Energy recycling steps make climbing stairs easier for elderly

[Warrigal]

Based on absorbing energy when descending and releasing it later to assist when ascending the stairs.

The idea is simple physics but is it practical and where would you install such a system?

http://www.dw.com/en/energy-recycling-stairs-for-the-elderly/a-39690327

 

[terry123]

I wouldn't use one as I can't do stairs. If I lived upstairs I would have to have a stair lift. It would not help my disability.

 

[Manatee]

We addressed that issue in 2000 when we moved and a top requirement for our new-to-us condo was no stairs.

We repeated that in 2014 when we returned to Florida. It has worked well.

 

[Aunt Bea]

It looks like a solution in search of a problem.

I don't see much benefit to elderly people climbing stairs.

It would be interesting to see what other applications it could be used for.

 

[Butterfly]

It looks like a solution in search of a problem.

I don't see much benefit to elderly people climbing stairs.

It would be interesting to see what other applications it could be used for.

Agreed; the article says it only decreases the energy needed by the person by 17%. That doesn't seem a whole lot to me.

 

[nvtribefan]

I have no problem going up stairs. It's coming down when my knee starts screaming. Fortunately, I have no stairs in my home.

 

[Ruthanne]

The only stairs where I live are out in the hallway and all the tenants, of all ages, use them. So I could not use them.

 

[Warrigal]

It looks like a solution in search of a problem.

I don't see much benefit to elderly people climbing stairs.

It would be interesting to see what other applications it could be used for.

Perhaps cerebral palsy?

 

[tnthomas]

The benefit of climbing stairs to the elderly would be strength building, muscle and joint toning, perhaps some cardio benefit.