Stair Lift Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much will it cost to install a stair lift?

A. This will depend on the type of staircase that you have in your home and whether or not you wish to buy a new or reconditioned model. For an accurate price, you will need to contact a stair lift dealer and obtain a survey and quotation. Always get at least three quotes in writing before making your decision.

Q. Can I have a stair lift installed if my stairs are curved?

A. Yes a stair lift can be fitted onto a curved staircase. However, curved rail stair lifts do tend to be more expensive than the standard straight ones, since the track has to be tailor-made to suit the individual staircase. 

Q. How long does it take to install a stair lift?

A. This will depend upon the type of stair lift that you require. For most companies, the lead-time on a straight rail lift will be around 7-10 days. A curved rail model, however, will take longer since the track is tailor made to suit your individual staircase. Usually you should anticipate a lead-time of around 4-6 weeks. On the day of installation, the stair lift will take just a few hours to actually install.

Q. Does the stair lift have to fitted to a wall?

A. This is a common misconception. In most cases, the stair lift is fitted directly onto the stair treads by way of metal cleats. Usually there will be 4-5 cleats per staircase.

Q. How is a stair lift powered?

A. These days, with the improvement of battery technology, stair lifts are usually DC powered meaning that the power source comes from a rechargeable battery pack. When the lift is not in use, the battery pack is automatically recharged, whether it is at the top or bottom of the staircase. The battery pack is charged from a 13-amp socket close to the staircase. The surveyor will be able to tell you if you need to have a new socket installed.

Q. How much electricity does a stair lift use?

A. Most modern stair lifts use a low voltage motor, which is powered by a 24v-26v-battery pack. The amount of energy this uses is probably comparable to boiling a kettle.

Q. Can I still use my stair lift if I have a power cut?

A. The battery pack will provide enough power for 6-10 trips up and down your stairs without having to be recharged. Therefore, even during a power cut, you will still be able to use your lift until the power is restored.

Q. Is a stair lift difficult to operate?

A. Not at all. The stair lift is usually operated by a toggle switch on the arm. When pressure is applied to the toggle, the lift will gently begin to move and will stop either when pressure is removed from the toggle, or when the machine reaches the top or bottom or your staircase.

Q. Can more than 1 person use the stair lift?

A. Most modern stair lifts have what are called a “call and send” device. These are usually mounted to the wall or in the form of a handheld remote control. There are two controls, one at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom. When one person has finished, the other person can activate the device to send for the lift.

Q. Are there any weight restrictions?

A. Most stair lift models have a weight capacity of 18-21 stones. The surveyor will be able to tell you if a special heavy-duty lift is required.

Q. Will other people be able to use the stairs when the lift has been fitted?

A. Absolutely. When the stair lift is not in use it will be parked at either the top or bottom of the stairs and folded flat against the wall.

Q. Is it better to buy a new stair lift or a reconditioned one?

A. This really boils down to personal preference. Some people prefer the peace of mind that buying a new lift gives them, since they be covered by a longer warranty and should not have any trouble in sourcing any spare parts. Having said that, reconditioned models can be considerably cheaper, although the length of warranty can vary from company to company. For more information, we have written a guide to buying new or used stair lifts.

Q. When does it make sense to rent a stair lift?

A. Generally speaking this will depend on how long you anticipate that you will need the stair lift. If you know that the user will only require it for a short duration of time, then renting may be a feasible option.