Reconditioned stairlifts are often well worth considering. In many cases, they can save around £1,000 compared with buying a brand new lift while still providing a safe and reliable way to use the stairs.
For many homeowners, they can be an excellent option, offering the same practical solution for the stairs while saving money and helping people stay independent in the home they love. The key is understanding how they are reconditioned, how safe they are, and what to look for before buying.
From our experience helping customers choose stairlifts over the years, a properly reconditioned stairlift can offer excellent value and reliability, provided it has been checked and prepared correctly by a reputable company.
Quick Answer
Reconditioned stairlifts can be an excellent option. They are often around £1,000 cheaper than buying a new stairlift, while still providing the same practical solution for getting safely up and down the stairs when the lift has been properly reconditioned and installed by a reputable stairlift company. 1st Choice Stairlifts has been installing and maintaining stairlifts for more than 22 years, helping homeowners across the South and South West of England, including Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire.
What Is a Reconditioned Stairlift?
A reconditioned stairlift is a previously installed lift that has been removed, inspected, and refurbished before being installed again in another home.
A lift is removed when someone no longer needs it due to a change in circumstances, and may have been installed for varying time periods, including for short-term use. Any stairlifts we see that are of a reasonably recent age and in excellent condition are considered for reuse.
Regardless of use, each time a lift is removed for reuse, it will return to our workshop to be thoroughly cleaned, safety checked, and tested before leaving the workshop. Any worn parts will be replaced during the reconditioning process, which is done to a high standard.
How Much Cheaper Are Reconditioned Stairlifts?
One of the biggest reasons people consider a reconditioned stairlift is the cost savings.
In many cases, customers can save around £1,000 compared with buying a brand new stairlift. For many people, the decision comes down to budget. A stairlift is a significant investment, so saving around £1,000 can make the difference between installing a lift sooner rather than later.
For many households, affordability and value for money play a major role in the decision. A stairlift is a significant purchase, but it is also an investment in maintaining independence at home. The right lift can help someone continue living safely and comfortably in the home they love.
From our experience, customers often compare it to buying a second-hand car instead of a new one. The lift still performs exactly the same job, but at a lower cost.
For a full overview of options available, you can also view our page on reconditioned stairlifts:
If you would like advice specific to your staircase, you can also arrange a home survey with our team. During a survey, we assess the staircase, talk through the options available, and help you decide whether a new or reconditioned stairlift would work best in your home.
If you are still exploring options, you may also find it helpful to read about straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts, which explain how the different types of lifts work and which staircases they are suitable for.
Are Reconditioned Stairlifts Safe?
A properly reconditioned stairlift should offer the same safety and reliability as a new one, provided it has been inspected, serviced, and installed correctly.
When stairlifts come back to our workshop, they are fully tested, cleaned inside and out, checked for safety, and inspected for worn components.
During the process, we check parts such as the rollers, safety edges, and mechanical components, replacing any worn parts before the lift is installed again.
If items such as seat covers or plastic panels are worn or discoloured, they are replaced so the lift is presented in good condition.
From our experience, many customers are initially unsure about buying a reconditioned lift, but once they see the condition of the lift, they are often surprised by how close it looks to a new installation. Customers often tell us the lift looks like new, and they would not have known it was a reconditioned model once it is installed.
Once the lift is installed, our engineers carry out a full test and examination procedure and provide a demonstration so the customer is confident using it safely.
Do Reconditioned Stairlifts Look Used?
This is one of the most common questions customers ask.
The honest answer is that a properly reconditioned lift should look very close to new condition.
In many homes, we visit customers who are expecting something that looks obviously second-hand. In reality, once the lift has been cleaned, checked, and refurbished, the difference is often very hard to spot.
Occasionally, there may be minor cosmetic marks, but generally, the lift looks as though it has been freshly installed.
One thing that helps customers feel more confident is being able to see what they are buying. We can often show customers pictures of that particular reconditioned lift so they can check the quality before making a decision. If you are near our office in Calne, you are also very welcome to visit and see the lift in person before committing, if that is something you would find helpful.
Straight vs Curved Reconditioned Stairlifts – which one is right for my staircase?
There are specific stairlift solutions for straight staircases (straight stairlifts) and curved staircases (curved stairlifts). The type of stairlift you will need will be dictated by the configuration of your staircase. You can find out more information about this in our dedicated article Straight Stairlift v’s Curved Stairlift – which stairlift is right for your stairs?
Another area where there is often confusion is the difference between straight and curved stairlifts, so let’s explain those in more detail.
Reconditioned Straight Stairlifts
Straight stairlifts are the most straightforward type to reuse.
