What happens if my stairlift isn't in a condition to be resold?

If your stairlift is not in a condition to be resold, we will not offer it to another customer as a refurbished lift. We will explain the reasons for that decision and discuss the most suitable next step, which may include safe removal, responsible disposal or recycling usable components.

A stairlift may be unsuitable for resale when its condition, age, history or design means that it cannot be refurbished and installed safely and reliably. This can apply even if the lift still operates. During an assessment, we may consider:

• Whether the motor, batteries, controls, charging equipment and safety systems are working correctly.
• The condition of the rail, seat, armrests, footrest, carriage and other structural components.
• Signs of corrosion, impact damage, water exposure, excessive wear or poor previous installation.
• Whether replacement parts are available and whether repairs would be technically or economically practical.
• Whether the lift can be installed safely in another property and meet the requirements of that staircase.
• Whether its age or model makes it unsuitable for continued use, even after servicing.

Safety is the deciding factor. A lift that has a fault affecting its braking, sensors, seat belt, swivel mechanism, controls or movement should not be offered for reuse until it has been properly assessed. We may also decline a lift where its condition cannot be verified, for example if it has been stored incorrectly, exposed to damp or modified from its original specification.

Where resale is not appropriate, we will outline the available options. If the stairlift is still installed, this may involve arranging its careful removal so that the staircase and surrounding property are not unnecessarily damaged. Removal should be carried out by a suitably qualified professional rather than attempted as a DIY job, particularly where the lift is connected to the household electrical supply or is difficult to access.

Some components may have recycling or recovery value even when the complete stairlift cannot be resold. Depending on their condition, parts such as metal sections, batteries, wiring or selected mechanical components may be separated for appropriate recycling or handling. Components that are worn, damaged or safety-critical will not be passed on for use simply because they can be removed from the lift.

If the stairlift is already disconnected, keep the main components together and protect them from damp until they have been assessed. Manuals, service records, remote controls, chargers and keys can help identify the model and its history, although having these items does not make an unsuitable lift suitable for resale. Do not reconnect or operate a lift that has been damaged or has developed a fault.

In some cases, a lift that cannot be resold may still be repairable for continued use in its current home. That is a different assessment from buying it back or trading it in, so we can explain whether repair, continued use, replacement or removal is the most practical route. Any recommended work should be based on the lift’s actual condition and the safety requirements of the installation.

We will be clear if the stairlift has no resale value and will discuss any removal, disposal or recycling arrangements before work takes place. If you are unsure whether your lift is suitable, send us details of the model, its age, its working condition and any known faults, or arrange an assessment. This allows us to advise you accurately rather than assuming that an old, incomplete or non-working lift can be refurbished.