Stairlifts – Buyers Guide

Introduction

Do you have a condition which presents you with mobility problems around the home? A Stairlift can make a huge difference in getting around the house comfortably and safely. With a Stairlift, you could extend a level of independence and quality of life for some time.

Most people don’t buy a Stairlift off the shelf because there are quite a few things to consider before taking the leap. If you’re aware of the model options on the market and approach local Stairlift companies having done your homework, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best solution for you at the right price. The rest is mostly common-sense stuff but if you’re new to the world of Stairlifts hopefully this Buyers Guide will help save time.

We’ll start by considering some key questions: 

1 What are your Current and Future Mobility Needs?

2 Have you thought about Alternatives to a Stair lift before you invest in one?

3 What are the Types of Stair lift?

4 How do Stair lifts Work and what are the Main Features?

5 Are My House and My Stairs suitable for a Stair lift?

6 How do I Measure for a Stair lift?

7 How is a Stair lift Installed?

8 How much does a Stair lift Cost?

9 How do I go about Looking for a Stair lift?

10 How do Find a Stair Lifts Near Me?

11 What’s involved in a Stair lift Purchase?        

12 What’s the IMG Way?

1 What are your Current and Future Mobility Needs?

If you’re having trouble using your stairs, a free social services Needs Assessment with an Occupational Therapist from your local council is strongly recommended. They will visit you in your home to see what solutions and adaptations may help you with your mobility issues. Go to our Local Authority – Social Services Needs Assessments Near Me Directory, then input your postcode to find your local authority listing and go straight to the page with Needs Assessment information. You could also use our Local Authority – Occupational Therapists Near Me Directory.

They might also provide advice with grants and funding options. Show them this Buyers Guide and perhaps they can help you complete some of the Stairlifts Checklist we’ve produced, which you can find here in Resources.

People with all kinds of conditions use Stairlifts – your individual needs should determine the type of Stairlift which best suits you, you can refer your Occupational Therapist to our Table of Stairlift Models who should be able to advise you appropriately.

There are different Stairlift models to suit different needs. There’s usually a wide range of Optional Extras which can be added, if required. Someone with arthritis in their hands may find an Ergonomic Joystick Control easier to use. A Powered Swivel Seat can be useful for someone who finds it difficult to use a fixed seat. Someone who has difficulty bending their knees or hips may find a Perch Seat is more comfortable than a standard seat that requires the user to sit down fully. We will discuss general Stairlift features in more detail later in this Guide.

Most people are able to extend living in their home because of their Stairlift so if using one is likely to be a long-term solution this might affect your thinking budget-wise and later on in this Guide we’ll address that key question i.e. How much does a Stairlift cost?

2 Have you considered Alternatives to a Stair lift before investing in one?

A Stairlift is a necessity not a luxury. It can transform your life but you’ll want to be sure it’s the right solution for you. If you have problems with balance, co-ordination, dizzy spells, vertigo or seizures, a Stairlift may not actually be the best solution.

A Stairlift is usually not a small investment so it’s worth pausing to consider the alternatives and maybe running them by your Occupational Therapist.

Here’s a few to consider:

Home Lifts

These are larger, more substantial and more expensive than Stair lifts but can be fitted in many spaces and there are many different types. For more information click here.

Wheelchair Stair Climbers

These can be very useful if there are multiple sets of stairs in a location, they’re portable so they provide more options and as a rule are less expensive than Stair lifts. They do however need a carer to operate them. Click here for more information.

Platform Lifts

A vertical Platform Lift is most akin to an Home Lift to move between floors vertically except that there is no shaft or enclosure, which provides an additional layer of safety by protecting the user from the edge. They’re often a great solution when transferring someone just a few feet. Click here to find out more.

Access Ramps

Suitable for short flights of stairs. Inexpensive and very flexible as they are modular. Click here to find out more.

Grab Rails

You might just need something to fix onto to stay steady. You could have a few located in different locations. Easy to fit and not expensive but are they a long-term option instead of a Stairlift? Click here for more detail.

Arranging Living Areas to the Ground Floor

Can you arrange the ground floor into the key areas of living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen? This would remove the need to climb the stairs but it’s a logistical challenge and could be costly if you need extensive home adaptions. On the other hand, you might save on energy bills by reducing the need for heating in your home. And reduce the chances on any mishaps on the stairs. You might be entitled to a grant from the council to fund these improvements. Read up about Benefits and Entitlements which may be due to you here.

Stair Steady

A great innovation if your level of mobility is quite high. Cheaper than a Stairlift but be sure you can use it safely. Click here to find out more.

So back to Stairlifts…

3 What are the Types of Stair Lift?

A key consideration is what type of staircase you have. This will determine whether you can get a stairlift with a ready-made Straight Rail or whether you will need to have a custom-made curved rail.

Indoor Straight Stair Lifts

These Stairlifts are designed to be fitted to straight stairs that go in one direction without any turns. They can be fitted to a standard pre-made rail. A straight Stairlift can be installed very quickly as there is no need to wait for the rail to be made especially (as with many curved Stairlifts). Some companies even offer a same day or next day installation service.

