Answers to Stairlift (Chairlift) Questions FAQ
Q1 What type of stairlift (Chairlift) do i require? Straight or curved?
This really depends on your staircase and specific needs disabilities etc. If your staircase is straight with no curves or half-landings then obviously a straight stairlift would seem to be the correct option
If your staircase has curves or half-landings then you more than likely will require a curved stairlift, Sometimes two straight stairlifts can be fitted instead of installing an expensive curved stairlift. The best way to find out what type of stairlift you require is to request a Free Home Site Survey. You may also find Prt1 in-depth stairlift guide of interest
Q2 Will a stairlift (Chairlift) Fit my staircase?
Stairlifts can be installed on 99% of all staircases. The only real problem will be the width of your staircase! If to narrow then a stairlift would not be able to be installed. A quick test would be for you to place a standard kitchen chair at the bottom of the stairs
Sit on the chair and place your legs inwards, if there is clearance for your knees to pass the main staircase Newels & Spindles good chance a stairlift can be installed. Obviously a Free Home site survey would be required to pin point any other problems and solutions
Q3 Will the stairlift (Chairlift) block my stairs for non stairlift user access?
No all modern stairlifts are now very slim line design! Seat chair, Arms, and footplate all fold up neatly against the slim carriage unit, allowing access to the stairs for all household visitors and occupants
Q4 Are Stairlifts (Chairlifts) noisy in operation?
Not at all! Modern stairlifts are whisper quiet with very smooth glide ride. DC Battery
stairlifts are the most quietest on the UK market with a much smoother Start / Stop action
Q5 How do Stairlifts (Chairlifts) Work?
All modern stairlifts are powered by DC Batteries which supply the voltage/current to the DC Motor. This in turn is coupled to a motor gearbox (pinion) the pinion gear sits meshes into the rack which is bolted to the stairlift track. Hence the name Rack & Pinion Drive. You can find a more in depth explanation from our Prt5 Guide Stairlift Drives
Q6 How much do Stairlifts (Chairlifts) Cost?
Straight stairlifts prices vary from each stairlift manufacturer supplier. Obviously no set price figure can be given until a full free home site survey has been conducted. Your stairlift may require additional aids! Power hinge rails & Platforms etc. For straight stairlifts a good figure to keep in mind would be around £1200-2500 For curved stairlifts £3000-45000
Q7 Can I rent a Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Yes most stairlift suppliers offer rental stairlift plans. Mainly for straight stairlifts with a fixed rental term? Usually a minimum of 6 months, the average price per week £10-15.00 and a small installation deposit will also be required. We can arrange straight rental stairlifts throughout the UK. Select Rental only from our drop-down menu box on our secure Email contact form
Q8 Does my Stairlift (Chairlift) come with a Guarantee / Warranty?
Yes all stairlifts (Chairlifts) come with a full 12 month guarantee & warranty. Depending on the stairlift manufacturer some companies offer a life time guarantee on their motor and gearboxes etc. Ensure you ask the Operators / Surveyors about their stairlift warranty
Q9 Will my Stairlift (Chairlift) still work in a power-cut?
Only modern D.C. Battery stairlifts (Chairlifts) will continue to operate in the event of
a power-cut. Modern battery stairlifts can do around 24 full trips up & down before they
need recharging, allowing ample time for the power supply company to reinstate the power supply back onto your area
Q10 What's the difference between Electric Stairlifts & D.C. Stairlifts?
A.C. Electric stairlifts run off your 240V Mains power supply and require some type of high voltage trailing cable to feed the Power / Voltage to the stairlift motor. Many elaborate designs have been implemented by stairlift manufacturers in how this is accomplished.
