Stair Lifts Explained

Stairlifts: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do Stairlifts cost? This will vary depending on whether you are buying a new, or reconditioned stairlift, and whether you have a straight or curved staircase. Stairlift prices vary between £1,200-2,500 for straight stairlifts and £2,950-£7,000 for curved stairlifts. The number of extras you opt for, such as powered swivel seats etc.will also affect the cost.
2. I really need a stair lift but I can not afford the full cost? Some stairlift companies give you the option of spreading the cost of the stairlift over a year, making the buying a stair lift a much more affordable option.
3. How long will it take before my stairlift is installed? Again this will vary depending on whether you are buying a new, reconditioned, straight or curved stairlift. A new or reconditioned straight stairlift can be installed within a week of the initial survey, the same is true for a reconditioned curved stair lift. However, with new curved stairlifts the wait is longer - generally around 6-8weeks.
4. How long will it take the stairlift engineer to install the stairlift? Generally around 1-2hours for a straight stair lift and typically around 2-3hours for a curved stairlift.
5. How is the stairlift fitted? The stairlift tracks are fitted to the staircase treads using metal cleats. A typical straight staircase would have 4-5 metal cleats attached.
6. Are there weight restrictions to using a stairlift? Modern stairlifts can lift fairly heavy bodyweights. Most stair lifts can carry around 18-21 stone. There are a number of stairlifts that can carry a heavier weight.
7. How easy are stairlifts to operate? Modern stairlifts are very easy to operate. All modern stairlifts have a small toggle control on the arm of the stairlift - you simply move this to move the stairlift up or down the staircase.
8. How are stairlifts powered? Modern stairlifts are powered by D.C. powered motors. These are far quieter and more efficient than the older A.C. powered stirlifts.
9. Do stairlifts have a smooth start-stop motion? The older A.C. powered stairlift had a reputation for being jumpy and didn't have a smooth start-stop motion. Modern D.C. powered stairlift have a very smooth motion without any jerky stop-starting motion - this is particularly beneficial for those with bad backs.
10. What will happen in a powercut? The new D.C. powered stairlifts are powered by batteries that re-charge themselves between trips. They are battery powered so your stairlift will continue to run during a power cut, providing you don't need to use the stair lift more than 6-8 times during the power cut.
11. How is the battery recharged? Through the nearest 13 amp socket. If there isn't one near to the stairlift you will need to have a new socket fitted.
12. What sort of warranty will my stairlift come with? All new stairlifts come with the full manufacturers warranty - this will be a minimum of 12 months. All reconditioned models should also come with a 12month warranty. However this warranty may be less comprehensive if brought from an independent supplier.
13. Should I buy a new or reconditioned stairlift? This will depend on your financial situation. Typically you will save around 20-30% when you buy a reconditioned stairlift.
14. What about rental stairlifts? Rental stairlifts can be a good option if you are only needing the stairlift for a few months. Although bare in mind that you will need to pay an initial amount of around £500 plus an additional £50-100 per month so if you think you may need the stairlift for more than 3 months then a reconditioned stairlift may be a better option.
15. Can more than one person use the stairlift? Yes, most stairlifts have adjustable seats and footplates to allow different sized people to use them. If you are at the bottom of the stairs and the stairlift is at the top of the stairs, you will either have a remote control to return the stairlift or a wall mounted control will return it.
16. Will the stairlift obstruct others from using my staircase? No because when not in use your stairlift will be folded and parked at either the top or bottom of the stairs.
17. Are stairlifts expensive to run? Modern stairlifts can run off as little as 24volts.
18. Are stairlifts noisy? Modern stairlifts are very quiet.