Indoor Curved Stair Lifts

If your stairs have bends or turn corners, then you will need a curved Stairlift. This involves a custom-made rail to fit the exact contours of your staircase. Curved stairlifts are more expensive because there is more work involved in building a rail to fit curved stairs. There will also be a longer wait of several days or weeks between having your curved staircase surveyed and the rail being built.

Perch and Sit & Stand Stair Lifts

In the UK there are a lot of older houses with narrow staircases. You may be concerned that your stairs aren’t wide enough for a stairlift to fit. It is always worth seeking advice from a Stairlift company, as there are models that can be fitted to narrow stairs. For example, if a standard Stairlift seat is too wide or deep, a model designed to Perch or Stand on may be a better fit. Perch and Sit & Stand Stairlifts are often a good fit for people who have difficulty bending their knees or sitting down comfortably.

Heavy Duty (Bariatric) Stair Lifts

There are also Stairlifts with an increased weight capacity usually called Heavy Duty (sometimes called Bariatric) Stairlifts. Similar in functionality and characteristics to Indoor Stairlifts but with a design and build to cater for a heavier load capacity which will range between 140Kg (22st) – 200Kg (31.5st).

Outdoor Stair Lifts

These are made to withstand the elements but feature many of the functionalities and characteristics of Indoor Stairlifts. Many but not all Stairlift brands have an outdoor version.

Legacy Stair Lifts

The market is constantly innovating and introducing new models with improved technology. It’s useful to understand a little about the landscape of the models on available for sale.

We are currently seeing around 45+ Stairlift models in production and for sale in the UK. In every market, products come and go, so do companies and brands. The Stairlift market is no different. Stairlifts go out of production and are listed as Discontinued and they’ve become Legacy Models. They’re usually replaced with updated models with a higher specification.

Despite the introduction of updated models, those Legacy Models are still on the market for sale. This is not to say the model advertised is not new or that it’s not in good condition if it’s listed as a Reconditioned Stairlift. Nor that the seller is unscrupulous in any way. It’s simply that the model is no longer in production.

There is a huge market in parts for Reconditioned Stairlifts and even new Legacy Models (if a company still happens to have some in stock) because they do the job and there are many still out there being used everyday but it’s worth pointing out that if a model is no longer being produced then it’s possible that replacement parts may be hard to obtain or even obsolete. This could hamper any potential repairs going forward leaving you with few options.

Some models are equivalent to other models but branded differently. Stairlift manufacturing companies have over the years bought and sold, merged and replaced each other leading to a variety of models being either classed as equivalent or replaced.

For example, the Acorn Superglide, evolved into the Acorn 120 then the Acorn 130 now we have the Acorn 130 T700. The Brooks Lincoln and Brooks Slimline evolved into the Brooks 130. Since Acorn purchased Brooks, the Acorn 130 T700 is the same as the Brooks 130 in everything but name. Knowing differently branded and named models are in fact the same Stairlift could save you money, if they have different sale prices.

If in doubt, check the status of the Stairlift model you’re considering with the Stairlift company sales representative. You could also check the Table of Stairlift Model Relationships in our article “The World of Stairlift Companies & Brands”, for information on current, equivalent, replaced and discontinued models.

4 How do Stair lifts Work and what are the Main Features?

The Basics

Models will be equipped with an on/off switch and either a toggle switch or joystick to control movement up and down the Rail and to stop. Often, they’ll also have a set of 2 remote controls.

Most modern Stairlift motors are powered by Rechargeable Batteries which automatically recharge when the Chair is parked at one or more charging points on the rail.

The world of Stairlifts comprises many models with all kinds of functionalities to suit a wide range of people. Let’s have a look at the fundamentals and features of Stairlifts.

Stairlift Fundamentals

Stairlift Motor

Stairlift motors are essential components of Stairlifts. Usually located within the base of the Stairlift they provide the power and functionality needed for smooth and safe transportation along stairs. They’re designed to deliver the necessary force to move the Stairlift up and down the staircase, accommodating various weight capacities.

Stairlift Batteries

Stairlift batteries are located within the base of the Stairlift and power the Motor. Years ago, most Stairlifts were powered directly from mains electricity outlets in the home (AC current). Nowadays the mains power is used to trickle charge the Rechargeable Batteries (DC Power) when it’s parked.

During a power cut, the Stairlift batteries will continue to work if charged properly. Fully charged batteries are usually good for at least 10 to 15 rides up and down your stairs (though in this instance if you have a Power Swivel Seat, you might need to use the manual swivel lever instead to save on power).

Stairlift batteries typically last between 2 to 5 years (and most don’t need a separate charger) but this of course depends on the usage. Take care to remember that if the Stairlift is left off its charge point too frequently, the battery life might reduce.

Stairlift Gear

Turned by the Motor this is connected to a geared strip and helps to propel the Stairlift in either direction. The strip is built into the track or rail upon which the Chair unit travels up and down.

The Chair

This comprises the Seat, Armrests, Backrest and Footrest. Many Stairlifts have seats with a swivel functionality to aid getting in and out of the Chair – a Swivel Seat. Adjustable height, armrest and footrest options (automatically powered or manual) are often available, so is a range of colours. Some Chairs are designed for people find difficulty in bending their knees or have a very narrow staircase. These very compact Perch or Sit & Stand models are gaining in popularity.

