Our life expectancy has increased significantly in recent decades. In order to really enjoy these gift years, we must remain mobile. Above all, we should ensure in good time that our home is barrier-free and equipped with all the necessary auxiliary equipment, so that we can still feel comfortable there when minor or major disabilities occur and, for example, every staircase becomes an obstacle..
Stairlifts help you overcome these obstacles and continue to enjoy their personal freedom. If you know which lift is most suitable, then the purchase and installation is straightforward, as the care insurance fund will support you with a grant of up to 4,000 €. If you have a care degree, you can use the subsidy to purchase a stairlift at zero cost, which is completely free for you. In the following article, we explain what you need to pay attention to.
1. Selection of a suitable stairlift
Which stairlift is the most suitable and what to look for when buying? A lift with a rotating seat provides additional comfort because it makes it easier for you to get in and out. Also make sure that the stairlift starts and stops smoothly. Safety sensors that stop the lift immediately when it encounters an obstacle should be included in the price. They are immensely important and should not be missing at all! You can get stairlifts with these features for as little as 4,000 €. With a care cost allowance, the effective cost is 0 €. You get the lift free of charge and at zero cost.
Photo: © Daisy Daisy / ShutterstockIn the event of a power failure, the lift must remain operational and not stop suddenly while in motion. With a remote control, you should be able to “call” or “send” the stairlift at any time in case another person in the household wants to use it. A seat belt gives you an extra sense of security if needed and should not be missing. Stairlift controls should be as simple as possible – preferably with a single switch or lever. This includes a digital display that gives you information about the operating status at any time.
A good lift must also be able to be removed at any time without damaging the home. If you need a stairlift, then make an appointment for a free and non-binding expert consultation. Appointments are possible at short notice, often on the same day. A specialist consultant will answer all your questions about stairlifts in a competent and friendly manner.
2. Should you buy stairlifts online?
The purchase of a stairlift should be well considered. As a rule, the installation involves a certain amount of work and should only be done by professionals. If you want to do the installation yourself, you may incur costs of a considerable amount. You have neither a guarantee, nor a warranty with used lifts e.g. from eBay classifieds. With a care cost allowance, it is also not necessary to buy a used stair lift, because you get a “as new” model with warranty and guarantee for 0 €, that is, at zero cost. The Internet offers a good opportunity to get to know manufacturers and individual models better before making a purchase decision and to sound out suppliers. Compared with other product groups, however, there are some differences when buying a stairlift.
Yes, there are some commercial sellers who sell stairlifts at standard prices directly over the internet e.g. on eBay classifieds. However, this usually only concerns the lift itself and not the stairlift rails, which usually have to be custom-fitted. When buying a stair lift, a free preliminary consultation by phone and an on-site appointment, during which the staircase is measured, is always necessary. This serves to professionally determine all conditions for a precisely fitting manufacture of the lift and rails. A stairlift purchase is therefore different from other online orders such as Amazon.
However, the Internet does not stop at stairlifts. Almost all manufacturers market their seat lifts over the Internet. However, customers can usually not buy them online, but only make a non-binding price request. The purchase contract is then concluded by mail, offline and with a classic signature. So buying a stair lift is not quite as straightforward as ordering a household appliance. What you need to consider and what factors to take into account, we explain here.
3. Fixed price or individual offer?
When buying a seat lift, you should not expect fixed prices. Although there are commercial dealers who offer a fixed price. However, this usually applies only to straight stairlifts with a certain rail length or only to the lift itself without rails and installation. Whether the lift bought online will then actually fit in the stairwell is unclear and must first be checked. You should never buy a stairlift and its rails separately, unless you can do the assembly yourself. If you want to buy the lift e.g. on eBay classifieds and the rails separately from the manufacturer, this will usually not work. You will incur high follow-up costs due to such a constellation. Moreover, if the installation is not done by a professional company, you will lose your warranty and guarantee. In most cases, the prices quoted on the Internet are not really “fixed prices”. Instead, you should obtain and compare individual quotes.
4. Important questions to ask before buying
Before purchasing a seat lift, you should put your requirements in writing and fix them. This will make it easier for you to determine which supplier is the best fit for you during on-site appointments with several stairlift companies. For 0 Euro stairlifts that do not require a co-payment, you can expect a shortened warranty period of only one year. The provider will offer you a paid maintenance contract after this time, with which the price saving is put into perspective again.
PhotosSource: © Copyright by Acorn Treppenlifte GmbHFor example, another important question is: Is there likely to be a deterioration in the health of the person for whom the stairlift is intended? Can this deterioration affect the person’s motor skills? Is it likely that the person could be dependent on a wheelchair in the near future. Depending on how you answer this question, a platform lift or a stair lift may be more appropriate.
If you are not sure about individual points, you should clarify your questions with the consultant in a personal conversation. A good working relationship is important here, because you are also dependent on a competent partner after the purchase, for example, for maintenance and a possible repair. So the cheapest offer is not always the cheapest. We are happy to support you with your questions about stairlifts by providing free advice.
