Frequently Asked Questions
At Stannah, we pride ourselves on the customer service we offer. It’s important to us that you know that your needs are of utmost importance to us. We want to ensure we offer you the best possible products and services.
The following questions have been asked by some of our customers, we hope you’ll find the information here useful. However, if your questions aren’t listed below, please do call us. We’re happy to help you to get all the information you need.
Before buying a Stannah Stairlift
What is a stair lift used for?
A stairlift is a modern mobility aid used to help people with reduced mobility safely use their stairs. It’s a lift that takes the user up and down the stairs while sitting comfortably on a chair. Some refer to it as a chairlift. You can read more about it on our page What is a Stairlift.
How does a stairlift work?
A Stannah stairlift always runs on battery power, but you’ll need to plug it into a nearby power outlet, so that the batteries remain charged. But if there is a power cut, the batteries will ensure that you’ll get safely to your destination, giving you about twenty trips up and down. The batteries will charge automatically when the stairlift stops at a charging point, so you never have to worry about that. You can read more about it on our page How does a stairlift work.
Can a stairlift be fitted to any stairs?
If someone can stand on your stairs, we’ll most likely be able to fit a stairlift on them. Your stairs can be narrow, steep, curved straight, indoors, outdoors, with one or multiple landings or with a doorway at the top. No matter the situation, we’re likely to find a solution to help you regain your independence. If you want to be sure, request a commitment-free stair survey.
Can stairlifts go around corners?
Yes, they most certainly can. When it comes to fitting a stairlift to curved stairs, we haven’t reached a limit yet! Whether you live in a lighthouse or a tower block, we can get you moving again. One or multiple landings aren’t an issue either.
How do I choose a stairlift?
By making an obligation-free appointment with one of our experienced advisors. During your free home visit, you’ll be able to go through the options and features available for each model. Our adviser will give you personalized advice, so that together we can find the best stairlift to fit your needs and your home. Would you rather see a brochure first? You can request a free copy here.
Can I try before buying a stairlift?
Yes, of course. You are always welcome to visit one of our local showrooms and try one of our stairlifts for yourself. We’re happy to help.
Are stairlifts customisable?
Most of our stairlifts have the additional benefit of added optional features. Some of the options include: seat belt options, a retractable rail option, upholstery choices and choice of hand control. Click to see all Stannah stairlift models.
Are Stannah stairlifts recognized by health and safety regulations?
Yes. Among others, we have gained ISO certifications in the areas of quality management of business and Health and Safety management and LEIA, the Lift and Escalator Industry Association. For the full list of awards and accreditations, you can consult our Awards and Accreditation page.
What is the weight limit on a stair lift?
The maximum weight capacity of Stannah stairlifts is 160 kg, however this depends on the model and the type of stairs the stairlift needs to be fitted on. You can read more about the weight capacity per model on our page Stairlift Weight Limits.
What is the minimum width for a stair lift?
Around 70 centimeters with a maximum angle of 52 degrees. However, this is just a rough estimate, and only by seeing your stairs can we know for sure which stairlift can best fit your needs. This estimate will also vary depending on whether your stairs are straight or curved and the best way to know for sure is to schedule a free stair-survey.
Will other people still be able to use the stairs?
Yes. Our rails hardly take up any room on your stairs and your chair folds away neatly. People will still be able to use your stairs just like they did before. Read more on our page Folding Stairlifts that don’t get in your way.
Buying a Stannah Stairlift
How to buy a Stairlift
We have a simple 3-step process you can follow when you decide to buy a stairlift. First, you contact us and request a free stair survey, our experienced adviser will measure your stairs and provide tailored advice on the best option for you. You’ll then receive a commitment-free quote. When you’ve made your choice, our engineers will schedule your installation, and the installation itself will take less than a day, so you’ll be able to use your stairlift that same day.
How much does a stair lift cost?
Our stairlifts are tailored to you and your house, so prices vary depending on your needs. One big factor that can affect the price of your stairlift is whether your stairs are straight or curved. Other factors are:
- the length of your stairs
- the chair that’s right for your needs
- if you want to go up more than one floor
- If you need any additional features for extra comfort and safety
To find out the price of the perfect stairlift for you, call us now to book your free, no-obligation home survey. One of our advisers goes to your house to assess your needs and gives you an on-the-spot, personalised quote. Visit our Stairlift Prices page.