Stairlift Features

Controls

Many Stairlifts come with simple remote controls to move, reduce the speed and stop. There should also be controls in one of the armrests as a Joystick or a Toggle Switch.

Safety

Seatbelts are a standard feature, ensuring safety and peace of mind. Some models have retractable seatbelts. Some feature Safety Sensors ensuring the Stairlift comes to a stop if it meets with an obstacle on the stairs. Swivel Seats will usually have a lock so that they remain fixed when you are getting in or out of them. And it’s also quite common to have a lock preventing children or visitors using the Stairlift.

Hinged Rail or Track

The Rail or Track has a hinge close the end so it can be folded up out of the way. This functionality enables you to move the Stairlift back up the rail (where it stays parked) then the Hinged Rail folds up and out of the way of a door or narrow passageway. As a standard this is often a manual process, but many companies also offer powered options. The Drop Nose system offers an alternative to the HInged Rail which minimizes the rail length and adjusts the angle of the Chair when arriving at the top or bottom of the stairs so you can safely alight. 

Compact Design

Most Stairlift manufacturers will boast of producing a compact design. There are some beautifully designed and ingenious Stairlifts out there but compactness is relative – your needs, your build and your Staircase are the only relevant factors in describing what a compact design actually means in practice. A Stairlift company sales representative will measure your stairs during your Home Assessment but if possible, we recommend you measure the stairs yourself too (click here for guidance). You could then identify suitable models from our Table of Stairlift Models which do not exceed the width of your stairs and can fit within the landing spaces.

Optional Extras

Different models have different features as standard. A Swivel Seat might be powered on one model as standard but be an optional extra on another. Optional features commonly offered are Powered Hinged Rails, Powered Swivel Seats and Powered Folding Seats, Armrests and Footrests – but they may come at a cost. Child Seats are often an optional extra too.

Most of the above Features are common to Heavy Duty (Bariatric) and Outdoor Stairlifts too with some variation. Let’s have at look at those Types of Stairlift in a little more detail.

Heavy Duty (Bariatric) Stairlifts

Standard Stairlifts load capacity will range from 100Kg / 16 Stone to 140Kg / 22 Stone. Heavy Duty (sometimes called Bariatric) Stairlifts have an increased load capacity carrying anyone from 140Kg / 22 Stone up to 200Kg / 31.5 Stone and they will often have different dimensions to cater for larger people. Load capacity and dimension specifications are often truer signifiers of what might be best for you, rather than looking for the term ‘Heavy Duty’. Have a look at our Table of Stairlift Models to check that specific load capacities and dimensions are in line with what you require.

Outdoor Stairlifts

Often these are versions of a specific indoor model with similar functionality but with a more robust design and added protections to cater for temperature and weather fluctuations. They can be installed on a range of surfaces and will often have a weatherproof coating (some will come with a protective cover). Our Table of Stairlift Models provides information on the more popular Outdoor Stairlift models out there.

5 Are My House and My Stairs Suitable for a Stair lift?

First things first – it’s best to get a Stairlift which takes you all the way up and down the full extent of the stairs. Some people try to cut costs and run a straight Stairlift up most of a curved flight of stairs hoping to manage the odd few steps on the curvature. This could end up being precarious and costly if their mobility deteriorates later.

If installation of a Stairlift might block a passageway or door either at the bottom of the stairs, a Stairlift with a Hinged Rail or Track feature could be the solution.

A Powered Hinged Rail or Track allows you to travel safely to the bottom of the Rail or Track, then once off the Stairlift can be sent up the stairs via remote control to park. The Powered Hinge will then automatically fold a section of the rail or track up and out of the way leaving your door or passageway free of any obstruction click here for a quick demonstration video. Some Stairlifts allow you to do this manually.

Another solution to a narrow landing space is (if possible) to extend the rail beyond the bottom of the stairs and around a corner or loop back to the outer side of the banister.

Some Stairlifts can be installed with a reduced overhang (sometimes called a Nose Drop) so the Stairlift will not protrude too far into the hallway. This may solve the problem at the top of your stairs and is a very cost-effective solution. Click here to watch a video of a Drop Nose in action.

Now let’s think about the dimensions of your staircase.

6 How do I Measure for a Stair lift?

This will be done by the sales representative at the Home Assessment but if you’re able it might be useful to take measurements of the staircase and surrounding spaces so you can research the models available and their dimensions in our Table of Stairlift Models here to find ones which will fit. Use our Stairlift Checklist to note down the details.

Step 1 – Preparation

Find a 5+ metre measuring tape and ask a friend or family member to help, if needed. Maybe your Occupational Therapist could help with this too.

Step 2 – Decide on the Best Side of the Staircase for Installation

Standing at the bottom of the stairs determine which is the best side for installation of a Stairlift. Often it will be the wall side if it’s free of any obstructions at the bottom where the Stairlift needs to park.

Step 3 – Measure the Length of the Staircase

Position yourself at the top of the stairs and measure from the Nose (the edge) of the top step right down to the floor beyond the bottom step. Make sure the tape measure touches the Nose of each step and the floor at the very bottom of the stairs.

