Stair climbers - Guide to climbing stairs and steps
Stairs are an everyday problem for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility that need to be overcome.
On the one hand, stairs are restrictive - spatially, but also emotionally. Because if you feel restricted in your own home, you lose a bit of quality of life.
However, stair climbing devices are the right solution to be able to participate fully in life again.
Contents
What are stair climbers?
A stair climber is a stair climbing aid for anyone with limited walking function and people in wheelchairs to climb stairs and steps. The stair climber is used to climb stairs either in a seated position or while walking if the person is still able to walk. In a seated position, a companion must control the device.
Stair climbers can be divided into several types:
- The stair climber with integrated seat
- the stair climber for wheelchairs
- the "tracked vehicle" stair climber, also known as a stair climber
- the TOPRO Step stair climber, with which you can still climb the stairs yourself, but are secured and supported.
What is a stair caterpillar?
A stair climber is a stair climbing device for wheelchair users who have to climb straight stairs up to a maximum incline of 35°. These devices glide over the steps thanks to the worm gear and must be guided by an assistant.
There are also stairclimbers that wheelchair users can operate themselves. The wheelchair is firmly hooked onto the device. The wheelchair is propelled by the so-called caterpillar tracks, which do not slip away due to their ribbing on the steps, but instead move up or down step by step.
The stairclimber requires no effort as the drive is electronic. The stairclimber is equipped with a rechargeable battery and a charger. Its own weight is approximately 47 kg and the maximum load capacity is 130 kg. The stairclimber requires a minimum stair width of 70 cm.
There are two variants of the stair caterpillar
- The caterpillars, which require another person to operate.
- The self-propelled crawler stairclimber, which is operated by wheelchair users who are still independent. The prerequisite: you must be physically able to operate it, as you have to use your arms to secure it.
Stair caterpillar costs
Depending on the design and model, the stair caterpillars cost between €4,500 and €10,000.
Advantages and disadvantages of a stair caterpillar?
Advantages
- Staircase scrapers help to make your multi-storey apartment or house accessible again. The number of floors does not matter.
- If you are an active wheelchair user, you can operate the crawler stair climber yourself and go up or down steps independently.
- No structural changes are necessary to use the device.
- Some models are lightweight and are suitable for transportation in the car and for taking with you on vacation, for example.
Disadvantages
- A stairclimber is not suitable for all stairs. A thorough inspection is required before purchase. A stair width of 70 cm or more must be available to ensure proper functioning.
- A stairclimber cannot be used on steep stairs, such as those often found in old buildings. A gradient of 35° is the maximum.
- A stair caterpillar can only be used on straight stairs, as curved stairs cannot be mastered without a platform for stair caterpillars as they lack the necessary support.
- A crawler stair climber requires a lot of space for turning at the entrance and exit of the stairs, as well as for maneuvering with your own wheelchair and for storage.
- Some designs are associated with very high costs, sometimes up to approx. 10,000 euros.
- Most stair climbers require an assistant to operate them. This means that the person concerned is always dependent on help.
- Confidence plays a major role when purchasing a stairclimber. When using a stairclimber, you sit with your back to the stairs. This can feel unnatural.
- There is also no attachment along the wall of the stair caterpillar to provide additional support and safety.
- Risk of accident if operated incorrectly.
What is a stair climber?
Stair climbers are useful aids for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
The stair climber can be used to climb straight and curved stairs in a seated position.
Like the stairclimber, however, the stair climber requires an assistant to operate the device.
Both stair climbing aids make it possible for people with limited mobility to move around their own four walls - without barriers. For people who are not dependent on a wheelchair and still have sufficient walking ability, there is the TOPRO Step stair climber.
Stair climbers can be divided into two types: the stair climber with integrated seat and the stair climber for wheelchairs.
Stair climber costs
The cost of a stair climber varies considerably depending on the equipment and provider. There are price differences between the models with an integrated seat, the models with an integrated wheelchair and the models to which the external wheelchair is attached.
On average, stair climbers cost up to 5,000 euros. Of course, there are also models that cost between 1,000 and 2,000 euros, but these have a lower carrying capacity and no special functions.
Advantages and disadvantages of a stair climber?
Advantages
- Stairs can be climbed safely, easily and without great effort.
- easy operation by an assistant.
- is suitable for any staircase shape.
- Flexible: no fixed installation, can be conveniently taken along.
Disadvantages
- an assistant is always needed - no independence.
- more suitable for nursing homes or retirement homes with caregivers.
- Risk of accident if operated incorrectly.
What is a stair climbing aid?
The TOPRO Step stair climber is a revolutionary new development in the field of accessibility and mobility aids for people with limited walking function. The stair climber provides the necessary support and secures you when climbing stairs so that you can remain independent and active.
The mechanical stairclimber consists of a handrail and a grab rail. The grab rail is attached to the handrail and moves along the rail system during use. The rail system is mounted on the wall along the staircase. It has a patented locking mechanism that prevents you from slipping or falling on the stairs. As soon as you apply pressure to the grab rail, it locks.
The stair climber is made from high-quality, sustainable materials such as stainless steel and anodized aluminium and takes up very little space, as it only protrudes 18 cm from the wall when folded.
Advantages and disadvantages of a stair climbing aid?
Advantages
- Minimum stair width 60 cm
- Provides daily training
- More independence and motivation
- Discreet solution - no stigma
- Get your self-esteem back
- More confidence in yourself and your own abilities
- Muscle building
- fits all staircases.
- Stairs can be climbed safely, easily and without great effort.
- Does not require a power connection. Also works in the event of a power failure.
- No service contract necessary.
Disadvantages
- fixed installation - not mobile.
- only partially suitable for wheelchair users.
What does a stair climbing aid cost?
"How much does a stair climbing aid cost?" is certainly one of the first questions you ask yourself when you think about adapting your home.
As with stairlifts, the price is usually individual and depends on various factors. As TOPRO Step is a module-based system, it does not have to be completely customized to your staircase.
Some factors that influence the price are, for example:
- the course of your staircase (straight or curved staircase),
- the length of the required rail system,
- the number of curves,
- Your desired equipment and
- of course also the conditions on site, such as the wall material or
- any differences in depth in the wall.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to give an all-inclusive price for the stair climbing aid due to the factors mentioned above.
TOPRO Step information video
Why choose TOPRO Step?
Installation in 3 steps
To carry out an on-site inspection and receive a quote, make an appointment with us. Once you have accepted the quote, we will carry out the installation, which usually only takes a few hours. .
TÜV tested and certified
TOPRO Step is TÜV-tested and certified and meets all functional and safety requirements.
Adaptable to your staircase
TOPRO Step is designed so that it can be easily adapted to your staircase. It can be installed on straight stairs, curved stairs and stairs with a landing.
Fits perfectly in any home
Ask your health insurance company about the possibility of cost coverage or possible subsidies. Please note that these options are country-specific and individual.
Up to 5 years warranty
TOPRO Step means TOPRO quality. When you buy a TOPRO Step, you receive a guarantee of up to 5 years.
Over 2,000 satisfied users
We measure success by satisfied customers, which is our top priority. We already have over 4,000 satisfied users throughout Europe.
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