All reputable stairlift companies offer refurbished used stairlifts for rent or sale. In this case, the lifts fully comply with safety standards and are usually sold with a one-year warranty. So there is no need to worry that the stairlift may have functional or mechanical problems just because it is used. So are refurbished used lift safe?
Yes absolutely. The cost of like-new stairlifts has dropped dramatically in recent years. It is now possible to purchase a brand new product for the same price that a used lift would have cost less than five or ten years ago. As a result, there are many excellent refurbished stairlifts on the market.
A used stairlift may not be the bargain it seems at first glance. We offer this guide to help you make an informed decision and be sure you are buying the right stairlift for your needs. Market leading companies, such as “der-treppenlift.de”, do not compromise on the quality of their refurbished lifts. With refurbished lifts, all worn parts are repaired or replaced, new cables and pulleys are fitted and all parts are thoroughly tested, giving the buyer complete peace of mind. Technical and safety specifications are met by required upgrades and German safety standards apply to all products.
Trained installers install the refurbished stairlift. If there are any problems related to the rail, seat, footrest or anything else, they will be replaced as soon as possible. Used stairlifts for sale or rent can be a very cost-effective solution for any household member with temporary or permanent mobility issues. Used stairlifts are completely safe and a lift consultant will be happy to discuss any questions you may have during an on-site appointment.
Stairs are a problem? The search begins …
So you’re looking for a stair lift. Maybe you need it for yourself, or maybe you’re researching options for a loved one. Either way, the stairs have become a problem and you need a solution. You like what you’ve seen on the internet from stairlift companies, but you don’t want to pay such high prices. Maybe you’ve seen some listings on classifieds portals on the Internet or heard from a friend that they saw a stairlift at the local flea market.
Photo: © Ingo Bartussek / ShutterstockMaybe a neighbor is selling his old stairlift and it looks like you could get a great bargain. All of this sounds like a cheap option in theory, but there’s more to installing a used stairlift than meets the eye. Let’s take a look at some of the cons pitfalls that can arise when buying a used stairlift, and how you can save some money without compromising safety by buying from a reputable supplier.
Disadvantages of used stairlifts
The very first question you should ask yourself is: “Does this stairlift really work? Unfortunately, if you buy it through eBay classifieds, there is no way to check in advance whether the used stairlift really works properly. Of course, you assume that the person you are dealing with is honest and trustworthy, and maybe they are, but if the stairlift has been sitting unused in a garage or basement for months, there is no way to tell if it will work (if at all).
Worse, if the stairlift doesn’t work, it could be difficult to find someone to properly repair it. Sure, there might be a monteuer in town, but there’s no guarantee that a local handyman has the expertise to safely repair your stairlift. It could also be difficult to get replacement parts for an older stairlift. In addition, you won’t have a reliable contact person. This is why working with a reputable stairlift provider is so important. Whether you’re buying a new or used stairlift, it’s important that you’re guaranteed quality service from a company that stands behind its product.
Self-assembly: safety and reliability
If you own a home, there are many options for home improvement projects. Installing a stair lift is not one of them. Unsafe installations not only damage the stairlift, which can lead to breakdowns, but can also cause accidents and compromise the safety of the user.
Even if you are trained in carpentry or electrical work, this is no guarantee that you can safely install a stairlift. Safe installation requires very specific training and an understanding of the product. Although many people are capable of installing a stairlift, attempting to do so without proper training and experience is similar to building a house without blueprints.
Used stairlifts and the shape of your stairs
Another important factor to consider is the shape of your staircase. Is it a straight run up or does the stair have a curve? If the staircase has a curve, you should not buy a second hand stair lift. Even if the configuration looks roughly similar, “similar” is not “similar” enough. Attempting to install a curved stair lift on a staircase for which it was not designed can result in a rough ride at best, and an extremely dangerous ride at worst.
In addition, the correct length of the stair is critical. Even if it is just a straight run, a rail that is cut too long or too short can cause problems and make it difficult for the user to safely climb and exit the stairlift. It is extremely important to get the correct measurements, and with a used stairlift it is extremely unlikely that it will fit “exactly”.
Used stairlift: yes or no? – Our recommendation
In the long run, buying a reliable used stairlift from companies that design, manufacture and service these products is usually the safest and most cost-effective option.
You will probably pay a little more up front, but it’s hard to argue with the benefits of working directly with the manufacturer. At the company “Der Treppenlift” all used stairlifts are tested, repaired, cleaned and fit 100% to your home. The subsidiary of Lifta does not sell the stairlifts for self-installation, but has them installed by trained technicians.
If you’re looking for a used stairlift, there’s no better option than a refurbished stairlift from a professional company. They stand by every lift they sell, and with an extended warranty, you can be sure you’re getting a product that will help your family for years to come.
So, to recap: What should you look for in a used stairlift?
- Reputable stairlift manufacturer or dealer to get a working product
- Factory trained technicians for safe installation
- Extended warranty from a company that stands behind its product
- Reliable, local service
It is important to be aware of the disadvantages when buying a second hand used stairlift. Do you know who you are dealing with? Can you estimate the actual cost of your purchase? If you would like to know more about used stairlifts, you can send us a Consulting request!