Step 4 – Measure the Narrowest Width of the Staircase

Often it will be from the inside of the Stringers (the housing on either side of the flight of stairs, into which the steps are fixed they look similar to skirting boards) or the inside of either a Stringer and a Newel Post (the upright post rising at the foot of a stairway, at its landings, or at its top which usually serve as anchors for handrails) or two Newel Posts.

Step 5 – Measure the Clearing Distance at the Bottom of the Stairs

From the Nose of the bottom step to the nearest obstruction (usually an opposite wall or an adjacent door).

Step 6 – Measure the Clearing Distance at the Top of the Stairs

From the Nose of the top step to the nearest obstruction (usually an opposite wall or an adjacent door).

Step 7 – Take note of:

• any potential obstructions to the Stairlift’s path of travel, such as windowsills, pipes, plug sockets, radiators and doorways
• the number of curves or turns in the staircase
• the number of mid-staircase landings (if any) from the top landing to the floor (excluding the top landing) and measure the length and width of these
• the total number of steps in the staircase

So now that you’ve measured your staircase we can check them against the Stairlift models on the market.

Obviously, staircases can be any width. When folded up, doubtless every staircase will fit within the width of your stairs. But for a Stairlift to be installed, there will need to be a reasonable amount of space where the track and chair can be fitted with some room to spare to ensure you can move up and down the stairs in comfort without any risk of your knees and feet knocking against the opposing side of the staircase.

As a rule of thumb, the minimum width of a straight staircase, to install a Stairlift in, is around 700mm / 70cm / 27.5 inches. For curved stairs the minimum width should be 800mm / 80 cm / 31.5 inches.

Taking the Narrowest Width of the Staircase check our Table of Stairlift Models and identify which ones can comfortably fit within it. With that you have a starting point to then look for other Features you think you’ll need.

If your stairs are narrower than that, don’t worry – there are still options.

Firstly, Perch and Sit & Stand Stairlifts could be a solution. If you can sit on a higher seat and perched slightly, your knees would not protrude so much. Brooks, Handicare, Bespoke, Stannah and Meditek have Perch and Sit & Stand Stairlifts to fit narrow stairs, either as standard models or ones that offer Perch Seats as an Optional Extra.

Secondly, some Stairlift models from TK Home Solutions and Access BDD are on the larger side but programmed specifically to electronically swivel the seat round to point the user’s knees down the stairs when going around a curve. This reduces the space between the knees and opposing stair wall. Click here for a demonstration video.

7 How is a Stair lift Installed?

An installer/engineer will carry out the installation as part of your purchase from a Stairlift company. Almost all Stairlifts require no structural alterations to your home as the Rail is usually fitted and secured onto the stairs via clamps or brackets (usually secured by small screws) elevating it from the stairs. Straightforward installations can take a matter of hours with little disruption. There should be no need to lift and refit the carpet.

The more complex the Staircase the more time it takes to install but you are usually looking at a few hours or 1-2 days in exceptional circumstances, to complete. Installation engineers should leave your home as they found it having completed any necessary alterations, repainted where necessary and fully fixed the Stairlift to your staircase.

Once installed it’s advisable to have someone in attendance when you first use it to avoid any mishaps.

8 How much does a Stair lift Cost?

So how much is a Stairlift? This is often the first question people ask. It’s a fair one but difficult to answer accurately until various aspects have been considered (i.e. staircase dimensions, the best model for your needs, different sale prices on the market etc) but naturally it’s important to have a ballpark idea of the starting prices.

According to our research prices for a New Indoor Straight Stairlift range from £1,500 to £2,795. Entry level pricing is occupied by some Stairlift models from Acorn, Brooks, Handicare and Meditek. New Indoor Curved Stairlifts range from £2,155 up to £5,995+. The most affordable models are produced by Acorn, Brooks and Otolift. Heavy Duty Versions will be a little more. Outdoor Stairlifts start at £1,500 rising to £5,995+. Perch Stairlifts will also start around the £1,500 mark.

But these are just starting points. So how much is Stairlift going to cost? You’ll only really know for sure when you start getting Quotes. To arrive at a Quote, Stairlift Companies i.e. Stairlift Manufacturers and Dealers will come to your home to carry out a Home Assessment. This is good practice. Without a Home Assessment you could order a new, reconditioned or used one online (i.e. unseen) and encounter all kinds of headaches upon installation and use unless you’re very confident about what you’re buying and how you can get it installed.

Several things need to be considered during the Home Assessment. Staircases vary and each user has different needs. It’s worth taking the time to explore these elements to purchase the right Stairlift solution. And as with many other mobility solutions there are more factors to consider than finding the cheapest price. These factors will include:

Straight and Curved Staircases

Straight stairs operate on a straight rail and present less of a challenge on installation than curved ones and this is reflected in the price. Curved Stairlifts will require a modular rail system to cater for the turns and the number of curves needed will increase the equipment costs for a custom-made curved rail. The more curved rail components of a curved rail kit will increase the overall price.

