Your Stairlift Questions Answered
Choosing a stairlift’s an important decision. Here are honest answers to the questions people ask us most often. Can’t find what you need? Just call – we’re always happy to help.
General Information
What exactly is a stairlift?
A stairlift’s a motorised chair that travels up and down your stairs on a rail system. It lets you move safely between floors without having to climb the stairs yourself. Simple as that.
How do I know if I actually need one?
If you’re finding stairs difficult, tiring, painful, or worrying, a stairlift could help. Common reasons include arthritis, breathlessness, joint problems, fear of falling, recovery from surgery, or just getting older. Some people manage stairs but avoid upstairs rooms because it’s too much effort – that’s exactly when a stairlift makes sense.
Will it fit my particular staircase?
99% of the time – yes. Your stairs need to be at least about 70cm wide for most stairlifts. We install on straight stairs, curved stairs, narrow stairs, steep stairs, and even outdoor staircases. The free survey will confirm if your home’s suitable.
Do I need planning permission?
No. Installing a stairlift in your own home doesn’t require planning permission as it’s considered an adaptation rather than structural work.
How quick can you install a stairlift?
Following your home assessment, we can install your new stairlift quickly, typically for a straight case which 2-3 days, and custom made curved stairlift within 7-10 days.
What are the Stairlift Payment options?
There are a variety of funding options, from single purchase, 0% finance, full finance options and in some cases stairlift grants. Discuss all options with your home assessor
Installation Questions
How long does fitting take?
Straight stairlifts: 2-4 hours typically. Curved stairlifts: 3-4 hours usually. Our engineers work efficiently and clean up thoroughly afterwards.
How soon can you install?
For straight stairlifts, often within 2-7 working days, sometimes next day if we have stock. Curved stairlifts take 2-3 weeks as they’re custom-made, plus the installation day.
Will you damage my stairs?
The rail mounts onto your stair treads using secure fixings. It causes minimal damage. If the lift’s ever removed, the small holes are easily filled and often invisible, particularly on carpeted stairs.
Can you fit any type of stairs?
Yes – carpet, wood, tiles, whatever you have. The rail always mounts to the stairs themselves, not the walls.
What's installation day like?
Our engineer arrives with all equipment needed. They fit the rail securely, attach the chair, test everything thoroughly, then show you how to operate it safely. Most customers are pleasantly surprised how straightforward and tidy the process is.
Cost of a curved stairlift
What do stairlifts actually cost?
Straight stairlifts from £1,295. Curved stairlifts from £2,995. The exact price depends on your specific staircase, the model chosen, and any additional features needed. We provide clear quotes with no hidden extras.
Are there ongoing running costs?
Stairlifts cost literally pennies per day to run – the batteries charge automatically when parked. We recommend annual servicing (around £80-120) to keep everything in good condition, though this is optional during warranty periods.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, we offer flexible financing options. Ask about payment plans when you call.
What about VAT?
If the stairlift’s for someone with a chronic illness or disability, you may qualify for VAT relief, meaning zero VAT on the purchase. We’ll explain how this works during your consultation.
Safety & Use
Are stairlifts genuinely safe?
Very safe when used properly. They include seatbelts, obstruction sensors, emergency stops, and smooth operation. Modern stairlifts are designed to strict safety standards. Millions of people use them safely every day.
What happens in a power cut?
Nothing different. Stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries that charge when parked, so power cuts don’t affect operation at all.
How difficult are they to operate?
Dead easy. Most use a simple toggle or button on the armrest – push one direction to go up, the other to go down. Release to stop. Anyone can learn in minutes.
Can other people still use the stairs normally?
Yes. When not in use, the chair, armrests, and footrest fold neatly away, leaving plenty of room for others to walk up and down.
What if someone's on the stairs when I need the lift?
The obstruction sensors detect anything in the path and stop the lift automatically. There’s also an emergency stop you can press anytime.
How much weight do they carry?
Standard models support up to 21 stone (136kg). Heavy-duty models are available if needed, supporting significantly more.
Maintenance & Support
What warranty's included?
Depends on the model, but typically 12-24 months covering parts and labour. Everything’s explained clearly before you buy.
What if something goes wrong?
Call us straight away. We aim to respond within 24 hours, usually much quicker. During warranty, repairs are covered.
Do they need regular servicing?
Annual servicing is recommended but not essential during warranty. It helps ensure longevity and reliable operation. Think of it like a car MOT.
Are they noisy?
Modern stairlifts are whisper-quiet. You won’t disturb anyone in other rooms.
How long do they last?
With reasonable care and occasional servicing, 10-15 years or longer. They’re durable, reliable machines.
Removal & Alternatives
Can they be removed if not needed anymore?
Yes, stairlifts can be completely removed. On carpeted stairs, there’s often little evidence one was ever there.
Can I sell my stairlift secondhand?
Straight stairlifts can potentially be removed and resold or moved to another property with a similar staircase. Curved stairlifts are custom-made, so can’t usually be reused elsewhere.
What about renting instead of buying?
We can discuss short-term rental if needed, perhaps during recovery from surgery. Contact us for details.
What are reconditioned stairlifts?
We only offer new installation of stairlifts, homelift and platform lists?
Are reconditioned ones as good as new?
Our clients mobility challenges can vary greatly from simply getting in and out of the chair, through to simple control functions. In addition, you’ll be amazed how different staircases are step up in the home. Which is why we only offer new stairlifts.
Specific Situations
I've got a landing halfway up my stairs. What do I need?
Either a continuous curved stairlift, or two separate straight stairlifts with a transfer at the landing. The curved option’s more convenient but will have a cost implication. We’ll assess which suits you better during the survey.
My stairs are really narrow. Can you still fit one?
Possibly. We need about 70cm minimum width. The survey will confirm.
Can I get one for outdoor stairs?
Yes. We install outdoor stairlifts using weather-resistant materials designed for British weather.
What if I use a wheelchair?
There are platform stairlifts designed for wheelchair users, though they need wider staircases. We can discuss if this is suitable for your situation.
Still Got Questions?
We haven’t covered everything here – every situation’s different. Call us for honest, friendly advice. The free home assessment’s there to answer your specific questions properly.
