Are there warranties available for refurbished and reconditioned stairlifts?

Yes. Refurbished and reconditioned stairlifts can both be supplied with a warranty, but the cover is not automatically the same for every machine. The warranty period and terms are set by the supplier and usually reflect the stairlift’s age, condition, inspection process, replacement parts and installation arrangement. Before you buy, ask for the warranty in writing and confirm exactly what is included.

The terms refurbished and reconditioned are not used consistently across the stairlift industry. A refurbished stairlift may have been cleaned, inspected and had selected components replaced, while a reconditioned stairlift may have undergone more comprehensive testing, servicing and renewal. However, the description alone does not guarantee a particular warranty. The condition of the individual stairlift and the supplier’s written policy are more important than the label.

A stairlift warranty may cover some or all of the following:

• Replacement parts that fail because of a manufacturing or mechanical fault.
• Engineer labour required to diagnose and repair a covered fault.
• Call-out or attendance charges, where these are included in the agreement.
• Electrical and charging components, subject to the stated exclusions.
• Workmanship relating to the refurbishment, reconditioning or installation.

These areas are not always covered together. For example, a warranty may cover parts but charge for an engineer’s visit, or cover the stairlift mechanism but exclude batteries and other wear items. Ask whether batteries, remote controls, charging points, seat components and safety sensors are included, and whether the warranty applies to both the stairlift and its installation.

It is also important to check what the warranty does not cover. Common exclusions can include damage caused by misuse, accidental damage, unauthorised alterations, unsuitable electrical work, water ingress on an outdoor installation, or failure to follow the operating and maintenance instructions. Normal wear and tear may be treated differently from a sudden component failure. If the stairlift is moved to another property, its warranty may end or require the supplier’s approval before it can continue.

Ask the supplier to confirm the following before accepting a quotation:

• How long the warranty lasts and when it begins.
• Whether the cover is provided by the installer, manufacturer or another party.
• Whether parts, labour, call-outs and travel are included.
• Which components are excluded or covered for a different period.
• How to report a fault and whether there is a separate charge for out-of-hours assistance.
• Whether the warranty can be transferred if the stairlift is sold or the property changes hands.
• Whether servicing or maintenance must be carried out in a particular way to keep the cover valid.

A warranty is additional protection offered by the supplier; it does not replace your statutory rights. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods supplied by a business should be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for their intended purpose. These rights apply to used and reconditioned goods, although the expected condition and remaining service life may reasonably reflect their age, previous use and price. A warranty cannot remove those legal rights, so keep your quotation, invoice, warranty document and any written description of the stairlift.

In practice, a reconditioned stairlift may have a stronger warranty than a lightly refurbished model if it has received more extensive work, but this is not guaranteed. The most useful comparison is the actual scope of cover rather than the term used to describe the stairlift. Independent Stairlifts can explain the warranty attached to the particular stairlift recommended for your home, including what happens if a fault develops after installation and which costs, if any, would be payable.