The incline of the stairs will also be a factor. A Stairlift installation on a steep spiral staircase will usually be more expensive than on a straight set of stairs. Some models have patented systems to ensure you are sat comfortably as the Chair turns, swivels, levels out and descends on the Rail system.

Size of the Staircase and Surrounding Spaces

The longer the staircase the longer the Rail required. More equipment means more costs. Longer Rails also require a more intensive installation process and can attract higher installation rates for the Stairlift. If either or both the top and bottom of the staircase don’t have sufficient space to avoid any obstruction of the passageway or a door opening the equipment will need to vary i.e. with a Hinged Rail or a Drop Nose system.

Your Needs

You’ll want to be comfortable sitting in the Chair so the upholstery, dimensions and weight capacity will be important. You’ll want to operate it easily and more than likely you’d like to have a choice of colours. And of course, you’ll want to be and feel safe. Keep in mind any advice you receive from your Occupational Therapist. There are so many models out there providing all kinds of solutions you can be confident you’ll get your needs met as long as you get a good idea of what’s available in the market.

Installation

Each home is different. Often installation requires minimal preparation but sometimes it might be necessary to remove a radiator or trim a windowsill or other protrusions. The costs of this kind of work will usually be shown in the Quote which you’ll receive at or after a Home Assessment.

Running Costs

You might be surprised to learn that the running of a modern stairlift is comparable to that of everyday appliances like washing machines, microwaves and kettles.   

This is due to the amount of electricity needed to run the Stairlift. Of course, it all depends on how much you use the Stairlift but a good benchmark is a washing machine which uses 0.7kWh (700 Watts) per wash while a Stairlift requires around 0.024kWh per ride. You should expect a stairlift to cost less than £30 – £40 per year in electricity (depending of course on energy prices) – that’s cheaper than a washing machine which could cost you £50+ per year to run, depending on use and fuel rates. A happy consequence of such a low voltage requirement is that Stairlifts are quite quiet when in use.

You’ll likely be using the Stairlift more than your washing machine but let’s say you use it the estimated average of 14 times a day your annual electricity costs will be less than half of those for your washing machine. 

Renting a Stairlift

Sometimes it can work out cheaper to rent a stairlift rather than buy one in the shorter term. For example, maybe you only need help with the stairs whilst recovering from an operation or injury.

Many Stairlift companies offer Stairlifts for rent. They will carry out a Home Assessment (the same as if you were interested in purchasing) and provide you with a quote. This will include one off installation costs, the monthly rent (sometimes it’s a weekly rent figure) and sometimes they’ll ask for a deposit to cover any damage to the Stairlift beyond wear and tear. Rental Stairlifts for curved stairs are more difficult to come by than straight ones as they will require a custom-made system and installation according to the complexity of the job.

Expect to pay between £50 – £100 per month (plus running costs) with charges ranging from £250 to £750 for installation and removal. A deposit on a Stair lift for rent will usually start at £250 plus. You’ll also probably have to sign a contract agreeing to a fixed term and should you wish to terminate before expiry there may be additional fees to pay. Click here to find a local company offering Stairlift rentals.

For people planning on using a Stairlift in the long term, use buying is usually more economical.

Reconditioned Stairlifts

Many Stairlift companies sell Reconditioned Stairlifts. These should be fully safety checked and come with a Warranty. They’ll cost less than a brand new one but will be older and will have been used. You could save a significant amount compared to a new one but be sure to buy from a reputable seller who can provide a credible Warranty. Without one you could be looking at costly repair bills. See our Directory of Stairlifts Companies Near Me to find Stairlift Companies offering a range of Reconditioned Stairlifts.

If the Reconditioned Stairlift is no longer in production i.e. a Legacy Model bear in mind that spare parts might not be easy to come by leaving you in a spot if repairs are needed. This however is not a given, it depends on the model – if the model is in widespread use, then the spare parts market for that model might be thriving and you’ll have few problems getting spares.

How do I Qualify for a Free Stairlift?

If you’re on a limited budget, you might be wondering how to get a Stairlift from Social Services or get some other financial aid. If you’re living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland you can apply for substantial sums under the Disabled Facilities Grants scheme which are available from local authorities. Click here to find your local authority’s webpage setting out more information about Disabled Facilities Grants and home adaptions.

In Scotland a different system applies. See here for more details.

The Grants are means-tested and your income and savings will be taken into account. If you don’t quality for this type of Grant have a look through our article, “Benefits if you have Mobility and Daily Living Needs”. Also perhaps consider funding from a Charity – click here for Our Directory of Charities Near Me.

9 How do I go about Looking for a Stair lift?

If you’re reading this Buyers Guide you’ve made a great start! Let’s look at the way people often go about looking for a Stairlift and then consider our recommended approach.

The way it usually works

You scour the net or ask a friend for a referral in order to find a Stairlift company who will send over a Sales Rep for a Home Assessment to:

• talk about your mobility needs and capabilities
• check and measure your stairs and work out how the Stairlift would be installed
• recommend a Stairlift model from the range they supply at that time and provide you with a Quote

This approach can certainly work but you might end up choosing from a limited range (i.e. not having seen the full range) and you might be dealing with a Stairlift supplier which is not at all local to you.

