Best Evacuation Chairs
Evacuation chairs are purpose-built, operator-assisted devices that enable the safe, controlled movement of people with limited mobility down stairways during an emergency. For facilities with multiple storeys, they are an essential part of emergency preparedness—supporting duty-of-care, improving response times, and helping teams execute a calm, coordinated stair evacuation without lifting. At Mobility Shop Direct, we stock reliable stair evacuation chair options and supporting emergency evacuation equipment to help you plan, train, and act with confidence.
Why Choose Evacuation Chairs
- Controlled stair descent: Track systems and braking controls help operators guide occupants down stairs smoothly and safely.
- No heavy lifting: Mechanical design removes the need to carry or drag, reducing operator strain and risk.
- Compact wall storage: Slim profiles and wall-mount brackets keep units accessible while preserving corridor space.
- Fast to deploy: Clearly marked instructions and intuitive folding mechanisms support efficient response under pressure.
- Versatile across sites: Suitable for offices, schools, hospitals, aged care, shopping centres, and public venues with multi-storey access.
- Preparedness and training: Supports emergency planning, drills, and business continuity objectives.
Evacuation Chairs Buying Guide
Choosing the right evacuation chair for your building involves balancing capacity, handling, storage, and training needs. When comparing models, consider:
- Load rating & occupant size: Check the Safe Working Load (SWL) and seat dimensions to match your duty-of-care requirements.
- Descent mechanism & braking: Look for smooth track systems, controlled speed, and reliable parking/operating brakes for stair landings.
- Operator effort: Prioritise designs that minimise manual handling, with ergonomic grips and balanced weight distribution.
- Manoeuvrability on flat surfaces: 4-wheel conversion or transit wheels make movement through corridors and to assembly points easier.
- Storage & visibility: Wall-mount kits, protective covers, and clear signage help teams locate and deploy units quickly.
- Weight & portability: Lighter frames are easier to handle while maintaining stability and durability.
- Maintenance & checks: Choose models with straightforward inspection routines and readily available parts/accessories.
- Training & documentation: Ensure clear operating instructions are printed on the chair and supported by internal SOPs and drills.
Plan, Prepare, and Act with Confidence
Equip your site with dependable stair evacuation chair solutions from Mobility Shop Direct and strengthen your emergency readiness. Browse our range of evacuation chairs today, add to cart for fast online ordering, or contact our team for expert guidance, quotations, and bulk supply options tailored to your building and occupants.
Evacuation Chairs FAQs
1. How does an evacuation chair ensure a smooth and safe descent down stairs?
Most evacuation chairs use a controlled track-based descent system that allows operators to guide the chair steadily down stairs without jolts or lifting, ensuring a safe and comfortable evacuation.
2. Are evacuation chairs easy to operate in an emergency?
Yes. High-quality evacuation chairs feature printed operating instructions and intuitive folding mechanisms to support fast, confident use during evacuations. Regular drills are recommended to maintain familiarity.
3. Can evacuation chairs be used on flat surfaces after descending stairs?
Many models convert into 4-wheel configurations or have integrated transit wheels, allowing easy manoeuvring through hallways and exits once stair descent is complete.
4. How much do evacuation chairs weigh, and how are they stored?
Weights typically range from 9 kg to 15 kg depending on design and materials. Most fold flat for compact wall-mounted storage, often supplied with a protective dust cover or mounting bracket.