If you're considering buying a stairlift, one of the decisions you may face is whether to choose a brand-new stairlift or a reconditioned model.
A new stairlift may offer the latest specification, a longer warranty and the widest choice of options. A professionally reconditioned stairlift, however, can provide a more affordable alternative — without necessarily compromising on the suitability of the lift for your needs.
So which should you choose?
The answer depends on several factors, including your staircase, budget, the features you require and the availability and condition of suitable reconditioned equipment.
At EverRise Mobility, we supply both new and reconditioned stairlifts throughout Wigan and the surrounding areas. In this guide, we'll explain the differences and some of the things we believe you should consider before making a decision.
New vs Reconditioned Stairlifts at a Glance
| New Stairlift | Reconditioned Stairlift | |
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Brand new | Previously used and professionally reconditioned |
| Cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Choice | Widest choice of models and options | Depends on suitable equipment available |
| EverRise warranty | 2 years | 3 months parts & labour* |
| Batteries | New | New/replacement batteries covered for 12 months* |
| Straight staircases | Excellent choice | Often particularly suitable |
| Curved staircases | Rail configured for the individual staircase | More dependent on rail/model suitability |
| Powered options | Broad choice where available | Depends on specification of available equipment |
*Subject to EverRise Mobility's applicable warranty terms.
The important thing to remember is that reconditioned doesn't simply mean second-hand.
What Is a Reconditioned Stairlift?
A reconditioned stairlift is a stairlift that has previously been installed and used but has subsequently been removed, inspected and prepared for reuse.
There can be a significant difference between buying an unknown used stairlift privately and purchasing one that has been professionally inspected, reconditioned and installed.
Before a reconditioned stairlift is offered to another customer, its condition and operation should be properly assessed. Components showing unacceptable wear or faults should be addressed, and the stairlift should be installed and tested correctly in its new location.
The aim isn't simply to make an older stairlift look clean.
What matters most is its mechanical condition, electrical operation, safety systems and suitability for the new user and staircase.
Is a Reconditioned Stairlift the Same as a Used Stairlift?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but we think there is an important distinction.
A stairlift advertised simply as used may have been removed from somebody else's home and sold in its existing condition. Its history, servicing, battery condition or mechanical condition may not always be known.
A properly reconditioned stairlift should have been inspected and prepared for reuse before it is installed for another customer.
This is particularly important because a stairlift is a piece of mobility equipment that someone may rely on several times every day.
Price is therefore only one consideration.
Useful questions include whether the stairlift has been properly inspected, whether its safety systems have been checked, the condition of the batteries, whether worn or defective components have been addressed, whether the rail is suitable for the staircase, whether the stairlift is appropriate for the user, who will install it, and what warranty and aftercare are provided.
Those questions can tell you considerably more than simply asking how old the stairlift is.
What Are the Advantages of Buying a New Stairlift?
For some customers, buying new will be the most appropriate choice.
The Widest Choice of Equipment
With a new stairlift, we can consider current models and available specifications rather than being restricted to suitable reconditioned stock.
This can be particularly useful if you require specific features such as a powered swivel seat, powered footrest, powered hinge or another particular configuration. You can see several of these powered options demonstrated in our stairlift video library.
Longer Warranty
A new stairlift supplied by EverRise Mobility currently comes with a 2-year warranty, giving additional reassurance compared with the shorter warranty provided with our reconditioned equipment.
New Components and Batteries
Everything starts its working life with you. For customers planning to use their stairlift for many years, that can be an important consideration.
Greater Choice for More Complex Requirements
Where a user has particular mobility requirements or the staircase presents unusual challenges, ordering new equipment can sometimes provide a wider choice of suitable configurations.
Why Consider a Reconditioned Stairlift?
The biggest attraction is normally value for money.
A good-quality stairlift can potentially have many years of useful service remaining after its first installation.
If an appropriate unit becomes available and it can be properly reconditioned and installed on another suitable staircase, it may represent a considerable saving compared with purchasing equivalent equipment new.
This can be particularly attractive where budget is an important consideration, the staircase is straightforward, a suitable model is available, the required features are already present on the reconditioned unit, or the customer doesn't necessarily require the latest model or specification.
Buying reconditioned can also extend the useful working life of equipment that might otherwise no longer be used.
Are Reconditioned Straight Stairlifts Easier to Reuse?
Generally, straight stairlifts lend themselves particularly well to reconditioning and reuse.
A straight stairlift travels on a straight rail, which can be configured to suit an appropriate straight staircase.
This makes suitable equipment easier to reuse than many curved systems.
It doesn't mean every straight stairlift will fit every straight staircase. Rail length, staircase dimensions, clearances, user requirements and obstacles at the top or bottom still need to be considered.
For example, a doorway close to the bottom of the stairs may require a hinged rail, while a user may require a powered swivel seat or another feature that isn't fitted to the reconditioned unit being considered.
This is why a home survey remains important even when buying reconditioned.
For a full explanation of the differences between straight and curved stairlifts, see our guide Straight vs Curved Stairlifts: Which One Do I Need?
What About Reconditioned Curved Stairlifts?
