Early electric stair lifts were powered from a mains supply.
However, nearly all new models are now powered by rechargeable batteries.
Batteries are seen as being preferable and having many advantages over an AC mains powered unit.
However, mains powered units have been improved and offer one or two advantages of their own.
The first models were powered by directly wired into a mains socket via a trailing cable.
A spring-loaded drum, located at the top of the stairs, would store the cable.
Having a trailing cable has some inherent problems.
Tripping over the cable was an 'accident waiting to happen'.
Also, the drum and cable were moving parts and, as such, required more maintenance.
Also, early AC powered stair lifts could suffer from erratic stop and start motions, which could be uncomfortable or even painful for some.
Despite these drawbacks AC powered units were preferable to battery driven ones.
Back then technology was not as advanced as it is today.
Batteries were often unreliable, took a long time to charge, didn't last long between charges and were simply not powerful enough.
However, times have changed.
Rechargeable batteries are reliable and store their charge for longer and are now preferred by nearly all manufacturers.
Batteries offer some important advantages over mains supply.
DC Battery operated stair lifts provide the user with smother starts and stops.
They are also quieter when in use.
Batteries are now very reliable and need to be replaced only after years of use.
Battery operated units are easy to install - no wiring is necessary.
The main advantage of a battery powered lift is that it will continue to operate during power outages.
Many top rated manufacturers like Stannah and Bruno Stair Lifts only make battery operated models.
However, some manufacturers still make AC electric units, Summit Stair Lifts being one such company.
AC lift technology has moved on too.
Today's mains driven stair lifts are quieter and they now also provide smooth starts and stops.
AC models have one major advantage over battery operated models.
Batteries need to be recharged whilst one powered by AC main supply can operate whenever it's needed.
This is an important consideration if you think you'll use your stair lift often or there is more than one person in the home who will use it.
A battery operated model usually requires charging after about 20 trips up and down the stairs.
One last point; AC powered stair lifts are a little cheaper than ones operated by DC battery.
Deciding on what type of electric stair lift to buy is entirely up to you.
You must consider a few things before you decide on which type t is best for you.
If you're on a budget, maybe an AC model is preferable.
But, if you like a quiet ride then a DC battery one is better.
Does where you live experience power outages? If yes, then you should definitely consider a battery operated model.
If you'll be using it many times in one day, then perhaps the AC electric model would best suit your needs.
Before you buy either a DC or AC electric powered stair lift you should first contact a reputable dealer.
You can find them quite easily on the internet.
Most supply and install many different brands and will offer impartial advice with no obligation to buy.