Handicare Stairlift Review

Best for Accessibility Features

Handicare Stairlifts provide a wide range of chairlift options for seniors with mobility issues. The company offers customers a selection of nine base model stairlifts, each with generous customizable packages to meet your unique circumstances and budget concerns. Handicare’s proprietary Slide Track and Hinged Track straight rail options, and its Xclusive model stairlift feature significant accessibility solutions. These products are specifically designed for individuals living with chronic joint pain and dementia.

Overview of Handicare Stairlifts

Founded in the U.K. in 1986, Handicare Stairlifts has expanded to include its U.S. headquarters located in St. Louis, Missouri. The company partners with local dealers and technical support services throughout the country and in Canada.

Handicare Stairlifts are specifically built to accommodate seniors’ mobility needs. The company’s focus on safety and comfort is evident in its design details, such as color-contrasted user controls, easy access battery housing and contoured cushioned seats. Its power swivel seats and footrests provide easy accessibility and stability while sitting or standing.

How Much Do Handicare Stairlifts Cost?

Handicare Stairlifts’ are highly customizable and costs can vary significantly depending on track length, stair configuration and customizations. 

The company’s straight track stairlift system’s initial costs average between $2,000 and $3,100, while its indoor curved stair products are typically priced between $3,100 and $12,000. The outdoor systems require custom calculations after a site evaluation and consultation. Costs include installation and shipping.

The company’s website provides you with local authorized dealers throughout the country. Each dealer may run seasonal specials or unadvertised discounts on specific models.

Full Review of Handicare Stairlift’s Features

Each of Handicare Stairlifts’ nine models offers design features and customizations unique to that system. However, they all share key safety elements. Following are some of the most notable.

Continuous Battery Charge

Your home’s electricity continuously charges Handicare Stairlift’s 12-volt batteries. If a power outage occurs, your stairlift has approximately 20 minutes of energy to transport you to your destination.

 Safety Belts

Three seatbelt styles are available: Velcro, retractable and across-body harness.

Obstruction Sensors

Handicare Stairlift’s footrests are embedded with strategically placed sensors that stop the chair’s movement when they detect an obstruction.

Diagnostic Displays

The diagnostic color-coded displays clearly alert you to possible operational or battery issues.

Constant Pressure Control

Hand-controlled joysticks allow you to move the chair forward or backward by simply applying pressure on the paddles. When you release pressure, movement stops.

Swivel Lock

Once you turn to the side to dismount, the chair’s safety swivel locks in place, blocking you from falling backward.

LED Footlights

Folded footrests are illuminated with white LED lights, so you can easily see where to place your feet.

Handicare Xclusive

Weight Capacity

The Xclusive model allows a maximum weight capacity of 285 pounds.

Stairway and Landing

This model is designed for straight stairway configurations with a maximum rail length of 22 feet.

Dimensions

The swivel seat depth is 15 inches. It offers a fold-away width of 13 inches.

Upholstery and Finish Options

The Xclusive’s white rails complement the seat’s cream vinyl upholstery.

Key Features

Individuals with arthritic hands and poor eyesight benefit from the Xclusive’s ergonomic hand rests and color-coded controls.

Handicare 950

Weight Capacity

The maximum weight capacity for the standard model is 310 pounds. However, the manual folding rail or Slide Track rail options reduce the allowable maximum weight to 265 pounds.

Stairway and Landing

The straight rail configuration allows for an optional manual folding or Slide Track rail system. 

Dimensions

The seat depth is 14.5 inches with 18.65 inches between armrests. It folds to a slim 11.25-inch profile when not in use.

Upholstery and Finish Options

The model’s sand-colored vinyl seat is highlighted by the contemporary white rail.

Key Features

The Handicare 950 is the company’s most budget-friendly system; however, it’s equipped with standard features, such as ergonomic control paddles for a higher level of comfort. The Slide Track option provides an added layer of security by sensing obstructions on the track, stopping and allowing you to remove or move away from it.

Handicare 950 Plus

Weight Capacity

The standard 950 Plus model features a 310-pound weight limit. That’s reduced to 265 pounds if you opt for a manual folding rail or Slide Track rail system. 

Stairway and Landing

The 950 Plus is designed for a straight stairway, and seniors have the option of including the manual folding rail or Slide Track rail design.

