Used and Reconditioned Stair Lifts:  Considerations Before You Buy

A used stair lift might be cheaper, but is it really a bargain?

If you need a stair lift and are considering whether a used or reconditioned lift chair might work for you, we offer the following considerations to help you.

Age of Stair Lift
With the average lifetime of a new stair lift being 12 years (maybe 15, depending on use and quality of the product), knowing how old the chair is helps you establish a baseline expectation for how long it may serve your needs.

History of Use
There are many factors to consider with a used stair lift. Here are a few questions to ask the seller:

• Was the chair used occasionally or was it used intensively every day?
• How long was the chair in use?
• Was the person using the stair lift properly fitted to the chair by weight and dimensions?
• Was the chair properly installed and working correctly at all times?
• What is the maintenance history of the stair lift?

Having the answers to these questions can give you a better idea about the condition and quality of the used stair lift. To remove all doubt about your purchase, we recommend that you have it inspected by a professional to ensure that all parts are working properly, that it can be fitted to the user, and that the chair will work for your type of stairs.

Your Plans
The current generation of stair chairs (manufactured in the last 10 years) can last 12-15 years. So, for example, if you are considering a used or reconditioned stair lift that is 8 years old, you might expect to get another four years out of the lift. This of course will depend on the quality of the product, the history of use and repairs. Some questions to ask:

• How often will you use it?
• Does it fit your type of stairs?
• How many steps do you have?
• What type of power does it have?
  Older models are typically AC, with a power cord. Newer models have DC batteries, which add great convenience and ease of operation.
  
• Has the stair lift been inspected by an expert?
• Does the stair lift have all of its parts? If not, do you know someone who can find and install the right part?
• If you need repairs, do you have someone who is trained to work on the equipment?
• Is the stair lift still under warranty?
• If reconditioned, was the work done by a reputable service? Do you have the records of what was done as part of the reconditioning service?

Choose Experts To Help You

Baptist Temple Church, Camden, NJ

Higher Mobility offers customers nearly 60 years of combined lift and elevator experience and expertise, plus readily available physical therapists and occupational therapists to provide advice and recommendations, when needed. Our certified repair and maintenance staff can provide a thorough assessment of any used or reconditioned stair lift you are considering for purchase, and give you objective feedback on the quality of the item, and determine whether it will work for your needs and your home.

Installation of a used stair lift at back entrance of the Baptist Temple Church in Camden.

As you consider stair lift products and suppliers, we ask that you give us a call to answer your questions and provide whatever assistance we can to help you make the best choice for your home. Call us to ask your questions and let us help you know what to look for when considering a used stair lift. Call Toll Free:  1-888-662-5489.

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