Handicap chair lifts for stairs are divided in several categories depending on several factors. Depending on their type, the chair lift for stairs can come in the form of a platform, designed to enable access for wheel chairs over a stair, or a mobile chair placed on a similar platform, intended to be used by people who are not confined to wheelchairs, but still find climbing or descending a staircase difficult or uncomfortable. While different in purpose and design, most types function on a quite similar principle, by having the chair or platform driven by an electric motor, slide along a rail fastened to the side of the rail.

Since staircases are susceptible to being a breeding place for accidents, like falling, or since the sustained use of a staircase causes significant wear on the knees and ankles, installing handicap lift for stair can be both a mobility improvement, and also a long term investment in the health of its users.

A chair lift for stairs can be used by everyone, not only those with special needs, providing the same mobility advantage to everyone. While helpful in its main purpose, a chair lift for stairs can be of tremendous help in other uses as well. Carrying grocery bags, or other heavy objects up a stair it surely is difficult, and a help of an electrical chair lift for stair to take some of the load it is sure to come in handy.

A more specialized type of stair lift is the wheel chair lifts for stairs, which is designed especially for transporting wheelchairs up and down a stair.

While different in shape and function with the usual chair lifts, wheelchair lifts for stair, function in a similar manner, while being naturally stronger, more powerful and capable of moving a greater load.

They usually consist of a folding platform, which travels along a side rail that is fixed on a wall adjacent to the staircase, or, in more exquisite designs, the rail has its own fixtures and supports. While generally more expensive than the wall-fixed mounts, the latter type is more suited for operating in areas where the side walls of the staircase are not strong enough to provide the required strength for supporting the wheel chair lift and its operating load out.

Wheel chair lifts for stairs are readily available all around the world, either for use in houses or in private enterprises. Since they come in many designs, with different features available, wheelchair lifts for stairs exist that are suited for most areas that may require such a mobility enhancing feature. From homes to industrial halls, wheel chair lifts provide a tremendous advantage when it comes to ensuring simple, effective and convenient access to persons confined in wheelchairs.

Due to their nature, wheel chair lifts for stairs can be easily installed wherever they might be needed, while proving virtually no obstruction to the staircase they service.

Beside, while the acquisition and installment of a wheel chair lift for stair might prove a little costly, it is important to realize that the price is only a one-time investment, since the running costs required by most wheel chair lifts are reasonably low.