Star Trek-style elevator could replace stairlifts in homes

The traditional stairlift is being replaced with a 'Star Trek'-like elevator that moves between the floors of a standard house, reports the Daily Mail.

The space-saving invention is just a few feet wide and works without the need to build a shaft or floor pit, thanks to a hidden hydraulic mechanism.

The pod can carry up to two people with a maximum combined weight of 551lbs (250kg) and includes downlights, handrails, a seat and a glass door.

The lifts cost between £13,000 ($19,780) and £15,000 ($22,700) and the makers say they have sold 200 in the UK since launching them three years ago.

The lift has external and internal controls so it can be called up or down and operated by just one person without the need for a second one outside it.

To minimise the visual impact, the roof of the lift is covered with the original floor so that when it is downstairs it does not intrude upstairs.

Other features include fire protection between the upper and lower floors, whether the lift is 'parked' upstairs or downstairs, and pressure sensitive safety surfaces that stop the lift if it is obstructed from above or below.

For added security the lift won't move unless the door is closed and the door won't open when the lift is travelling.

And a battery backup allows users to return to the ground floor in the event of a power failure.

Manufacturers Terry Lifts said he spotted a gap in the market with more and more 'empty nesters' wanting to stay at home rather than downsize to a bungalow or retirement village.

“People choose to install a lift for a number of reasons,” the site said.

“The majority of our customers, who have chosen a home lift, tend to be in early retirement.

“They chose the lift, when travelling up and down the stairs starts to become an issue. Most of our customers install a lift as an alternative to moving home, later on in life.'
 
Sales and marketing director John McSweeney added: 'Most people in the UK see home lifts as a prohibitively expensive luxury.

“Traditionally, home lifts have been bulky, requiring a lift shaft and, therefore, impractical and unaffordable for most.

“At the other end of the spectrum are wheelchair platform lifts and stair lifts, however, many people do not want this type of product in their homes.

“Ultimately, the Lifestyle lift offers a simple and relatively inexpensive alternative to unwanted relocation to another property for those who are starting to struggle with the stairs, yet don't want to move house.”