I am in the process of buying a chair lift and was visited today by a potential supplier. I was informed the chair lift is powered by batteries at all times but that these are trickle charged whilst the chair lift is at rest in the stored position. I was then amazed to learn that lead acid batteries are still used.

 

It seems that the technological advances we have benefitted from have not reach this market, unless there are strong economic/commercial reasons for sticking with these heavy batteries.

 

Cheap

Last forever

Weight not an issue

Tried and trusted technology

 

Or just not aware of the developments?

 

The chair lift wired and fitted will cost around £2,500.

 

Conal

I think it reflects that despite all the supposed battery progress over the last 100 plus years, still the only really reliable one is the original, lead-acid, a 19th century technology in the 21st century.

 

As I've often remarked in the forum, cars are the largest users of high discharge batteries and for them only lead-acid suffices for long term reliability.

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I work as a finance and technology manager for a group of nursing homes for the elderly and all hoists/chair lifts still use SLA batteries, as do wheelchairs, mobility vehicles and the like. They are tried, tested and reliable technology and weight isn't as much of an issue nor is speed.

 

That said, I have been told by a variety of sources, including the old folk themselves, that there is a group of OAPs actually desrestricting and racing mobility scooters in the Felixstowe area

check the price

 

I can tell you that i know someone who sells the stair lifts and most of the time they start at 2500 and if you hold out or check around you can get one that was suposedly used in the display room but really a new one and a new battery with full warranty for 1500 or less

Price

 

Glen

 

Thanks for the tip. I will keep an eye out and also pressure the supplier when I decide.

 

Conal