If you no longer need your stairlift, it seems reasonable to think that somebody else might be able to use it. After all, a stairlift can be an expensive purchase and the machine may still be working perfectly well.

 

The answer is that some used stairlifts can be sold, but the amount you can expect back is often much lower than the original purchase price.

 

Age, condition, model and how difficult it will be to remove and prepare the lift for another home all affect its resale value. A stairlift that’s only a couple of years old is very different from one that’s already been through several owners.

 

Newer stairlifts generally have better resale potential

 

A stairlift purchased brand new and used for only a relatively short period is often the most attractive to a business looking for stock to recondition.

 

It may still have plenty of useful life remaining, and popular models are usually easier to inspect, service and support with replacement parts.

 

Even then, you shouldn’t expect anything close to what you originally paid. Installation, survey work, transport and the original manufacturer’s supply costs were all part of the purchase, not just the value of the machine itself.

 

Why does stairlift value fall so quickly?

 

A company taking in a used lift needs to consider more than whether the motor still runs.

 

Typical costs can include:

 

• Professional removal from the original property

 

• Transport to the workshop or warehouse

 

• Inspection and testing

 

• Replacement batteries or worn components

 

• Cleaning and preparation for reuse

 

• Storage until a suitable customer needs it

 

• Survey, installation and warranty for the next owner

 

Those costs have to be accounted for before a company can decide what it can reasonably offer for the equipment.

 

What if the stairlift was reconditioned when you bought it?

 

A reconditioned stairlift can be excellent value for the person buying it, but it is already an older machine at the time of purchase.

 

After several more years of use, its resale value may be very limited. In some cases, the most realistic outcome may be a removal service rather than a payment for the lift itself.

 

That doesn’t mean reconditioned stairlifts are poor value. The saving is primarily made when buying and using one, not by expecting a substantial payment when it is no longer needed.

 

Does the brand and model make a difference?

 

Definitely. Popular stairlift models from established manufacturers often have better resale potential because there are more compatible parts and more engineers familiar with them.

 

An uncommon or discontinued machine may be harder to sell, even when it appears to be in good condition. Age and parts availability are major considerations for anyone planning to refurbish it.

 

What about selling a curved stairlift?

 

Curved stairlifts deserve a separate mention.

 

Many curved tracks are manufactured specifically for one staircase, meaning the complete rail is unlikely to fit someone else’s home. The chair and main drive unit may still be reusable, but the buyer may need to manufacture or assemble a different rail.

 

Modular curved systems can sometimes be more adaptable, since individual track sections may be changed to suit another property. Even then, the original installation isn’t simply transferred unchanged into the next home.

 

Should you remove the stairlift before selling?

 

Generally, it’s better to leave the stairlift installed until you’ve spoken with the buyer or removal company.

 

A lift that is still fitted can often be demonstrated working, and an engineer can remove it without unnecessary damage to the carriage or track joints.

 

Dismantling it yourself can make the equipment harder to assess and may reduce its potential value if components are damaged or missing.

 

What information will a buyer want?

 

Before approaching a company, it helps to have a few details ready:

 

• Manufacturer and model

 

• Approximate age and installation date

 

• Whether it was bought new or reconditioned

 

• Whether it currently works

 

• Any previous faults or major repairs

 

• Photographs of the complete stairlift and rail

 

• The location of the property

 

That information helps a potential buyer decide whether the lift is worth inspecting or collecting.

 

Selling on, private sale or removal?

 

There are several possible routes when a stairlift is no longer needed. Some companies elsewhere may buy suitable newer systems, while others offer removal and recycling. Selling privately is another possibility, but the buyer still needs to arrange safe transport and professional installation.

 

Not every machine has a resale value, and any offer will depend on the individual lift. It’s worth being realistic before making plans around a particular amount of money. Trent Stairlifts does not guarantee to purchase every stairlift.

 

Final thoughts

 

Yes, you can sometimes sell an old stairlift, particularly if it was bought new within the previous few years and remains in good condition.

 

But used stairlifts lose value quickly because the next supplier has removal, transport, refurbishment and installation costs to meet. Older lifts, especially those already reconditioned when purchased, may attract much lower offers or none at all.

 

If you have a stairlift in Nottingham or the East Midlands that is no longer required, Trent Stairlifts can discuss professional removal. We do not guarantee to buy used stairlifts; any interest in equipment for reuse is assessed case by case, and many older lifts have little or no resale value. See our stairlift removal and servicing information here, or get in touch for a no-obligation quote.

 

Selling an old stairlift – FAQs

 

Can I sell my old stairlift?

 

Sometimes, yes. It depends on the make, model, age, condition and demand for that equipment.

 

Will I get back what I paid for it?

 

No. Any amount offered for used equipment is typically substantially lower than the original installed purchase price.

 

Are newer stairlifts worth more?

 

Generally yes, especially popular models that were bought brand new within the previous few years.

 

Can a reconditioned stairlift be sold again?

 

Potentially, but resale value can be low because the machine is already older.

 

Is a curved stairlift harder to sell?

 

Often yes, because many curved tracks are made specifically for one staircase.

 

Should I remove the stairlift before contacting a buyer?

 

It’s normally better to leave it installed so it can be inspected and removed professionally.