Stairlifts are immeasurably significant because they help people gain back some of their Independence
It’s well-agreed upon that stairlifts are immeasurably significant. They change lives for the better and have too many benefits to count, but we’ll name a few. For one, they help people gain some of their independence back. Two, stairlifts help people age in place. Three, they are affordable without assistance. However, there are many grants, programs, and financing options that can make purchasing a stairlift even more affordable. All of this information may be common knowledge, especially if you regularly visit our website. However, what may not be common knowledge is the evolution of the stairlift. Here is the history of stairlifts.
When Did The Stairlift First Emerge?
One of the earliest recordings of the usage of this lift was in the mid-1500s. When King Henry VIII became injured in a jousting accident and weighing around 400 pounds plus, the stairlift emerged. He needed what he called a “chair throne” to move up and down 20 feet of steps in his London home. Historians believe that the first stairlift used a block and tackle system from one of King Henry VIII’s warships and that his staff of servants operated the lift.
Fast Forward to 1923
In 1923, the modern stairlift, as we know it today, began emerging. C.C. Crispen, an entrepreneur from Pennsylvania, had a friend who was immobilized because of polio. His friend had issues moving between the two floors of his home. Crispen, a self-taught engineer, decided to create a seat that could travel up and downstairs. The model was simple. A chair connected to a rail went the entire length of the staircase. It ran on small wheels as a cable pulled it up and down. Crispen called his prototype the “Inclin-ator.”
The Inclinator Company of America Evolves
A short time after Crispen created his prototype, The Inclinator Company of America widely used stairlifts (here they provide our high-quality residential elevators). Most early stairlift users had polio. As technology advanced and more companies (like our partner Bruno) began producing stairlifts, stairlifts appealed widely to the masses.
Do you have more questions about the benefits of stairlifts, residential elevators, or other lifts that we provide? Then don’t hesitate to call us!
Preferred Elevator: We’re On the Up and Up!
For 14 years, Preferred Elevator has served residents in Central Maryland, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. You can rely on our experienced home installation team and quality products.
For our commercial elevator clients, we also provide annual inspections of your equipment to adhere to standards established by the state of Maryland. During these inspections, we make sure that your commercial mobility product is functioning correctly and efficiently. We’ll also go over all safety devices and customized features offered within your plan!
