Q1
What type of stairlift (Stair
lift) 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 is curved or has 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 from a reputable
company
Q2
Will a stairlift (Stair lift)
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 (Stair lift) 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 (Stair lifts) 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 (Stair lifts)
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.
Q6
How much do Stairlifts (Stair lifts) 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 (Stair
lift)?
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.
Q8
Does my Stairlift
(Stair lift) come with a Guarantee / Warranty?
Yes all stairlifts (Stair lifts)
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 (Stair lift) still work in a power-cut?
Only modern D.C. Battery stairlifts
(Stair lifts) 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.
Q11
How long will i have to wait for
my Stairlift (Stair lift)?
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 (Stair lifts) take longer since they are bespoke
design! Parts of the curved track have to be made in-house to
the specified design of your staircase. Installation is around
7-14 days
Q12
How
long does it take to install a Stairlift (Stair lift)?
Straight
DC Battery stairlifts (Stair lifts) can be installed within
1-2 hour including a full test and user demonstration. Curved
stairlifts can be installed in 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 (Stair lift) 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
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
can call the stairlift back down or up whichever the case may
be to allow him / her access to the stairlift
Q15 How
often should a Stairlift (Stair lift) be serviced inspected?
Stairlifts (Stair lifts)
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
Q17
My condition doesn't allow me
to Sit or Bend?
95% of UK stairlift (Stair lift) manufacturers
produce, make stairlifts for people who have difficulty sitting
down or bending their knees! Perch (Standing) stairlifts are
designed so you can ride on the unit standing up
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 reputable 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
(Stair lift) 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±
Q20
Will the Stairlift (Stair lift)
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
Chances
are you will get a better price if you sell your used stairlift
privately using free online classidfied ads or auction web sites
etc.
