For many families, staying in the home you know and love is not only less stressful but also far more affordable than the upheaval of moving to a bungalow or specialist accommodation. A stairlift can make that possible, giving back independence and peace of mind on the stairs. When it comes to choosing one, the big decision is whether to buy new or reconditioned. While new stairlifts offer the very latest features, reconditioned stairlifts provide the same safety and reliability at a fraction of the cost — making them a budget-friendly solution for those who need help without stretching their finances. In this article, we’ll explain the key differences to help you choose with confidence.
There are a range of new stair lifts available, but it may surprise potential customers to learn that many UK suppliers also sell reconditioned stairlifts, an option which can be significantly less expensive.
Depending on their age, second hand stairlifts will have many, if not all, the features of new models, i.e. remote attendant control, a comfortably padded seat and backrest, safety sensors and directional paddle switches etc. People with limited budgets may find this option the most economical. When buying a pre-used, find out from the stairlift company the date of manufacture. We don't sell pre-used stairlifts older than 5 years old.
It's also worth checking with the supplier that their used stairlifts come with at least one-years' warranty to cover any mechanical problems. The pre-used stairlift supplier should also provide an annual service visit to undertake safety inspections and carry out routine maintenance. We offer all reconditioned stairlifts with two year warranty as standard.
With all stairlifts, whether old or new, the stairlift rail will need to be customised for each installation.
Straight stairlift rails are often cut to length on-site. Curved stairlift rails are pre-fabricated at the factory based on the technical survey.
Typically, refurbished curved stairlifts are fitted with a brand new stairlift rail to suit the exact measurements of your staircase. For this reason the cost saving is less compared to a refurbished straight stairlift. Bear in mind that if your property requires a curved stair rail, the resale value of the lift will be negligible, even though the product and manufacturing cost is higher. Very few staircases with turns have identical dimensions, therefore curved stair rails are custom made for individual homes and the old rails are surplus to requirement.
If you compare the typical cost of a reconditioned stairlifts with new, you can expect these kind of cost savings:
Straight reconditioned stairlifts vs new
Bigger saving as the rail is often pre-used too.
Curved stairlifts reconditioned stairlifts vs new
Lesser saving as the rail is made new to fit your staircase.
All reputable stairlift companies will hire or sell reconditioned stairlifts that fully conform to safety standards, and there is no need to worry that just because they have been used before there will be any functional problems with them. Reconditioned stair lifts come with a warranty just like new ones, and choosing one with a warranty of a year or more covers the user in the event of mechanical issues occurring.
Trusted stairlift companies will never compromise on the quality of their new or reconditioned stair lifts. Reconditioned stairlifts have all worn parts repaired or replaced and new cabling and rollers will be fitted and all parts thoroughly tested, giving the buyer complete peace of mind. Technical and safety specifications are met by any necessary upgrades, and British Safety standards apply to all products.
This is a very different story to buying a cheap stairlift from Ebay and having a family friend install it.
Trained engineers will install the reconditioned chair lift and if any problems arise, they will be replaced as soon as possible.
Not only are reconditioned stairlifts the budget-friendly option to buy, they're also a cost effective solution for temporary use; think post hip/knee operation, sciatica flare-up or visiting relative. Choose the stairlift installation company wisely and they are completely safe, reliable and affordable solution. Feel free to discuss this option with with the company representative during a home visit.
The four most established manufacturers of new stairlifts for sale in the UK are Stannah, Platinum, Companion and Brooks. All produce excellent, robust and reliable products.
The 'right' pre-used stair chairlift is very subjective based on the style and dimensions of your staircase, your mobility function and individual requirements. For example, one manufacturer offers a specially designed 'perch seat' for people who cannot bend their knees very far when they try to sit down. Other manufacturers offer higher weight limits and wider seats for larger users, whilst another manufacturer mmight offer a joystick control vs a button press, where the former could be more suited to arthitic hands.
Professionals in the industry advise against purchasing 2nd hand stairlifts older than 5 years, ensuring that wear and tear have not affected overall performance. We have experts on hand to offer detailed advice on the best options.
If you're considering renting a stairlift for more than 12 months, we would encourage you to get a quote for a reconditioned second-hand stairlift as it's a more cost-effective soluion.
For a quotation that includes all the features you need in a new or reconditioned stairlift, please complete the free assessment form today.
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I needed to get a stair lift for my lovely Mum as she was having difficulty climbing all the stairs in her house. I hadn't a clue what to buy or where to buy it from until I found the Stair Lift Expert website
To estimate a stairlift price realistically, several factors need to be taken into account. Discover the true cost of a stairlift
See all the key information side-by-side in our stairlift comparison table
Do you prefer the idea of a standing stairlift? Perhaps you find sitting, or getting up and down from a sitting position uncomfortable. Read our guide to Standing Stairlifts
Those with narrow staircases who are worried about whether there will be enough space available for a stair lift need not worry. Read our Narrow Stairlifts guide
Help is available from your local council in the form of the Disabled Facilities Grant or DFG. Read our guide to Stairlift Grants
Looking for the most cost effective way to have a stairlift removed? Used Stairlift Removals
Need a stairlift over 25 stone? Read about our heavy duty stairlifts.
As Stairlift Experts, our mission is to provide accurate and helpful information to make the process of buying a new, used or reconditioned stairlift as painless as possible.
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