Reconditioned Stairlifts: What to Check Before You Buy
Reconditioned stairlifts are worth buying if they’ve been properly refurbished by a reputable supplier, safety-tested to current standards, and backed by a genuine warranty – but the savings only hold up if you check these things before you hand over any money. Buying reconditioned can typically save 25-30% compared with a brand-new model, which makes it one of the most effective ways to get a reliable stairlift on a tighter budget. The catch is that ‘reconditioned’ isn’t a protected term, so quality varies enormously between suppliers.
This guide walks through exactly what to check before buying, including what a proper reconditioning process should involve, how the safety and warranty compare with new stairlifts, and why a used rail can’t simply be moved from one staircase to another.
Are second-hand stairlifts worth buying?
Yes, second-hand stairlifts can be genuinely worth buying, provided they’ve gone through a professional reconditioning process rather than simply being cleaned and resold as-is. A properly reconditioned unit uses the same core mechanical components as when it was new, refurbished and tested to modern safety standards, at a significantly lower price than an equivalent brand-new stairlift.
The value depends entirely on the supplier’s standards, though. A stairlift bought privately or from an unverified reseller – with no record of servicing history, no safety testing, and no warranty – carries real risk, since you have no way of confirming its condition or how it’s been maintained. The savings on a reconditioned stairlift only make sense when they come with proper documentation and accountability behind them.
You’ll see “reconditioned”, “refurbished” and “second-hand” used more or less interchangeably across the stairlift industry, and none of them is a legally defined term. That’s exactly why what a supplier actually does to a unit matters far more than the label they put on it.
What does a reputable reconditioning process actually include?
A reputable reconditioning process strips the stairlift down to its core components, replaces anything worn or safety-critical, and rebuilds and tests it to the same standard as a new unit. Look for a supplier who can confirm the following as a minimum before you buy:
- Full strip-down and inspection of the motor, gearbox, carriage, and seat mechanism
- Replacement of wear items such as batteries, belts, and safety sensors, regardless of their apparent condition
- New or thoroughly tested safety systems, including obstruction sensors, seatbelts, and swivel-seat locks
- Rigorous functional and safety testing against current standards before the unit is offered for sale
- A recorded service and refurbishment history, so you know where the unit came from
- Professional installation by a qualified engineer, rather than self-installation or a third-party fitter with no manufacturer training
If a supplier can’t answer clearly on any of these points, or is vague about what their reconditioning process actually involves, treat that as a warning sign rather than a minor gap.
Are reconditioned stairlifts safe?
Yes, a properly reconditioned stairlift is just as safe as a new one, provided it’s been refurbished and tested to current UK safety standards. Reputable suppliers rebuild units to meet the same safety standard that applies to new stairlifts, BS EN 81-40, and the finished product should carry a UKCA or CE mark confirming it meets this requirement.
Safety issues tend to arise not from the age of the components themselves, but from inconsistent standards between suppliers – some reconditioning operations are thorough engineering businesses, while others are little more than a clean and a lick of paint. Before buying, ask what accreditations the supplier holds – BHTA membership is a good sign – and ask specifically whether the unit meets BS EN 81-40 and carries a UKCA or CE mark. Be cautious of any seller who can’t confirm this in writing.
Every refurbished stairlift Kudos supplies meets BS EN 81-40:2020, the current edition of the UK and European stairlift safety standard, and carries the appropriate conformity marking. We don’t offer units built to superseded editions of the standard, and we’re happy to confirm this in writing before you commit to anything.
Do reconditioned stairlifts come with a warranty?
