To increase the quality of life, many people who are limited in their mobility consider buying a stair lift. With a seat lift, one can regain independence that was thought lost. However, the installation is associated with high costs. A thorough comparison of offers can help here to find the best and cheapest offer.
The purchase of a stairlift is very individual. Standard models usually do not fit the needs of the user and the structural conditions in the staircase. The price comparison between different offers is therefore particularly important to find a suitable lift. The Internet, with its extensive research options, has proven to be a useful tool in this regard. Many suppliers also offer stairlifts online.
Online offers and cost estimates
The purchase of a stairlift differs from the purchase of other goods in that it must be individually adapted to the needs and requirements of the user. Therefore, comparing offers based on mere price lists makes little sense. Prices for a stair lift, for example, start at around 3,000 €. However, seat lifts for curved stairs usually cost at least 5,000 € more.
PhotosSource: © ThyssenKrupp AGSignificant differences also arise depending on the type of construction, design, quality and so on. Before buying a stairlift, individual offers from different suppliers should therefore be obtained in order to be able to identify a favorable supplier. One should consider not only the pure acquisition costs, but also additional costs for assembly, maintenance and service.
What features should a good stairlift have?
No. | Properties |
|---|---|
| 1. | Electric swivel seat (swivel seat) |
| 2. | Non-slip seat cushion |
| 3. | Safety belt or waist belt |
| 4. | Remote control |
| 5. | Folding rail |
| 6. | Locking system with key |
| 7. | Safety sensor |
| 8. | Control by armrest (eg joystick) |
| 9. | Digital status display |
| 10. | Adjustable footrests |
| 11. | Electric and mechanical braking system |
| 12. | Smooth start and stop |
| 13. | Mains power and battery operation in case of emergency |
| 14. | Seat/stand frame |
| 15. | straight or curved roadway |
Advice as an important factor
Since there are many little things to consider when purchasing a stairlift, advice from competent partners is crucial. Only in this way can a wrong purchase or the purchase of a too expensive seat lift be prevented. Therefore, even on the Internet, personal consultation is a must. The individual needs of the user should be addressed as well as technical requirements.
PhotosSource: © ThyssenKrupp AGTogether, a list should be created that depicts all the important criteria. Using this list, eligible stair lists can be evaluated. Ideally, the consultation is combined with an on-site appointment. This ensures that the seat lift offered is actually the right choice. Even when buying online, therefore, care should be taken to ensure that there are regional contacts.
Find inexpensive stairlifts online
Today, many manufacturers and suppliers also offer stairlifts online. Research on the Internet makes it possible to quickly gain an initial general overview. Nevertheless, all providers in question should be contacted personally and asked for an individual offer. If one of the basic models can be adopted with few or no changes, a price comparison based on the online offers is also possible in individual cases. Whether such a favorable offer is really suitable, however, should be clarified during a consultation.
Example calculation – New state | Prices |
|---|---|
| Seat pin with straight rail | from 2,500 – 6,000 € |
| Seat pen with curved rail | from 5,900 – 12,000 € |
| Railway | 1,000 – 5,000 € |
| Assembly costs | 500 – 1,000 € |
| Subsidy from care insurance | -4000 € |
| Total price | 1,500 to 15,000 € |
The price of a stairlift also depends on various criteria when buying online. For example, the design of the lift is important. Seat or standing lifts are rather cheap, platform lifts for wheelchair users, on the other hand, are significantly more expensive. The price of a stair lift generally increases with the amount of customization required. The purchase of a seat lift for curved stairs is particularly costly. Systems for outdoor use are more expensive than those for indoor use.
Buy used stairlifts online?
One way to reduce the high cost of installing a stairlift is to buy a used lift over the Internet. Used seat lifts are also offered online by specialized dealers. Normally, they are thoroughly inspected, refurbished and in pristine condition. Because of their long durability, stairlifts are generally suitable for second-hand purchase. Savings of up to 50 percent can be made in this way. Individual adaptations are with used seat lifts however usually just as expensive, as with a new stair lift. Cheap used stairlifts are therefore usually intended for straight stairs.
Sometimes you can also make bargains when buying privately. However, one should add additional costs for the disassembly at the previous owner, for the inspection and the subsequent installation to the purchase price. Despite the initially tempting price, such an offer can be more expensive at the end of the day. Therefore, one should also get advice from a specialist company before buying privately, in order to be able to discover possible risks and cost traps.
Grants and subsidies when buying
It is also possible to apply for grants and subsidies when buying a stairlift online. This can make the purchase of a seat lift significantly cheaper. Through the care insurance, for example, one can receive a grant of up to 4,000 €. Many online providers are aware of the subsidies and funding opportunities and help the buyer.
An alternative to the installment purchase offered by some manufacturers and dealers when purchasing a new stairlift is financing through the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW). These offers also apply, of course, when buying a cheap seat lift over the Internet.
