Used stairlifts: price list and stairlift supplier

A stair lift allows older people a significantly higher quality of life, but with prices up to 15,000 €, such a purchase must be well considered. Meanwhile, however, there are several companies that also offer used models – and at a fraction of the new price.

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Unlike offers on “eBay classifieds”, one benefits from commercial dealers of used stairlifts not only from a cost savings of up to 50 percent, but also from a professional general overhaul. But what should one pay attention to when buying? What about the warranty and which companies are currently the most favorable? To answer these questions, we go into more detail in the following article.

Where does the used stairlift come from?

Most used stairlifts are either demonstration models or trade show models. Likewise, former rental lifts are offered for sale at a significantly reduced price.

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Since above all fair and demonstration models were used only very little, one can speak here only conditionally of used stair lifts. In addition, one must count with these used devices neither with losses with the security, nor in things quality. Before a used fair model is resold, a detailed safety test is carried out in addition to a general overhaul.

Since this is a professional remanufacturing process and the lift is designed for many years of use, manufacturers are required to provide a warranty period even for used models. Some companies also have a buy-in or buy-back program for used lifts.

Reprocessing and general overhaul

Before an already used stairlift is sold, a detailed technical inspection must take place. During this process, the lift is inspected and general overhauled by trained specialists. The technicians also carry out various tests to be able to guarantee unrestricted safety. Wear parts are always replaced – regardless of whether they already show signs of wear or not. By the way, these spare parts always come from the manufacturer itself, so they are always original parts.

The reconditioning of a used stairlift is done primarily with a focus on safety. Only if the lift works properly, it may be installed and used. Since it is after the reconditioning a de facto new lift, the manufacturers usually give one to three years warranty. This warranty and safety guarantee does not apply to private purchases via eBay classifieds. Since each lift is an individual production, one must make the adjustment to the local conditions and the assembly usually themselves.

What should you look for when buying?

Even if the desired model comes from a specialized dealer, it is recommended to question some things:

1.) Where does the lift come from?

Is the stairlift a demonstration or trade show model? If the lift was rented: how many people have already used the lift?

2.) How long has the stairlift been used?
How long has the lift been in operation? Was it previously used in continuous service or is it an exhibit?

3.) How old is the lift?

Here it is best to inquire directly about the year of manufacture.

4.) How often has the lift been repaired?

Were there more frequent problems with the lift and had to be repaired accordingly? If yes: what exactly are the repairs and what parts were replaced?

5.) What is the price?

The price of a used stairlift including rail system should be about half of the new price. If the price is more than 50 percent, the provider must be able to plausibly explain the cost.

6.) Is the provider reputable?

What services does the company selling the lift offer. Can the provider guarantee comprehensive assistance in the event of a malfunction?

Important for a permanently functional operation of the lift, is a regular maintenance. Since the services of the provider normally does not go beyond the legal provisions, you should find out about maintenance costs before buying and regulate them contractually.

What rights do you have as a consumer?

First of all, you should buy a used stairlift only if the provider also offers a warranty. This is, depending on the company, model and age of the lift at one to three years. In addition, it is advisable to contractually agree on services regarding maintenance and repair. For example, what happens in the event of a malfunction? Can the provider guarantee comprehensive assistance? This aspect is extremely important, as otherwise high costs can arise in the event of a costly repair.

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Likewise, you should take a closer look at all wear parts. Have they already been replaced – and if not, why not? In addition to the switches, the armrests and the seat cushions, the various electronic components must also be in perfect condition.Furthermore, both delivery and assembly should already be included in the purchase price. Normally, this is only the case with manufacturers directly.

If these services are not included in the purchase price, you should find out what the costs will be and obtain counter quotes if necessary. Another important point is the rail system. Since the rails are individually adapted to the structural conditions, a new rail system may have to be purchased. In addition, you should in any case the TÜV CE certification of the used stairlift to show, as this certification guarantees not only the quality, but also their own safety.

Private sales via eBay classifieds: The risks

Meanwhile, used stairlifts are increasingly being offered by private sellers via eBay Classifieds. These devices usually come from household liquidations and are again significantly cheaper than the refurbished lifts of the various manufacturers. So it can happen that such a model is sold for a few hundred € – but here you should be careful.

PhotosSource: ebay-kleinanzeigen.de

Since a privately offered lift was usually neither technically checked, nor professionally reconditioned, there is a risk that the lift no longer meets the required safety regulations. Here, therefore, the buyer bears the full risk. Since most models are custom-made stairlifts, you also have to reckon with the fact that the lift and especially the rail system is not automatically suitable for your own four walls.

Should you be thinking of purchasing a used stairlift through eBay classifieds, there are some important things to consider. Firstly, it is advisable to consult a trained professional who will look at the lift on site in peace and check it. For this, of course, the lift must still be functional and mounted.

On the other hand, if the lift has already been dismantled, a meaningful inspection is no longer possible. Secondly, the dimensions of the lift and the rail system must exactly match the dimensions of your own staircase. Only if these criteria are actually met, you can think about buying the used stairlift.

Used stairlifts from well-known manufacturers

In addition to various resellers, numerous manufacturers such as Sanimed also offer used models themselves. The market leader Lifta also sells refurbished models through its subsidiary company “Der Treppenlift”. The provider has a large selection of used stairlifts, which are offered at a discount of up to 50 percent. On the other hand, the offer of the manufacturer Sanimed is recommended. The Sanimed 10 lift is one of the most popular used models, as it can also be had for under 3,000 €, depending on its age. Furthermore, you should take a closer look at the current prices of the manufacturers ThyssenKrupp and Hiro Lift and compare them in detail.

List of companies

Different models and prices

Below we present the different models, their prices and possible applications.

Since there are different models for different applications at the current time, one should inform oneself in detail before buying a used stairlift – best in the context of a competent consultation in one’s own four walls. This is the easiest way for the professional to identify which model is most suitable.

Outdoor lifts

A vertical lift is used when a wheelchair user needs to be transported. It does not matter whether it is only one floor or several floors. The vertical elevator is also known as a handicapped elevator. This model is very expensive just because of its size and costs about 10,000 to 12,000 € new. A used vertical lift, on the other hand, costs 5,000 to 7,000 €, depending on the height of the stairs.

Platformlifts

This model is also suitable for transporting a wheelchair user or several people and is designed for a maximum weight of 300 kilograms. While a new model costs about 9,000 €, some manufacturers offer used models for less than 5,000 €.

Lifting platforms

This is a combination of lowering and platform lift. This model is used only in the rarest cases, as most buyers opt directly for one of the above variants. A new Lifting Platform is offered, for example by ThyssenKrupp and Lifta, for 7,000 to 9,000 €. Since lifting platforms are not used that frequently, there are accordingly only a few offers for used models. Prices here are around 3,000 to 4,000 €.

Stairlifts

The seat lift is the classic among the stair lifts. This model can transport a person who is able to sit down and stand up independently. Most sit lifts are only suitable for transportation over one or two floors. New seat lifts cost around 5,000 €. Used lifts, on the other hand, can be had for less than 2,000 €. Two models in particular stand out: the Lifta Klassik and the Sanimed 10. These two models are currently among the best-selling used stairlifts in Germany.