There is a better way and if you’ve read this far into the Guide you’re probably already better informed than your average customer.

A Better Way

As you’ve seen so far, this Guide prepares you up-front with:

• Independent Advice regarding Stairlift Companies, Occupational Therapists and Grants

• Guidance on Stairlift Models about Functionality, Features and Specifications

• Directories to find Occupational Therapists and Local Stairlift Companies to arrange Home Assessments and assemble Quotes

including information, tools and resources to get the best Stairlift for the best price from the best local Stairlift company you can find.

Choice is key.

Step 1 Arrange a free Assessment with an Occupational Therapist via your local council

Step 2 Choose your preferred Stairlift from the range of 45+ models on the UK market

Step 3 Choose one or more local trusted Stairlift companies to provide you with a Home Assessment

Step 4 Choose the best Stairlift from a local company with the best price and service

See the section below to follow these steps in The IMG Way.

Buying a Stairlift is the beginning of a relationship with a Stairlift company. You’re likely to be using the Stairlift for a while so it’s important you feel comfortable with the sales representative, the engineers/installers and the company in general. It’s important you know what kinds of companies you could be dealing with. If you choose a local company, you might also have an opportunity to try one out before buying. They would also be well placed perhaps to buy it back should you no longer have a need for it.

With that said it might help to explain a little bit about how the market is set up i.e. who manufactures Stairlifts, the major brands, who sells them and who installs and repairs them.

The Stairlift Companies

Stairlift companies comprise Manufacturers and Dealers. Dealers are often Mobility Retailers and sometimes specialist Stairlift Retailers. Both Manufacturers and Dealers will also install the Stairlift. Then of course there are private sellers on online platforms like eBay who are likely to be selling a second-hand un-reconditioned Stairlift without installation.

The most well-known and well-established Manufacturers are set out here. One or two well-known Dealers have their own branded Stairlifts but they are actually produced by one of the Manufacturers.

Some Manufacturers sell direct to users, some sell only through Dealers, others sell both direct to users and through Dealers. It’s quite a whirl to familiarize yourself with who is doing what! Manufacturers obviously sell their own branded Stairlifts and Dealers/Installers will usually sell a selection of branded Stairlifts from a range of different Manufacturers.

Some Dealers are independent, meaning they can sell any brand they want, others are tied to selling only a particular Manufacturer’s brand.

Private eBay Sellers could provide you with a bargain. Its always worth a look but be 100% sure you can handle installation and are comfortable without having a credible Warranty.

Then there is another type of Stairlift company which is not a Stairlift company! They are Lead Generators. These are online businesses which basically generate leads for Manufacturers and Dealers. A visitor to a Lead Generator’s website inputs his or her details which are then passed onto a Dealer or Manufacturer, who then contacts the visitor.

The visitor has no idea which Dealer or Manufacturer might be contacting them. Nor are they informed which Stairlift model(s) will be presented. It’s also possible that the Dealer or Manufacturer will not be local to the visitor.

On the other hand, it’s a very convenient service for the visitor, if they’re happy for the choice of company, it’s location (which might not be local) and the type and brand of Stairlift being offered to them is limited to whom the Lead Generator chooses from a pool of companies who happen to be working with them at the time.

10 How do I Find Stair Lifts Near Me?

When people go online to search for “stairlifts near me”, actually most of them should be looking for “stairlift companies near me”. Buying a Stairlift is a transaction but it’s a relationship which is being formed. When choosing a Stairlift you’re also choosing a company – Manufacturer or Dealer. You will want to be able to trust and feel at ease with them from the off at your Home Assessment right through to installation and beyond (for as long as the Warranty or any Maintenance Agreement subsists).

Looking at local Stairlift companies is a great first step. Click here to find our Directory of Stairlift Suppliers Near Me. 

Stairlift company Endorsements, Certifications, Memberships and Accreditations

When considering a Stairlift company, look for memberships, accreditations, certifications, endorsements and reviews which might give you some reassurance. Obtaining an accreditation or being a member of an established credible body or association is meant to demonstrate that a business is competent in areas such as work procedures, health and safety practices etc and therefore a business that is safe to work with.

Some examples of these organizations and review platforms are set out below. Click the logos/links to search for a company which has assured you they are a member or received an accreditation etc:

BHTA

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) brings healthcare and assistive technology companies together to improve industry and consumer standards. Our members commit to our BHTA Code of Practice – the only Chartered Trading Standards Institute approved code in the healthcare sector.

Trusted Traders – Which Magazine

A consumer champion magazine which provides accreditations to businesses.

Checkatrade

Check reviews of over 2 million accredited tradespeople across the UK.

Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Approved

A partnership of Local Authority Trading Standards Services took the ground-breaking step of putting together the Buy With Confidence Scheme. The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

FEEFO

Feefo hosts reviews to help consumers gain a better understanding of businesses.

TRUSTPILOT

Trustpilot hosts reviews to help consumers shop with confidence and deliver rich insights to help businesses improve the experiences they offer.

Construction Line

Originally a government owned database Constructionline is the UK’s largest source of pre-qualified contractors, consultants and material suppliers.

