If you’ve just begun looking into buying a stairlift, you will likely be looking at the question of whether to buy a new or a used stairlift. There are many reasons why you may prefer a second hand or reconditioned stairlift rather than a new one.
Stairlifts are often thought to mainly be used by the elderly, but they are also used frequently by those with reduced mobility. They are also good options for those who have undergone an operation.
Used stairlifts, especially reconditioned stairlifts, are often very similar to new stairlifts, however, the stair lifts cost is generally lower. It is important to first check that the company you buy from offers the same quality assurances for used stairlifts as it does for new ones, and is willing to offer maintenance.
Before you search for a used stairlift, it is important to consider what the advantages of a new stair lift are to be certain a used stairlift is for you:
After an occupational therapist has assessed your needs and recommended that you purchase a stairlift, you should contact a stairlift company, who will assess your home to determine which stairlift is right. This is often free of charge, and therefore does not factor into the overall price you will pay for your stairlift.
You can select a brand and contact them for a free quote to discuss your options and the needs of your property. Alternatively, you can search online for particular models of 2nd hand stairlifts, and see if it is available from other sites like eBay.
There are many companies to choose from. However, we recommend using Acorn, was we have identified them as the best stairlift providers in the UK.
It is also worth looking into other companies more local to you.
You can also buy your used stairlift off platforms like eBay, gumtree and preloved from individuals who no longer need their stairlifts. However it is important to remember a used stairlift may not have the same quality assurances and warranties, and you will have to organise installation separately, which may turn out to be costly.
One of the factors when buying a stairlift is the cost. There is a lot of price variation, so while it may be tempting to look for cheap stairlifts, it is essential to ensure that your stairlift is the right one for you. Prices can also vary depending on:
It can be possible to get a grant to cover the stairlift cost. This includes:
Additionally, you may be eligible for 0% VAT if you are ‘chronically sick or disabled’ and the stairlift is for personal or domestic use.
Reconditioned stairlifts are sold by established companies at significantly lower prices. They have generally been refurbished by the company that makes the stairlift so is of a higher quality than an ordinarily used stairlift.
There can be issues with buying a reconditioned stairlift to consider before you buy one:
There are numerous considerations when buying a reconditioned stairlift:
Most suppliers will include delivery and fitting in the cost, though there are specialist companies that can do this if you buy a used stairlift. Fitting generally takes around four hours although it can be longer if you need a stairlift for narrow width stairs.
If you buy your stair lift from a supplier it is likely they will fit it into your home and delivery will be included. Further, they will fix it if it breaks within the warranty period. Otherwise, companies such as Acorn recommend your stairlift is serviced every 12 months, and offer a service providing this.
The layout of your staircase at home will make a difference to the staircase you need to buy. A straight rail is for an ordinary staircase going straight up, whereas a curved rail is for if your staircase changes direction. Not all stairlifts can operate on a curved rail, which is generally more complex to fit and therefore often significantly more expensive.
It is also possible to get your stairlift as part of a stairlift rental scheme. For example, Stannah allows you to rent your stairlift by paying monthly, and the cost includes servicing and removal.
Some companies allow buy back of unwanted staircases, though this is unusual due to the bespoke nature of fitting a stairlift and changing safety regulations. You can, however, put you stair lift for sale on a private listing for stairlifts, such as on gumtree, however, you will have to either check the buyer can get it removed privately, or pay to have it removed from your home.
You can read more about stairlifts throughout this site.