A. Normally, if you purchase a straight stairlift, it can be fitted within 7-10 days. Some companies offer a faster stairlift installation should your case be urgent.
However, should your stairlift need to be a curved stairlift model, the installation lead time can be slightly longer. You would expect to wait approximately 4 - 6 weeks.
This is due to the curved stairlift rail being custom made for your property.

A. Stairlift tracks are no longer fitted to the wall, but directly onto the stairs through the floor covering of the stairs via shoes, or cleats. You will have approximately 4 – 5 cleats per a straight staircase.

A. Stairlift controls are commonly found on either arm-rest in the form of two buttons; up and down. But usually, a toggle switch is supplied to help users who may have arthritic issues. Either type of control requires ‘constant-pressure,’ this method gives the user complete control of the stairlift. At the end of the journey, the stairlift will stop automatically, most provide an audible noise also as a safety feature.

A. Normally, the engineer will try to conceal the wiring wherever possible and run to the nearest available plug point similar to a typical telephone or cable TV installation.

A. Connection is normally to the nearest 13amp socket. If there is not one in the vicinity of the staircase, installers may request that you arrange for the installation of one.

A. Most modern stairlifts run on DC power. This means that if the mains power supply fails then batteries will power the machine for up to eight trips and normally this is sufficient to last users until the power is restored.

A. Most stairlifts now employ D.C. power, or battery packs. These packs are sometimes housed within the stairlift, or wall-mounted nearby. The modern design of stairlifts makes using the lift very simple. When the machine is not in use, it will be either at the top, or the bottom. At this point, the battery pack will recharge, very similar to the principle of cordless telephones.

A. The cost of running a stairlift is nominal these days as most stairlifts operate with a low voltage motor, normally powered by a series of sealed battery units of about 24v-36v. In reality, your kettle would use more power than the stairlift.

A. Normally a stairlift is restricted to 18 - 21 stones, but there are various Heavy-Duty stairlift options available that will take a maximum weight of 28 stones. However, should the installation require a hinged track, the SWL is variable depending on the stairlift supplier who is supplying the stairlift.

A. Any form of obstruction at the foot of the stairs will almost certainly need to be removed. Most stairlifts require a space of approximately 24 inches unless you require a bottom over-run or parking bend. This should be determined at your free stairlift survey.

A. This is quite a common scenario which is simply to overcome with the use of a hinged track. A hinged track comes in two forms, manual or powered. Depending on the user’s ability and the number of users dictates which would be the best option for you. This would normally be discussed at the free stairlift survey stage. But if you only have one entrance to your property, the stairlift surveyor may refuse to fit a stairlift because of the limited emergency access should any problems arise in the future.

A. With most installations it is standard practice to be provided with two call-send devices. These are either wall mounted or are in the form of wireless hand held remote controls. Usually one is located at the top and the other at the bottom of the stairs.

A. Certainly, a straight stairlift with a platform installation would be a far cheaper alternative to a curved stairlift installation. However, this installation greatly depends on the user’s ability to access and exit the stairlift safely at the top of the stairs. If the user is frail, suffers with dizzy spells or vertigo for example, we would highly recommend a curved stairlift installation.

A. Most stairlift packages should include a high quality stairlift, installed by professional stairlift installers with a 12 month warranty, connection to a power supply, a manual swivel seat and 2 x remote controls as standard.

A. Stairlifts are designed for ease of use for a wide variety of users, if you find it difficult to operate a manual swivel seat; you should consider the option of a powered motorised swivel.

A. Yes, all stairlifts fold flat against the wall when not in use. Also, remember, when the stairlift is not in use, it will be either at the top or bottom of the stairs in the ‘parked’ position, (unless you have requested your curved rail stairlift to park on the bend.) Only the track, at low level would be present on the stairs, leaving the stairs virtually free from obstructions.

A. This really depends on the actually period of time that the stairlift is required. There are occasions where the scenario may unfortunately be a terminal situation; most families tend to opt for the rental solution. If you know that you will require the stairlift for a much longer period of time, we would probably suggest that the purchase option would be the best solution.

A. This is really down to personal preference and affordability. Some people always buy new, whereas, others are happy buying second-hand. Assess the benefits of buying a new stairlift against that of a reconditioned stairlift and the options that maybe necessary at the time you would require the stairlift.

A. Prices do depend on the type of stairs that you have in your property. To obtain a definite idea of the true cost, all stairlift installations need to be carefully assessed by a surveyor. The current MRRP is over £2,000 for a new straight stairlift and over £4,000 for a new curved stairlift. Reconditioned models are priced normally according to age and condition.

A. Prices do depend on the type of stairs that you have in your property. To obtain a definite idea of the true cost, all stairlift installations need to be carefully assessed by a surveyor. The current MRRP is over £2,000 for a new straight stairlift and over £4,000 for a new curved stairlift. Reconditioned models are priced normally according to age and condition.