Approximately two percent of the UK’s population consists of wheelchair users, totalling about 1.3 million people.
Issues such as broken lifts at train stations and a shortage of accessible taxis have significantly affected travel, alongside similar challenges in multi-storey residential buildings that limit residents’ mobility within their homes.
Innovations like the introduction of wheelchair user lights at pedestrian crossings, tailored for both manual and electric wheelchair users, have been implemented to improve outdoor mobility.
Despite advancements in technology making wheelchair lifts, including domestic models, more viable, their high costs for supply, installation, and maintenance remain prohibitive for many individuals and organisations. An increasing number of care homes, workplaces, and public venues are now turning to alternative, cost-effective solutions.
Throughout 2023, The Evacuation Company supplied 200 stair climbers for various uses, including private homes, care facilities, sports venues, hotels, and offices—a 50 percent increase from 2022.
The popularity of these battery-operated devices is largely due to their lower cost, priced at around £5,000 per unit including training. The Evacuation Company also offers rental options, ideal for temporary needs such as caring for a wheelchair-using family member or accommodating events requiring inclusivity.
Stair climbers are customised to fit specific wheelchairs or a variety of models, eliminating the need for users to transfer from their chairs to navigate stairs. They can also be equipped with integrated seats for users who can self-transfer, and are designed to operate on various types of staircases, including straight, curved, and spiral, indoors and outdoors.
Stair climbers are customised to fit specific wheelchairs, eliminating the need for users to transfer.
These units are particularly favoured in historic buildings and properties with communal staircases, such as recent installations at King’s Bath, several National Trust properties, and housing developments. Their mobility and operator-assisted operation means they require no structural attachment or installation.
The primary appeal of stair climbers lies in the freedom they offer users. Customer feedback highlights how transformative it is for individuals to navigate stairs with their wheelchair, while facilities managers and event organisers at larger venues emphasise the positive impact on guests and clients.
Whether for short-term hire or a permanent installation, The Evacuation Company provides units along with operator training and maintenance plans. For more information, please contact us.