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Page 17 : New or
2nd hand Previous Page
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New or second-hand
(reconditioned)
Most stairlifts can be
purchased new or second-hand (reconditioned). Most
reconditioned stairlifts will not look like new lifts. If you
are buying second-hand, ensure that you know what you are
getting. Ask for the make, model and age of the machine.
Second-hand lifts will normally come with a 12 month
warranty, and should be equally as reliable as new. The
life expectancy of a stairlift should be in excess of 10
years. However lifts manufactured before 1995, are unlikely to
comply with current regulations.
Due to the high cost of manufacture of curved track
stairlifts, a few companies 're-manufacture' curved track
lifts. Whilst there is no evidence that they are not fit for
purpose, they will not comply with British Standards, and the
manufacturers will not support them if your supplier goes out
of business. Ensure that you are not being sold second-hand as
new.
Rentals
Many companies offer a rental
option for straight stairlifts. Most will charge an upfront
fee for installation, service and removal, followed by a
monthly rental fee. If you require a stairlift for anything
but a very short term, it is normally cheaper to buy a
second-hand lift. It is not normally possible to rent curved
stairlifts.
Maintenance
Stairlift manufacturers
recommend that you have the equipment serviced annually. The
main purpose of the maintenance is to keep the lift clean to
ensure it runs smoothly and most importantly to test the
safety circuits. Before you buy a stairlift find out how much
the company charges for service visits. Ask them what their
callout charge is for breakdowns and if they will attend if
you don't have a contract with them. Some companies are not
interested in servicing and after sales care, consequently you
could be left with a stairlift that nobody wants to maintain.
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