Frequently asked questions
Do you have some questions?
Categories
- All questions
- Who can use the AssiStep?
- Financing and purchase
- Product questions
- Technical questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to deliver the AssiStep?
Due to its 100% module based design, our usual time to deliver is merely two weeks from date of order to completed installation. Longer delivery times may occur, though in urgent cases a faster delivery time than two weeks may be possible. If the distributor in your country has all the parts in stock, it's also possible to take delivery within a few days from order.
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Does AssiStep use electricity?
AssiStep is a purely mechanical tool and does not use electricity.
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How much does the AssiStep cost?
If you add your information to our pricing calculator, we will send you an email with a cost estimate and additional information.
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Who is the target user for the AssiStep?
From the hundreds of installations done to this date, many different kinds of users enjoy the aid of the AssiStep. The youngest is a six-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, and the oldest is a 95-year-old man with mobility issues. The typical user is a person who for one reason or another finds climbing stairs difficult or intimidating. Some have suffered falls on the ground or in stairs, and for this reason want more support and security when climbing the stairs. The AssiStep works well for people who wish to keep mobile and active while staying safe. In terms of diagnoses, the AssiStep has been developed to assist users who suffer from multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, COPD, users who have suffered strokes and users who need rehabilitation after surgery or injuries.
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What should I look for when considering whether my stairs are suited for the AssiStep?
The AssiStep can be installed in most staircases. We recommend taking pictures that show the entire run of the stairs, as well as the areas around the upper and lower landings. In most cases, extending the rail system up to 30-40 cm from the edge of the uppermost step of the upstairs landing is desirable. If space is limited or if the wall ends close to the stairs, we recommend sending us pictures in order to get feedback quickly.
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The stairs in my home are narrow. Can the AssiStep be mounted here?
Yes, as long as the width of the stairs is at minimum 60 cm. Stairs more narrow than this are very uncommon.
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I already have a handrail. Can the AssiStep be mounted over this?
Yes, the AssiStep rail system can be installed above a handrail already in place. However, we always recommend replacing an existing handrail with the AssiStep handrail. The AssiStep railing is made of stainless steel and aluminum, and thus well suited as a handrail for people who do not require using the AssiStep support handle.
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Is the AssiStep suitable for children?
Yes, multiple children benefit from the aid of an AssiStep in their daily lives. Our youngest user is six years old. Read the story of Peder (6), and see him walking the stairs by himself for the very first time with the assistance of an AssiStep.
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Is the AssiStep suitable for stroke patients?
Yes, in fact around 30% of the existing AssiStep-users in Norway started using it after they had a stroke. Here you can read some stories of stroke patients who have used the AssiStep for longer periods. There are multiple instances of people using the AssiStep as an aid for rehabilitation after a stroke, and who now manage without
additional assistance. As the video in this user story shows, many stroke patients prefer to move the handle with their best functioning arm. -
Is the AssiStep suitable for COPD patients?
Yes. Here you can read the story of Oddbjørn (68), who suffers from COPD and has used the AssiStep since 2016.
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Is the AssiStep suitable for people suffering from neuropathy?
Yes. Here you can read the story of Andrea Elisabeth who lost sensation in her legs.
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Is the AssiStep suitable for dementia patients?
We do not generally recommend the AssiStep for dementia patients, since the user needs to learn to lift the handle when walking downwards. Most patients suffering from dementia have a tendency to forget how to use the product as long as they didn't learn it before they got demented.
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My hand strength is diminished. Can I use the AssiStep?
As with a walker / rollator or an ordinary handrail, a certain grip strength is needed to enjoy the benefit of the AssiStep.
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Is the handle height adjustable?
Yes. The height of the handle can be adjusted up or down according to your needs. The height adjustment is made by certified installers.
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How easily can the handle be moved?
We receive a lot of feedback from people telling us the handle is a lot easier to move climbing up the stairs than they expected. The handle is made of aluminium, and only weighs 1.3 kg, so it’s not much heavier than pushing a walker. When heading down the stairs, the handle is lifted two to three cm in order to push the handle forward. Stroke patients often prefer doing this with one hand.
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Does the AssiStep come in different colors?
Yes. The standard edition of the AssiStep comes in a combination of grey tones and anodized aluminium. Contact us if you wish to put your personal touch on your AssiStep. Additional delivery time should be expected in this case.
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How is the AssiStep installed?
We have local partners that are trained and certified to install the AssiStep safely in your home. The installation itself typically takes three to four hours. In our video section you'll find a timelapse video showing how quick it is to install the AssiStep.
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Will the AssiStep reduce the "free width" of my stairs?
Only in cases where the handle has to be parked within the stairway. If the handle can be pushed out of the stairway at the top or bottom of the stairs when not in use, the AssiStep handrail will not project more than 10 cm from the wall.
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What is the maximum weight of the user?
The AssiStep is tested and certified by the German certification organization TÜV for users up to 120 kg / 264 pounds.
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How can we become an AssiStep distributor?
We receive many requests from companies wishing to distribute the AssiStep in their country.
Send an email to post@assistep.no with more information about your company, and we will get in touch.
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Where is the AssiStep available?
Currently, the AssiStep is available in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Hungary, the UK and Ireland, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
More countries are added continually, so feel free to send an email to post@assistep.no if you wish to buy an AssiStep in a country not listed above.
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How do you determine whether the AssiStep is suited for my stairs?
In most cases, the AssiStep can be installed. This also applies even when there is not a continuous wall along the entire stairway. The AssiStep railing can also in many cases be installed directly on an existing railing system.
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Can two people in the same house use AssiStep?
As long as there is enough space available at the top and bottom of the stairs, it is possible to put on multiple handles on the same rail system. If you are unsure if there is enough space, please send us some pictures via the contact form, and we will give you feedback.
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Is the AssiStep patented?
Yes, of course :)
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Can I bring things with me up and down the stairs while using the AssiStep?
Yes you can. A custom made bag hook is available as an accessory for the AssiStep. Pictures of these can be viewed here.
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Is AssiStep recommended for people with cognitive impairment?
Normally, we do not recommend AssiStep to people with dementia or other advanced cognitive impairment. For AssiStep to be a good solution for the user, the person must be able to learn and understand how to use AssiStep.
If in doubt, we recommend that you contact your local representative in your area to arrange a non-binding trial.