Stairlift FAQs
Q: Will my stairlift fit on my stairs?
All stairlifts we provide are custom-made for your relative’s stairs only. An approved technical surveyor takes precise measurements. This means that, when we deliver it, it’s already set up to fit your relative’s home, so no building work is required.
Q: Is the stairlift easy to use?
There’s a big paddle switch, buttons or a joystick – it couldn’t be easier. Progress will be smooth and steady.
Q: What happens when the lift is upstairs and I’m downstairs?
If your loved one needs their stairlift when they’re watching TV and it’s at the top of the stairs, they just summon it with the remote control – there are two, so they can leave one upstairs and one downstairs.
Q: How hard is getting on and off?
The stair lifts we provide all have a swiveling seat design. This means your relative can get onto the lift on the landing while safely facing away from the stairs and without needing to turn their body.
Q: Can people still get up and down the stairs?
Of course. Today’s stair lifts are very slim, so the stairs are still accessible.
Q: How is the stairlift powered?
Two DC batteries power most stairlifts, although the stair lift is also plugged into the mains. Because of the DC power, if there’s a power cut, your relative can still use the stairlift.
Q: Is the seat comfortable?
Stair lift seats are very comfortable as they’re padded. There’s even a padded backrest and a footrest. The materials are hard-wearing and simple to keep clean. Many leading manufacturers also make their stairlifts in a variety of colours, to match a range of décor.
Q: Will my stairlift make a lot of noise?
Stairlifts have an incredibly quiet motor.
Q: What if there’s something on the stairs?
If something gets in the way of the stairlift, one of the safety sensors will kick in to prevent it continuing its journey.
Q: Does the stairlift fix to the wall?
All the stairlifts that we sell are fixed to the tread of the stairs rather than the wall.
Q: Will I need special instruction in using the stair lift?
When we install the stairlift, we’ll give a detailed demonstration of all the features. There’s an exhaustive list of checks we make, too, before we go.
Q: What about a warranty?
All the stair lifts we sell come with a 12-month warranty as standard.
Q: Are stairlifts expensive?
A curved stairlift will cost more than a straight one, because it has to be custom-made for your relative’s home. Prices will vary according to the dimensions of your relative’s staircase and the stairlift model that they choose.
Q: What if the stairlift breaks down?
Your relative will be supplied with a 24-hour call out number. Call our engineer and we’ll be there as fast as possible.
Q: What if my stairs are very narrow?
Today’s stair or chair lifts are designed with slim rails and a compact carriage. The arms, seat and footrest fold away when it’s not in use. You can see the range of stairlifts we offer on this site. If you have any queries about your relative’s own stairs, just call us on 0800 002 9916.
Q: Does it take long to install the stairlift? Is there much mess?
How long it takes to fit your relative’s stairlift depends on whether it’s a straight stairlift or a curved stair lift. We can install a straight lift in just an hour or two; a curved stairlift will take slightly longer, depending on the complexity of the staircase. However long it takes, there’ll be no mess – we absolutely guarantee. We’ll even take our outdoor shoes off, so the carpet stays nice and clean. You’ll get a run-through of all the stairlift functions before we go, too.
Q: Do reconditioned lifts cost less than new stairlifts?
Stairlift prices depend on your loved one’s stairs. If they need a curved stairlift, they’ll likely pay over £4,000 for their lift, as they are custom-made. For a straight stairlift, the RRP is around £2,000. Buying a reconditioned straight stair lift will save them probably a few hundred pounds and it should give many years’ service.
Q: What if other people need to use the stairs?
Your relative’s stairlift will fold flat against the wall when they’re not using it. When it’s not being used, the stairlift will also be on the landing or in the hallway in the ‘parked’ position. This means that the track, which is very unobtrusive, will be the only element of the stairlift on the stairs.
If you have any other questions not answered here please call UK Stairlifts on on 0800 002 9916. We are here from 6.30am until 11.30pm in the evening to answer your call.
