Answers
to Stairlift (Chairlift) Questions FAQ
Q1
What type of stairlift (Chairlift)
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. You may also find
Prt1 in-depth stairlift
guide of interest 
Q2
Will a stairlift (Chairlift) Fit my staircase?
Stairlifts can be installed on
99% of all staircases. The only real problem will be the width
of your staircase! If to 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 (Chairlift) 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 (Chairlifts) noisy in operation?
Not
at all! Modern stairlifts are whisper quiet with very smooth glide
ride. DC Battery
stairlifts are the most quietest on the UK market with a much
smoother Start / Stop action
Q5
How do Stairlifts (Chairlifts) Work?
All modern stairlifts are
powered by DC Batteries which supply the voltage/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 bolted to the
stairlift track. Hence the name Rack & Pinion Drive. You
can find a more in depth explanation from our Prt5
Guide Stairlift Drives
Q6
How much do Stairlifts (Chairlifts) 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! Power hinge
rails & Platforms etc. For straight stairlifts a good figure
to keep in mind would be around £1200-2500 For curved stairlifts
£3000-45000
Q7
Can I rent a Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Yes most stairlift suppliers offer
rental stairlift plans. Mainly for straight stairlifts with a
fixed rental term? Usually a minimum of 6 months, the average
price per week £10-15.00 and a small installation deposit
will also be required. We can arrange straight rental stairlifts
throughout the UK. Select Rental only from our drop-down menu
box on our secure Email contact form
Q8
Does my Stairlift
(Chairlift) come with a Guarantee / Warranty?
Yes all stairlifts (Chairlifts)
come with a full 12 month guarantee & warranty. Depending
on the stairlift manufacturer some companies offer a life time
guarantee on their motor and gearboxes etc. Ensure you ask the
Operators / Surveyors about their stairlift warranty
Q9
Will my Stairlift (Chairlift) still
work in a power-cut?
Only modern D.C. Battery stairlifts (Chairlifts) 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 / Voltage to the
stairlift motor. Many elaborate designs have been implemented
by stairlift manufacturers in how this is accomplished.
D.C.
Battery stairlifts run off sealed lead acid batteries which are
normally housed inside the stairlift carriage. They require the
stairlift to be parked on the charging copper contact strips located
at the Top / Bottom of the stairlift track. For a more detailed
explanation please read our in-depth stairlift guide Prt2
Q11
How long will i have to wait for
my Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Straight stairlift installations
can be carried out in less than 3 days. Depending on your needs
requirements the stairlift supplier may be able to priorities
your stairlift installation and arrange for the stairlift to be
fitted the following day or within 48 hours
Curved
stairlifts (Chairlifts) take longer since parts of the curved
track may have to be made in-house to the specified design of
your staircase. Installation is around 14 days
Q12
How
long does it take to install a Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Straight
DC Battery stairlifts (Chairlifts) can be installed within 1 hour
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 buy purchase through a reputable supplier
and the unit is installed by qualified stairlift engineers then
your stairlift will be 100% Safe. All stairlift suppliers recommended
by us have been vetted to ensure all their engineers are fully
trained and each supplier has a proven track record for first
class workmanship and customer care satisfaction
Q14
Can more than one person use the Stairlift (Chairlift)?
Yes all modern stairlifts
now have wireless infra red remote Call Send Units. If the household
contains more than one stairlift user? 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. See our In-depth
Guide Prt2
Q15
How often should a Stairlift (Chairlift)
be serviced inspected?
Stairlifts (Chairlifts)
should have at least 1 annual (12 Months) inspection service.
The service inspection should only be carried out by qualified
competent persons. A full Service report certificate should be
left on site and signed by the engineer
Q16
How can I tell if the stairlift company is reputable?
You Can't? The only way
of finding a reputable stairlift supplier installer would be through
a recommendation from a family member or friend? The only other
option is to use an independent agent comparison website. We are
confident that all stairlift suppliers on our database are 100%
reputable and all come highly recommended by us. All companies
are vetted! Only first class workmanship along with outstanding
customer care satisfaction and the ability to offer excellent
service to our clients are offered a place on our database
Q17
My condition doesn't allow me to
Sit or Bend?
95% of UK stairlift (Chairlift) manufacturers
produce, make stairlifts for people who have
difficulty sitting down or bending! Perch (Standing) stairlifts
are designed so you can ride on the unit standing up
CLICK
HERE for INFO
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 solution
or may work as a temporary stop
gap until something more suitable can be found. All stairlift
suppliers will work alongside Healthcare & Adaptation workers
to find the best solution for your disabilities and stairlift
requirements
Q19
What Maximum
weight can a stairlift (Chairlift) carry?
The average SWL (Safe Working Load)
for most stairlifts is 18 Stone/120Kg If weight factor is an issue?
There are stairlift manufacturers that produce heavy duty high
torque drive stairlifts that can carry 25 Stone±
That's
why we we ask you to supply us with your Approx weight on our
secure email forms! This allows us to contact stairlift suppliers
manufacturers that produce such weight capacity stairlifts. No
point in supplying you with information on a product that is not
suitable for your stairlift requirements
Q20
Will the Stairlift (Chairlift) company
buy back my stairlift?
Not all stairlift companies will
offer to buy back your stairlift! If they do? It will be a fraction
of the price you paid for it. Stairlifts depreciate in value the
instant you buy them (Fact) Obviously the older the stairlift
the less value it will be worth when you come to sell it
Some
stairlift companies offer schemes where they will try and help
you sell your no longer required stairlift privately.Main
point! Always ask the stairlift supplier if they will
buy back and what would be the approx buy back value over a given
period of years
To
be honest i would not take this last question into account for
choosing a stairlift supplier. My main concerns would be with
Reputation, Quality, Aftercare service. Worrying about selling
something you haven't even got yet seems like a pointless exercise
to me? The outcome will be the same no matter which stairlift
manufacturer you choose
Happy
stairlift Hunting
Stairlift
Locator.co.uk
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