STAIRLIFT RENTAL | March 2024 - All You Need To Know
stairlift rental

March 2024

Stairlift Rental In March 2024

 

Is it possible to rent a stairlift?

It is indeed possible to rent a stairlift. In fact, renting a stairlift is a popular alternative to purchasing one, and most major stairlift suppliers offer a wide variety of rental options. Whether renting a stairlift is right for you depends on your specific mobility needs, as well as your financial resources and the layout of your home.

Topics that you will find covered on this page

You can listen to an audio recording of this page below.

How does it work?

Renting a stairlift is simple. 

Rental stairlifts work a lot like renting a car or a house. A stairlift rental owns a selection of models to suit different people’s needs. When you rent a stairlift, they will provide you with a model that suits you and your home. 

The company handles installation for you, and at the end of the rental period they take the stairlift back.

Is renting a stairlift expensive?

Most people expect stairlift hire to cost a fortune. But in many cases renting a stairlift can actually be very affordable, at least in terms of the cost per week.

Renting a straight stairlift often costs as little as ten pounds per week. Most people will hardly notice these payments, and in return you get a piece of mobility equipment that can dramatically improve your quality of life. 

So if you are an average customer who just needs a straight stairlift, the rent should be well within your budget.

It costs more to rent a curved stairlift. This is because curved stairlifts are often more specialized, so the model you choose might be more rare and thus more costly. Plus curved stairlifts are often more expensive and time-consuming to install, which further drives up the total cost.

Even so, you can expect to rent an ordinary curved stairlift for as little as twenty pounds per week. So without taking the installation fee into account, rental stairlifts are a steal.

Here is a useful video explaining more about stairlifts.

Will I have to pay anything in advance, such as installation costs?

While you can rent a stairlift for relatively little on a per-week basis, this isn’t taking the installation charge into account. It is standard practice for a stairlift rental to levy an installation charge. This is no small fee- installation charges of a thousand pounds or more are quite normal. Straight stairlifts come with lower installation charges.

Installing rental stairlifts is quite an undertaking. This is because installations can require an electrician, a plumber, and a carpenter, as well as an engineer trained to work with stairlifts.

A radiator or pipe may have to be re-routed, banisters and skirting boards may have to be altered, and new wiring may have to be fitted. Such things are often necessary to clear the area so you can access the stairlift safely. Then there’s the installation itself- engineers often charge a hundred pounds an hour if you want to hire one yourself.

Why choose the world's most innovative stairlifts from Acorn?

Fits quickly and easily to the stairs, not the wall
Requires no structural changes to your home
Affordable and reliable with low running costs
Slimline and folds away conveniently when not in use
Optional hinged rail designed to eliminate any trip or hazard

Read below what Acorn's clients have to say about them

More reasons why Acorn are a good option

Stairlifts made in the UK
Same day home appointments available
Next day installation available
Amazing feedback and testimonials
Market leading experience in the UK

Call now on 0333 567 1603 to get a quote or to discuss your stairlift requirements.

Or

Book a callback, in the calendar below, for a time that suits you.

So while the installation charge may feel extortionate, you get what you pay for. 

Can you rent any type of stairlift, including curved ones?

The most commonly available rental models are straight stairlifts. This is because they are more versatile; it’s easier to fit a straight stairlift to multiple flights of stairs. So if your staircase is straight, you’re in luck. You will likely be able to choose from a range of models that will all fit your stairs.

It is harder to rent a curved stairlift, as they are often custom-built. But if you want to fit a stairlift to a curved staircase, there’s no need to despair. Some stairlift rentals offer both straight and curved stairlifts. For example, Stannah is one of the foremost stairlift companies in the UK, and it offers a selection of both straight and curved stairlifts to rent.

If you are overweight or obese, there is stairlift technology to suit your needs. Heavy-duty models are increasingly common and available to rent from many suppliers. Swivel-seat models and remote controls are also available.

rental stairlifts

But you should bear in mind that some staircases are so unique that they require a custom-built stairlift. For example, a spiral staircase will not fit an ordinary curved stairlift. Nor will a very long flight of stairs fit the average straight stairlift. It’s vitally important for your safety that the stairlift fits properly. So if you have a particularly unusual staircase, consider purchasing a bespoke model.

Is there a minimum or maximum time period for stairlift rental?

It depends on the stairlift rental, but there is often no minimum period. Many small stairlift rental services provide this option, such as Easystep Stairlifts and Affordable Mobility. With some organisations, the minimum may be a short period of one to three months.