Because straight staircases are simpler the rail and lift can often be reused, making them easier to recondition and install in another property.
Reconditioned Curved Stairlifts
Curved stairlifts are different.
A curved stairlift has three main parts: the rail, the carriage and the chair.
The rail is normally made specifically for each staircase, so it cannot usually be reused in its entirety in another home.
What often happens instead is that the chair and carriage are reconditioned while a made-to-measure rail is manufactured to fit the customer’s staircase.
Are Reconditioned Stairlifts as Good as New?
A properly reconditioned stairlift should five the same reliability as a new one and be in good working condition.
The key difference is simply that the lift has previously been installed in another home and then returned to a stairlift company to be checked, cleaned, and refurbished before being installed again.
The majority of stairlifts we use are ones we originally installed, therefore we are fully aware of this products service history. Any problematic lifts or stair lift models that are too old will be scrapped.
From our experience, sometimes we have stairlifts that come back to us, that haven’t had much use, or have only been installed for a short period of time. In some cases, they may have only been used for a few months.
When a stairlift is reconditioned properly, worn components are replaced where needed, the lift is fully tested and safety checked, and it is installed by a trained engineer in the same way as a new lift.
Customers are often surprised by the finished result. Once installed, many people say the lift looks like new, and they would never have known it was a reconditioned model.
The important factor is not whether the lift is new or reconditioned, but how well it has been prepared and installed by a reputable supplier who is authorised in fitting stairlifts.
Buying from a reputable stairlift company that uses manufacturer-trained engineers and properly reconditions equipment is what ensures the lift is safe, reliable, and suitable for the user. If you are unsure whether a reconditioned stairlift would work for your staircase, arranging a professional home survey is the best place to start, so the correct lift and rail configuration can be recommended.
How Long Do Reconditioned Stairlifts Last?
Across the stairlift industry, a typical lifespan of a stairlift can be around 7 to 10 years, although many lifts last longer.
Over the years, we have seen lifts continue running well beyond that. In fact, we still maintain some lifts that were installed when our company first started more than 20 years ago!
A reconditioned lift does not suddenly stop working after a few years. In many cases, the lift may have had very little previous use, meaning it still has a long service life ahead of it.
Regular servicing and maintenance, and proper installation, are what really determine how long a stairlift lasts.
It is also important to realise that, like with all technology, stairlift models advance and are superseded by newer models. Spare parts are supplied by the manufacturer normally for a minimum of 4 years after they are obsolete, sometimes longer. Independent dealers often have stock of spare parts too, so obsolete lifts can be worked on up to a point,
Warranty on Reconditioned Stairlifts
Warranty is another important factor when deciding whether to buy new or reconditioned.
Typically, new stairlifts include a two year warranty, while reconditioned stairlifts usually include a 12 month warranty covering parts, labour, and call-outs.
Some companies, including ourselves, offer extended warranties and service contracts so the lift can continue to be covered after the initial warranty period. Not all companies offer this, so it is worth checking what level of ongoing support is available before making a decision.
When Is a Reconditioned Stairlift a Good Idea?
From our experience, the main reason customers choose a reconditioned stairlift is simple. It comes down to budget and what you are willing to pay.
A stairlift is an important investment in someone’s independence at home, but people understandably do not want to spend more than they have to. Sometimes, customers will say they have a set budget and want to find the safest and most practical option within that amount.
During stairlift consultations, this is a conversation we have quite often. If someone has a limited budget, a properly reconditioned lift can allow them to install a stairlift sooner rather than waiting longer to afford a new one.
Being able to see the lift beforehand can also help people feel more confident. When customers can see pictures of the actual reconditioned lift they are considering, it reassures them about the quality and condition of the equipment.
There is also an environmental benefit. Reusing and refurbishing equipment means fewer components are discarded, and fewer new resources are required. For many people, this is an added bonus alongside the cost savings.
Of course, some customers prefer to buy brand new equipment. The most common reasons are wanting the longest possible warranty, wanting the reassurance of a brand new product, or simply not wanting something that has previously been used by someone else.
Both options are completely valid. The right choice usually depends on personal preference, budget and the level of reassurance someone is looking for. A home survey can help clarify this, as a surveyor can assess the staircase, talk through the available models and explain whether a new or reconditioned lift would be the most suitable option.
The Risks of Buying Second Hand Stairlifts Privately
It is important to distinguish between a professionally reconditioned stairlift and a second hand stairlift bought privately.
A properly reconditioned stairlift will have been checked, refurbished and installed by a trained stairlift engineer. In contrast, buyers who purchase second hand lifts sold privately through online marketplaces such as Facebook or eBay are often removed from homes and sold without any safety checks, refurbishment or professional installation.
