the most cost-effective yet impactful home adaptations available. These safety features support the user’s full weight, providing stability and confidence when moving through the home.

Modern grab rails come in attractive finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, and chrome that complement contemporary interiors. They can be installed beside toilets, in showers, along hallways, and near beds—anywhere additional support proves helpful.

Investing in Rise and Recline Chairs

Getting up from seated positions causes difficulty and potential injury for many people with mobility limitations. Rise and recline chairs provide powered assistance for sitting down and standing up, reducing strain on joints and muscles while promoting independence. Contemporary models feature stylish designs that blend with existing furniture rather than looking medical or institutional.

Financial Support for Home Adaptations in Ireland

The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability provides up to €40,000 toward necessary home modifications. This means-tested grant covers 100% of approved costs (up to the maximum amount) for households earning less than €37,500 annually. Support tapers to 30% for households earning up to €75,000.

Eligible works include access ramps, stairlifts, through-floor lifts, wet rooms, downstairs toilet facilities, wheelchair access modifications, and other necessary adaptations. Applications require an Occupational Therapy assessment for major modifications like stairlifts, ceiling hoists, or room conversions, with up to €300 of the assessment cost covered by the grant if approved.

Transform Your Home with Irish Stairlifts

Home adaptations significantly improve safety, independence, and quality of life for people with mobility challenges. Studies show that people with mobility disabilities who complete home modification interventions report a 39.5% increase in social and recreational participation.

Whether you need a stairlift for easier access between floors, a wet room for safer bathing, through-floor lifts for complete wheelchair accessibility, or outdoor ramps and rails for independent movement, Irish Stairlifts provides comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.

We also supply essential mobility products including wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and electric wheelchairs to support your independence both inside and outside your home. Visit irishstairlifts.ie to explore your options or contact our expert team today to discuss how we can make your home safer, more accessible, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

Author ISBMobility Categories Accessible Bathrooms, Mobility Aids, Outdoor & Independence Solutions, Stairlifts & Home Lifts
Categories Stairlifts & Home Lifts

Do You Need a Stairlift Installed in Ireland?

Are you looking for Stairlifts in Ireland? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here at ISB Mobility, we care for your mobility. we strive to give our customers the best in mobility products and advice through our comprehensive combination of product knowledge and excellent customer service. Here at ISB mobility customer satisfaction is paramount. We pride ourselves on delivering the best results and service to all of our customers. Our staff can offer expert advice on any products you may require and are here to advise you on the best possible product to suit your needs.

We have a massive selection of stairlifts in Ireland. All of our stairlifts are stylish and very reliable. They come with many different features, depending on your individual requirements. We will ensure whichever stairlift you select meets the highest standards and we also have the best stairlift prices in the local area. We stock both straight and curved stairlifts.

If you’re looking for stairlifts in Ireland, we recommend the HomeGlide straight stairlift. The simplicity of this stairlift allows it to be installed in no time at all. It is fitted directly onto your stairs and its aluminium track is neat and discrete, the stairlift will glide effortlessly. After we have installed your stairlift our qualified engineer will give you a demonstration and explain how to operate the controls. At this point, your HomeGlide stairlift is ready to use at your own leisure. A unique feature is the joystick on HomeGlide stairlift, which can be removed, acting as a key, preventing unauthorised usage.

Here at ISB Mobility, we stock a large range of products from mobility scooters and wheelchairs through to sitting aids, walking aids, bath seats and stairlifts in Ireland. All of our products are tried and tested by our experts, so you are guaranteed to receive a product that is of high quality and guaranteed to last you for years to come. Our experts are always more than happy to offer professional advice and they can guide you on which wheelchairs are most suited to your needs.

If you want to have one of the best stairlifts in Ireland, you need to visit our website today. Do not hesitate to contact ISB Mobility today. Give us a call on 01 616 7079 or send us a message via the contact us form found on our website. A member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Author ISBMobility Categories Stairlifts & Home Lifts
Categories Stairlifts & Home Lifts

Wheelchair Lifts

Do you struggle to get in and out of your wheelchair and are looking for a better option than a stairlift to get upstairs in your home? Have you considered a wheelchair lift? At Irish Stairlifts, we can provide you with through floor lifts that will make this everyday activity much easier for you.

It can be incredibly difficult when you struggle to move from your wheelchair yourself and with the majority of homes having their bathrooms and bedrooms upstairs not being able to move into a stairlift can leave you feeling like you’re out of options. This is where our team can help, we can supply you with wheelchair lifts that won’t involve you having to get out of your chair to go upstairs.

Our wheelchair lifts are designed for safety, flexibility and independence. The advanced design of the Wessex Home Lift provides greater benefits to the user and with six models to choose from, we can provide you with a lift that suits your home and meets your requirements. These new and improved lifts run on freestanding tracks eliminating the need for a load-bearing wall, thus giving a wider choice of lift locations. They have safety edges that if touched or obstructed will automatically stop the lift in ascent and there are also sensors in the floating platform under lift which also stop the lift if descent is obstructed. Our wheelchair lifts can be tailored to you, for example, if it would be easier we can install a powered remote control door. We want this lift to be as easy as possible for you to use.

When choosing Irish Stairlifts to supply and install you wheelchair lifts it is always one of our main aims to carry out adaptations within your home as quickly and efficiently as possible ensuring the minimum inconvenience to you and your family. Every member of our team has the same goal and we will always put our all into every project we work on. Your wheelchair lift will come with 24 months parts and labour guarantee and during this time you can also make use of our 24 hour emergency call our service if anything was to go wrong.

To speak to a member of our team about our wheelchair lifts in more detail please don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can do so by calling 045 892696, we will gladly assist you further answering any queries you may have and talking you through the products in more detail. We look forward to helping you get your independence back.

Author ISBMobility Categories Stairlifts & Home Lifts
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