Drives for stairlifts
The market for stairlifts is growing rapidly worldwide – driven by an aging society, increasing demand for barrier-free living solutions, and growing individualization of mobility in both private and public spaces. We have established ourselves as a leading development and manufacturing partner, particularly in the field of curved stairlifts: we supply numerous internationally renowned providers with customer-specific drive systems that are precisely tailored to the structural conditions and requirements of the manufacturers.
Reference example for curved stairlifts – TK Elevator:
Innovative 3-axis system for barrier-free mobility
Stairlifts place high demands on safety, smooth running, and comfort. To meet these requirements, Framo Morat has developed a complex 3-axis drive system for curved stairlifts that combines the main drive, seat swivel drive, and tilt correction drive into a safe, quiet, and efficient overall system.
The advantages of the Framo Morat stairlift drive system at a glance:
- Integrated 3-axis technology: main drive, seat swivel drive, and tilt correction drive perfectly coordinated
- Automatic seat swivel: First automated swivel solution on the market, synchronized with the movement of the lift for easier entry and exit
- Safety & smooth running: Precise power transmission, noise-optimized design, and integrated collision detection
- Over 25 years of manufacturing & development expertise: spanning four generations
This drive system illustrates Framo Morat's manufacturing and development expertise: we support our customers in every phase of the project, from precise specification and feasibility studies to design, prototyping, testing, and industrialization, right through to series production, logistics, and comprehensive account management. Working in close collaboration, we create tailor-made drive solutions that combine functionality, efficiency, and durability and are precisely tailored to the specific requirements of the application. For more than 25 years, we have continuously developed the drive system for curved stairlifts in partnership with our customer TK Elevator and optimized it over four generations of gearboxes.
First generation
The first generation (1998–2007) featured a robust sand-cast aluminum housing that served as an interface for guidance and safety systems, as well as a powerful 3-stage planetary gearbox. This laid the foundation for a durable and reliable drive solution.
Second generation
The second generation (2005–2016) added additional features for greater comfort and safety. The Autoswivel option made it possible for the first time to swivel the seat synchronously with the movement of the stairlift. This increased comfort when getting on and off and also allowed the stairlift to be used on narrower staircases.
Third generation
The third generation (2014–2023) brought significant advances in terms of efficiency and smoothness. A weight-optimized monocoque housing, quiet and efficient BLDC external rotor motors for the main and seat swivel drives, and an optimized planetary gearbox made operation quieter, more reliable, and at the same time more energy-efficient.
Fourth generation
In the fourth generation (2022–now), noise emissions were significantly reduced once again and production costs were optimized in a sustainable manner. This was made possible by the use of a new type of BLDC motor on the main drive, as well as by the design optimization of various functional assemblies and the use of new manufacturing technologies. In addition, a leveling safety system was introduced in the fourth generation. It supplements the safety system installed in the main drive since the first generation and additionally prevents unintentional swiveling of the tilt drive.
Automated Swivel Drive – Comfortable and safe seat swivel solution
The Automated Swivel Drive is the first automated swivel solution on the market that swivels the seat out of the collision path in sync with the movement of the vehicle, making it easy to get in and out and navigate narrow stairways. The compact bearing concept with heavy-duty four-point bearings and a two-stage gearbox, consisting of a planetary gear stage and a downstream differential planetary gear, achieves a total transmission ratio of 953:1. The very rigid, low-backlash design ensures precise power transmission, while the integrated collision detection system reliably stops the lift in the event of a collision with obstacles.
Complete drive system for straight stairlifts
Our expertise encompasses not only sophisticated complete systems for curved stairlifts, but also drive units for more cost-effective straight stairlifts. Precisely coordinated gear, motor, and control components in a protected housing form a compact drive unit. This ensures that our customers receive a reliable system that can be easily and flexibly installed at the place of use. High efficiency, high-torque start-up behavior, and quiet, low-vibration movement ensure safety and comfort—even on long, straight routes.
The advantages of the straight stairlift:
- Compact design: Fully integrated drive unit with motor, gearbox, and control system in a closed housing for space-saving installation
- High energy efficiency: Optimally matched components ensure efficient operation with high-torque start-up
- Comfortable and quiet ride: Precise gearing and low-vibration movement ensure maximum ride comfort and safety
- Easy installation and serviceability: Pre-assembled systems enable quick on-site installation and facilitate maintenance and servicing
