In the push to create accessible environments for all, mobility solutions play a critical role, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments. In Singapore, options like ramps and wheelchair lifts have been the go-to solutions. However, these methods come with their own sets of challenges, including space constraints, installation complexity, and limited customisation. As urban spaces become more compact and aesthetically conscious, there is a growing need for innovative and efficient mobility solutions.
Enter the FlexStep stairlift by LiftUp, a 2-in-1 solution that seamlessly integrates a staircase with a wheelchair lift. In this blog post, we will explore the limitations of current mobility solutions in Singapore, delve into the innovative features of the FlexStep, and examine the installation of FlexStep at Hvalsø Apotek, a historic pharmacy in Denmark.
Current Mobility Solutions in Singapore
Before diving into the specifics of how FlexStep operates, it's crucial to understand the landscape of mobility solutions available. In Singapore, current mobility solutions are limited to ramps and wheelchair lifts.
Ramps
Ramps are essential for facilitating wheelchair access in homes and public spaces. However, their applications are limited. Ramps are typically installed at entrances to accommodate steps or raised platforms. For homes with up to three steps, standard portable ramps can be used.
For any more steps, custom ramps are necessary, which require careful installation to ensure its intended functionality. These custom ramps require expertise to install correctly, often involving structural modifications that increase complexity and cost.
There are portable ramps as well. While versatile, they can be difficult for seniors to handle independently due to their weight and bulkiness. Also, ramps can take up significant space, which may not be feasible in compact residential areas like HDB flats, where space efficiency is crucial.
Wheelchair lifts
Next, wheelchair lifts offer an alternative solution where ramps are impractical. These lifts are installed to provide direct access over steps or between different levels within a building. They are particularly useful in situations where ramp installation is not feasible due to space constraints or architectural limitations.
However, wheelchair lifts occupy floor space when not in use, which can be a significant drawback in residential settings where space is already limited. Installing a wheelchair lift may involve modifications to existing structures, such as doorways and gates, which can add to the overall cost and logistics of implementation.
Though not often highlighted, these lifts are often utilitarian. Options for customisation are often limited, and retrofitting lifts into existing buildings may not always be straightforward or visually desirable.
Both ramps and wheelchair lifts play crucial roles in enhancing mobility for individuals with mobility impairments in Singapore. However, their implementation is not without challenges, particularly when considering the need for custom ramps for any entrance with more than a few steps. Ramps can take up significant space, making them less feasible in compact residential areas.
Wheelchair lifts, on the other hand, occupy valuable floor space even when not in use, posing a problem in space-constrained environments. Also, options for customisation with both solutions are often limited, making it difficult to integrate them seamlessly into existing structures. These limitations underscore the need for innovative solutions like FlexStep.
FlexStep Explained
Developed by Liftup, the FlexStep is a dual-purpose mobility solution. It functions both as a traditional staircase and as a wheelchair lift, accommodating both pedestrians and wheelchair users.
The stairlift can be used as a regular staircase, but with the push of a button, it transforms into a platform lift, allowing wheelchair users to navigate steps safely and efficiently. This innovative design addresses several limitations of traditional ramps and wheelchair lifts.
Offering configurations with up to 6 steps
First, the FlexStep offers a 2-in-1 solution by combining a staircase and lift into one unit, eliminating the need for separate installations. It can be configured for up to six steps. This is especially useful for entrances with more than three steps, where custom ramps would normally be required. Custom ramps can be cumbersome and expensive to install, while the FlexStep simplifies this by serving both functions in one space-saving design.
Space-efficient design
Next, FlexStep is easy to integrate into both new and existing buildings. Unlike ramps that can take up significant space and wheelchair lifts that occupy floor space when not in use, the FlexStep remains compact and functional as a staircase when the lift is not needed. This feature makes it an ideal solution for space-constrained environments like HDB flats, office buildings, shops, and restaurants.
Numerous design options
Third, FlexStep offers numerous design options, overcoming the common limitation of limited customisation found in ramps and wheelchair lifts. This versatility allows the stairlift to blend seamlessly into various architectural styles and settings, ensuring that it not only functions well but also complements the aesthetics of the space.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Finally, FlexStep is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, providing a versatile solution that can be installed in various locations. This flexibility ensures that accessibility needs are met in diverse settings, from residential buildings to commercial establishments.
By addressing the limitations of ramps and wheelchair lifts, such as the need for custom installations, significant space usage, and limited customisation options, the FlexStep provides an efficient, space-saving, and aesthetically pleasing solution that promotes equal access. Its innovative design and operational flexibility make it a superior alternative to current mobility solutions.
Hvalsø Apotek, Denmark
Hvalsø Apotek, a 150-year-old pharmacy, faced the challenge of ensuring accessibility while preserving its historic architecture. The implementation of the FlexStep stairlift provided an elegant and respectful solution.
One of the key features of this installation was the call station, which was mounted on a column. This thoughtful placement ensured that the control mechanism was easily accessible yet unobtrusive, maintaining the pharmacy's visual appeal.
Additionally, the FlexStep was equipped with railings that matched the existing railings in the pharmacy, creating a harmonious look. To further ensure integration of the unit into the existing structure, the FlexStep was fitted with the same floorboards as those on the landing.
A fixed staircase was installed alongside the FlexStep, providing a convenient option for pedestrians while preserving the staircase's traditional function.
The pharmacy owner highlighted the importance of choosing FlexStep over a more conventional ramp solution.
"The alternative solution was to build a ramp. It would be much cheaper, but it would also be ugly. Above all, there would be no respect for the 150-year-old pharmacy building, and I do not want to ruin the beautiful architecture".
This recommendation underscores the value of FlexStep in providing a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and respectful solution to accessibility challenges.
The landscape of mobility solutions in Singapore currently relies on ramps and wheelchair lifts, each with inherent limitations in terms of space usage, customisation, and integration into existing structures.
The FlexStep stairlift, developed by Liftup, presents a superior alternative. Its 2-in-1 design combines a traditional staircase with a wheelchair lift, offering a space-efficient and versatile solution. With configurations available for up to six steps, FlexStep eliminates the need for cumbersome custom ramps and remains functional as a staircase when the lift is not in use. Its numerous design options allow it to blend seamlessly into various architectural styles, and its suitability for both indoor and outdoor use ensures that accessibility needs are met in diverse settings. The successful implementation of FlexStep at Hvalsø Apotek, a 150-year-old pharmacy in Denmark, illustrates its potential.
Interested in learning more about this innovative alternative? Simply get in touch with us. BELIFT is proud to be the sole distributor of FlexStep in Singapore and the region. Our team is here to provide more insight into FlexStep and help determine if it is the right choice for you.
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