Historical Timeline
A century of innovation in home accessibility, from the first patent to the smart home era.
Event Categories
Early Accessibility Challenges
Following World War I and the 1918 polio epidemic, thousands of Americans face mobility challenges at home. The need for home accessibility solutions becomes increasingly apparent.
C.C. Crispen Invents the Inclinator
Pennsylvania engineer C.C. Crispen builds the first inclined stairlift to help a friend with polio navigate stairs. This marks the birth of the stairlift industry.
View Related ExhibitInclinator Company Founded
Crispen formally establishes the Inclinator Company of America to manufacture and sell stairlifts commercially. The company remains in operation today.
First Safety Standards Emerge
Early adopters and manufacturers begin establishing informal safety standards for stairlift construction and installation.
Second Generation Inclinators
The Inclinator Company introduces refined models with improved safety features including speed governors and armrests.
View Related ExhibitWWII Slows Production
World War II diverts manufacturing resources. Stairlift production decreases as factories contribute to the war effort.
Post-War Accessibility Boom
Returning wounded veterans create increased demand for home accessibility solutions. The VA begins funding home modifications.
Stairlifts Enter the UK Market
British companies begin exploring stairlift manufacturing, adapting American designs for narrower UK staircases.
First Modular Rail Systems
Manufacturers introduce modular rail sections, reducing installation time and allowing greater flexibility.
Medicare Established
The creation of Medicare in the US begins discussions about coverage for accessibility equipment, though stairlifts remain largely out-of-pocket expenses.
First Folding Stairlifts
New designs allow the seat, armrests, and footrest to fold, reducing obstruction when the stairlift is not in use.
Stannah Begins Lift Manufacturing
Stannah, a UK company founded in 1867, begins manufacturing lifts. They would enter the stairlift market in 1975.
First Remote Call Buttons
Wall-mounted call buttons allow users to summon or send the stairlift without riding it, a feature that becomes standard.
Stannah Enters Stairlift Market
Stannah produces their first stairlift, bringing elegant design and European engineering to the industry.
View Related ExhibitBrooks Lincoln Launches
The Brooks Lincoln becomes one of the UK's most popular stairlifts, known for reliability and modular design.
View Related ExhibitFirst Powered Track Hinges
Powered hinges allow the bottom section of track to fold away, preventing obstruction of doorways.
First Curved Rail Stairlift Prototypes
Engineers begin developing stairlifts capable of navigating curved staircases, though commercial versions remain years away.
Gremlins Movie Features Stairlift
The film 'Gremlins' features an infamous stairlift scene, introducing millions to the concept of home stairlifts — albeit dramatically.
View Related ExhibitDC Battery Power Introduced
Minivator introduces DC battery-powered stairlifts, providing operation during power outages and smoother, quieter rides.
View Related ExhibitFirst Successful Curved Stairlifts
European manufacturers successfully commercialize curved rail stairlifts, opening accessibility to complex staircases.
ADA Becomes Law
The Americans with Disabilities Act is signed, dramatically increasing awareness of accessibility needs, though residential requirements remain limited.
Perch Stairlifts Developed
Standing/perch stairlifts enter the market, serving users who cannot comfortably sit during stair travel.
View Related ExhibitAcorn Stairlifts Founded
Acorn Stairlifts launches with a mission to make stairlifts affordable for everyone. Their marketing would transform the industry.
View Related ExhibitStannah Starla Curved Stairlift
Stannah launches the Starla, bringing precision-engineered curved rail technology to the mainstream market.
View Related ExhibitBruno Elan Launches
American manufacturer Bruno introduces the Elan, bringing robust American engineering to a sleek modern design.
View Related ExhibitSpiral Staircase Solutions
Specialized installers develop techniques and equipment to serve spiral staircases, previously considered impossible.
View Related ExhibitFirst Online Stairlift Retailers
E-commerce enables direct-to-consumer stairlift sales, disrupting traditional dealer networks.
Acorn 180 Curved
Acorn introduces a modular curved stairlift system, dramatically reducing curved stairlift prices.
View Related ExhibitThyssenKrupp Flow 2
German elevator giant ThyssenKrupp enters the stairlift market with the precision-engineered Flow 2.
View Related ExhibitOutdoor Stairlifts Mature
Bruno and other manufacturers release fully weather-resistant outdoor stairlifts for external stairs.
View Related ExhibitHeavy-Duty/Bariatric Stairlifts
Manufacturers introduce high-capacity stairlifts supporting 500+ pounds, expanding accessibility to more users.
View Related ExhibitStannah 320 Outdoor
Stannah releases their outdoor model with innovative clam shell cover design for British weather.
View Related ExhibitHandicare 1100 Sets New Standard
Handicare's 1100 brings Scandinavian design principles to stairlifts, influencing industry-wide design approaches.
View Related ExhibitSavaria K2 Launches
Canadian manufacturer Savaria enters the premium stairlift market with the K2, featuring helical gear drive.
View Related Exhibit600-Pound Capacity Achieved
Harmar's Pinnacle SL600 offers 600-pound capacity, the highest in the industry.
View Related ExhibitVoice Control Integration
Manufacturers begin integrating Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for voice-controlled operation.
1 Million UK Stairlifts Milestone
An estimated 1 million stairlifts are now installed in UK homes, representing remarkable market penetration.
Smart/IoT Stairlifts Emerge
Connected stairlifts with remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smartphone apps enter the market.
View Related ExhibitCOVID-19 Increases Demand
The pandemic accelerates aging-in-place trends as seniors avoid care facilities, driving stairlift demand.
The Stairlift Museum Opens
A virtual museum dedicated to the history of stairlifts opens its doors (screens?) to the public. You are here!
The story continues...
The Evolution of Stairlift Technology
The history of stairlifts spans over a century, beginning with C.C. Crispen's simple yet revolutionary invention in 1923. What started as a solution for a friend with polio has evolved into a global industry serving millions of people worldwide.
The timeline above traces 40 key milestones in stairlift history, from early mechanical innovations to today's smart, connected devices. Each event represents a step forward in making homes more accessible and allowing people to age in place with dignity and independence.
Key Innovations in Stairlift History
- 1923: The first commercially viable stairlift design
- 1985: DC battery power systems for reliability during outages
- 1995: Curved rail technology for complex staircases
- 2010: Heavy-duty options for users requiring higher capacity
- 2020: IoT integration for remote monitoring and smart home compatibility
Today, stairlifts are available for virtually any staircase configuration, from simple straight flights to complex spiral designs. With over a million units installed in the UK alone, stairlifts have become an essential tool for maintaining independence in multi-level homes.