Recently on WGN Radio’s Home Sweet Home Chicago, Aimee from Access Elevator, Inc. shared a story that highlights a serious issue in the accessibility industry – improper stair lift installation.
It is a story that could have ended much differently.
The Incident
A veteran contacted us after experiencing a frightening failure with a stair lift installed by another company. The equipment came from a nationwide supplier that did not provide reliable local service support.
The stair lift did not stop at the end of the rail.
It continued past its intended stopping point – and the chair ran off the end of the track while he was seat-belted in.
He ended up on the ground, still in the chair.
Fortunately, he was not seriously injured and had his cell phone nearby to call a family member. That call ultimately led to Access Elevator, Inc. being brought in to assess and replace the equipment.
What Went Wrong?
Failures like this typically stem from one or more of the following:
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Improper rail configuration or termination.
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Inadequate safety stop calibration.
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Substandard equipment design.
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Poor installation practices.
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Lack of final safety verification.
A stair lift is a mechanical transport device. It must be installed precisely according to manufacturer specifications. Rail length, charging contacts, final limits, overrun measurements, and structural anchoring all matter. There is no margin for shortcuts.
The Risk of “Too Good to Be True” Pricing
During the radio segment, a key point was discussed – misleading advertising.
Some companies advertise extremely low entry prices. However:
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The advertised model may be a stripped-down unit.
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Installation may not be fully included.
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Safety upgrades may cost extra.
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The equipment itself may be lower tier.
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Service support may be outsourced or nonexistent locally.
In many cases, customers end up paying more than they would have for a properly specified, professionally installed stair lift from the beginning.
When it comes to mobility equipment, price alone is not a reliable indicator of value.
What We Did
When Access Elevator, Inc. was called in, we:
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Removed the unsafe stair lift.
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Installed a properly engineered, high-quality replacement.
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Ensured all safety limits and stops were correctly configured.
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Provided local service backing.
Most importantly, the customer never has to worry about that happening again.
Why Local Service Matters
Mobility equipment is not a one-time purchase – it is a long-term safety solution. You need:
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A company that services what they install.
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Technicians trained specifically on the product.
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A local presence.
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Accountability.
When equipment is installed by a company without strong local support, resolving issues can become delayed, frustrating, or even dangerous.
The General Rule – Get Three Quotes
There is a reason construction professionals often recommend getting three quotes.
Not just to compare price – but to compare:
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Equipment quality.
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Warranty coverage.
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Installation scope.
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Service response times.
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Company reputation.
Ask direct questions. Request model numbers. Verify service coverage. Confirm safety certifications.
If two bids look drastically different, find out why.
Safety Is Not Optional
A stair lift is a medical-adjacent mobility device. It directly impacts a person’s independence and physical safety.
- Improper installation can result in injury.
- Subpar equipment can fail.
- Lack of service can leave someone stranded.
Cutting corners on accessibility equipment is never worth the risk.
If you would like to learn more about selecting the right stair lift or scheduling a professional consultation in Wisconsin or Illinois, contact Access Elevator, Inc. Our priority is simple – install equipment we trust, service it locally, and make sure it is done right the first time.