Choosing a stair lift chair can be confusing enough when buying for one rider. Once you need to accommodate multiple family members, choosing the proper chair can become even more confusing.

One of the most important considerations when choosing a stair lift chair for multiple family members, is to start with the person with the most mobility issues. What will be the easiest chair for them to sit down on, and ride up the stairs. You may need to choose a stair lift chair where the seat rotates to the front at both the top and bottom of the stairs to ease sitting down. Are the controls in a comfortable position for the rider. Controls on most chairs are within easy fingertip reach, but make sure you evaluate the location and types of controls to choose one your riders are confident in using.

You will need to look at the weight of your heaviest rider, and then size your stair chair lift to meet their weight. Most likely this will not eliminate any units, since the stair chair lift ratings from most companies are for 300 pound riders. In the case of one rider exceeding this weight, by even a few pounds, take a look at the heavy duty options available from some manufacturers to carry even heavier passengers.

Do you have a rider who uses a wheel chair? In this case, you will need to evaluate the riders ability to transfer themselves from the wheel chair to the stair lift chair. If they can accomplish this safely, you can choose to have a wheel chair on both floors. There are options for additional handles, and accessories to aid in moving from a wheelchair to the stair chair lift. If your rider cannot safely transfer between a wheel chair and the lift, then you need to consider buying a wheel chair lift for your stairs. Most of the wheel chair lifts have an option to add a fold down seat and handles for other riders to use as standard lift chair.

Are you wondering about what happens when the chair is at the top, and the second family member is at the bottom? Most stair lift chair companies have taken care of this issue with either controls at the top and bottom ends or the rail, or with remote controls. This allows you to call the stair lift chair back to the location you are currently at. This is an essential feature for a multi-user family. Do not forget to ask about this feature when evaluating your lift.

While finding a stair lift chair which is perfect for both riders may sometimes be difficult, you can always find one which provides safety, proper transportation, and quality for both riders. Make sure to err on the side of your least mobile rider, and you will have the stair lift chair with the best features for all riders. Returning the usage of multiple floors to your family members, with a high quality stair lift chair, is a gift they will remember forever.