If stairs are becoming a challenge for you or your loved one, you may recall there is a device that helps people move up and down the stairs. But what is the chair that goes up stairs called? If you don’t see a stairway chair lift often, it’s easy to forget the name, especially since people use various interchangeable terms like “chair lift,” “stair lift,” or “stair glide.”
So, which term is correct, and how can you be sure you’re researching the right product? Let’s clarify the most common names so you can explore the best options for making stair travel safer.
Popular Terms for Stair Climbing Devices
When shopping for a home accessibility device, it makes sense to use the name you’ve heard most often — whether it’s stair glide, lift chair, or something else. But with a wide range of names out there, it can be confusing.
Before we discuss the most technically correct term for this stair-climbing home accessibility device, let’s clarify some common points of confusion and examine outdated and commonly used terms.
Clearing Up Chair Lift Confusion
One reason the term chair lift can be confusing is because it might refer to:
- An aerial chairlift, like those on ski slopes.
- A wheelchair lift, which is designed to move people in wheelchairs.
While the difference between a ski lift and a stair lift is pretty self-explanatory, the distinction between a wheelchair lift and a stair lift is worth further clarification: A stair lift is for individuals who do not need to remain in a wheelchair during the ride. Unlike wheelchair lifts, stair lifts do not accommodate wheelchairs.
Another point of confusion is between “chair lift” and “lift chair”. A lift chair is a mechanized piece of furniture that helps a person stand up from a seated position. It’s not the same as a stair lift, but we understand that many people use “chair lift” to refer to the device that moves you up and down the stairs. As long as we know what you mean, that’s OK with us!
Older Terms: Stair Chairs and Stair Glides
What’s old is new again! Although “stair chair” and “stair glide” are older terms, some people still use the nicknames to refer to a stairway chairlift. These terms were more common several years ago, but they’re a bit outdated now.
Is “Stair Elevator” in Style?
The term “stair elevator” is becoming more popular, and it makes sense because these devices elevate you between floors. However, stair elevator can be misleading since “elevator” usually refers to a different kind of product — such as home elevators. Home elevators involve construction and can provide wheelchair access to multiple floors.
The Most Common Term: Stair Lift
The term most people use today is stair lift. It’s simple, clear, and usually gets the point across. However, there’s also an inclined platform lift, a type of wheelchair lift sometimes referred to as a stair lift. So, while stair lift is the most common term, it’s not technically the most precise.
The Technical Term: Inclined Stairway Chairlift
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) uses the phrase “inclined stairway chairlifts” in its safety standards. If you want to be really specific, that’s the technical name for the device.
Even more specifically, the safety code that addresses this type of equipment is ASME A18.1: “Safety Standard for Platform Lifts & Stairway Chairlifts.” State and local elevator and lift jurisdictions throughout the United States widely adopt this code. “Platform lifts” in the title refers to wheelchair platform lift safety, and “stairway chairlifts” addresses the safety of stair lifts.
How to Get a Stair Lift
We hope this guide has helped clarify the different names for stair lifts. So the next time you hear someone say, “What is the chair that goes up stairs called?” you have the answer!
At Arrow Lift, we’ve been providing accessibility solutions for nearly 40 years. We’re always interested in what new “slang” is trending for the many products our Team works with daily. Regardless of the many device names, we’re here to help you find the best option to meet your needs.
