Stairlift FAQs


If you are thinking of having a stairlift installed, there may be quite a few questions you would like answers to.  We have tried to answer some of the most common questions in this stairlift FAQs.

Stairlift FAQs #1 – I have a bend in my stairs, can a stairlift still be fitted?

There are in general two main types of stairlifts:

  • Straight stairlifts
  • Curved stairlifts
Curved stairlifts are bespoke, meaning that they are made to fit your staircase and can even be fitted to spiral staircases.  There are only very few staircases that are not able to have a stairlift fitted.

Stairlift FAQs #2 – Will I need to make alterations to my staircase?

Stairlifts do not generally require any structural alterations.  Straight staircases in particular are very easy to fit, and the rail will simply be attached to the treads of your staircase.  Curved staircases require a little more work, but generally the only structural work that may be required is to have a plug socket installed near the top and bottom of your stairs if one is not already present.

Stairlift FAQs #3 – What would happen if the power went out whilst I was using my stairlift or whilst I was upstairs?

Most stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries.  Some work off the electricity mains, but these will have a rechargeable battery as backup.  This means that in case of a power cut, your stairlift will still be able to function.  You do need to make sure that your battery is working properly, which is quite easy to do:

  • You will more than likely hear the noise of your battery starting to charge when you reach the top or bottom of your staircase
  • You may have a display that indicates that the battery is charging

Stairlift FAQs #4 – My mobility impairment prevents me from bending my knees, can I still use a stairlift?

Stairlifts come with different seating arrangements, to accommodate a variety of mobility issues.  The three main types are:

  • Seated stairlifts where the user sits on a chair
  • Standing stairlifts where the user stands on a platform facing the wall
  • Perched stairlifts which allow a user to be in a position between standing and sitting
If your mobility issues prevent you from bending or if you have a very narrow staircase, installing a standing stairlift may be the best option for you.

Stairlift FAQs #5 – I cannot afford to buy a stairlift outright, what options are available to me?

There are several options available to you if you are struggling to pay for the cost of a stairlift.  Your first port of call should be your local authority, who may have a range of disability grants in place that could assist you.  These are generally means tested, meaning you have to be in receipt of certain benefits and have little to no savings.  If you are not eligible for local authority grants, you may want to consider renting a stairlift for a period of time.  Although the overall cost will be more expensive, the overall monthly cost may be quite low.

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