5. Find the right design!
The market for stairlifts is confusing. Each rail system is adapted to the personal environment and situation. On the latest technology, a lift can be installed quickly and easily within 2-3 hours, regardless of the type of stairs.
Important questions that should be clarified concern the design of the lift. Lifts differ depending on whether they are installed outdoors or indoors. In addition to sit-down lifts, there are also stand-up lifts and platform lifts for wheelchair users. It is relatively easy to purchase if the staircase is straight. If the staircase is curved, there is a much greater need for planning. This makes comparing different offers more difficult.
For outdoor use, there are weatherproof outdoor stair lifts. If you have problems bending your knees you should choose a standing stair lift. If there are several users with different needs e.g. in a nursing home, in a public authority or in a hospital, then a combination of sitting and standing stairlift is the best choice (so called hybrid models). Stairlifts for 0 Euro are only available for straight staircases. For curved staircases, the costs significantly exceed the care cost allowance. If you would like to buy a curved stairlift at zero cost, refurbished used models are a possibility. However, you will not find a mint model for 4,000 €.
6. What requirements should be met?
Stairlifts should only be installed by trained professionals. The manufacturer’s maintenance specifications must always be followed in order not to lose the warranty and ensure maximum safety. If the installer does not come directly from the manufacturer, you should ask to see certifications or inspection records to ensure that it is an authorized dealer. The seller of the stairlift is also the first point of contact for all questions regarding maintenance and repair. Quotes on maintenance contracts should be obtained before purchasing the lift. Favorable service packages can significantly reduce the total price of the stairlift in the long run. Generally, the vendor that offers the least expensive lift has the most expensive maintenance contract. Therefore, be sure to include the cost of the maintenance contract in your bid comparison. Through clever negotiation, you may be able to get free or discounted additional services.
7. What equipment should a stairlift have?
Stairlifts actually only have the function of transporting a person from A to B and must ensure the greatest possible safety. With most manufacturers, however, the equipment of the seat lift can be individualized and adapted to your own needs. For example, different colors can be specified for seat cushions and rail systems can be individualized. But what features should stairlifts come with out of the box and what is the technical standard today?
A stair lift should have a padded seat and backrest that provides comfort and support during use. An easy-to-use hand lever on or on the armrest should allow the lift to be controlled with a light touch. By means of mechanical hand levers, it should be possible to stop the lift at any time during travel, insofar as a hazardous situation arises.
An additional safety belt should give a safe feeling during the ride. A retractable seat, armrests and footrest should allow the lift to be stowed in the best possible way, so it doesn’t block the stairs from other people. A lockable swivel seat should guarantee stable and safe entry without having to twist the body. By mounting directly on the steps or on the wall, no alterations to the staircase should be necessary. There should also be little or no soiling due to installation.
The lift should be protected from uncontrolled use e.g. by a built-in key switch. A digital status display should indicate the current operating status of the lift. Safety sensors on the footplate and drive unit should be able to stop the lift if it encounters an obstacle. Each stairlift should come with 2 remote controls that can be used to “call” or “send” the lift. You can already get these basic functions with a 0 euro stairlift with a straight stair flight.
8. On-site consultation
An on-site consultation is useful and important in any case. It should take place before the conclusion of a sales contract or before an Internet order. Every reputable stairlift company offers you the opportunity to try out different models in a sample exhibition. So you can test in advance whether the desired stairlift actually fits you.
9. Rent or buy?
For staircases that do not require elaborate technical solutions, and especially if a stairlift is only needed for a limited period of time, it may be worthwhile to rent it instead of buying it. Under certain circumstances, renting a lift can be cheaper than buying a completely new one. The decisive factor is the rental period, this should be short, otherwise it is not worth it. Again, it is important to compare different offers. As a rule, the rental price includes only the lift itself. The stair lift rails, on the other hand, must be custom made, purchased normally and installed. So with a rental, you usually only save on the purchase of the lift. Rental stairlifts are not worthwhile if you receive a care allowance and can thus buy the lift in the amount of the allowance for 0 €.
The price of a new stairlift can be very expensive. A simple straight lift without optional extras such as platforms or hinge rails usually costs between 3,000 and 6,000 €. This is a general price range that can’t be fleshed out until your stairwell has been measured. With a care allowance, it is possible to purchase with no additional payment starting at 0 Euros. All stairlift companies that give you an estimate will measure your staircase as a first step. A curved lift is much more expensive than a straight lift and costs up to 15,000 €. A general reconditioned stairlift, whether straight or curved, often costs less than half the price of new (without rails). This option is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for affordable stairlifts and can’t take advantage of a cost-of-care allowance.
Compare multiple quotes if you are considering installing a stairlift in your home, and start by creating a list of reputable stairlift companies. Representatives from each company will visit you to discuss available options and pricing, as well as costs for added extras and the pros and cons of buying and renting. Once you have chosen a manufacturer, technicians will perform a survey of your stairwell prior to installation, which is free of charge.
