Evacuating someone with limited mobility down a stairwell during a fire or power outage is one of the harder problems in building safety. The EVAC+CHAIR Power 900 is a motorized evacuation chair designed for exactly that situation, with a focus on moving heavier passengers while keeping the physical demand on the operator low.
It is the powered, higher-capacity model in the Evac+Chair lineup, building on the earlier Power 800 specification and adding a larger weight rating along with several updated features.
What it does
The Power 900 is an electric, battery-powered stair climber that moves a seated passenger up and down a flight of stairs. According to the manufacturer, it is intended for emergency evacuations, power outages, and everyday patient transport, not just fire drills.
The main selling point is capacity. Current listings, including Evac+Chair’s Canadian site, rate the Power 900 to carry up to 560 lbs (254 kg), which the company says allows operators to move bariatric or heavier passengers while reducing manual handling.
Like other chairs in the range, it is designed for one-person operation with no heavy lifting required, though it includes extra handles so additional operators can assist when needed.
How it moves on stairs
The chair uses the company’s EVAC+TRACK system, a continuous track that grips the stair edges and carries the passenger down (or up) at a controlled pace. An automatic EVAC+TRACK release system deploys the track for use, and an adjustable tension control system, with a tool included, lets operators fine-tune the track for smooth travel.
Control is handled through a panel with four speed settings on the current model, plus on/off power and separate ascent and descent buttons. If power is unavailable, a manual override reverts the chair to standard manual stair-chair function.
The electrical system is described as non-sparking to eliminate fire risk, and the battery system includes burnout protection.
Battery and build
The Power 900 runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that fully charges in 1.5 hours. The company states that a full charge is equivalent to going up and down a five-story flight of stairs 30 times, which gives a sense of how many trips one charge supports.
The frame is high-strength aluminum, chosen for durability under repeated use. Folded, the chair measures 45 inches high, 19.5 inches wide, and 10.6 inches deep (about 114 x 50 x 27 cm) and weighs 66 lbs (about 30 kg), so it stores in a relatively compact footprint and can be wall-mounted for quick access.
Comfort and safety features
For the passenger, the chair includes a height-adjustable orthopedic head cushion and an extra-long, quick-release four-point harness. An LED safety light assists in low-visibility conditions, and lockable rear wheels hold the chair stationary when needed.
Materials are flame retardant, and the chair uses wipeable surfaces with anti-microbial paint for infection control, a practical consideration in hospitals and care settings. The manufacturer says the design exceeds fire safety requirements and emergency response guidelines established to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The chair carries a lifetime manufacturer warranty. It is FDA registered and CE and ISO 9001 certified.
What’s in the box
A standard package includes a battery charger (US/EU/UK), a rechargeable battery, two keys, a user guide, a passenger headrest, passenger safety straps, a photoluminescent wall sign, wall hooks, a dust cover, and the manufacturer’s warranty.
Context and significance
Evac+Chair describes itself as the world’s number-one stairway evacuation chair, in production since 1982, and notes its chairs were used during the September 11, 2001 evacuations. The Power 900 sits at the powered, heavy-duty end of that range.
The practical case for a powered chair like this is straightforward. Manual evacuation chairs work well for many situations, but moving a heavier passenger down several flights by hand is physically demanding and carries injury risk for both parties. A motorized track shifts most of that load off the operator. For facilities that need to plan for bariatric evacuation, such as hospitals, care homes, offices, and public buildings, that capability is the main reason to choose the Power 900 over a lighter manual model.
The trade-offs are also worth noting: a powered chair is heavier, more expensive, and depends on a charged battery, which is why the manual override mode matters. Buyers should confirm the current weight rating and speed configuration directly with the dealer.
Pricing and availability
The Power 900 is sold through authorized Evac+Chair dealers in North America. A U.S. authorized dealer lists the EVAC+CHAIR Power 900 at US$3,795. Pricing can vary by dealer and region, and shipping terms differ for heavier freight items, so checking with a local authorized seller is the best way to confirm current cost and availability.
Product page: EVAC+CHAIR
