Stairlift Buyers Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 What type of Stairlift 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.
Q2 Will a Stairlift fit my staircase?
Stairlifts can be installed on 99% of all staircases. The only real problem will be the width of your staircase! If too 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 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 noisy in operation?
Not at all! Modern stairlifts are whisper quiet with very smooth glide ride. DC Battery
stairlifts are the most quiet on the UK market with a much smoother Start / Stop action
Q5 How do Stairlifts work?
The majority of modern stairlifts are powered by DC Batteries, which supply the 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 attached to the stairlift track. Hence the name Rack & Pinion Drive.
Q6 How much do Stairlifts 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 such as - Power hinge rail & Platform etc. For straight stairlifts a good figure to keep in mind would be around £1300-2500, for curved stairlifts £3500-6000.
Q7 Can I rent a Stairlift?
Yes, we offer rental stairlift plans for straight stairlifts with a minimum term of 3 months. Ring or email for a free no obligation quote.
Q8 Does my Stairlift come with a Guarantee / Warranty?
Yes, all new stairlifts come with a minimum 12-month guarantee, some have 2 years. An extended warranty can then be purchased to cover you for 5 years. Servicing plans can also be combined with the warranty to give extra peace of mind.
Q9 Will my Stairlift still work in a power-cut?
Only modern D.C. Battery stairlifts 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 to the stairlift motor.
D.C. Battery stairlifts run off sealed lead acid batteries, which are normally housed inside the stairlift carriage. They charge automatically when parked.
Q11 How long will I have to wait for my Stairlift?
Straight stairlift installations can be carried out in less than 3 days. Depending on your needs requirements we may be able to prioritise your stairlift installation and arrange for the stairlift to be fitted the following day or within 48 hours.
Curved stairlifts take longer since parts of the curved track may have to be made to the specified design of your staircase. Installation is from around 14 days.
Q12 How long does it take to install a Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Straight DC Battery stairlifts (Chairlifts) can be installed within 1-2 hours 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 purchase through a reputable supplier and the unit is installed by qualified stairlift engineers then your stairlift will be 100% Safe. All stairlifts supplied by us are fitted by our fully trained engineers with a proven track record of first class workmanship and customer care.
Q14 Can more than one person use the Stairlift?
Yes, all modern stairlifts now have wireless infra-red remote control send units. 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.
Q15 How often should a Stairlift be serviced inspected?
Stairlifts should have at least 1 annual (12 Months) inspection service. The service inspection should only be carried out by trained, qualified and competent persons. At UK Stairlift Services a full Service report will be left on site and signed by our engineer.
Q16 How can I tell if the stairlift company is reputable?
We offer only first class workmanship along with outstanding customer care satisfaction and the ability to offer excellent service to our clients. We are also an approved supplier to some local authorities and carry up to £5 million public liability insurance. We are also happy to provide testimonials from our many delighted customers.
Q17 My condition doesn't allow me to Sit or Bend?
A perching (Standing) stairlift is available which is designed so you can ride on the unit standing up
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 solutionor may only work as a temporary stop-gap until something more suitable can be found. We will work alongside Healthcare professionals to find the best solution for your disabilities and stairlift requirements
Q19 What maximum weight can a stairlift carry?
The average SWL (Safe Working Load) for most stairlifts is 18 Stone/120Kg – 21 stone/133kg. There are stairlift some manufacturers that produce heavy-duty high torque drive stairlifts that can carry up to 25 Stone.
Q20 Will your company buy back my stairlift?
We will generally buy back a Stairlift that we have supplied, however the price paid will depend on the age and condition of the unit. The other thing to bear in mind is that a curved stairlift track will not be able to be re-used as it has been made specifically for you.