What is included in the cost of a stairlift?
A made to measure stairlift designed for your stairs and needs, including choice of upholstery and colour, ergonomic standard features, such as the safety belt and hand control. The installation, including demonstration and clean-up, 2-years market leading warranty, and all the advice you might need. Read more about our stairlifts warranty here.
Are stair lifts covered by health insurance?
Some policies allow people to use benefits to cover home modifications. Some auto insurance policies, worker’s compensation programs, or medical trust funds might help will the costs of getting a stairlift. Contact your health insurance for more information, there’s a chance they’ll cover at least some of the costs.
Is there a grant for a stairlift?
Help to support the cost of your stairlift could be available through funding and grants. Please do keep in mind that most grants need to be approved before you start work. Available grants include: The RRAP-Disabilities, The National Benefit Authority, Veterans Independence Program, and The MS Society. Read our page about available stairlifts funding and grants in New Zealand.
Installation
How is a stair lift installation done?
The installation will only take a couple of hours as a stairlift attaches to your stairs and not to your wall, therefore planning permission is not necessary. Our experienced technicians will drill a few small holes in your stairs, and before they leave they’ll make sure you know how to use your stairlift safely and comfortably and leave everything clean and ready to be used. Watch the video and read more about Stannah stairlifts installation process.
Can I install a stairlift by myself?
If you are a trained and certified stairlift installer the answer is yes, you can. If you’re not, we strongly advice against it. We won’t sell for self-install due to the safety concern. A stairlift is a mobility device made for your safety, so would you feel safe using a stairlift that was installed by an amateur? Why risk it, if safety is the exact reason why you got your stairlift in the first place?
Can a stairlift be installed outdoors?
Yes. The Stannah Outdoor stairlift was created to provide comfort and safety when you need to access your back yard, garage, patio or simply the steps to your front door. Our outdoor stairlift will remain operational even under extreme temperatures. Find out more about Outdoor Stairlifts.
What are the stairlift installation requirements?
During the free-stairs survey, the adviser will check the only requirement you need, which is a plug near the staircase to plug the stairlift in. Before the day of the installation of your stairlift, you only have to look for obstructions on your stairways, such as plant pots or photos. You can put them back when the installation is finished.
How long does it take to install a stair lift?
The average time it takes to install a stairlift is 3 to 4 hours. It’s a quick process that won’t cause too much disruption to your routine or your home. Read all about it on our page Installing a Stairlift.
After buying your Stannah Stairlift
How long does a stair lift last?
Stannah stairlifts can last for quite a long time. In some cases, we’ve seen our stairlifts last for more than 20 years! The biggest factor in extending the life of your stairlift is upkeep and regular maintenance. We recommend having your stairlift serviced annually to ensure that it is always running in top form.
Stairlift warranties
In the unlikely event that something happens to your stairlift our warranty gives you priority to a call-out service. Our parts and components are made to withstand decades of use, but if any need replacing due to normal wear and tear during the warranty period, we take care of that for you. Read all about Stannah Stairlifts Warranty.
What if I need stairlift maintenance?
We recommend having your stairlift serviced annually, this is a service we provide for our customers. Contact us for more information.
Can a stairlift be shortened?
If necessary, the rail of the stairlift can be shortened. However, since your stairlift will be made to fit your stairs, and exact measurements are taken prior to fabrication, this shouldn’t be necessary.
Can a stairlift be removed?
A stairlift can easily be removed if necessary. As our stairlifts are installed on the steps of your stairs and not fixed to the wall, the only sign that will remain are a few small holes in your stairs.
Can I sell my stairlifts to another person after using it?
A stairlift is made to measure the user’s stairs, this means it won’t fit on anyone else’s stairs. Some parts of the stairlift might be suitable to be recycled, such as the chair, so in some cases it’s possible to sell the stairlift back to Stannah. However, most parts won’t be able to be re-used, due to the personalized aspect of our product. For more information, please inquire directly with your local dealer or with us.