As experts in the stairlift industry, we have established close relationships with the largest manufacturers. If you would like the comparison quotes from Acorn, Lifta or ThyssenKrupp, please fill out our online form and we will make sure you receive a quote within 24 hours.
10. How to find cheap offers?
The price of a seat lift depends on many different factors. You should consider if there are any structural changes needed in the stairwell that need to be done before the stairlift can be installed. A price comparison only via the Internet therefore makes no sense in many cases. It makes more sense to obtain several quotes from different dealers/manufacturers and then compare them with the prices from the Internet.
Great savings potential is achieved when buying used seat lifts. These are usually offered by private individuals via online classifieds portals. But also commercial suppliers have specialized in the trade with used stair lifts. The commercial dealers buy the lifts from private individuals for an extremely low price to, for example, 500 € and then carry out a general overhaul. The remanufactured lifts are then resold to the end customer as used goods with corresponding warranty, but usually without warranty for around 2500 €.
This way, you can save up to 50 percent of the new price, but you accept the risk of frequent repairs. Depending on whether a damage falls under the warranty or not, it can also come within the warranty period to repair costs, which the customer must bear itself including the hourly rate of the assembly workers. Warranty and guarantee are two terms that are often used in parallel, but in terms of content and law concern different issues.
Stairlift manufacturers with low-cost solutions
The family-owned Acorn company offers a unique rail-module system that allows installation on virtually any staircase in a matter of days. A weeks-long wait for the practical life aid as with other manufacturers is thus a thing of the past. The company has a global presence and employs more than 1000 people. Acorn is also the largest independent manufacturer and supplier of straight stairlifts and is active in more than 70 countries on three continents. Each year, over 40,000 customers benefit from the company’s many years of experience. Acorn offers a suitable solution for any type of staircase – straight, curved, steep or flat – with its rail module system and quick service system. The company is a specialist in straight and curved stair lifts, as well as outdoor lifts
Every staircase is individual. Most stairs have curves, landings or little space at the ends. With the rail-module system, which consists of a large number of permanently connected modules, the Acorn stairlift follows the course of the stairs with millimeter precision. The system can even be adapted to complicated staircase designs. Acorn lifts for straight stairs are based on a single rail that is mounted directly on the stair treads. The slim design is extremely space-saving, leaving enough room on the staircase for passage. Delivery and installation are completed within a few days. Acorn stairlifts are precision devices manufactured in Yorkshire England and meet all the norms and standards used in Germany.
Covering customer service in Germany
When you need a stairlift, you need it fast. That’s why Acorn has developed a unique modular “FastTrack” stairlift system. It significantly reduces installation times. So you can get back to moving freely in your home as quickly as possible, and therefore feel comfortable. Many manufacturers often require several weeks to install their products. With the Acorn FastTrack system, however, even a complex stairlift can be installed within a few days of ordering. In some cases, even the very next day. The FastTrack system consists of prefabricated and standardized parts that are used differently depending on the type of staircase. It has been designed so that it can be adapted exactly to each staircase. The trained Acorn installer therefore installs a lift in just a few hours.
For this purpose, Acorn Treppenlifte GmbH has a nationwide network of surveyors and installers, coordinated by an experienced team from its headquarters in Düsseldorf. Acorn guarantees the installation of a stairlift within just 7 days. Highly qualified technicians are available to assist the customer with no red tape even after the installation. Technical problems can usually be solved directly on site with the fully equipped service vehicles. From the initial inquiry, through installation, to reliable service in your area, Acorn staff will take care of you in a professional and straightforward manner.
Stairlifts for different requirements
Acorn can supply other models for different requirements. For outdoor steps, there is the weatherproof Acorn outdoor stair lift, and if you have trouble bending your knees, there is the Perch stair lift to choose from. If there are multiple users with different needs in your home, the Acorn sit-to-stand stairlift is the right choice (a hybrid of sit-to-stand and sit-to-stand). A model with a rotating seat provides additional comfort by making it easier to get in.
PhotosSource: © Copyright by Acorn Treppenlifte GmbHSometimes there is an obstacle at the beginning of the stairs, for example, if there is a door there. Then a folding rail is installed, which can be easily folded up. All functional characteristics are double-checked and explained to you in a clearly understandable way. With a trained eye for detail, the stairlift will be precisely adapted to your stairs, so that it takes up a minimum of space.
Acorn lifts are absolutely safe to use. They can be easily controlled at both armrests. This is also one of the reasons Acorn is the first stair lift manufacturer to receive an ease of use award from the Arthritis Foundation (Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use Seal – arthritis.org). The Arthritis Foundation promotes user-friendly and handicap accessible products and packaging for people with physical limitations. With this in mind, the Easy-of-Use Commendation Program was developed to recognize manufacturers for products that can be recommended to people with arthritis.
From its headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, Acorn serves the entire Federal Republic. The nationwide team of highly qualified customer advisors, installers and service technicians is active for customers everywhere in Germany. Acorn is known for extensive training of its employees. In its own research and development center, customer advisors as well as installers and technicians are trained as specialists in a comprehensive training program. In this way, the company guarantees the best possible, uniform standard for all customers.
