Most people want to stay in their own homes as they age, for as long as possible. If you or a loved one can’t move around as easily as you used to, a stairlift can be a fantastic home modification.
However, there’s a huge amount of information out there that can be difficult to navigate. Finding a stairlift shouldn’t be harder than actually getting up your stairs!
The main things to consider when looking for a stairlift are: what kind of staircase you have; and your mobility level. These two factors will determine the type of stairlift that’s right for your needs.
Sterling stairlifts come in several styles and models that can accommodate most requirements. Sterling is a division of Handicare – a well-known and highly rated US manufacturer of aids for seniors and the disabled.
As a trusted brand with a wide range of options, Sterling is a good choice for anyone wanting to make changes at home to suit their unique and specific mobility needs.
Sterling Stairlift Products
Sterling offers both straight lifts and curved stairlifts, as well as an outdoor version of the Sterling 2000 model.
Sterling lift functionality ranges from standard models that get you safely from point A to point B, to models with powered functions for people with very limited mobility.
The Sterling Simplicity 950 is a budget-friendly standard straight stairlift. It has a manual swivel seat, manual-folding footrest, and a compact profile to save space on the stairwell when not in use. The toggle control is easy to manage for people with issues like chronic pain from osteoarthritis.
The Sterling Simplicity 950+ has all the features of the standard 950 model, but with extra features. The seat swivel and footrest are operated with controls instead of by hand. There is also a sliding track option that enables you to move the lift track out of the way, if the bottom of your staircase has limited space.
The Sterling 1000 straight stairlift has a very sleek track profile, and a higher weight capacity. The lift can carry up to 440lbs if you opt for the extra heavy-duty version. Otherwise, the 350lb standard limit is sufficient for most users.
The Sterling 2000 is Handicare’s curved stairlift model. It’s customized for your curved or angled staircase, and has a number of power upgrades if you want them. The model has a maximum weight capacity of 300lbs, so it’s ideal for bariatric users.
Sterling Stair Lifts Features
- Sterling lifts have a sliding track option that moves the track out of the way when not in use. This option limits the lift weight capacity to around 275lbs.
- Sterling stairlifts have a continuous charging function to keep them operational even in a power outage.
- Fold-up seat, footrest, and armrests allow you to minimize the stair lift’s profile, and save space on the stairs for other users.
- The lifts have safety sensors that stop movement immediately if there is anything in the way. This includes pets and children!
- You can easily adjust the seat height to suit you.
- The stairlifts have a manual OR powered swivel seat for safe transfer on and off of the lift.
- A key switch stops anyone but the actual user from starting the lift.
- Sterling stairlifts have large, carpeted footrests to give you more traction, and help you feel more secure.
- There is a manual emergency stop on the lift, in case you need it.
- The lifts operate on DC plug-in power, and have a battery backup in the event of a power outage.
- People who need extra upper body support can select a full-body harness instead of a lap safety belt.
- Sterling stairlift seats come in your choice of vinyl or fabric upholstery in 6 colors (950+, 1000 and 2000 models only).
- You can choose a perch seat with the Sterling 1000 and 2000 models, so you don’t have to bend your knees and hips while using the lift.
- The Sterling 1000 model has an anodized aluminum track with no messy gearing exposed.
- The Sterling 2000 curved stairlift model comes in a weather-resistant unit, with covers included, for the great outdoors!
Sterling Stair Lifts Price
You won’t find their prices online, but Sterling stairlift costs depend on various factors including but not limited to:
- The length of your staircase,
- The number of turns or landings your staircase has,
- The weight capacity your lift needs,
- Power options or other upgrades required,
- Last but not least…the style and colour that will suit your home décor.
- Sterling stairlift costs are generally middle-of-the-range. You can expect to pay the least amount of money for the Sterling 950 without upgrades. You’ll pay more for the curved Sterling 2000 indoor or outdoor models.
Below is the Sterling stairlifts price range you can expect.
| Model | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling 950 | Straight | $2,500 to $3,500 |
| Sterling 1000 | Straight | $3,000 to $4,000 |
| Sterling 2000 | Curved | $10,000 to $15,000 |
| Sterling 3000 | Outdoor | $10,000 to $15,000 |
Sterling Warranty
Sterling lifts have a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts, and a lifetime warranty on the gearbox and motor. This EXCLUDES the outdoor models.
Conclusion
Sterling stairlifts lack some of the fancy features of more expensive brands. For example, their weight capacity isn’t suitable for bariatric users.
On the plus side, their controls are extremely easy to manage, even for people with limited hand use. They also offer various upgrades and style options. Plus, the two-year warranty is a bonus compared to warranties offered by other manufacturers.
Sterling stairlifts are a perfectly good choice if you’re OK with a quality product that suits most homes and basic user requirements. These are not luxury models with high-end features, but if you’re looking for a good meat-and-potatoes brand, this is a good option.