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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers about our lifts, installation, warranty coverage, and what insurance does and does not pay for. Still stuck? A free in-home assessment answers the rest.

Can the Flow X fit my spiral or multi-story staircase?

Yes. The Flow X is custom-manufactured to match your exact staircase, whether it has 90° turns, 180° turns, spiral configurations, or multiple stories. The rail can be built up to 112′ with multi-parking stations, and the incline capability of up to 72° means it handles even very steep staircases.

What is ASL technology and why is it unique?

ASL stands for Advanced Swivel & Levelling. It’s a patented Access BDD technology that lets the seat rotate while the lift is in motion — both going up and going down. This is what allows the Flow X to fit staircases as narrow as 24″ (610mm), because the seat can turn to navigate tight bends. No other stair lift on the market has this capability.

How long does the custom rail take to manufacture?

After the on-site assessment, your rail is engineered and manufactured to match your staircase by Access BDD, the TK Elevator division behind the Flow X. Typical turnaround from approved quote to installation is 4–6 weeks. Installation itself takes about 3 hours.

Can I customize the fabric and rail colors?

Yes. The Flow X comes with 4 standard rail colors (Stone Grey, White, Pale Brown, Dark Brown) and 13 upholstery colors, plus vinyl and leather options. You can also choose an optional Grey Oak wood-finish back for a more furniture-like appearance. Customization choices are made during your assessment.

What happens during a power outage?

The Flow X runs on 24V battery power at all times, with the standard outlet just providing the charge. A fully charged battery gives you multiple round trips during a power outage. The lift also includes a standard emergency lowering function.

What if I move? Does the warranty transfer?

Our lifetime warranty is tied to the original purchaser at the original installation address, which is the industry standard. Because the Flow X is custom-built to a specific staircase, relocating it typically requires either significant rail modifications or a new custom rail — we can quote those options separately.

When should I choose the Heavy Duty over the Premium?

Choose the Heavy Duty if the primary user weighs more than 350 lb, if you want a wider seat and more back support for daily long-term use, or if you’re considering the lift for multiple users of different sizes. The Heavy Duty also has stationary armrests (vs the Premium’s flip-up), which provide more stability during transfers for users with limited mobility.

Why is the Heavy Duty slower than the Premium?

The Heavy Duty runs at 14 feet per minute vs the Premium’s 20 FPM. This is a deliberate engineering trade-off — the slower speed allows the motor to safely handle up to 600 lb of load. You’re trading a few seconds per trip for the industry’s highest weight capacity.

What is the "slide-swivel seat" and why does it matter?

The Heavy Duty’s seat pivots 85° while simultaneously sliding out from the wall at the landings. This does two things: it allows the lift to install closer to the wall (freeing up staircase width), and it makes dismounting easier because the seat comes toward you rather than requiring you to step forward. The Premium doesn’t have this feature.

How long does the whole process take, from first call to first ride?

Typically under a week. Assessment takes about 30 minutes on-site, your custom rail is cut in 2–3 business days at the factory, and installation is a 4–6 hour appointment.

What's the difference between the Nautilus Premium and the Heavy Duty?

The Premium is our flagship straight lift, rated for 350 lb and folded to just 10.5″ — the narrowest profile in the industry. The Heavy Duty is engineered for higher weight (600 lb capacity, industry-leading) with a wider chair, stationary armrests for stability, and a reinforced footrest. Both use the same patented grease-free worm drive. If you need higher weight capacity or a wider seat, choose the Heavy Duty. Otherwise, the Premium is the right fit for most homes.

Does the worm drive really need no maintenance?

Correct. The patented helical worm gear system uses a nylon polymer gear rack that requires no lubrication. There’s nothing to grease, no scheduled maintenance, and no exposed wear surfaces for dust or pet hair to collect on. That’s a primary reason we can offer a true lifetime warranty on the parts.

What's the longest straight staircase this can fit?

The standard rail is 15’6″, and it can be expanded up to 70 feet in a single straight run. That covers essentially every residential staircase, including tall stairwells in multi-story homes. Custom rails are cut to your exact staircase length during the manufacturing step.

How long does the whole process take, from first call to first ride?

Typically under a week. Assessment takes about 30 minutes on-site, your custom rail is cut in 2–3 business days at the factory, and installation is a 4–6 hour appointment. Most customers are riding within 5–7 days of their first call.

What happens during a power outage?

The lift runs on battery power at all times, with the standard outlet just providing the charge. A fully charged battery gives you up to 60 round trips — enough for days of normal use during even extended outages.

What if I move? Does the warranty transfer?

Our lifetime warranty is tied to the original purchaser at the original installation address, which is the industry standard. If you’re moving, we can reinstall your lift at your new home using an authorized Nautilus technician. Any modifications required for the new staircase are quoted separately.

Are stair lifts covered by insurance or Medicare?

Traditional Medicare (Part A/B) does not cover stair lifts. Some Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance policies, VA benefits, and state Medicaid waivers may contribute toward the cost. We can walk through your options during your free assessment.

Can the CSL500 Helix be installed on any curved staircase?

Yes — the modular rail system is custom-built to fit your exact staircase, including 90° turns, 180° turns, spiral configurations, intermediate landings, and multi-story applications. The rail can be built up to 164 feet in total length.

What is True-Curve rail technology?

True-Curve is Harmar’s proprietary rail-bending technology that produces precision curves matching your staircase’s exact geometry. Combined with the rack-and-pinion drive, it delivers smoother turns and a more compact profile that mounts closer to the wall than most curved stair lifts.

How long does the custom rail take to manufacture?

Harmar has among the fastest turnaround times in the industry for custom curved lifts. From your approved quote to installation is typically 2–3 weeks — significantly faster than Europe-manufactured curved lifts, which can take 4–6 weeks. Installation itself is usually completed in less than a day.

Is there an outdoor version?

Yes. Harmar makes an outdoor variant of the CSL500 Helix with weather-resistant materials and protective coatings, designed for exterior staircases like porches, decks, or building entries. Ask about the outdoor version during your assessment.

What happens during a power outage?

The lift runs on 24V battery power at all times, with the standard 120VAC outlet just providing the charge. A fully charged battery gives you approximately 10 round trips during an outage.

What if I move? Does the warranty transfer?

Our lifetime warranty is tied to the original purchaser at the original installation address, which is the industry standard. Because the Helix is custom-built to a specific staircase, relocating it typically requires either significant rail modifications or a new custom rail — we can quote those options separately.