British Safety Council

Dedicated to making sure no one is injured or made ill through their work.

NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)

NICEIC is the UK largest voluntary register of electrical businesses assessing over 36,000 businesses to ensure that the installation work they undertake meets the standards expected to keep us all safe.

CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)

A scheme which awards an accreditation to companies that can show their health & safety processes can meet an excellent standard.

LEIA

LEIA is the trade association and advisory body for the lift and escalator industry, formed in 1997 by the merging of two long-standing associations with a history dating back to 1932. With a membership covering some 85% of the lift and escalator industry, LEIA represents a single voice for the sector.

Chartered Trading Standards Institute

One of the world’s longest-established organisations dedicated to the fields of Trading Standards and Consumer Protection.

SSIP

An umbrella organisation to facilitate and maximise mutual or cross-recognition of health and safety assessments

The Guild of Master Craftsmen

Guild members are modern day craftsmen such as carpenters, builders, plasterers, plumbers and electricians, through to landscape designers, paving contractors, interior designers, bricklayers and flooring professionals. Members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen are thoroughly assessed to earn the right to be called master craftsmen. Once accepted, they are required to maintain The Guild’s aims and objectives in order to remain a member. In the event of any dispute. The Guild has a proven procedure for conciliation. This reassures consumers they can trust Guild members.

SafeContractor

To achieve the SafeContractor Approved status, a business must prove that they are a safe and responsible company. This involves ensuring that all paperwork is complaint with current legislation and that processes are in place to ensure health and safety is handled in the best way possible.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Checked Employees

A DBS check is a background check into an individual’s history and police records in order to reveal any unspent convictions. If you’re concerned ask the company if they carry out these checks on their staff and if so, that those you come into contact with have been cleared via this process.

Note: The Stairlift itself should meet the relevant British Standard (BS 5776:1996) and conform to European health and safety regulations – look for the CE mark.

11 What’s involved in a Stair lift Purchase?

As we touched on earlier, usually the first step is to get a sales representative over from a Stairlift company to carry out a Home Assessment. They’ll assess your needs and match you with a Stairlift model they offer.

The Home Assessment

During a Home Assessment the sales representative should look at:

Your level of Mobility and Motor Skills

They’ll want to see if you can move in and out of a chair easily, bend your knees comfortably and operate a joystick or toggle switch without a problem.

Your Staircase and Surrounding Spaces

This will involve looking for obstacles or challenges to installation and operation of the Stairlift such as blocked access caused by a doorway or passageway at the top or bottom of the staircase. They will also look at the structural strength of the banister and check the spindles do not present a safety hazard. Then they should make recommendations for any alterations which might be needed such as moving or adding a banister rail or installing a power socket. Lastly, they will measure up to ensure the Rail and Stairlift will fit and operate smoothly.

Matching the above with the best Stairlift model to suit your needs and abilities

Having assembled this information, they’ll be making sure all of your strengths and limitations are accounted for in the right model they have to offer. This could mean choosing a model with a Swivel Seat to aid getting in and out of the chair. Or making sure the model has Powered Options to fold the seat up if this makes life easier for you rather than manually folding. They also perhaps need to look for a Hinged Rail system to ensure the parked Chair is not obstructing a passageway or door.

There are many more aspects they’ll need to be looking at to find the best match for you  – Our Checklist should help with these. Print it up and have it to hand for the Home Assessment. It’s important you explore these things when the sales representative is with you so you can satisfy yourself at what they have to offer.

During the Home Assessment it’s also important to discuss the paperwork that comes with the Stairlift.

The Paperwork

All new Stairlifts come with a Warranty although this will vary from company to company. You can expect a 12-month Warranty as a minimum. Some models come with a Lifetime Warranty – see our Table of Stairlift Models here for more details.

As always, it’s good practice to read the Warranty carefully, in particular make sure the Motor, Gearbox and Rechargeable Battery are covered as they are usually the costliest parts of a Stairlift.

Extended Warranties (usually offered by Manufacturers) or Maintenance (or Service) Agreements (usually offered by Dealers) are commonly offered to customers from when you purchase or later when the Warranty expires.

Both operate the same way in principle (i.e. to take care of you should the Stairlift be faulty) but perhaps not always in their details, for example, what type of fault is covered and what is not.

Sometimes they will come with a proviso that an Annual Service must be carried out – the cost of this might be included in the fee you pay or it might be an extra cost to you. If the Annual Service is not an additional cost to you there may be parts or call-out charges on top. You’ll need to read the small print.

This is another reason why it’s often better to buy from a Stairlift company which is local to you so you can talk these things through comfortably at your leisure rather than with someone who is based further afield or mostly on the other end of a phone line.

There may also be different levels of Maintenance Agreement i.e. beginning with a basic level (limited parts coverage and call-out services) to a mid-range level right up to a more comprehensive level of parts coverage and unlimited service levels.

There’s no telling which is the best fit for you if you’re working within a budget. Peace of mind has more value or is more affordable to some than others. It might be useful to compare Annual Service Charges and Call-Out costs with a local independent installer/engineer. If that option makes sense then maybe a mid-level Maintenance Agreement is for you.

