If mobility decreases with age, stairs can become an insurmountable obstacle. However, accidents or chronic illnesses can also be reasons why climbing stairs is difficult. Stair lifts provide a solution and may prevent you from damaging your beloved homea barrier-free apartmenthave to exchange. However, purchasing a stair lift is also associated with high costs. Buying a stair lift used can be a way to keep the price down. Find out everything about the advantages and disadvantages of used lifts.
Which stair lifts are there?
Before you go out and compare used stair lifts, you first have to decide which model you need. Depending on individual needs, different types of lifts come into question. The CompanyTS stair lifts in the Gera areainforms about the lift models.
As a rule, stair lifts are used inStanding lifts, seated lifts and platform liftsdifferentiated. These are characterized by the following specifications:
•The standing lift: If you are still relatively good at walking but have problems with your knee or hip joints, the standing lift could be a good choice. These lifts consist of a small platform with a grab handle that transports you up the stairs while standing. These models are usually the cheapest due to their low equipment requirements.
•The seat lift:Stair lifts with an integrated seat unit, on the other hand, are intended for people who have difficulty maintaining their balance. Weak or very old people, as well as seriously ill people, are better off using the chair lift, as it transports them in a sitting position and no further physical exertion is required. However, the prerequisite is that the person either does not need a wheelchair or can independently get out of the wheelchair at the beginning and end of the stairs and sit back in again.
•The platform lift:Finally, platform lifts are the most suitable models for wheelchair users. The lift has a large footprint that provides enough space for a wheelchair, as well as security around the platform to prevent the mobility aid from rolling out. These stair lifts take up the most space in the stairwell, but can also be used for the longest time.
How much do used stair lifts cost?
The key advantage why you choose a used stair lift is the price. Second-hand models are usually much cheaper than new lifts. You can have onePrice savings of up to 50%achieve. Provider ofused stair lifts in the Zwickauer Landinform about the prices.
For example, used seat lifts are already availablefrom 2,000 eurosavailable, depending on the stairwell including the rails. Platform lifts cost approximately second handfrom 5,000 euros, which means a significant saving compared to the new price of around 9,000 euros.
However, the purchase price is not enough. You have to add about thatMontage, which costs around 500 euros. Also, you should have oneMaintenance contractwhich costs between 100 and 300 euros per year. Also note: In only a few cases can you take over the rails used. Is it acurvy staircaseor if the straight staircase is longer than five meters, you will have to purchase new rails. At upwards of 3,000 euros, these are very significant and reduce the savings compared to buying new.
For straight stairs up to five meters long, however, you can often take over the rail system from the previous owner.
Buying a used stair lift: advantages and disadvantages
If you want to decide whether to buy the lift used or new, you need to weigh up a few points, which we have summarized below:
Advantages
• Used stair lifts are cheaper.
• Buying second hand is more sustainable.
• Used stair lifts are also subsidized by the nursing care insurance fund.
• The price of used models may be completely covered by subsidies - you hardly need to invest anything yourself.
• Used stair lifts from specialist dealers are professionally checked and are just as safe and reliable as new models.
Disadvantages
• Used lifts are not adapted to your needs.
• You may lose out on comfort if the equipment doesn't quite meet your expectations.
• Older lifts are more prone to malfunctions.
• It is usually necessary to purchase your own rail systems.
• The selection of used stair lifts is smaller than new lifts.
• The warranty period may be shorter.
• Replacement parts may be more difficult to obtain.
You have to pay attention to this if you buy the stair lift used
You will be on the safe side with your lift if you use oneSpecialist dealer for used stair liftsturn around. National providers, such asTS stair lifts, can not only offer you a larger selection of lifts, but also provide online configurators that point you directly to the contact person in your area. This way you can find out directly about the available lifts and a possible warranty.
Another advantage of such specialist retailers is that:professional assembly. The lift is delivered and installed professionally so that all safety standards are maintained. If you also take out a maintenance contract, you will receive quick help in the event of a problem and can be sure that the stair lift is always in optimal condition.
If you are buying from a private individual, you should choose onecomplete maintenance historyand check whether all accessories are present. Above all, the remote control and the operating instructions as well as the maintenance documentation should be included. The condition of the motor and any damage that has already occurred also play a major role when choosing a used stair lift.
Both specialist retailers and private individuals should also take advantage of the opportunity to try out the lift on site. This is the only way you can be sure that the stair lift will meet all your needs.
