Key Takeaways
- A reconditioned stairlift is a pre-owned unit that has been fully restored, safety-tested, and fitted with new or replacement parts.
- In the UK, reputable companies follow a strict refurbishment process covering motors, electronics, batteries, rails, and safety systems.
- Straight stairlifts receive brand-new rails, while curved rails are custom-made or reworked depending on the model.
- A proper refurbishment produces a stairlift that performs almost like new, typically with a 6–12 month warranty.
- Buyers should always ensure the lift is reconditioned by an accredited mobility dealer, not sold privately.
What does ‘reconditioned’ actually mean?
A reconditioned stairlift is a previously used stairlift that has been professionally restored to near-new condition. The aim is to deliver the same safety, reliability, and performance as a new unit at a significantly lower cost.
Reconditioning includes deep cleaning, replacing worn components, testing safety systems, installing new batteries, and reassembling the lift to manufacturer standards.
Not all reconditioned stairlifts are the same quality, as it depends entirely on the company that refurbished them.
The Full Reconditioning Process (Behind the Scenes)
Below is the industry-standard workflow used by professional UK stairlift companies. This provides transparency into what should happen before a refurbished lift is resold.
1. Collection & Initial Inspection
The process begins when a stairlift is removed from a customer’s home.
Technicians perform an initial inspection to check:
- Model age
- Motor hours (usage level)
- Signs of corrosion
- Rail condition
- Safety sensor functionality
- Wear on the seat, plastics, armrests, and footrest
If the lift is too old or damaged, it is recycled rather than refurbished.
2. Deep Cleaning & Strip-Down
Next, the unit is taken to a workshop.
The team will:
- Remove all plastics and covers
- Clean grease, dust, and debris
- Sanitise the seat, armrests, and belt
- Strip down the motor carriage to inspect internal components
All cosmetic parts are cleaned or replaced.
3. Motor & Gearbox Rebuild
This is the most complex part of the refurbishment. It involves:
- Checking the motor windings
- Replacing worn brushes
- Inspecting the gearbox and worm drive
- Lubricating moving parts
- Replacing bearings where needed
- Testing torque output
If the motor or gearbox fails any test, it is replaced in its entirety.
4. Electronics Replacement
All electronics undergo testing:
- Main control board
- Safety sensors
- Limit switches
- Charging system
- Remote-control receivers
- Diagnostic displays
Any faulty component is swapped for a new or certified replacement.
5. New Batteries Installed
Almost all reconditioned stairlifts come with brand-new batteries.
This ensures maximum runtime and reliability.
Outdoor models may receive heavy-duty, cold-resistant batteries.
6. Railway / Track Preparation
This is where straight and curved stairlifts differ.
Straight Stairlifts
- Always supplied with a brand-new rail, cut to the customer’s staircase length.
- Brackets, end stops, and charging contacts are also newly fitted.
Curved Stairlifts
- Tracks are bespoke, so they are usually rebuilt or re-engineered.
- Workshop technicians ensure the rail geometry matches the new staircase.
- If the old rail cannot be reused, a new custom rail is manufactured.
7. Replacement of Wear-and-Tear Parts
Common replacement parts include:
- Seat plastics
- Armrest caps
- Footplate hinges
- Upholstery
- Safety belts
- Charging contacts
- Brush strips
- Covers and shrouds
In many cases, the lift looks visually close to new after this stage.
8. Full Safety Testing
Before approval, the stairlift undergoes:
- Weight-load tests
- Emergency stop testing
- Battery performance checks
- Sensor trigger verification
- Ride comfort assessment
- Start/stop smoothness testing
- Over-speed governor testing
- Obstacle detection tests
Only once it passes every test can it be labelled as reconditioned.
9. Certification & Warranty
The stairlift receives:
- A safety certificate
- Model-specific documentation
- A warranty (usually 6–12 months)
- Optional extended warranty packages
- Installation report
This separates professional reconditioned units from used, privately sold lifts.
How ‘new’ is a reconditioned stairlift?
New parts include:
- Batteries
- Rail (for straight models)
- Brushes, bearings, and lubricants
- Many plastics and cosmetic parts
- Safety wear items
Refurbished parts include:
- Motor
- Gearbox
- Carriage frame
Reused parts (only if they pass testing):
- Seat frame
- Upholstery
- Remote controls
The goal is for the stairlift to work as reliably as a new model, although cosmetic differences may exist.
How long does a reconditioned stairlift last?
Most reconditioned lifts last 5–10 years, depending on:
- Age of the original unit
- Quality of refurbishment
- Usage levels
- Regular servicing
Models refurbished by major UK dealers typically last longer.
Why quality varies between companies
Some companies fully strip the carriage, replace electronics, and rebuild the motor.
Others simply clean the unit and change the batteries.
This is why choosing an accredited dealer matters.
Signs of a properly reconditioned stairlift
Ask your installer:
- Has the motor been rebuilt or inspected?
- Are the batteries brand new?
- Is the rail brand new (straight lifts)?
- What parts were replaced?
- What safety tests were performed?
- What warranty is included?
If the seller can’t provide answers, avoid.
FAQs
Is a reconditioned stairlift safe?
Yes, when refurbished by a qualified mobility company. It should undergo full safety testing and carry a warranty.
Do reconditioned stairlifts look used?
Some may have small cosmetic marks, but major plastics and upholstery are often replaced.
Are reconditioned curved stairlifts available?
Yes, but stock is limited because the track is custom-made.
Is everything replaced?
Not always are major mechanical and electronic parts reused if they pass full inspection.