Yes, a reconditioned stairlift from a reputable supplier should come with a warranty, though the length and coverage vary more than they do for new models. Industry-wide, reconditioned stairlift warranties typically run from six months up to a year, covering parts, labour, and call-outs, while new stairlifts commonly come with one to two years as standard, often extendable through an ongoing plan.
| Warranty Comparisons | Reconditioned stairlift | New stairlift |
|---|---|---|
|
Typical warranty length |
6-12 months |
1-2 years |
|
Usually covered |
Parts, labour, call out charges |
Parts, labour, call out charges |
|
Extendable? |
Non-extendable, though service plans may be available |
Longer warranties available from the start or on renewal |
|
Varies by supplier? |
Significantly (always check with each supplier you are speaking to) |
Less so, though some suppliers offer longer terms |
A longer warranty on a reconditioned unit is generally a good sign of a more thorough refurbishment process, since a supplier is unlikely to offer extended cover on a stairlift they’re not confident in. Always get the warranty terms in writing before you commit, including exactly what’s covered and for how long.
At Kudos, our refurbished stairlifts come with a 12-month warranty as standard, covering parts, labour and call-outs – the upper end of the range typically offered on reconditioned units. It’s the same aftercare our new installations receive, backed by our own service response team rather than a third-party network.
Can a used rail be reused on different stairs?
It depends on the shape of the staircase – a straight rail can often be reused elsewhere, but a curved rail almost never can. Straight stairlift rails are a standard length that can be cut down or adjusted to fit a range of straight staircases, which is exactly why straight reconditioned stairlifts are widely available and consistently good value.
Curved rails are a different matter entirely, because each one is manufactured bespoke to match the precise angles, bends, and dimensions of the original staircase it was fitted to. This means a curved rail removed from one home essentially never fits another staircase without being remanufactured, which is why reconditioned curved stairlifts typically combine a refurbished chair and mechanism with a brand-new, custom-made rail – still offering a worthwhile saving over a fully new unit, just not the full discount seen on straight models.
Buying reconditioned: the short version
A reconditioned stairlift can be an excellent, safe, budget-friendly choice – as long as you buy from a supplier who can demonstrate a genuine reconditioning process, confirm compliance with BS EN 81-40, and back the unit with a clear warranty in writing. If a deal looks significantly cheaper than everything else on the market, it’s worth asking exactly why, rather than assuming it’s simply good luck.
Kudos Stairlifts has been trading for over 15 years and has completed more than 5,000 installations across Surrey, Kent, Sussex and London. We’re a Stannah accredited distributor, an Access BDD approved dealer and a Which? Trusted Trader, and every stairlift we supply is fitted by our own engineers rather than subcontractors. We can talk you through our reconditioning process, warranty terms and current reconditioned stock during a free, no-obligation home survey, so you know precisely what you’re getting before you commit.
FAQs
Are reconditioned stairlifts as good as new ones?
A properly reconditioned stairlift can perform just as well as a new one, using the same core mechanics rebuilt and tested to current safety standards. The difference usually lies in warranty length and supplier quality, not performance, so choosing a reputable supplier matters more than the ‘reconditioned’ label itself.
How much can I save buying a reconditioned stairlift?
Reconditioned stairlifts typically cost 25-30% less than an equivalent new model, depending on the make, type, and staircase requirements. Straight stairlifts generally offer the biggest savings, since their rails can be reused, while curved units save less due to the bespoke rail.
What safety standard should a reconditioned stairlift meet?
A reconditioned stairlift should meet BS EN 81-40, the current UK and European safety standard for stairlifts, and carry a UKCA or CE mark confirming this. Always ask your supplier to confirm this in writing before buying, rather than assuming it applies automatically.
How long does a reconditioned stairlift warranty last?
Warranty length varies by supplier, typically ranging from six months to one year, covering parts, labour, and call-outs. A longer warranty is usually a good sign of a more thorough refurbishment process, so it’s worth comparing this carefully between suppliers.
Can I get a curved reconditioned stairlift?
Yes, but the rail itself is usually brand new rather than reused, since curved rails are bespoke to the original staircase. The chair and mechanism are typically refurbished, so you still save compared with a fully new unit, just less than with a straight stairlift.
Contact our Client Focus Team today to discuss how a stairlift can improve and protect the quality of life for you and your family.
Choose from a range of industry-leading curved or straight stairlifts, suitable for almost any staircase and expertly installed by our own engineers.
Call us now on 0800 1522400 to arrange your free, no obligation survey and quote, or to ask any questions you may have.
