Stair Climber Transfers

Stair Climbers & Evacuation Chairs NZ — Portable Stair Transfer Equipment

Our stair climber transfer range helps move a person safely up and down stairs where a fixed stairlift isn’t installed — using portable, powered and manual devices rather than a permanent rail system. From motorised stair-climbing wheelchairs to emergency evacuation chairs, these are practical solutions for homes, workplaces and care settings across New Zealand. Everything ships NZ-wide with free delivery and a 12-month warranty.

Types of Stair Transfer Equipment

• Motorised stair-climbing wheelchairs — powered devices that carry a seated person up and down stairs, operated by an attendant, with no installation required.
• Automatic stair climber chair lifts — battery-powered climbers that make attendant-assisted stair transfers safer and easier than manual carrying.
• Evacuation chairs — lightweight chairs designed to move a person down stairs quickly and safely during an emergency or power outage, important for multi-storey homes and workplaces.

Portable Stair Climber or Fixed Stairlift?

A portable stair climber is a moveable device that an attendant operates to take someone up or down stairs — it needs no installation, works on different staircases, and can travel between locations. A fixed stairlift is permanently installed on a rail along one staircase. If you need a device you can move, use in more than one place, or rely on when the power is out, a portable stair climber or evacuation chair is the practical choice. If you’re unsure which suits your situation, our team is happy to help.

Safe Attendant-Assisted Stair Transfers

These devices reduce the risk and physical strain of carrying someone up or down stairs by hand. As with any transfer equipment, the attendant should be shown how to operate the device safely, and it should be used according to the instructions and within its weight limit.

Funding in New Zealand

Stair transfer and evacuation equipment may be funded for eligible users through ACC (for injury-related needs) or Ministry of Health equipment funding via Enable New Zealand or Accessable, usually after an assessment. We can provide a quote or invoice to submit to your funder. Please note Gilani Mobility is not a registered supplier under these schemes, so approval and eligibility are decided by your funder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stair climber?

A stair climber is a portable, usually powered device that helps move a seated person up and down stairs, operated by an attendant. Unlike a fixed stairlift, it needs no installation and can be used on different staircases.

What’s the difference between a stair climber and a stairlift?

A stair climber is a moveable device an attendant operates and can use anywhere; a stairlift is permanently installed on a rail along one staircase. Stair climbers suit people who want a portable option, need it in more than one location, or want equipment that works during a power cut.

What is an evacuation chair for?

An evacuation chair is a lightweight chair designed to move a person down stairs quickly and safely in an emergency, such as a fire or power outage. They’re commonly used in multi-storey homes, workplaces and public buildings.

Do these need installation?

No. Portable stair climbers and evacuation chairs require no installation — they’re ready to use and can be moved between staircases and locations.

Can this equipment be funded in New Zealand?

It may be funded for eligible users through ACC or Ministry of Health equipment funding via Enable New Zealand or Accessable, usually after an assessment. We can provide a quote to submit to your funder, though we are not a registered supplier and approval is decided by the funder.

Contact our team for advice on the right stair transfer solution →