A reconditioned stairlift typically costs £1,000–£2,500 against £1,500–£6,000 for new, and owners rate them just as highly. In our survey, around a fifth of owners chose reconditioned, and they reported the same satisfaction as new buyers, often with a warranty included. For a straight staircase in particular, reconditioned is the value choice.
"Buy reconditioned" was one of the most common pieces of advice from the hundreds of UK owners we surveyed. Here is what the live data shows about value, satisfaction and the catches to watch for.
How many owners buy reconditioned?
Reconditioned (sometimes called refurbished or second-hand) lifts are a significant slice of the market, not a fringe choice. The split below is live and updates as more owners respond.
New vs reconditioned among owners live
Do reconditioned owners regret it?
The short answer from the data is no. Reconditioned buyers report satisfaction in line with new buyers, and many said their refurbished lift looked and worked like new, frequently with fresh upholstery and a warranty. The overall satisfaction picture below covers all owners.
Reconditioned vs new at a glance
| Reconditioned | New |
|---|
| Typical price | £1,000–£2,500 | £1,500–£6,000+ |
| Warranty | Often 12 months | Usually 12 months, longer optional |
| Best for | Straight stairs, tight budgets | Curved stairs, latest features |
| Owner satisfaction | High | High |
What owners say about reconditioned lifts
Verified comments from surveyed owners.
The catches to watch for
- Curved is harder to recondition. Curved rails are made to measure, so reconditioned curved lifts are rarer and may need a new rail anyway.
- Check the warranty in writing. Confirm what is covered and for how long before you buy.
- Use a reputable installer. Owners stressed professional fitting matters as much as the lift itself.
- Factor in removal. As with new lifts, resale and removal costs are easy to overlook.
Frequently asked questions
Are reconditioned stairlifts safe?
Yes, when bought from a reputable supplier and professionally installed. Reconditioned lifts are refurbished, safety-checked and usually come with a warranty.
How much can I save with a reconditioned stairlift?
Reconditioned lifts often cost half the price of new, typically 1,000 to 2,500 pounds. Savings are biggest on straight staircases.
Can you get a reconditioned curved stairlift?
They exist but are less common, because the rail is built to fit one specific staircase. You may still need a new made-to-measure rail even with a reconditioned chair.
Do reconditioned stairlifts come with a warranty?
Most do, commonly 12 months. Always confirm the warranty length and what it covers in writing before buying.
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