Stairlifts: Questions and Answers
- How Do Stairlifts Work?
- How Much do Stairlifts Cost?
- How long will I have to wait for my stairlift?
- How long does it take to install a Stairlift?
- Does my Stairlift come with a Warranty?
- What happens to my stair lift during a powercut?
- Are Stairlifts Noisy?
- Is my staircase to narrow to fit a Stairlift?
- Will my staircase still be usable when my stairlift is fitted?
- What is the maximum weight a Brooks Stairlift can safely carry?
Brooks Stairlifts, and most manufacturers stairlifts, are made up of three main components: a rail, a carriage and a seat. The carriage of the stairlift contains the motor which powers the lift up and down the rail or track. The rail is normally made of aluminum, this fits directly to the treads of the stairs (not the wall), and the stairlift seat simply sits on top of the carriage and has the contols in the arms to send the stairlift up or down. The Brooks Stairlift also has two remote controls to direct the lift.
The price can vary greatly from supplier to supplier, and also depends on whether you have a curved staircase, or whether you want a new, or reconditioned stairlift. Stairlift prices can cost from around £1700-£9,500, there is a huge variation on price due to the different requirements of the user and the staircase the stairlift would be fitted to. Brooks stairlifts feature towards the more affordable end of the price range, but when you compare the cost of a stairlift to having to move out of the home you love, there is no comparison!
Generally with most manufacturers you will have to wait 5 to 10 days for a straight lift and around 14 to 28 days for a curved stairlift installation. However, Brooks Stairlifts generally can install stairlifts more quickly, particularly in urgent cases.
Generally, around 1-2 hours for a straight stair lift and 2 hours+ for curved stairlifts.
All Brooks Stair lifts comes with a comprehensive 12 months warranty. This is why you should always make sure you buy from an approved supplier as not all suppliers offer the same length of warranty, and not all suppliers include emergency callout if there is a problem with the stairlift. Brooks can also offer extended warranties for extra piece of mind.
Brooks stair lift motors are powered using Direct Current (D.C.) batteries, which will automatically charge when not in use, and will therefore work during a power cut. You should always check with your stairlift supplier to ensure its D.C. powered.
The new DC powered stairlifts require less voltage (around 24-36 volts) making them more energy efficient and very quiet in their use.
If your staircase is wider than 600mm (24 inches) it will accommodate a stairlift, normally the problem with the staircase width is the users knees whilst they are sat down.
Yes, when not in use your Brooks Stairlift has folding seat, footrest and arms, so it tucks neatly against the wall. It will also be parked at the top or bottom of the staircase, allowing full access to the stair way for all uses.
Our stairlifts for sale in the UK can safely carry a minimum of 20 stone (127 kg).