This is something we feel strongly about as industry experts. We have even contributed to guidance published by Which? Trusted Traders about buying refurbished stairlifts and the safety implications of purchasing second hand lifts privately. You can read the guidance here: https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-refurbished-stairlift/
The Safety Drawbacks of used stairlifts for sale
A stairlift is not simply another household item. For many people, it becomes their main way of safely travelling between floors. In most homes, it effectively becomes someone’s transport up and down the stairs.
If a stairlift is installed incorrectly, there can be serious safety consequences. Sadly, there have been accidents involving stairlift users and their families, where a person has attempted a DIY installation without proper training or knowledge of stairlift systems.
Some of the problems we have seen with privately purchased stairlifts include:
• Safety circuits not working correctly
• Incorrect stopping positions so the lift does not stop level with the landing
• Rail lengths that are too short or too long for the staircase
• Seats positioned at the wrong height for safe transfers
• Installations where the user cannot safely get on or off the lift
Another common issue is simply choosing the wrong lift in the first place. Stairlifts must be assessed for the individual user as well as the staircase. Without a proper survey, the lift may be difficult or unsafe to use.
Over the years, we have even seen situations where people have bought lifts second hand that are completely unusable, even buying a curved stairlift for a straight staircase, which is money lost as it can’t be installed.
Installation itself is another major concern. Stairlifts should only ever be installed by manufacturer-trained engineers who understand the specific models they are fitting and how the safety systems work.
A trained engineer will understand correct positioning, safety circuits, weight limits, transfer safety, and how to ensure the lift works correctly for both the user and the staircase.
If a stairlift is installed privately by someone without this training, there is usually no warranty, no servicing support, and no company responsible for the safety of the installation. Many professional stairlift companies will not work on self-installed lifts due to safety and liability concerns, meaning customers may have no support if something goes wrong.
For these reasons, it is always safest to purchase a stairlift from a reputable stairlift company that uses manufacturer-trained engineers and can provide ongoing support and servicing.
What Is the Difference Between Refurbished and Second Hand Stairlifts?
A refurbished or reconditioned stairlift has been professionally inspected, cleaned, and prepared for reuse by a reputable stairlift company.
A second hand stairlift is usually sold privately by an individual and may not have been checked, serviced or tested before installation.
This distinction is important because a professionally refurbished stairlift should meet safety standards and be installed by a trained engineer, whereas second hand lifts sold privately may not.
FAQ
Are reconditioned stairlifts reliable?
Yes. When properly reconditioned and installed by an experienced stairlift company, they can provide many years of reliable service.
How much cheaper are reconditioned stairlifts?
Customers often save around £1,000 compared with buying a new lift, depending on the model and staircase. You can find out more about costs in our How Much Does A Stairlift Cost article.
Can you trust a reconditioned stairlift?
Yes, provided it has been properly reconditioned and installed by a reputable stairlift company. A professionally refurbished stairlift will have been inspected, cleaned, safety checked, and tested before being installed again in another home.
Problems are far more likely when people buy second hand stairlifts privately without professional installation or safety checks.
Do reconditioned stairlifts come with a warranty?
Most reconditioned stairlifts come with a 12 month warranty covering parts and labour, with options for extended cover depending on the company you buy from.
Do reconditioned stairlifts look second hand?
In most cases, they look very similar to new lifts, especially when worn parts and cosmetic items have been replaced during refurbishment.
Are curved stairlifts available reconditioned?
Yes, although curved stairlifts usually require a new rail to be made to fit the staircase, even when the chair and carriage are reconditioned.
Conclusion
Reconditioned stairlifts can be an excellent option for many people considering investing in a stairlift. They offer meaningful cost savings while still providing a safe and reliable way to use the stairs.
The most important thing is making sure the lift has been properly reconditioned, installed and supported by an experienced stairlift company.
If you are considering a stairlift and would like to know whether a reconditioned lift would work in your home, the best next step is to arrange a home survey. During a survey, we can assess your staircase, explain the available options and help you decide whether a new or reconditioned stairlift would be the right choice. We can also do stairlift quotes that give you both options for comparison.
You can contact our office to arrange a survey and speak with a member of the team who will be happy to guide you through the process.
When prepared and installed correctly, a reconditioned stairlift can provide many years of reliable use and excellent value.
Author
Written by Coral Affleck Major, Director and Co Owner of 1st Choice Stairlifts. Coral has worked in the stairlift and home access industry since 1996 and has helped thousands of homeowners understand their stairlift options.
Technical Review
Technical review by Colin Major, Technical Director and Co Owner, who has worked in the stairlift industry since 1987 with extensive installation and servicing experience.
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