What reconditioned usually means
A reconditioned stairlift has been used before, then taken back, inspected and refurbished. The work usually includes cleaning, replacing worn parts and batteries, testing safety sensors and sometimes new upholstery. Reconditioned lifts are most common for straight stairs, because a straight rail can be cut to a new length. Ask each installer what was replaced, how old the lift is, whether the manufacturer still supplies spare parts for that model, and what warranty is included. You should get the same survey as you would for a new lift.
Reconditioned lifts and curved stairs
Curved rails are made for one staircase, so a reconditioned curved rail rarely fits another home. Some installers offer a reconditioned chair on a new made-to-measure rail, which can be a middle option. If someone suggests reusing an old curved rail without a full survey, ask how they will make sure it fits your stairs safely. As with any stairlift, the controls, footrest sensors and seat belt should all be checked and demonstrated to you on the day it's fitted.
VAT and reconditioned lifts
Under HMRC's VAT Notice 701/7, a stairlift supplied to someone who is disabled or has a long-term illness, for their own domestic use, may be zero-rated, and this can apply to used equipment too. You would normally sign an eligibility declaration, and the supplier decides whether the product qualifies. People aged 60 or over who don't qualify on those grounds may be able to pay the reduced rate of VAT, currently 5%, when a stairlift is supplied and installed in their home. Ask each supplier how they apply VAT.
Jobs we can find a stairlift installer for
- Refurbished straight stairlifts
- Reconditioned chairs on new curved rails
- New batteries and worn parts replaced
- Safety sensors tested before fitting
- Warranty and servicing options
Get a quote for reconditioned stairlifts
Available across Kent
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Straight stairlifts · Curved stairlifts · Outdoor stairlifts · Stairlift rental · Stairlift servicing and repairs