Curved stairlifts need more careful consideration.
Unlike a conventional straight rail, a curved rail has been configured around the bends, angles and landings of a particular staircase.
That means a rail removed from one home will not automatically be suitable for another.
Depending on the manufacturer and rail system, there may be possibilities for correctly reconfiguring or using appropriate components, but this needs to be assessed individually and in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
If you're considering a reconditioned curved stairlift, the important question isn't simply "Can I buy a used curved stairlift?"
It is "Is this particular stairlift and rail system suitable for my staircase, and can it be correctly configured and installed?"
A Real Reconditioned Stairlift Installation in Eccleston, Chorley
A good example is a reconditioned Handicare 1100 straight stairlift installed by EverRise Mobility in Eccleston, Chorley.
Rather than automatically purchasing a brand-new stairlift, a suitable reconditioned Handicare 1100 provided the customer with a practical alternative for their straight staircase.
The stairlift was professionally prepared and installed by EverRise Mobility and supplied with our applicable warranty, including 12 months' cover on the batteries and 3 months parts and labour on the reconditioned stairlift, subject to our applicable warranty terms.
You can see further details and photographs from this and other genuine EverRise Mobility installations in our Projects section.
This is a good example of where reconditioned equipment can make sense: the right stairlift, in suitable condition, matched to an appropriate staircase and professionally installed.
What Should Be Checked on a Reconditioned Stairlift?
A stairlift contains mechanical, electrical and safety-related components, so its appearance tells you relatively little about its actual condition.
Assessment may include the carriage and drive system, rail and fixings, batteries and charging system, safety edges and sensors, seat and swivel mechanism, seat belt, footrest, controls and remote controls, electrical connections, moving components and general operation.
The exact checks will depend on the make, model, age and condition of the stairlift.
Once installed, the stairlift should also be properly tested in its new location.
This is one reason we wouldn't recommend choosing a reconditioned stairlift purely because it is the cheapest one available.
Do Reconditioned Stairlifts Come with a Warranty?
They should come with clear information about the warranty being provided by the supplier.
At EverRise Mobility, our current warranty is:
- New stairlifts – 2 years
- Reconditioned stairlifts – 3 months parts and labour
- Batteries supplied with a reconditioned stairlift – 12 months
Terms and conditions apply, and customers should always check exactly what their warranty covers.
It's also important not to assume that a manufacturer's original warranty automatically transfers to a second-hand stairlift.
Will a Reconditioned Stairlift Last as Long as a New One?
There isn't a single answer.
The remaining working life of a reconditioned stairlift will depend on factors including its age, previous use, condition, maintenance and how it is used after installation.
Likewise, simply buying a new stairlift doesn't mean maintenance can be ignored.
Whichever option you choose, regular servicing and maintenance can help identify developing problems and keep the stairlift operating correctly. For more on this, see our guide How Often Should a Stairlift Be Serviced?
Is a New Stairlift Always Better Than a Reconditioned One?
Not necessarily.
The better question is whether the stairlift is appropriate for you and your home.
For one customer, paying more for a brand-new stairlift with a particular powered option and longer warranty may make perfect sense.
For another customer with a straightforward staircase, a suitable professionally reconditioned model may meet their requirements while reducing the overall cost.
We wouldn't recommend choosing solely on whether the stairlift is new or reconditioned.
We would consider the user, staircase, required features, condition of the equipment, budget and likely period of use.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Reconditioned Stairlift
- What has actually been done to recondition the stairlift?
- Has it been inspected and tested before installation?
- What condition are the batteries in?
- Is the rail suitable for my staircase?
- Does the stairlift have the features I need?
- Who will install it?
- What warranty is included?
- Can the company service and repair it afterwards?
A low purchase price becomes considerably less attractive if there is no meaningful warranty or local support when something goes wrong.
How Much Can I Save with a Reconditioned Stairlift?
The saving varies considerably depending on the make, model, age, specification and availability of suitable equipment.
We therefore don't think a fixed percentage is particularly helpful.
The fairest comparison is between the actual new and reconditioned options suitable for your staircase and requirements. For a broader overview of stairlift pricing, see our guide How Much Does a Stairlift Cost in 2026?
New & Reconditioned Stairlifts in Wigan and Surrounding Areas
EverRise Mobility supplies new and reconditioned stairlifts throughout Wigan and surrounding areas.
We can assess your staircase, discuss the person who will be using the stairlift and explain the suitable new and reconditioned options available at the time.
As a local, independent company, our aim isn't to automatically steer you towards the most expensive option.
It's to help you find a stairlift that is suitable for you, your home and your budget.
We also provide ongoing stairlift servicing and repairs, including support for many stairlifts that we didn't originally install.
New or Reconditioned? Let Us Help You Compare the Options
If you're considering a stairlift but aren't sure whether to buy new or reconditioned, you don't need to make the decision before speaking to us.
EverRise Mobility offers a FREE home survey and no-obligation quotation.
We'll assess your staircase and requirements, explain the suitable options and, where appropriate, show you how a reconditioned stairlift compares with purchasing new.
Contact EverRise Mobility today to arrange your free home survey and no-obligation quotation.
