Stair aids – what alternatives are there?

Below we present a range of stair aids – from home lifts for people with completely restricted mobility to a fully mechanical solution that allows you to remain active!

It is important to understand that there is no such thing as a single stair climber, but that each person has different needs and limitations, which the solution should ultimately be based on.
From slight movement restrictions to complete paralysis – there is the right stair climbing aid for every indication, ensuring safe stair climbing and allowing you to continue living in your own four walls.

For many people with limited gait function and balance problems, the stairs can often become an enormous obstacle that still has to be overcome in everyday life.

Contents

What solutions are there for people with limited mobility?

  • Moving into a house without stairs
  • Moving to a care facility
  • Adaptation of the living space
  • Pure use of the ground floor in the house
  • Stair climbing aids


Many of the stair aids are either very cost-intensive and/or significantly affect the size of the living space.
In addition, these inevitably lead to a deterioration in the already limited mobility of the affected person – if gait function is still present.

So if you or your relative can still climb stairs but need support and safety, then the TOPRO Step stair climber is the ideal stair climber.

Stair climbing aids

  • TOPRO Step mechanical stair climber
  • Electric stair climber
  • Stair caterpillar
  • Vertical lift/house lift/home lift/platform lift
  • External lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair lift (hoist and platform lift)

Stairlift

Home lift

Stair climber

TOPRO Step

TOPRO Step mechanical stair climber

The TOPRO Step stair climber is suitable for anyone with limited mobility and difficulty climbing stairs – on the one hand as support and safety on the stairs, and on the other as daily training for walking function.
The stair rollator is used, for example, by people who are unable to walk due to

  • Stroke patients
  • Parkinson’s patients
  • People with neuropathy
  • People with multiple sclerosis
  • People with cerebral palsy
  • People with a femur fracture
  • People who suffer from COPD
  • People with spinal injuries
  • Senior citizens and anyone with reduced walking ability are restricted in their movement and walking function.

TOPRO Step mechanical stair climber information video

Electric stair climber

An electric stair climber is a mobile aid for wheelchair users to climb stairs both indoors and outdoors.


Electric or mobile stair climbers can either be attached to the wheelchair or have an integrated seat. The stair climber can be dismantled and can be used on almost any staircase – even in narrow stairwells or spiral staircases. No conversion work is necessary.The following requirements apply for use:

  • Instructed operator who operates the device.
Electric stair climber
Stair caterpillar

What does an electric stair climber cost?

For a new purchase, you can expect to pay between 4,500 and 5,000 euros.

Stair caterpillar

Similar to the stair climber, a crawler stair climber is an aid for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.

The stair caterpillar allows the wheelchair user to climb several floors with their wheelchair.

As an active wheelchair user, you may even be able to operate the stairclimber yourself.

The following conditions apply for use:

  • Staircase width from 70 cm
  • Maximum incline of 35°
  • Curved stairs with landing only
  • Require plenty of space when entering and exiting the stairs (for turning and manoeuvring)
  • operator may be necessary.
Stair caterpillar
Stair caterpillar

What does a stair caterpillar cost?

You can expect to pay up to 10,000 euros for a new purchase.

Vertical lift / Home lift / Homelift

As the name suggests, a vertical lift is a lift that resembles a passenger lift.

The difference is that a vertical lift does not necessarily rely on a shaft and is slower than a regular passenger lift. The speed is about 15 cm per second.
The following conditions apply:

  • a power connection
  • Sufficient space for the cabin
  • the recess in the ceiling.
Homelift
Homelift

What does a vertical lift cost?

“A price of between 13,500 and 50,000 euros must be expected. Depending on the equipment and design (height, openings, load capacity, etc.), the lift will be all the more expensive. There are also follow-up costs for recurring maintenance, care and operation (electricity consumption).”

External lift

The external lift is another staircase aid and is practical if the installation of a vertical lift is not possible for structural reasons or due to lack of space.

The installation of the external lift is very simple, as the shaft of the external lift is mounted on the façade of the building and the entrances and exits are created through wall openings.

The following conditions apply to feasibility:

  • The façade must be able to support the external lift
  • the material must be robust and weather-resistant.
External lift
External lift

What does an outdoor lift cost?

Average prices between 30,000 and 50,000 euros are generally the costs to be expected. Here too, the price increases or decreases depending on the equipment and design (height, number of wall openings/stops, load capacity, speed, etc.).

Follow-up costs for recurring maintenance, care and operation (electricity consumption) are also added here.

Stairlift

A stairlift is a system that transports senior citizens and people with mobility impairments between floors, either sitting or standing. The stairlift is also known by the following names:

  • Stairlift
  • Stair lift
  • Inclined stair lift

A stairlift is attached either to the steps or to the wall. The seat or platform of the stairlift glides along a metal rail and is driven by an electric motor. It is controlled by a control element that is attached either to the seat or to the platform. There is also the option of using a remote control for operation.

Every stairlift (on curved staircases) is a customised product that is precisely adapted to the staircase in question.

Stairlift
Stairlift

What does a stairlift cost?

The price of a stairlift varies according to the individual needs of the person concerned and the conditions of the staircase. It depends on the following factors:

  • Number of floors to be climbed
  • Type and dimensions of the staircase (length, width, curves, turns)
  • Shape of the stairlift
  • Condition of the wall (e.g. load-bearing capacity)
  • Equipment and quality of the desired stairlift
  • Seat lift – straight staircase: 2,500 euros to 6,000 euros
  • Seat lift – curved staircase: 5,900 euros to 12,500 euros
  • Platform lift – straight staircase: 7,500 euros to 14,000 euros
  • Platform lift – curved staircase: 10,800 euros to 20,000 euros

Wheelchair lift (hoist and platform lift)

Wheelchair lifts are divided into lift and platform lifts. Both transport the user sitting in a wheelchair. The lift is the right choice for wheelchair users who only need to negotiate low heights.

Lift

The lift consists of a platform and safety features, such as a safety bar and a side panel to which the operating element is attached.

Lifting platforms can be used both indoors and outdoors and are therefore often used in the entrance area of buildings where only a small height needs to be overcome.

The following conditions apply:

  • Presence of a projection, platform, terrace, balcony or similar flat surface
  • Maximum height clearance of up to 1.35 m
  • 230 V power connection.

What does a lift cost?

Average costs of between €4,500 and €15,000 must be expected – depending on the design and equipment.

Platform lift

The platform lift is particularly suitable and designed for wheelchair users. The platform lift transports the wheelchair user along a staircase – a staircase must therefore be available.

No vertical transport, but diagonally upwards/downwards following the course of the stairs

  • Possible on straight and curved stairs
  • Possible indoors and outdoors
  • The following conditions apply:
  • Staircase width of at least 90 cm
  • Sufficiently large footprint.

What does a platform lift cost?

The prices for platform lifts mainly depend on the type of staircase and the area of application. The equipment and design also determine the price.

  • Platform lift straight inside: 7,500 euros to 14,000 euros
  • Platform lift straight outside: 8,500 euros to 15,000 euros
  • Curved interior platform lift: 9,800 euros to 19,000 euros
  • Curved exterior platform lift: 10,800 euros to 20,000 euros
Lift
platform lift

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.

Check for insurance coverage or help

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.

Choose your TOPRO Step

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Get in touch with us

Would you like a free inspection or a no-obligation quote? Contact us and we’ll take care of the rest.

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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