Stair lifts do not necessarily have to buy. An alternative to the expensive purchase is the rent. The renting or leasing of a stairlift comes into question in particular if it is foreseeable that the lift is needed only for a limited period. However, it is not always possible to rent a lift for a limited period of time. The situation in the stairwell plays an important role.
The purchase of a stair lift is a costly affair. This in itself is also not surprising, because stairlifts are complex technical aids, which must be elaborately constructed from expensive materials. The costs associated with installing a lift can easily run into five figures. An alternative to buying is renting, leasing or buying in installments. We clarify what to consider here.
Permanent use or temporary solution?
The most important question that should be clarified first of all concerns the expected period of use of the lift. Renting or leasing comes into question especially when it is foreseeable that the stairlift will only be needed for a limited period of time. This is the case, for example, if the rental stairlift is needed during the period of recovery and rehabilitation after an accident. In such a case, the rental is often cheaper than a new purchase.
PhotosPhoto: © ThyssenKrupp AGThe situation is different if the stair lift is needed permanently. In such a case, leasing a lift usually does not pay off. So if it is foreseeable that a lift will be needed for several years, one should refrain from the idea of a rental stairlift. The follow-up costs due to the rent are then usually higher than the costs incurred when buying.
Are rental stairlifts usable for every staircase?
If standard solutions do not fit, for example because of the structural situation in the staircase, or if structural changes in the house are necessary, usually only a purchase comes into question. Having a rented stairlift specially customized is not profitable in most cases. Rental lifts are therefore primarily suitable for straight staircases and simple staircases. In such a case, no or hardly any structural adjustments are usually necessary. Moreover, the lift can be assembled and installed within a few hours. Even with a short period of use, it does not make sense in all cases to rent a stair lift.
Photo: © Thyssenkrupp AGRenting or leasing is usually not practical for staircases that have curved courses. Curved staircases usually require rail construction adapted to the specific situation. These adaptations are usually too expensive to make a rental worthwhile. Whether in individual cases the installation of a rental stair lift is possible, should be discussed with a consultant of the offering company in an on-site appointment.
How is the rent accounted for and what costs arise per month?
When renting a stairlift, there are no uniform regulations with regard to the costs incurred. As a rule, an individual agreement is made with the provider. Depending on the contract, billing is monthly or even annually in advance. In addition to the actual rent, there may be further costs for assembly, adjustments and service. Of course, the amount of the monthly charge also depends on the quality and design of the particular installation.
PhotosPhoto: © ThyssenKrupp AGIt is not advisable to choose a long lease term or to fix it contractually. While this can reduce monthly costs, it can be too expensive on the bottom line. In addition, for long terms, other options should be reviewed, such as purchasing a used stairlift. Monthly rental costs usually start at around 150 €. However, depending on the design, construction type and rental period, costs can easily triple. Ultimately, as with purchasing, the only way to find the most favorable alternative is via individual offers.
Guarantee and maintenance of rental stairlifts
Rental stairlifts are usually already used. Therefore, before signing a rental agreement, it is important to address issues related to warranty and maintenance of the rented property. Many providers already include service costs in the monthly rental fee, but this is not always the case. The lease agreement should provide planning security, because follow-up costs or hidden quasi excluded.
Prospective customers should expect and plan for additional costs in offers that do not include maintenance and incidental services. The situation is similar for disassembly. With some providers, this is charged separately at the end of the lease, with others it is already included in the monthly costs. What is ultimately more favorable must be clarified in each individual case. If the rental period is comparatively long, it may be more favorable to pay these costs separately in order to reduce the monthly charge.
Instalment purchase instead of rent
If the capital to buy a stairlift is not available, an installment purchase is an option. Especially if it is clear that the lift will be used for a long time (for example, several years), the installment purchase plus interest can be cheaper than a lease on balance. Almost all providers work with various banks and can thus offer financing by installment purchase.
Of course, the installment purchase is also suitable in cases where the rent would be unprofitable due to the structural conditions of the staircase. In such a case, you should compare the offers of different lift manufacturers. You should also include government subsidies in the calculation, for example from the care insurance fund if you have a nursing care degree. The subsidies can significantly reduce the purchase price – and thus also the installments.
Summary: Advantages and disadvantages
So, in certain circumstances, renting a stair lift is a better option than buying one for the home. It can be more economical if the lift will definitely be used for a short period of time, such as the duration of a visit by relatives. In this case, the main advantage is that you do not have to worry about service or maintenance fees and similar matters.
Photo: © thyssenkrupp Steel EuropeThe downside is that the cost of renting a stairlift increases over time and may well exceed the price of buying one. If the user finds that they need the lift for a longer period of time than expected, the rental cost can quickly exceed the purchase cost.
In general, buying a stairlift is preferable if it is to be used for a longer period of time and is not limited to a limited period of time. However, renting stairlifts is the best option for organizers of exhibitions and other events where a temporary lift is only required for short-term access to the venue.
New and refurbished stairlifts come with full warranties and undergo rigorous testing. Buyers also typically receive 24-hour support from expert consultants to ensure safety in the event of a mechanical failure. All available options, including rental, can be reviewed with the lift consultant during the initial home visit. You can discuss the pros and cons of renting with the consultant.
We are planning the reconstruction of an existing elevator system in 75323 Bad Wildbad and need for the construction period of approx. 4 months to maintain accessibility a lift on the outside of the building. The height from the sidewalk is 1.70 m. Can you offer us a solution ?
Hereby I would like to inform myself without obligation what a stairlift used for two and a half floors costs in rent?
Please send me quotes for a stairlift for rent.