Climbing stairs isn’t always easy, especially for older family members or people with mobility issues. To make movement between floors safer and easier, accessibility solutions such as platform lifts, climbers, and stairlifts are available on the market. A fundamental question that comes to mind for most people is which is the right option.
There is also confusion about whether you go for an indoor stairlift or an outdoor stairlift. If we look at stairlifts, both have their own unique strengths. The right choice depends on your home, your lifestyle, and your mobility issues. There are various stairlift providers in Dubai, but MobilityExpress stands out among all with the fastest installation and free after-sales support.
You can get a stairlift for your straight or curved stairs at your home, school, or commercial building from MobilityExpress at an affordable cost. In this blog, we will go through the key differences between indoor and outdoor stairlifts and help you make an informed decision.
Why do you need a Stairlift?
There are several reasons to get a stairlift, and all differ from person to person. The most obvious reason to get a stairlift is in cases where walking up a staircase is impossible or very difficult. So if you have an older person with progressive illness or someone who uses a wheelchair full-time, then a stairlift is necessary.
Mostly elderly people have a higher risk of falling due to specific illnesses like osteoporosis, arthritis, and knee pain. If you want to reduce the risk of falls from a staircase for anyone with limited mobility at home, a stairlift can help.
To retain the sense of independence inside and outside your home, consider buying a stairlift. It can allow people with mobility issues at home to navigate their home without worrying about stairs at the main door or backyard.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Stairlifts
Indoor stairlifts are designed for use within your home, typically on staircases connecting bedrooms, living areas, or basements. They seamlessly blend into your interiors and come with finishing that matches your home decor. This type of stair chair lift comes in both straight and curved designs to enhance access from one floor to another.
If you have narrow stairs at your home, our Handicare 1100 fits seamlessly into your staircase for secure navigation. Handicare Freecurve from Mobility Express is an excellent option for curved stairs with slim rails. These chair stair lifts will keep things looking neat and tidy.
There are chair lifts built for people who have stairs outside their home, like garden steps, porches, or pathways leading to their front door. Handicare 1000 is an ideal choice for you if you have straight stairs in an outdoor setting. For stairs with turns and curves, you can opt for the Handicare 4000 outdoor model. This chair lift is designed with weather resistance in mind. Rain, dust, or heat won’t stop them from running smoothly.
Comparing Indoor and Outdoor Stairlifts: Which One is Right for You?
If you are a bit confused about which stair lift suits your accessibility needs and staircase layout, we can ease things up for you. Here we will go through some features of straight or curved stairlifts that can help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Weather Resistance
If you require a stairlift for outdoor settings, then opt for chair lifts that must be tough enough to handle everything from summer heat to winter rain. For straight stairs outdoors, Handicare 1000 outdoor from MobilityExpress comes with weatherproof materials, sealed electronics, and water-resistant covers to keep the chair safe when not in use.
On the other hand, stairlifts don’t have to deal with harsh elements indoors, which means they can focus more on comfort, safety, and design. For curved stairs, the Handicare 1100 features a slim single-rail system and stylish finishes, while the Freecurve can be customized to fit unique staircase shapes without compromising on style.
Weight Capacity
When considering a stairlift, it’s not just about the stairs but the person who will be riding it. MobilityExpress understands that every user has a different body size, weight, and mobility issue. That’s why we offer chair lifts that are intentionally engineered to meet different needs. Mobility Express offers a range of stairlifts to ensure everyone can find their perfect fit.
| Stairlift | Use | Weight Capacity |
| Handicare 1000 | Indoor / Outdoor | Up to 159 kg |
| Handicare 1100 | Indoor | Up to 109 kg |
| Handicare 4000 | Indoor / Outdoor | 136–160 kg |
| Handicare Freecurve | Indoor | Up to 113 kg |
Safety Comes First
As we know, safety is non-negotiable, whether inside or outside. Stair chair lifts for both indoor and outdoor use must have safety functions. You should look for safety sensors that stop the lift if anything blocks the track, child safety on/off switches, and battery backup systems to keep things running even if there’s a power cut. Stair lifts come with a swivel seat to make getting in and out safer and easier for people with limited mobility.
Ease of Use
No one wants an accessibility solution that makes life more complicated. That’s why all companies keep stair lifts simple and easy to use. Indoor stairlifts often come with added comfort features like a swivel seat and simple remote controls that let you call the lift from another floor. These chair lifts feature straightforward and user-friendly push-button controls. To facilitate elderly people, chair stair lifts come with foldable armrests and footrests, saving space and making entry and exit effortless.
Comfort and Noise
As stair lifts are designed to provide easy access in a house, office, school, or residential building, they are entirely silent. Chair lifts for stairs, straight or curved, provide whisper-quiet rides both indoors and outdoors. MobilityExpress offers Handicare stairlifts that are renowned for their smooth and quiet operation, allowing you to use them at any time without disturbing the household.
Maintenance
When you have an electric device, it is essential to maintain it from time to time to ensure the safety of users. When considering stair lifts, whether straight or curved, and indoor or outdoor designs, it is essential to note that these devices require regular maintenance. In comparison, outdoor stairlifts need a little more upkeep because they face extreme weather. On the other hand, indoor stairlifts require less maintenance, although regular servicing is still recommended to ensure the devices remain safe and smooth.
If you are in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and looking for a company that offers free maintenance, Mobility Express is the right stop. You can contact us anytime and schedule monthly or yearly maintenance for your chair stair lift with us.
Cost Considerations
The cost varies depending on the type, features, and location where it is installed. Outdoor stairlifts cost a bit more due to weatherproofing and stronger materials, while indoor stairlifts would possibly involve additional customization for curved staircases. Handicare stair lifts from MobilityExpress do not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you need a straight or curved stairlift, you can get a rail length tailored to your stairs.
Conclusion
Whether you need a stairlift for stairs indoors or outdoors, it all depends on your mobility requirements and staircase layout. With innovative features like easy-to-use remote control, swivel seat, and foldable armrests and footrests, stairlifts from MobilityExpress offer the most comfortable glide up and down stairs. From straight stairlifts to curved chair lifts, you can choose one that matches your accessibility needs and your lifestyle. Whatever option you choose from MobilityExpress, you can get professional installation and free maintenance with it. So, without wasting another minute, contact us today and gain safe accessibility to every part of your house.
