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New and used stairlifts -
New stairlifts have both advantages and disadvantages to used stair lifts. The list below will help you review new stair lifts compared to used stair lifts.
New Stair Lift -
Manufacturer warranty for new home lifts if installed by approved dealer. This is
always a strong point to remember if you’re worried about reliability. Oddly enough,
electric components seem to have a habit of failing early if they are going to fail
at all -
Parts are readily available for a new stairlift -
Dealer network for after the new stairlift installation -
(in theory at least).
New stairlifts are available in curved shapes to fit your home exactly.
More specific new stair chair lift options available to customize the new lift for user's needs.
New Stair Lift -
New stair lifts are more expensive than used stair lifts -
If a new model is to be considered then the teething problems (if any) have yet to be worked out.
For a curved new stairlift the wait time is usually 3-
Curved lifts tend to require more service over time than straight stair lifts. This may be due to the extra stresses of the chair going around the curve on the track and is one point that applies to both new and used models.
Used Stair lifts -
A used stair lift is obviously less expensive than a new stair lift. Savings could
be up to £1000 ($1800) for straight stairlifts -
Used Stair lifts -
Used stair lifts have less warranty than new stairlifts -
Service
calls are inevitably more common than on new stairlifts, though if the stairlift
has been well maintained this should not be too big a risk factor. Parts are harder
to come by if an older model. Stairlifts can last for many years and parts for older
one eventually become obsolete -
A used lift will require a match with your specific needs -
Other Stair Lift Factors.
The availability of a used stair lift is affected by many variables. In order that
you can buy wisely, you should have all the facts before purchasing. To that end,
keep the following in mind. Building regulations can vary widely. Some local governments
also have specific
regulations regarding new stairlifts installation. Insurance companies
should also be checked as to their stance on the use of your stairlift.
A few manufacturers’ lifts can be switched from right to left. This does take time and in some cases new parts. Don’t forget that stairlifts are ‘handed’ when buying one!
The angle of the stairs must also be taken into account when moving used stairlifts from one location to another.The seat must be level on the rail. This is adjustable on all lifts but within certain limitations.
The population in your area will also affect availability of used stairlifts. Obviously,
in a major center there will be more available for resale and in more remote areas
there will be less, though in these days of mass communication this is not too much
of a problem. One other point to remember: if you do arrange for someone to give
you an estimate or do a survey, have a friend or relative present, especially if
you live alone or are getting on a bit! Whilst most stairlift companies are perfectly
okay, there are those around whose salesmen might be tempted to ‘close the deal’
if they think you can be ‘persuaded’ there and then. So have some reinforcements
to hand -