Though technically there is no minimum period, you should take the installation charge into account when deciding whether you will need the stairlift long enough. Since you may end up with a sunk cost of one thousand pounds or more, it is rarely cost-effective to rent a stairlift for less than a few months.

While there is no mandated maximum rental period, it may not be cost-effective for you to rent a stairlift over a long period of time. There is a whole section of the article dedicated to this question below.

"One of the big upsides of rental stairlifts is the ease of maintenance. It’s a lot like if you were renting a house or a car. The rental company will arrange and pay for the maintenance of your stairlift."

Do stairlift rentals charge on a weekly or monthly basis?

Most services provide stairlifts on a monthly rental basis. But monthly rental is by no means mandatory, and you may be able to arrange weekly payment if this is easier for you. Get in touch with your rental service to find out if this option is available.

Will the stairlifts rental sort out maintenance for me?

One of the big upsides of rental stairlifts is the ease of maintenance. It’s a lot like if you were renting a house or a car. The rental company will arrange and pay for the maintenance of your stairlift. The rental company has an interest in keeping the stairlift in good working condition, as this protects their rental income in the long run.

What’s more, servicing is usually in-house. This means the rental company employs its own maintenance and servicing team. This has the added benefit of guaranteeing you a trusted and trained engineer. Plus many companies provide a 24-hour phone line so you have the option of calling for assistance at any time.

(Covid-19 update: it may not be possible for the rental company to perform maintenance in your home. Please ensure that any maintenance and servicing arrangements are safe- do not put yourself at risk.)

How do I know the rental stairlift will be right for my staircase?

If you are dealing with a reputable rental service, you can be certain that any rental stairlifts they provide will fit your staircase safely. This is because the rental service will undertake a surveying process to ensure you end up with an appropriate stairlift.

Before fitting the product, the rental scheme will usually send a surveyor to assess your staircase and the relevant features of your home.

They will take in the angle of the stairs, how steep they are, as well as any corners and potential sources of obstruction. Then they will give you a choice between all the models that could be safely fitted to your stairs.

Which companies provide rental stairlifts?

Many of the UK’s most well-known mobility equipment companies offer rental stairlifts. Acorn Stairlifts and Stannah both offer a range of rental stairlift models. It is a good idea to call a few companies for information, advice and a quotation. Many firms will send you a free guide or brochure detailing the rental stairlifts they offer.

To ensure a safe customer experience, the first step is to make sure any stairlift company you’re dealing with is reputable.

Some firms will have a showroom so you can try out different types of rental stairlifts on-site. To find a local dealer, search ‘stair lift rental near me’ in your internet browser.

What happens if I no longer need the rental stairlift?

You may find that a rental stairlift isn’t right for you. Maybe you have determined that it would be more cost-effective to buy one, or maybe you want to look at other rental stairlifts. In this case, the stairlift rental service will typically remove it for you so they can check it’s in good working order before renting it to somebody else.

renting a stairlift

Would buying a stairlift be more cost-effective?

Considering the costs associated with renting a stairlift, you may be wondering whether buying one would be cheaper after all. The answer to this question depends primarily on how long you are likely to need the rental stairlift for.

Stairlift rental is often the most cost-effective option for those who have elderly or disabled relatives visiting for an extended (but not indefinite) period. Stairlift rental can also be cost-effective if you are recovering from an operation or a road traffic accident, as your mobility needs are only short-term.

But if you expect to be using the rental stairlift many years down the line, it makes a lot more sense to buy it outright. This is because the rental charge and the installation fee will add up to more than the cost of outright purchase after a few years.

It also depends upon what type of stairlift you need. If you require a specialised or custom-built model, renting may be an option, but it may work out cheaper to buy.

What are the positive aspects of stairlift rental?

To sum up, the following are the main benefits of renting a stairlift, as opposed to buying one.

  • Stairlift rental might be your cheapest option, especially if you are renting the stair lift for a relatively short period.
  • If you need a straight stairlift, it should be easy to find one to rent. Finding straight stairlifts to rent is easy, provided your staircase is not abnormally long or steep. You might be able to find a more specialised stair lift for rent too.
  • The stairlifts rental will take care of maintenance for you.
  • If you don’t have a lot of money set aside in the short-term, monthly rental stairlifts allow you to spread some of the cost over time.
  • The stairlift rental will arrange for removal at the end of the period, meaning you can avoid the fuss of hiring a contractor.

What are the negative aspects of stairlift rental?

