Once you’ve paid for a stairlift and had it installed, the day-to-day cost of running it is generally quite low. Modern stairlifts use rechargeable batteries rather than drawing large amounts of electricity every time you travel up or down the stairs. However, electricity isn’t the only ongoing cost worth considering.
When budgeting for a stairlift, it makes sense to think about servicing, replacement batteries and possible repairs as well as the initial purchase price. Here’s what you need to know about the typical running costs of a stairlift in the UK.
Do Stairlifts Use a Lot of Electricity?
No. Modern stairlifts are designed to use relatively little electricity. Most operate from rechargeable batteries, with the batteries automatically charging when the stairlift is parked at its charging point.
This also means the stairlift isn’t drawing a large amount of mains electricity while it moves along the rail. Instead, the mains supply keeps the batteries charged and ready for use.
The exact electricity consumption varies between stairlift models, how frequently the lift is used and the charging system fitted, so it’s better to think of electricity as a small part of the overall cost of ownership rather than quote a single figure that won’t apply to every home.
Will a Stairlift Still Work During a Power Cut?
Because most modern stairlifts run from rechargeable batteries, they can normally continue to operate for a period during a power cut, provided the batteries have sufficient charge.
How many journeys are possible will depend on the model, battery condition and length of the staircase. Once mains power returns, the charging system can replenish the batteries.
What Are the Main Ongoing Stairlift Costs?
Electricity is only one part of the picture. The main costs you may encounter during the life of a stairlift are:
- Electricity – used to keep the stairlift’s rechargeable batteries charged.
- Routine servicing – helping to keep the stairlift operating safely and reliably.
- Replacement batteries – rechargeable batteries don’t last forever and may eventually need replacing.
- Repairs and replacement parts – components can wear or develop faults as the stairlift gets older.
This is why the cheapest stairlift to buy isn’t necessarily the cheapest stairlift to own. The condition of the lift, availability of replacement parts and warranty supplied with it can all affect your longer-term costs.
How Often Does a Stairlift Need Servicing?
Regular servicing gives an engineer the opportunity to check the stairlift’s mechanical and electrical components, safety features, batteries and general condition before smaller problems turn into larger ones.
The appropriate servicing schedule can vary by manufacturer and model, so you should follow the recommendations for your particular stairlift. You can also read our complete guide to looking after and maintaining a stairlift for more information.
How Long Do Stairlift Batteries Last?
Stairlift batteries are consumable components, which means they will eventually need replacing. Their lifespan depends on factors including the model, frequency of use, charging conditions and age of the batteries.
Keeping the stairlift correctly parked on its charging point when it isn’t being used is important. If a stairlift repeatedly fails to charge properly, battery life can be shortened and you may eventually find that the lift no longer completes a journey reliably.
Does a Reconditioned Stairlift Cost More to Run?
Not necessarily. A professionally reconditioned stairlift should have been inspected, serviced and tested before it is installed, so buying reconditioned doesn’t automatically mean accepting higher running costs.
At Top Flight Stairlifts, our reconditioned stairlifts start from £1,100 supplied and fitted, with a 12-month warranty and service included. For many customers, this can substantially reduce the initial cost of getting a stairlift without resorting to an unknown privately purchased second hand unit.
If you’re considering this route, our second hand stairlift buying guide explains the important differences between buying a used stairlift privately and choosing one that has been professionally reconditioned.
Is It Cheaper to Rent a Stairlift?
That depends mainly on how long you expect to need it. If the stairlift is likely to be required for many years, buying may make more financial sense. If you only need one temporarily, renting can avoid a larger upfront purchase.
Top Flight’s stairlift rental starts from £60 per month after the initial rental period. The stairlift is professionally installed and maintained, and when you no longer need it we collect it free of charge.
Rental can therefore be particularly useful following an operation or injury, during rehabilitation, or where someone’s longer-term mobility requirements aren’t yet clear.
Don’t Forget the Initial Cost
Although running costs matter, the biggest expense is normally buying and installing the stairlift in the first place. The price depends on factors including whether your staircase is straight or curved, the model required and whether you choose a new or reconditioned stairlift.
We’ve covered that separately in our guide to how much a stairlift costs. Keeping the two costs separate makes it much easier to compare your options: the purchase price tells you what you’ll pay to get the stairlift installed, while running costs tell you what to expect afterwards.
Can You Get VAT Relief on a Stairlift?
Some customers may qualify for VAT relief on a stairlift. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances, so it’s important to check the current rules rather than assuming that every purchase qualifies.
HMRC provides official guidance on VAT on mobility aids, including stairlifts, and separate guidance is available for people who may qualify for disability-related VAT relief.
So, Are Stairlifts Expensive to Run?
For most households, electricity isn’t the expensive part of owning a stairlift. The more important long-term considerations are keeping the lift serviced, maintaining healthy batteries and dealing with any repairs or replacement parts that may eventually be required.
If keeping the overall cost down is important, it’s worth comparing new, reconditioned and rental stairlifts rather than looking at the purchase price alone. A professionally reconditioned stairlift can significantly reduce the upfront cost, while rental can make sense when the stairlift is only likely to be needed for a limited period.
Not sure which option makes the most financial sense for you? Get in touch with Top Flight Stairlifts and we’ll explain the available options without pressure.
Got a question about your stairlift?
Whatever you’re trying to work out, our team gives honest advice with no pressure – get in touch and we’ll help however we can.
