Electric climbing stairlift – What it is and how it works, purchasing guide

Advantages of an electric stair climbing trolley

An electric stair climbing trolley offers several advantages for professionals who regularly need to move heavy loads.

The main benefits include:

• Fewer operators required for handling operations
• Reduced physical strain on workers
• Shorter transport and handling times
• Lower risk of damage and improved operational safety

Purchasing an electric stair climber can represent a long-term investment for a business. Thanks to their robust construction and durability, professional models are designed to remain in service for many years.

Before purchasing one, however, it is important to understand which type of stair climbing trolley is best suited to your company’s requirements.

Not all electric stair climbers are the same. Models differ according to the type of load they are designed to handle, their maximum load capacity, configuration and intended applications.

Different types of electric stair climbers: DOMINO and SKIPPER

The DOMINO electric stair climber is a tracked model equipped with non-marking, anti-slip tracks capable of 360° rotation.

Manufactured from a highly resistant special compound, the tracks allow the machine to travel safely up and down stairs of different shapes and configurations.

DOMINO is available in three models with different load capacities, ranging from 160 kg to 400 kg.

The weight is distributed evenly across the staircase, so the operator does not have to manually balance the load. The special tracks help keep the load stable while reducing the risk of slipping.

DOMINO can also be used on spiral staircases, provided that the dimensions of the load and the turning radius of the staircase are suitable.

• The DOMINO tracked electric stair climber can also operate outdoors on uneven surfaces such as grass, gravel and soil without requiring the operator to continuously balance the load.
• The SKIPPER electric stair climber, meanwhile, is a tracked solution designed for transporting goods and is particularly effective when combined with its dedicated accessory for doors and windows.

The recommended configuration for moving doors and windows of different sizes and weights consists of:

• SKIPPER 300 kg electric stair climber
• Door and window accessory
• Swivel-wheel base

The door and window accessory can be removed when smaller windows, for example 60 cm units, need to be transported, allowing more than one item to be carried on each trip.

The accessory also allows the door to be rotated from side to side, making it possible to negotiate staircases that are narrower than the width of the door itself.

The SKIPPER electric stair climber features non-marking, anti-slip tracks capable of 360° rotation. Manufactured from a highly resistant special compound, they allow the machine to safely negotiate different types and configurations of stairs.

DONKEY 250 electric stair climber: features and benefits

The DONKEY 250 electric stair climber is a versatile solution designed for the professional handling of loads on staircases and level surfaces.

Following its recent redesign, it combines high performance, safety and ease of use for a wide range of professional applications.

Main features and benefits of the DONKEY 250 include:

• Load capacity up to 250 kg, suitable for demanding residential, commercial and light industrial applications
• Ergonomic, modular construction, with an adjustable handle for improved operator comfort
• Folding XL loading platform, suitable for different types of loads
• Folding rear trolley, helping reduce overall dimensions and simplify transport
• Suitable for different types of staircases, including spiral stairs where dimensions and turning radius permit
• Intuitive electric controls positioned on the handle for simple and immediate operation
• Removable 13 Ah – 24 V lithium battery, simplifying charging and supporting continuous operation
• Speed of up to 36 steps per minute
• Range of up to 700 steps, suitable for intensive use
• Advanced safety systems, including automatic step detection
• Handlebar tilt lock for greater stability and control
• Compact dimensions, ideal for working on small landings

Thanks to these features, the DONKEY 250 is a reliable choice for professionals looking for efficiency, safety and practicality in a single stair climbing trolley.

SKIPPER LIFT GL electric stair climber: a professional solution

The SKIPPER LIFT GL electric stair climber is a highly professional solution designed for handling complex loads such as windows, doors and glass panels.

Its advanced technology makes it particularly suitable for construction sites, glaziers and door and window installers requiring precision and a high level of operational safety.

Main features and benefits of the SKIPPER LIFT GL include:

• Load capacity up to 300 kg, also available in a 200 kg version
• Independent non-marking tracks, designed to protect delicate surfaces such as marble and wood
• Intuitive joystick control for precise operation even in confined spaces
• Integrated vacuum lifting attachment, ideal for transporting and installing glass, windows and doors
• 360° rotation, making it easier to manoeuvre long or bulky loads
• Electric lifting and tilting, reducing the physical effort required to handle the load
• Height-adjustable base with four settings, allowing the machine to adapt to different applications
• Suitable for stairs and level surfaces, including outdoor applications
• Dual electric motors for power and precise movement
• Adjustable speed, approximately 1 metre every 2 seconds when travelling on stairs
• Intelligent lithium battery, with no memory effect and suitable for intensive use
• High operational safety, thanks to weight distribution across the base and the stability provided by the tracks

One of the main advantages of the SKIPPER LIFT GL is that the operator does not need to manually balance the load.

This significantly reduces the risk of handling errors while improving efficiency and operator safety.

Read also: How to move windows and glass safely and easily on stairs.

How to choose the best electric stair climbing trolley

Choosing the right electric stair climbing trolley for your requirements is essential to achieve the best possible results in terms of efficiency, safety and productivity.

There is no single model suitable for every application, so several key factors should be considered before purchasing.

• Maximum load capacity: choose a model with a capacity suitable for the loads you regularly need to transport. This helps prevent overloading and ensures safer operation.
• Type of load: consider whether you need to move general goods, appliances or specialist loads such as doors, windows or glass, which may require dedicated accessories.
• Type of staircase: straight staircases, spiral stairs and stairs with small landings require different levels of manoeuvrability and compactness.
• Working environment: consider whether the stair climber will be used indoors, outdoors or both. For uneven surfaces, a tracked stair climber may provide greater stability.
• Available manoeuvring space: small landings and narrow corridors make compact dimensions and a good turning radius particularly important.
• Frequency of use: for intensive professional applications, choose models with high-performance batteries and sufficient operating range.
• Ease of use: intuitive controls, joysticks and ergonomic buttons can make operation easier while reducing handling times.
• Safety features: consider systems such as sensors, automatic locking mechanisms and load stabilisation.

Budget and long-term investment: price should be considered alongside durability, performance and operating requirements. A professional electric stair climber should be viewed as a long-term investment rather than simply an initial equipment cost.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can identify the best electric stair climbing trolley for your work, avoid purchasing the wrong equipment and improve operational performance from the very first use.