What should I include in my listing for selling a used stairlift?

A useful used stairlift listing should give buyers enough information to judge compatibility, condition, total cost and practical arrangements before they make contact. Include the stairlift’s make and model, type, age, condition, servicing history, included parts, photographs, location, asking price and clear details about removal, transport, installation and safety checks.

Stairlift details

• State the manufacturer, model name and model number. Include a clear photograph of the information plate if you are unsure which details to provide.
• Explain whether it is a straight, curved, hinged-rail or outdoor stairlift.
• Describe the staircase it was fitted to, such as a straight flight, a staircase with a landing, a narrow staircase or a staircase with bends. A curved stairlift is normally made for a particular staircase, so explain that its rail may not suit another property without assessment or modification.
• Give the approximate installation date, how long it was used and whether it has been stored since removal.
• State the maximum user weight shown in the manufacturer’s instructions, if known, rather than estimating it.
• Mention useful features, including a powered swivel seat, powered or manual footrest, folding armrests, remote controls, hinged rail, weather protection or a particular upholstery option.

Condition and maintenance

Describe the condition accurately and separate cosmetic wear from faults. Explain whether the stairlift is working, whether it starts and stops smoothly, and whether the seat, armrests, footrest, controls, safety sensors and charging system have been tested. Mention marks, worn upholstery, scratches, battery issues, unusual noises, error messages or missing covers.

Include any available service records, inspection reports, instruction manuals and proof of purchase. State when it was last serviced and identify any repair or replacement work, such as new batteries, a replacement charger or work to the rail. If it has not been tested since removal or has been stored for an extended period, say so clearly. Do not describe it as fully working unless you have a reasonable basis for that statement.

What is included

List every item supplied with the sale. This may include the stairlift, rail, charging point, batteries, handset or remote controls, keys, seat belt, brackets, power supply, installation parts, manuals and spare components. Confirm whether fixtures such as wall brackets, cable, chargers or a hinged section remain available. Missing parts can affect whether the lift can be installed safely, so avoid relying on photographs alone.

Photographs and measurements

Use clear, recent photographs taken in good lighting. Useful images include:

• the complete stairlift and rail;
• the seat, armrests, footrest and controls;
• the motor, charging point and any visible information plate;
• the rail from several angles, including bends or hinged sections;
• any damage, wear or missing parts; and
• the stairlift switched on, if you can do this safely.

Provide relevant measurements where available, such as the rail length, seat width, folded depth, stair width and clearance at the top and bottom of the stairs. Measurements can help a potential buyer identify obvious compatibility issues, but they do not replace an assessment by a suitably qualified installer. Never remove covers or interfere with electrical components simply to obtain a photograph.

Removal, collection and installation

Explain whether the stairlift is still installed or has already been removed. If it is installed, state whether the buyer must arrange and pay for removal. If it has been dismantled, describe how it is stored and whether the rail has been labelled or separated into sections.

Give the general location and state whether collection is available, whether delivery is possible and who will be responsible for transport. Avoid publishing your full home address publicly; provide detailed collection information privately once a genuine buyer has made contact.

Make it clear that installation may require a professional assessment, particularly for a curved or outdoor stairlift. The buyer should confirm that the equipment is suitable for their staircase and that it can be installed, commissioned and checked safely. State whether your asking price includes removal, delivery, installation or a post-installation safety check. If none of these are included, say so explicitly.

Price and sale terms

Display an asking price or explain that offers are invited. Say whether the price is for the complete stairlift or only selected parts. Make clear whether the price is firm, negotiable or subject to a separate quotation for removal and fitting.

Include the accepted payment method, when payment is due and whether the sale is collection-only. Set out what happens if the buyer decides the stairlift is unsuitable after viewing it. Do not claim that a buyer can install or use the stairlift immediately unless its condition, compatibility and safety have been properly established.

Information about the buyer’s requirements

Invite potential buyers to provide the details needed to check suitability, including:

• whether their staircase is straight, curved or outdoors;
• the approximate staircase measurements and available clearance;
• the intended user’s requirements, where relevant, such as transfer needs or weight capacity; and
• their location and preferred arrangements for viewing, removal and installation.

Ask buyers to obtain professional advice before purchasing if they are unsure about compatibility. A used stairlift may look suitable but still require a different rail, charging arrangement, seat configuration or safety component.

Example listing structure

Make and model: [state the details]
Type: [straight, curved or outdoor]
Age and use: [installation date and approximate period of use]
Condition: [working status, cosmetic wear and known faults]
History: [service, repair and storage information]
Included: [rail, controls, charger, manuals and other parts]
Measurements: [rail, seat and clearance measurements where known]
Location: [town or area]
Collection and fitting: [who arranges and pays for removal, transport, installation and checks]
Price: [asking price and sale terms]

Before publishing, check that the description matches the photographs, disclose every known fault and remove personal information from images of your home. A complete and honest listing reduces unsuitable enquiries and helps a buyer arrange the correct assessment, removal and installation process.