Buying a stairlift is quite a big decision, particularly if you’ve never used one before. It’s perfectly reasonable to wonder whether you can sit on a stairlift and try it out before spending any money.

The answer is that some stairlift companies do offer demonstrations, often through a showroom. However, trying the exact stairlift you’re thinking of buying isn’t always a normal part of the purchasing process. Most installations are arranged following a home survey and a discussion about the person who’ll actually be using it.

At Trent Stairlifts, we don’t currently operate a showroom for trial journeys. What we do offer is plenty of straightforward advice, product information and videos, so customers in Nottingham and the East Midlands can understand their options before committing.

Do stairlift companies have showrooms?

Some do. A showroom might have one or several different stairlift models on display, giving visitors a chance to sit down, test the controls and get an idea of what travelling on one feels like.

Not every manufacturer or local installer has a showroom though. Stairlifts are specialised pieces of equipment, and a fitted showroom model is only an example of how the machine works. Your own staircase could be longer, steeper or have completely different bends.

If trying a lift in person is essential to your decision, it’s worth checking in advance which showrooms have suitable demonstration equipment and whether you need an appointment.

What can a demonstration actually tell you?

A short trial can be useful for judging the shape of the seat, how easy the controls are to operate and whether you feel comfortable as the chair starts and stops.

You might also want to see:

• How the seat swivels at the top of the stairs
• How the seat, arms and footrest fold away
• How the seatbelt fastens
• How loud the stairlift is in normal use
• Whether the user can sit comfortably with their feet supported

But a showroom can’t tell you everything. The most important question is whether a particular lift will suit your staircase and the person using it, which is why the survey is still needed.

How Trent Stairlifts helps without a showroom

When someone contacts us, the conversation usually starts with what they’re struggling with at home. Are the stairs straight? Is there a turn? Is getting on and off difficult? Is one hand weaker than the other?

From there, we can talk through the available options and show photographs or videos of suitable models. We can explain the controls, swivel-seat choices, folded dimensions and the differences between new and reconditioned lifts.

There is no need to arrive already knowing which product you want. It’s our job to make those options understandable.

A home visit is usually more useful than guessing from a photograph

A proper survey gives an installer the chance to measure the stairs and assess the user’s requirements. For straight staircases, measuring may only take a few minutes. Curved staircases generally need a more detailed survey because the track has to follow the shape of the stairs.

The engineer can also check landing space, knee clearance, the position of doors and whether any optional equipment would be beneficial. These are things even the best showroom demonstration can’t establish for your own home.

Do straight and curved stairlifts feel different?

The basic seated experience is similar, but curved stairlifts negotiate turns and changes of gradient. They can also take longer to complete a journey than a straight lift.

If you’re researching the different types, you can look through our straight stairlift range and curved stairlift options.

The right choice isn’t necessarily the chair you liked most in a showroom. It’s the one that fits the staircase safely and is comfortable for the person who needs it.

What if the user is nervous about using a stairlift?

That’s common, especially when someone has never used any mobility equipment before. It helps to ask questions early rather than feel rushed into a decision.

We can explain how a normal journey works, the slow controlled travelling speed and what happens when the lift reaches the top. Stairlifts are designed with simple travel controls and safety systems, including obstruction sensors and seatbelt arrangements.

After installation, the user should be given a proper demonstration of their own stairlift, with time to ask questions before using it independently.

What should you ask before ordering?

Even without trying one physically, there are plenty of useful questions:

• Which model is being supplied, and why?
• Does it have a manual or powered swivel seat?
• Will the footrest be easy for the user to manage?
• How much room will be left on the stairs?
• What warranty and aftercare are included?
• How soon can the lift be installed?

A good quotation should give you a clear picture of what you’re purchasing rather than just a price on a page.

Final thoughts

Yes, it’s possible to try a stairlift before buying if you can visit a company with demonstration equipment. It isn’t essential for every customer, though, and not all suppliers have showrooms.

Trent Stairlifts doesn’t currently offer showroom trials, but we do provide plenty of product information, videos and individual guidance throughout the quotation process. A home survey also tells you far more about what will work on your particular staircase.

If you’re considering a stairlift in Nottingham or elsewhere in the East Midlands, you can request a free, no-obligation quote here and we’ll talk you through the options without making the process complicated.

Trying a stairlift – FAQs

Can I try a stairlift before purchasing one?

Some stairlift showrooms have demonstration models you can try. Availability varies between companies.

Does Trent Stairlifts have a showroom?

Not currently. We can provide product details, photographs, videos and individual advice instead.

Will a showroom stairlift be exactly like the one in my house?

Not necessarily. Your staircase may have a different length, angle or layout, so a home survey remains important.

Can I see how the swivel seat and controls work?

Yes. We can explain these features and show suitable product information or videos during the quotation process.

Will I be shown how to use my stairlift after installation?

Yes. A demonstration of the installed lift is an important part of handing it over to the customer.

Do I need to know which brand I want before requesting a quote?

No. We can discuss the available models and recommend a suitable option based on the staircase and the user.

Request a free, no-obligation quote