Stairlifts have revolutionized the lives of individuals with mobility challenges, providing them with the freedom to access different levels of their homes without the struggle of climbing stairs. If you or a loved one is considering the installation of a stairlift, you likely have a multitude of questions. In this blog post, we’ll address some of the most common queries related to stairlifts, ranging from costs to installation, and even the possibility of purchasing or selling used stairlifts.
How much do stairlifts cost?
The cost of a stairlift can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of stairlift, the complexity of the installation, and any additional features you may choose. On average, a basic straight stairlift could start around $2,000 and go up from there.
It’s important to consider the old adage “you get what you pay for.” The lowest priced stairlift might seem appealing, but the constant maintenance and low service quality of a manufacturer often leaves buyers with regret.
Curved stairlifts, which are custom-built to fit unique staircases, tend to be more expensive, often ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 or more. It’s important to obtain quotes from reputable stairlift providers to get an accurate estimate for your specific needs.
What is the weight capacity of a stairlift?
Stairlifts are designed to accommodate a range of weight capacities, typically between 250 to 400 pounds. It’s crucial to choose a stairlift that suits the weight requirements of the individual using it to ensure safety and optimal performance.
What kind of electrical do I need for my stairlift?
Most stairlifts operate on a standard 110-volt household electrical outlet. This voltage is commonly found in homes and is sufficient to power the motor that moves the stairlift along the track. It’s important to have a nearby electrical outlet to plug in the stairlift’s charger to keep the battery charged.
Can I use my stairlift if the power goes out?
Most stairlifts actually run off battery and rather than straight from your power outlet. Instead, connections along the rail continuously recharge the battery as it is used.
This allows the stairlift to make multiple trips up and down the stairs in the event of a power outage.
How do stairlifts attach to stairs?
Stairlifts are securely attached to the stairs using a combination of brackets and supports. Despite what many people think, stairlifts attach to the steps, rather than a wall.
For straight staircases, the installation process is relatively straightforward. Curved staircases require more intricate installation, as the track must be custom-fitted to the specific shape of the stairs.
How long does it take to get a stairlift installed?
In most cases, once you’ve paid for the stairlift, you’re looking at 2-3 weeks before it’s installed. The majority of that time is waiting for the stairlift to arrive from the manufacturer. Once it’s in stock, we usually have it installed in a week or less.
The exception to this timeline is if we happen to have the lift you want in our inventory. If so, the time from purchase to installation would usually be a week or less.
What is the best brand stairlift?
There are many reputable stairlift companies out there, and it’s difficult to narrow it down to just one brand. However, we prefer Harmar and Bruno, mainly for their reliability and their serviceability.
There are cheaper options out there, but we feel you’ll eventually pay more over time when the lift breaks down and needs service. We get calls all the time from people with stairlifts from a manufacturer (we won’t mention names) who advertises low-cost stairlifts heavily on TV. Usually the caller’s lift is not working and they are in a bind. They end up calling us because the manufacturer is either incredibly difficult to get ahold of, or they aren’t able to schedule an appointment for a long time out. Worse yet, we can’t even help service the lifts because we don’t have access to their parts.
Both Harmar and Bruno have proven to be quality products that should run for years with proper care and maintenance.
Do you buy used stairlifts?
We do on occasion purchase used stairlifts. Generally speaking, the stairlifts we’d be interested purchasing in are on average one year or less old, and we’d only purchase Harmar or Bruno.
That’s not to say another dealer wouldn’t have different standards for purchasing used stairlifts.
