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The Definitive Guide to Stairlift Removal

This page was last updated on 12th September 2023

There are many reasons why someone may need to get an unwanted stairlift removed.

Perhaps the user has sadly passed away or moved to a care home and you need to empty their property so it can be sold. Or, perhaps you may have moved into a new home with an old stairlift left behind by the previous resident and you don’t need it. Or maybe you just need to remove the stairlift temporarily to fit a new carpet or move furniture up the stairs.

Whatever your reason may be, if you need to remove your stairlift quickly and professionally removed we are here to help. In this guide, we will walk you step-by-step through the entire process so that you can get your stairlift removed in a safe and timely manner.

Stairlift Removal

What You Will Learn

Are stairlifts easy to remove?

Whilst a straight stairlift track is less cumbersome to remove than a curved stairlift, it is paramount that you know what you are doing. Removing a stairlift should therefore only be carried out by trained professional engineers.

We only work with reputable suppliers who offer a professional stairlift removal service. If you need your stairlift removed quickly and efficiently then please call our friendly team today so we can discuss the options with you.

Can remove the stairlift myself?

Whilst it may be tempting to try and remove the unwanted stairlift yourself, we would urge you against doing so, particularly if it has a curved rail. Removing stairlifts is not a straightforward DIY job and you inadvertently cause damage to your staircase or carpets.

You will also be tasked with disposing of the removed stairlift, which also has many ancillary parts including the seat, rail, batteries, and other plastic and metal components. Instead, we would always urge you to use a reputable company that carries out professional stairlift removals.

What is the cost of getting a stairlift removed?

The age and type of stairlift that you stairlift you have will affect the removal price. Typically, older stairlifts (more than 18 months old) will incur a charge for the removal and disposal.

You can normally expect to pay a stairlift removal cost of around £200 for a straight stairlift and  £250 for a curved stairlift. The cost of removing a curved stairlift is higher because there’s more work involved in removing the curved rail.

How can I find a reputable stairlift removal company near me?

If you are looking for a reputable stairlift removal company that covers your local area then we can help. We only work with trusted companies that use qualified engineers to undertake the professional dismantling and removal of your old stairlift.

They will leave your property in a tidy condition and dispose of your stairlift in an environmentally responsible way, recycling as many components as possible.

Our recommended engineers can also arrange to temporarily remove a stairlift if, for example, you are just wanting to get a new carpet fitted on the stairs. If you would like us to put you in touch with a local stairlift removal company please call our friendly team today

Can I get my stairlift removed for free?

Most stairlift manufacturers do not offer free removal. Generally speaking, unless it is less than 18 months old, a free removal is unlikely.

If your stairlift is nearly new, some companies may do a removal free of charge, provided they can refurbish the carriage and sell it as a reconditioned model. However, it really depends on its age and whether the company in your area needs that make and model for their stock.

How long does it take to remove a stairlift?

The whole process of stairlift removal normally takes 1-2 hours depending on the complexity of the job. A Curved stairlift removal often takes a little longer and the cost is often slightly more as a result.

What is involved in the removal process?

If you use a reputable company to undertake your stairlift removal they will first provide you with an accurate quote to professionally remove the lift. This will include the dismantling and removal by qualified stairlift engineers. The company should have a waste carrier’s license to ensure that the disposal is done legally.

Whilst most reputable companies dispose of unwanted stairlifts stairlift legally, it is a sad fact of life that some unscrupulous individuals engage in the practice of fly-tipping.

Once you have instructed them to carry out the work they will meet you at the property at a pre-arranged time. The companies that we work with provide a very efficient service and most stairlifts can be removed within a couple of hours.

Can a stairlift be moved to another property?

If you are looking to move a stairlift from one house to another, the feasibility of a stairlift removal and refit will much depend on the type of stairlift you have and the configuration of the staircase at the new property.

A straight stairlift is normally fitted with a standard track, and in theory, it should be possible to refit this track on another straight staircase.

It becomes a little more complicated if you have a curved stairlift, as each track for this will have been custom-made for the old staircase. In this instance, you may be able to purchase a new track.

If you are looking for stairlift removal companies that offer this as a service then please phone our friendly team so we can discuss the best options for you.

Do companies buy back second hand stairlifts?

You could ask the manufacturer or original installer if they want to buy it back. However, many stairlift companies don’t offer a buyback service as second-hand stairlifts aren’t generally worth very much.

With that said, certain models do retain some value, and the stairlift removal companies that we work with offer competitive cash payments on selected models. Please see below for a list of models that we can offer cash back on.

Unbeatable Cash Payments on Selected Stairlift Models

We can arrange cash payments for the following models based on the age and condition

Acorn Stairlifts Logo

Brooks Stairlifts Logo

Handicare Stairlifts Logo

Thyssenkrupp Stairlifts Logo

Stannah Stairlifts Logo

  • Acorn 130 T700
  • Acorn 180
  • Brooks 130 T700
  • Brooks 180
  • Handicare 2000
  • Thyssenkrupp Flow 2
  • Thyssenkrupp Flow 2a
  • Thyssenkrupp Flow 2 Apollo
  • Thyssenkrupp Flow X
  • Stannah 260

Can I sell my stairlift privately?

People are often surprised to find no one wants to buy their used stair lift that’s only 3-4 years old, even though it’s in great condition and working perfectly.

This is especially the case for curved stairlifts. Because the tracks are bespoke and fitted to a particular staircase, it’s not possible to remove and reinstall a curved stairlift on a different set of stairs, without replacing the rail.

If you have a straight stairlift you may be able to sell privately if you are in no rush and prepared to wait. However, the issue you will still face is the actual removal and dismantling of the stair lift. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can easily damage your stairs or décor in the process.

That’s why most people opt to get their unwanted stair lift removed by a professional removal company.

Can I donate my old stairlift to charity?

It may seem surprising, but due to concerns about stairlift safety and potential legal liability, most local and national charities don’t accept used stairlifts as donations.

The most popular stairlifts have custom-built components, particularly curved stairlifts where the track is bespoke to fit the staircase of the individual house. With that said, you could contact the charity directly to see what their particular policy is.

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