4 recommendations for a barrier-free staircase
In this article, we will look at the topic of barrier-free stairs. Here you will find 4 recommendations for making your staircase safer and barrier-free.
Who doesn’t think about inventing something or starting their own company. Most people just leave it at the thought. However, if one has the motivation and perseverance, these dreams can become reality.
The three students Halvor Wold, Ingrid Lonar, and Eirik Medbø studied engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
“It was an absolute coincidence, as we did not know each other before. We came across a report on how many people die from falling down stairs. All three of us had grandparents who had difficulties on stairs. To cut a long story short, the conversation about there being 30,000 injuries from stair falls each year led us to think about developing a product to address this problem,” says Halvor Wold, originally from Troms in Northern Norway.
They agreed to continue working on it and eagerly began developing prototypes to make stair climbing easier. By 2014, the project had progressed to the point where the trio was seeking external investors.
“We have collected enough money to start production, and after some time Hepro included us in their portfolio,” says Wold, explaining that in the process the principle of trial and error was applied.
After about five or six prototypes, we felt that we had a product that had achieved the goal.
The product they developed is called TOPRO Step and is now available throughout Norway. All produced by those who wanted to become engineers.
The stair climbing device TOPRO Step is easy to use and only requires the installation of a rail system along the stairs.
“We have seen that the TOPRO Step stair climbing device is a contribution to enable more people to live at home longer and that the stair climbing device is effective in preventing stair falls. The system is easy to use. One pushes a handle step by step on the way up or down, and the handle locks in place through the braking mechanism. Throughout the stairs, the user has full control and if one loses balance, there is always something to hold on to,” explains Halvor Wold about the product they have developed themselves.
The Aure Nursing Home is the first facility in Møre og Romsdal to have installed this system.
The inauguration of the TOPRO Step stair climbing device took place last Wednesday after the stair climbing device was installed in place.
“The TOPRO Step stair climbing device enables activity while contributing to the maintenance of the individual’s functional level,” explains entrepreneur Halvor Wold on the phone from Trondheim.
Anyone in Norway who is eligible for such assistance can apply for it through their local NAV Assistive Technology Center or contact an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
“The stair climbing device is available throughout Norway. It costs about 25,000 kroner, but those who need it get it paid for,” says Wold, who also says that now four people are living off it.”
“We develop and produce, while Hepro takes care of distribution. We recently introduced our product in the Netherlands and Sweden, and we have great confidence in the TOPRO Step stair climber. We were very well received at the Aure nursing home, the first in Møre og Romsdal,” says Wold, who also admits that things have not always been easy since the idea was developed in a student apartment in 2012.”
One can easily lose motivation when things don’t go as planned, but together we persevered and feel as if we are now reaping the rewards of our work. We are very proud of our product and what we have achieved.
TOPRO Step Informationvideo
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.
TOPRO Step is TÜV-tested and certified and meets all functional and safety requirements.
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.
Ask your health insurance company about the possibility of cost coverage or possible subsidies. Please note that these options are country-specific and individual.
TOPRO Step means TOPRO quality. When you buy a TOPRO Step, you receive a guarantee of up to 5 years.
We measure success by satisfied customers, which is our top priority. We already have over 4,000 satisfied users throughout Europe.
Choose your TOPRO Step
Do you have any questions?
Would you like a free and personal consultation? Get in touch with our TOPRO Step experts and book a free, no-obligation appointment directly at your home.
TOPRO Step Expert
+47 902 931 00
Monday - Friday
08:00 – 16:00 o'clock.
TOPRO Step Expert
+47 902 931 00
Monday - Friday
08:00 – 16:00 o'clock.
Do you have any questions or would you like to test the TOPRO Step stair climber?
We have compiled all frequently asked questions on the FAQ page
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TOPRO Step
In this article, we will look at the topic of barrier-free stairs. Here you will find 4 recommendations for making your staircase safer and barrier-free.
With increasing age or for people in need of care, sooner or later the question arises of what happens if you can no longer climb the stairs in your own home independently. Should you wait until the time comes or take the precaution of adapting your living space before it’s too late?
Are you looking for a stairlift? Find out the 6 most important things you should know before you buy and get to know the alternative to a stairlift.
People with reduced mobility who have difficulty climbing stairs due to age or a particular illness, for example, have a wide range of possible solutions and products to choose from. Until now, the stairlift has been one of the most common solutions apart from expensive renovations or a move to a retirement or nursing home. In this article, we will take a closer look at why a stairlift is not always the best solution for you and what you need to consider when buying a stairlift.
When parents grow old, adult children often find themselves in a situation in which they have to deal with many difficult decisions and questions. Many people shy away from discussing these issues with their parents and ultimately making the right decisions. Children are often afraid that their parents will not want to acknowledge their own ageing.
The TOPRO Step stair climber – Fredrik and the stairs. The occupational therapists at Levanger Municipality believe that the new stair climber can help older people to continue living at home. (This is a translation based on an article by Kristian Stokdahl, originally published in Innherred on October 13, 2016).
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