Warranties and Maintenance Agreements won’t cover vandalism, acts of God or other damage so Insurance Policies are available (from third party companies) to cover all the stops. Some Insurance Policies will sometimes offer coverage for things also contained in a Warranty or Maintenance Agreement so it might be worthwhile to look into this as an option if you’re happy to incur further costs to give you more peace of mind.

Job Done…?

After the Home Assessment and considering the price and paperwork you might be happy with their Quote and go ahead and buy one. Installation follows shortly after. Job done, right? Hang on we’ve got some “Yes…but..?” questions:

How do you know if your Stairlift model is the best one the market has to offer?

There are many models out there and not many Stairlift companies offer them all, far from it. Obviously, the sales representative can’t offer you a Stairlift they don’t carry in their range.

How do you know you’ve bought at the best possible price?

The market is huge and very competitive. What you’ve been offered is likely to be a small slice of what’s on offer in the wider market.

How do you know you have the best after-sales terms?

A 1-year Warranty is standard but some models come with 2, 3 years Warranties and even Lifetime Warranties.

How do you know you the Stairlift Company is looking out for you?

If the company is not local there is nothing to say they won’t be a great support and everything runs smoothly for evermore. However, a local company will have some advantages which could benefit you. They will be in close proximity so they can react quickly to call-outs. Their travel costs and expenses won’t be an added pressure to sell a Stairlift to you. They might be able to accommodate a test-drive before you commit to purchase. A local company will have local knowledge and be more likely to back up their word when they have a local reputation to protect.

We’ve looked at the market and the common practices in depth and made the following conclusions:

• Consumer choice is limited in terms of models being offered by sales representatives.
• Having expressed an interest, many consumers are often contacted by Stairlift companies who are not in close proximity to the customer.
• Consequently, consumers are not necessarily being offered the best price in the wider market, not always being offered the best model for their needs and not receiving an optimum service.

This is not to question Stairlift companies’ integrity or practices in any way. They are doing their job of providing you with the best of what they can offer.

We want you to have options. Choice is power to the consumer. You’re unlikely to get the best deal if you’ve been offered a limited slice of what the wider market has to offer.

This Buyers Guide is designed to give you these options. To arm you with enough information to go about contacting Stairlift companies with confidence. It’s not possible to contact every single Stairlift company in the market but you can do a lot better than having one company offer you their limited selection of models.

The IMG Way helps you to shop around. Spend time getting this right and save time and money on costly mistakes. The goal should be to review as many local companies as possible and then draw up a shortlist to contact. With our free resources this is completely achievable.

12 The IMG Way

1        Arrange an Assessment from an Occupational Therapist (OT) to be clear about Your Needs

Your Local Authority can help – click here or find an OT yourself in our Directory of Occupational Therapists Near Me. If this is not possible try to get a friend over to your home to help you think through the best solution for your needs.

2        Decide which Type of Stairlift you’ll need

Straight, Curved, Perch and Sit & Stand, Heavy Duty, Outdoor

3        Measure Up your Staircase (if possible)

Width, length, steps and turns (if any) and more. Measure the space surrounding the top and bottom of the stairs. See here for more guidance.

4        Consider which Features & Specifications Match your Needs

These include:

5        Get an idea of the Stairlift Starting Prices

Click here to view our Table of Stairlift Models

6        Research the Stairlift Models in the Wider Market

Click here to view our Table of Stairlift Models

7        Identify Who is selling What and How

Click here for more information

Once you’ve had your OT Assessment you should be clear about what type of Stairlift you need, your budget and what’s available out there.

8        Identify Local Stairlift Companies

There’s more guidance and resources in our Stairlifts Checklist.

9        Contact at least 3 Stairlift companies and arrange some Home Assessments

There’s more guidance and resources in our Stairlifts Checklist.

10      Print up our Checklist for use before, during and after the Home Assessment

See our Stairlifts Checklist here.

11      Gather Information during the Home Assessment

See our Stairlifts Checklist here.

12      Check the Paperwork

See our Stairlifts Checklist here.

13      Assemble and Review Quotes

Once the Home Assessment has been carried out the sales representative will provide you with a Quote (either during or after the visit).

Assemble, review and decide which is the best option for your needs. See our Stairlifts Checklist here for guidance.

14      Place an Order and agree to an Installation Date

When ready contact the Stairlift company to order the model you’ve chosen. See our Stairlifts Checklist here for more detailed guidance.

15      Enjoy your Stairlift!

Gain increased mobility in your home with complete peace of mind that you’ve got the best model for your needs at the best price with a local Stairlift company dedicated to looking after you should there be any servicing or repairs necessary.

13 Bringing it All Together

The IMG Way has been designed to make you feel comfortable with:

Your choice of Stairlift company

Having looked at other companies are you satisfied with their proximity, pricing, paperwork, service, conduct and helpfulness?

Your choice of Stairlift

Having reviewed or perhaps tried out other models on the market are you satisfied you’ve bought the best fit for you and feel confident in how you get in and out of it; how you sit in it; how you control it; how you maintain it and charge the battery; and how it looks in your home?

If you can safely say both elements above are taken care of you should be fine.