Buying & installation
Stairlift Glossary: Accessibility & Installation Terms Explained
Quotes and brochures are full of technical terms. This A–Z explains the ones you are most likely to meet, in plain English.
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A to Z of stairlift terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Carriage | The motor unit that travels along the rail and carries the seat |
| Charging point | A contact on the rail where the lift recharges its batteries when parked |
| Continuous charge strip | A strip along the rail that charges the lift wherever it stops |
| Footrest sensor | Safety pads that stop the lift if the footrest touches an obstruction |
| Going | The depth of each step, front to back |
| Hinged rail | A rail end that folds up to clear a door — see [hinged rails](/hinged-stairlift-rail/) |
| Key switch | A lock that isolates the lift so it cannot be used |
| Overrun | Rail extending past the top or bottom step for safer getting on and off |
| Overspeed governor | Safety device that stops the carriage if it goes too fast |
| Park bend | A curve at the end of a rail to park the seat out of the way |
| Perch seat | A higher, standing-style seat for people who cannot bend their knees |
| Rack and pinion | A toothed rail (rack) and gear (pinion) that drive the carriage |
| Rise | The height of each step |
| Swivel seat | A seat that turns at the top so you get off facing the landing |
| Trailing cable | A power cable that follows the lift (older or some outdoor models) |
| Tread fixings | Brackets that fix the rail to the stair treads, not the wall |
| Winder | A tapered step where stairs change direction |
Learn more in the buying guide and safety features.