Dimensions

The seat’s depth is 15.75 inches.

Upholstery and Finish Options

Six vinyl upholstery color options are available, each complemented by a contemporary white rail.

Key Features

Some of the 950 Plus’ options include the Slide Track rail system, a powered swivel seat and footrest fold-away and a Smart seat with adjustable height, width and depth. 

Handicare 1000

Weight Capacity

The maximum weight capacity for the Smart seat option is 350 pounds. That limit drops to 300 pounds for a perch-style seat.

Stairway and Landing

The Handicare 1000 is adaptable for straight stairway configurations.

Dimensions

Seats are featured with adjustable seat height, width and depth selections and optional arm spacers.

Upholstery and Finish Options

The system’s white rail design highlights the six anti-slip leather color options.

Key Features

The Perch seat allows seniors with flexibility issues to sit in a fully upright position for greater comfort. 

Handicare 1100

Weight Capacity

The maximum weight capacity ranges between 287 and 309 pounds, depending on the stair’s incline.

Stairway and Landing

The 1100 is designed to accommodate straight stairways.

Dimensions

This model offers a slim profile of 12.6 inches when folded.

Upholstery and Finish Options

The 1100 is featured in beige leatherette upholstery with white rails.

Key Features

This model utilizes the proprietary Friction Drive System rather than the traditional tooth rack model for a smoother and quieter experience. The system’s built-in brush heads sweep away dust and debris.

Handicare 2000 Curved

Weight Capacity

The standard model’s weight capacity is 250 pounds. However, with the addition of the heavy-duty kit, that increases to 300 pounds.

Stairway and Landing

This is a customizable model designed for curved staircases, specifically those with a spiral feature or multiple landings.

Dimensions

The seat dimensions are customizable, depending on which seat style you choose.

Upholstery and Finish Options

You may choose from leather or vinyl upholstery fabrics. The Smart and Perch seats offer six color selections, the Style seat is available in three colors and the Simplicity is featured in beige. Rail color options include ivory, beige, brown or a powder-coated RAL color match.

Key Features

The 2000 offers an optional Powered Hinge Rail to lift and fold the track away when not in use.

Handicare 1000 Outdoor

Weight Capacity

The maximum weight capacity for the standard model is 350 pounds. That’s reduced to 302 pounds with a folding rail configuration.

Stairway and Landing

The Handicare 1000 Outdoor system is designed for straight stairways.

Dimensions

The adjustable seat accommodates varying heights, widths and depths. 

Upholstery and Finish Options

This model’s available in a specialized UV-protected slate gray upholstery and accompanied by a white rail. A waterproof protective cover is also included.

Key Features

This model is equipped with a retractable seatbelt.

Handicare 2000 Curved Outdoor

Weight Capacity

The standard weight limit is 250 pounds, which is increased to 300 pounds with the optional heavy-duty kit. 

Stairway and Landing

This model is designed for outdoor curved stairways.

Dimensions

The Smart seat is adjustable for custom measurements. 

Upholstery and Finish Options

This model is offered in a slate gray UV-protected water-resistant upholstery fabric. A waterproof cover protects the seat when not in use. Rails are available in three standard colors and a RAL color match option.

Key Features

The twin rail system provides added stability. 

Who Should Consider Handicare Stairlifts?

Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals of any age living with a physical disability can benefit from Handicare Stairlifts’ customizable systems. Handicare Stairlift’s seat designs, such as the Xclusive, provide a soft and supportive ride. The Perch seat model limits body strain while allowing individuals with limited flexibility to securely position themselves in the chair.  

Seniors Who Want To Remain Independent

With assisted living and nursing home costs averaging between $48,000 and $100,000 annually, more seniors are choosing to age in place. Installing one of the Handicare Stairlift options provides individuals with mobility issues the opportunity to remain active and live independently in their own homes.

What Are People Saying About Handicare Stairlifts?

Handicare Stairlifts maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. However, some customers have expressed concerns regarding poor communication with the company’s authorized dealers.

Trustpilot reports an average of 4.4 out of 5 customer satisfaction with Handicare Stairlifts’ products and service. Many reviewers note a pleasurable installation experience and satisfaction with a quality product.

Similarly, the company holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Consumer Affairs. Individuals note they chose Handicare Stairlifts because of the range and quality of customizations offered.

FAQs