A Guide To Buying New Or Used Stair Lifts

Purchasing a stair lift for your home is a big decision, not to mention a major expense.  If you’re choosing a stair lift for yourself or a loved one there are a number of points to consider to help you decide between an expensive brand new model or a cheaper secondhand one.  Used stair lifts have their advantages and disadvantages compared to new ones.  These are outlined here.

A brand new stair lift is likely to come with a high price tag, but this high cost does come with a variety of benefits.  One of the main advantages is that a new stair lift will give you the peace of mind of a manufacturer’s warranty, so you’ll be covered in the unlikely event of a breakdown.  You can also be confident with an up to date model that spare parts should be easy to get hold of from the manufacturer.  New stair lifts come with a choice of optional special features, so you can select the best ones for your needs, such as a swivel seat or footrest.  A new stair lift will be made to measure to fit your particular staircase and will be professionally installed by your supplier.  You can expect a reliable performance and a sleek appearance if you choose a new model.

On the other hand, an obvious advantage of used stair lifts is that they are much cheaper in price and a good quality reconditioned stair lift can be reliable and good value for money.  However, remember that a secondhand stair lift is likely to have a limited warranty, or none at all if you buy from a private sale, and it is likely to be difficult to find replacement parts if the model is no longer being produced.  If buying a used stair lift from a supplier, check whether it is just secondhand or if it has been reconditioned, and make sure you’re aware of the extent of the guarantee.  It’s advisable to set up a contract for regular service and maintenance to prolong the lifespan of your stair lift.

Other things to consider are that if you’ve got curved stairs, it can be very hard to find a used curved stair lift that will fit, and it’s highly probable that you’ll have to buy a new rail.  It can be costly to customize a straight stair lift to fit a curved staircase.  Installing a straight stair lift with a platform can be a more cost effective option than fitting a curved stair lift.  It’s generally much easier to find a used stair lift that’s suitable for a straight staircase, as the track can be cut to size.

With these considerations in mind, you should be able to find a good deal on a stair lift that’s right for your needs and suits your budget.