D.C. Battery stairlifts run off sealed lead acid batteries which are normally housed inside the stairlift carriage. They require the stairlift to be parked on the charging copper contact strips located at the Top / Bottom of the stairlift track. For a more detailed explanation please read our in-depth stairlift guide Prt2
Q11 How long will i have to wait for my Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Straight stairlift installations can be carried out in less than 3 days. Depending on your needs requirements the stairlift supplier may be able to priorities your stairlift installation and arrange for the stairlift to be fitted the following day or within 48 hours
Curved stairlifts (Chairlifts) take longer since parts of the curved track may have to be made in-house to the specified design of your staircase. Installation is around 14 days
Q12 How long does it take to install a Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Straight DC Battery stairlifts (Chairlifts) can be installed within 1 hour including a full test and user demonstration. Curved stairlifts can be installed around 3-4 hours by a good stairlift team. Depending how complicated the design of your staircase? It may take a full day
Q13 Will my New / Reconditioned Stairlift (Chairlift) be safe?
Yes if you buy purchase through a reputable supplier and the unit is installed by qualified stairlift engineers then your stairlift will be 100% Safe. All stairlift suppliers recommended by us have been vetted to ensure all their engineers are fully trained and each supplier has a proven track record for first class workmanship and customer care satisfaction
Q14 Can more than one person use the Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Yes all modern stairlifts now have wireless infra red remote Call Send Units. If the household contains more than one stairlift user? When the first stairlift user has got to the top or bottom of the stairs the other user then can call the stairlift back down or up whichever the case may be to allow him / her access to the stairlift. See our In-depth Guide Prt2
Q15 How often should a Stairlift (Chairlift) be serviced inspected?
Stairlifts (Chairlifts) should have at least 1 annual (12 Months) inspection service. The service inspection should only be carried out by qualified competent persons. A full Service report certificate should be left on site and signed by the engineer
Q16 How can I tell if the stairlift company is reputable?
You Can't? The only way of finding a reputable stairlift supplier installer would be through a recommendation from a family member or friend? The only other option is to use an independent agent comparison website. We are confident that all stairlift suppliers on our database are 100% reputable and all come highly recommended by us. All companies are vetted! Only first class workmanship along with outstanding customercare satisfaction and the ability to offer excellent service to our clients are offered a place on our database
Q17 My condition doesn't allow me to Sit or Bend?
95% of UK stairlift (Chairlift) manufacturers produce, make stairlifts for people who have
difficulty sitting down or bending! Perch (Standing) stairlifts are designed so you can ride on the unit standing up CLICK HERE for INFO
Q18 Will my disabilities prevent me from having or being able to use a stairlift?
It really depends on your disability? Owning a stairlift might not be the correct solution or may work as a temporary stop gap until something more suitable can be found. All stairlift suppliers will work alongside Healthcare & Adaptation workers to find the best solution for your disabilities and stairlift requirements
Q19 What Maximum weight can a stairlift (Chairlift) carry?
The average SWL (Safe Working Load) for most stairlifts is 18 Stone/120Kg If weight factor is an issue? There are stairlift manufacturers that produce heavy duty high torque drive stairlifts that can carry 25 Stone±
That's why we we ask you to supply us with your Approx weight on our secure email forms! This allows us to contact stairlift suppliers manufacturers that produce such weight capacity stairlifts. No point in supplying you with information on a product that is not suitable for your stairlift requirements
Q20 Will the Stairlift (Chairlift) company buy back my stairlift?
Not all stairlift companies will offer to buy back your stairlift! If they do? It will be a fraction
of the price you paid for it. Stairlifts depreciate in value the instant you buy them (Fact) Obviously the older the stairlift the less value it will be worth when you come to sell it
Some stairlift companies offer schemes where they will try and help you sell your no longer required stairlift privately.Main point! Always ask the stairlift supplier if they will buy back and what would be the approx buy back value over a given period of years
To be honest i would not take this last question into account for choosing a stairlift supplier. My main concerns would be with Reputation, Quality, Aftercare service. Worrying about selling something you haven't even got yet seems like a pointless exercise to me? The outcome will be the same no matter which stairlift manufacturer you choose
Happy stairlift Hunting
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