 An AC (plug in the wall) unit
is the most dependable unit available - even though we offer both AC and DC stairlifts and DC Battery sounds like
a great idea ... the truth of the matter is - the batteries fail every 18-24 months without notice. If someone
tells you the batteries last three years ... ask them why the batteries only carry a six month warranty. You can
no longer ship batteries by air and must go by ground. These are odd ball batteries that you can't go down to Wal-Mart
and pick up. You could easily be without your stairlift for a week or more while waiting on batteries and/or an
installer. If you are really concerned about long term power outages due to storms and have them frequently - you
might think about a small generator. The only time you should consider a battery operated system is if you reside
in an area of the country that has routine "brown outs" (i.e. California & New York) or if you are
using it to seek refuge from tornadoes. (Acorn, Brooks, Meditek only offer battery operated systems). Please note
- there is NO SUCH THING as a "battery back-up"! You either get an AC system or a DC system. No unit
does both! The least amount of downtime is with a straight electric system. |
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| If you choose to buy a battery
operated stairlift - Mark your calendar every 18 months to remind yourself to automatically replace the batteries.
If a company advertises "maintenance free DC power" - it is simply not true. No one's batteries last
a lifetime. They are merely implying you do not have to add water to the batteries. Somehow, that's not quite how
it sounds when they advertise "maintenance free DC power". |
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| Do NOT buy a stairlift if the
seat does not swivel 45° and 90° at the Top AND Bottom - If and when the rider becomes unstable on their
feet, they will need a vertical grab bar mounted on the wall at both destinations. No one can reach behind their
back and hold on to a grab bar to assist with entry and exit from the chair if the seat does not swivel. After
all, Safety is the primary reason for the installation of a stairlift to begin with! (Acorn and Brooks only swivel
at Top). |
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| Do NOT buy a stairlift that uses
a toggle/joystick or thumb switch vs. a rocker switch to operate - a simple toggle switch or joystick sticks straight
up or straight out and can easily get snagged by loose clothing and purses and broken off. A thumb switch can be
easily bumped into when exiting the chair causing movement. A large rocker type switch recessed at the end of the
armrest is easier (and safer) to use and will be there when you need it. (Acorn, Brooks, Meditek use a thin toggle
switch). Imagine what would happen if you or your loved one broke off the switch, had to use the remote to go upstairs,
and then laid down the remote and couldn't find it. You would be virtually trapped until you located your remote.
The door bell rings ... and the user makes an attempt to navigate the stairs in a hurry ... and then ... the call
to 911. Not a good situation! Another brand has a switch on the end of a loose wire ... makes no sense at all! |
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| Do NOT buy a stairlift that contains
a circuit board. Circuit boards simply do not hold up when they are constantly being vibrated and jarred. No one
knows when a “bad batch” of circuit boards are installed until hundreds of units have shipped out. (We know this
from experience – and were left to repair at our expense). Replacing a circuit board can be a $650 service call!
(Acorn, Brooks, Meditek use a circuit board.) |
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| Do NOT buy a stairlift with less
than a full 5 year bumper-to-bumper warranty - You wouldn't buy a new car with a one year or three year warranty
... why settle for less on a stairlift? If the company doesn't stand behind their product - don't buy it. In reality,
a stairlift gets very little use in the average home. A minimum of wear is placed on the motor and working mechanics
and a five year warranty should be the minimum you accept. Don't be fooled by a "limited” lifetime warranty
on the rail or other component. Make sure ALL of the parts are covered for a minimum of a full unlimited (no questions
asked) 5 years. (Only offered and Actually Provided by Simply J.D. & Co.'s Vendor). |
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| Do NOT buy a stairlift that does
not offer a call/send unit - You should get a stairlift that will not only allow you to call for it from the opposing
location … but you should also be able to send it to the other end (or simply move it up a few feet). This will
allow you to get it out of the way when visitors come or simply free up floor space at the top or bottom. Some
distributors charge an additional fee for this feature. ($150 for 20 feet of wire ??) It is provided as a NO CHARGE
item at Jameson Medical! |
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| Do NOT buy a stairlift without
the wider seat AND angled arms - No one wants to have the control switch digging into there side as they ride up
and down. With the angled arms, the wider seat allows for a MUCH more comfortable ride AND allows you to easily
place a laundry basket on the seat to transport groceries, laundry, pets, and whatever else! ($200 for a seat modification
??) It is provided as a NO CHARGE item from Simply J.D. & Co.'s Vendor! |
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| Do NOT fall for that "soft
start" technology baloney - If your tail can't tell the difference between an AC motor and a DC motor ramping
up to a whopping maximum speed of 22 feet / minute - you better get in touch with Ripley's Believe It or Not! If
that is all "they" have to brag about ... it should make you wonder! This was an old advertising slogan
used to convert sales away from the old chain drive systems. Over time the chain would loosen and get slack in
it. Upon start up, the slack would be taken up and provide a little jolt to the rider. NO ONE makes a chain drive
system anymore. |
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| Do NOT buy a stairlift that is
made with a plastic molded seat. A plastic molded seat is the international sign of "cheaply made". Plastic
has never lasted for long and easily collects dirt and oils in the ripples of the textured outer surface. Metal
is made to last and a quality powder coated paint will prevent any potential for rust. A smooth finish is EASY
to clean! |
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| Do NOT buy a stairlift with a
cloth seat. They might look nice ... but do they hold up? A stairlift user will generally scoot to the front of
the seat before exiting. Scoot along the fabric seat and the little fur balls start to grow! A heavy duty naughahyde
will allow the user to scoot to the front of the seat much easier while maintaining its original appearance. |
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| Do NOT fall for that stripped
down "look alike" brand. (It arrives in a Summit Box). There is ONLY ONE manufacturer in the USA that
makes a stairlift you can easily self install. Summit. NO ONE beats our PRICE, SERVICE ... or HONESTY! |
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Because Summit Lifts refuses
to have the quality of their lift surpassed by anyone. That’s why!  |