  • If you need a curved stairlift, you may be unable to find a rental option.
  • Likewise, if you have bespoke requirements there is the worry that rental services will not have rental stairlifts that suit your needs.
  • Rental is not the only way to arrange for maintenance of stair lifts. You can get a warranty or maintenance contract if you buy a stair lift. So if guaranteed maintenance is a game-changer for you, stairlift rental is not necessarily the best solution.
  • High installation prices mean you will likely be hit with a four-figure bill at the start of the stairlift rental process. This can be a problem, especially for the kind of buyer whose financial circumstances are suited to renting in the first place.

Have A Free Consultation With A Stairlift Specialist

You can contact an Acorn stair lift specialist in one of 3 ways:

  • Option 1 – Call directly on – 0333 567 1603
  • Option 2 – Book an appointment directly in the calendar below, and one of the team will call you back at your chosen time
  • Option 3 – Leave your contact details and Acorn will get in touch with you

Option 1 - Call Acorn Stairlifts Directly

 

Monday to Thursday : 8am – 7pm

Friday : 8am – 5:30pm

Saturday & Sunday : 9am – 5pm

Call us on : 0333 567 1603

Option 2 - Book an appointment, in the calendar below, for a callback when it's convenient

Option 3 - Leave your details and Acorn will get in touch

Leave your contact details below, and one of the Acorn team will give you a call to discuss your needs.

                                                      Please note that Acorn Stairlifts undertake all calls.

Article author

Katy Davies

I am a keen reader and writer and have been helping to write and produce the legal content for the site since the launch.   I studied for a law degree at Manchester University and I use that theoretical experience, as well as my practical experience as a solicitor, to help produce legal content which I hope you find helpful.

Outside of work, I love the snow and am a keen snowboarder.  Most winters you will see me trying to get away for long weekends to the slopes in Switzerland or France.

Email – [email protected]

More useful articles about stairlifts

A Guide To Stairlifts

This article explains all you need to know about buying or renting a stairlift in the UK alongside information on where to find one.

Curved Stairlifts

Not all stairs are straight, so you may need a curved stairlift to go around a landing,  This article explains how you get a curved stairlift.

Stairlift Rental

Renting a stairlift is a popular alternative to purchasing a new stair lift.  This article explains how the rental process works.

Second Hand Stairlifts

Buying a second hand stairlift is much cheaper than buying a new one, especially if you nay not need it for long.  

Reconditioned Stairlifts

A reconditioned stairlift allows you to get an almost new stairlift for a much lower price than a new one.  This article explains how.

Stairlifts For Narrow Stairs

Thos will narrow stairs will need a specialist chair.  However, there are lifts that could work.  Our article explains what you need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Is it possible to rent a stairlift?

It is indeed possible to rent a stairlift. In fact, renting a stairlift is a popular alternative to purchasing one, and most major stairlift suppliers offer a wide variety of rental options. Whether renting a stairlift is right for you depends on your specific mobility needs, as well as your financial resources and the layout of your home.

How does it work?

Renting a stairlift is simple. Rental stairlifts work a lot like renting a car or a house. A stairlift rental owns a selection of models to suit different people’s needs. When you rent a stairlift, they will provide you with a model that suits you and your home. The company handles installation for you, and at the end of the rental period they take the stairlift back.

Is renting a stairlift expensive?

Most people expect stairlift hire to cost a fortune. But in many cases renting a stairlift can actually be very affordable, at least in terms of the cost per week.

Will I have to pay anything in advance, such as installation costs?

While you can rent a stairlift for relatively little on a per-week basis, this isn’t taking the installation charge into account. It is standard practice for a stairlift rental to levy an installation charge. This is no small fee- installation charges of a thousand pounds or more are quite normal. Straight stairlifts come with lower installation charges.

Installing rental stairlifts is quite an undertaking. This is because installations can require an electrician, a plumber, and a carpenter, as well as an engineer trained to work with stairlifts.

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Would you like to speak to a stairlift's rental expert to better understand what options you have?

Call now on 0333 567 1603

Would you like some help choosing a stair lift or just want to learn more about your options? If so, call now, leave your details for a call back or book a free consultation.

Call us now

0333 567 1603

All calls are undertaken by Acorn Stairlifts, one of the UK's leading stairlift specialists

Book a free consultation

Leave us your details

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Get free help choosing a Stair Lift

Would you like to speak to a stairlift's rental expert to better understand what options you have?

Call now on 0333 567 1603

Would you like some help choosing a stair lift or just want to learn more about your options? If so, call now, leave your details for a call back or book a free consultation.

Call us now

0333 567 1603

All calls are undertaken by Acorn Stairlifts, one of the UK's leading stairlift specialists

Book a free consultation

Leave us your details

1

3

2

Get free help choosing a Stair Lift