Re-Imagining the Stairlift

In this Product Spotlight, DeVi-Stairlifts explains how the UP Stairlift blends flexibility, aesthetics, safety and sustainability.

submitted by DeVi-Stairlifts

Over the past four decades, few — if any — major developments have occurred in the stairlift industry. Each rail is made of steel and custom-produced for each individual staircase, resulting in high costs, extensive waste and prolonged delivery periods. Dennis Vroegindeweij, founder of the UP Stairlift produced by DeVi-Stairlifts, believed the traditional stairlift industry had room for improvement. He began as a product developer for a stairlift manufacturer, developing innovative tubular rails — a significant improvement over the previously used square ones. The success of this innovation was substantial, prompting him to envision a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly rail solution. Consequently, he established his own business in electrically powered vehicles, never sidelining his focus on an affordable and sustainable rail solution.

In 2017, DeVi-Stairlifts BV was founded, and the UP Stairlift was officially introduced at the REHACARE 2018 tradeshow in Düsseldorf, Germany. Installation of the first prototypes followed in 2019, and production started in 2020. By 2021, the UP Stairlift was globally available, with Europe and North America its primary markets. Due to high demand, the production facility was moved to a larger-capacity location, fully equipped to meet all requirements and expand to the rest of the world.

With its modular rail and unique bend parts, the UP Stairlift is one of a kind. The UP Stairlift, distinguished by its innovation and uniqueness in the market, has already garnered several awards. Its features have set it apart, earning it recognition and esteem. Vroegindeweij observes:

“Our stairlift is globally recognized, meeting all certification standards across different countries. Therefore, our dealers are able to place our stairlift all over the world. We also hold an exclusive patent for the bend parts, prohibiting other organizations from using the same design.”

The introduction of the UP Stairlift modular rail system marked a significant advancement in the design and technology of curved stairlifts.

The UP Stairlift Changes the Way “UP”

The UP Stairlift reimagines the conventional perception of a stairlift as a purely medical device. Acknowledging the growing need for individuals to sustain their independence within their own homes, Vroegindeweij sought to ensure that the stairlift could seamlessly integrate into the home environment. “To achieve this, the services of an interior designer were engaged to develop a chair that possesses the aesthetic appeal of furniture, thus enabling the stairlift to blend effortlessly into any home décor,” he says.

The UP Stairlift is equipped with standard features such as an intercom, automatic footrest and automatic swivel functionality at both top and bottom, enabling secure and effortless entry and exit from the chair. “Safety always has a high priority for us,” Vroegindeweij states. “The intercom, therefore, is very helpful as it allows immediate communication with the dealer if any issue arises while sitting on the stairlift.” The dealer can assist the customer immediately, and understands whether the problem requires intervention or if it can be resolved over the phone. With the help of a Wi-Fi connection, even remote diagnostics can be conducted for further convenience. This feature enables UP Stairlift dealers to assist customers online, pinpointing the fault without the need for physical inspection. As a result, it reduces unnecessary visits, thus saving significant time and costs.

The introduction of the UP Stairlift modular rail system marked a significant advancement in the design and technology of curved stairlifts.

The rail system consists of only two parts. Only standard rail sections and unique bend parts are used. The latter provides the flexibility to configure any bend. This ensures that, no matter what the staircase looks like, the material used is always in stock and any rail shape can be created. This offers a significant advantage versus commonly used rails, which all have to be custom made, causing extended delivery times and increased transportation costs. The innovative design of the rail system is a crucial factor that allows the UP Stairlift to be easily reinstalled at other staircases. Additionally, it provides the option for on-site adjustments.

Ending Rail Wastage

Sustainable manufacturing and reusable products are of great importance nowadays. The unique design of the UP Stairlift supports this circular process. The chair, along with its modular rail, is designed for longevity. All components of the rail are fully reusable, with the capability to be reconfigured and integrated with new rail elements, enabling the creation of new rail. This facilitates the reinstallation of the stairlift into a new home, should the end-user relocate or no longer need a stairlift. The rail itself is made from 100% recycled aluminum and, when exhausted, is still 100% recyclable. “This innovative approach eliminates the need for rail waste, an achievement that we are very proud of,” Vroegindeweij says.

UP Goes India

The UP Stairlift offers a significant reduction in wait time (previously stretching up to eight weeks) by enabling dealers to keep stock for immediate installation. The straight rail and curved pieces facilitate a flexible assembly process. With its launch in the Indian market, the UP Stairlift aims to empower end users who seek independence within their own residences. Fast delivery is particularly beneficial for end users who are about to be discharged from a hospital or for those with an acute mobility problem. “We look forward to working with our Indian dealers and broadening the accessibility of stairlifts for more end-users, ultimately increasing the independent living for the growing ageing population,”  Vroegindeweij states.

About Dennis Vroegindeweij

With years of stairlift-industry experience, Dennis Vroegindeweij is the founder and inventor of the UP Stairlift. He started as a product developer at a well-known stairlift manufacturer. Driven by a vision to transform the conventional stairlift market, he launched his own company, under which he invented the revolutionary UP Stairlift.

About DeVi-Stairlifts

DeVi-Stairlifts was founded in 2017 and is part of DeVi-Group, an innovative company specializing in product development. DeVi-Stairlifts produces the UP Stairlift, which boasts an inventive design, modular rail and distinctive standard features. The company takes pride in developing a stairlift that is not just a medical device, but a stairlift that is an integral part of a living space. DeVi-Stairlifts also emphasizes social responsibility through the reusability of its product, modular technology and the use of aluminum rail, thereby contributing to energy conservation and reduction of CO2 emissions.