Frequently asked questions about Stairlifts in Peterborough

How much does a stair lift cost?

Stairlifts range in price. Straight stairlifts can be very cheap as the can be fitted to any straight staircase, however there is no fixed price for a curved stairlift as they have to be tailor made to fit your stairs. The price will depend on which model you buy and what type of stairs you have. At Peterborough Stairlifts we offer a free survey service where a fully trained representative will personally visit your home to assess your needs and measure your staircase in order to give you a fixed quote. To get a quote won't cost you anything and you are under no obligation to buy from Peterborough Stairlifts, In fact we recommend you shop around as we are confident you will find us to be both one of the cheapest and the best.

Will I be able to use the stairs as normal?

Yes. The narrowest of stairlifts are available should an installation require one. The arms, seat and footrest all fold away, so the stairs can still be used as normal.

What if my wall isn't strong enough to support the weight?

Many people are worried about their stair lift damaging their walls, but in actual fact all stair lifts are fitted to the steps, not the wall. The stair lift brackets need to be screwed into the steps, so it doesn't matter at all if your wall is non-supporting or plasterboard, and it won't damage your carpet either!

Are there any difficulties getting on and off the stairlift?

The seat is designed to swivel allowing the individual to alight at the top or bottom easily without having to bend or twist the body. You can use the armrests to push yourself up. The armrests can be raised separately, which is especially useful if you are getting on from a wheelchair.

What will power the stairlift?

All modern stairlifts in Peterborough are powered by a battery which is automatically recharged from the mains when not in use. The beauty of having DC power is that in the unlikely event of a power cut your stairlift can still function as normal. Another advantage is that modern stairlifts are very energy-efficient and economical to run, with the daily cost of running a stairlift comparable to using a kettle!

How long will I have to wait before it's installed?

The delivery time will depend on your chosen model and how much work is involved in the factory to build the rail to fit your staircase. It is possible to have a stairlift for a straight staircase installed on the same day subject to stock availability, 

You may have to wait 2-6 weeks for a stair lift for curved stairs. 

How long will the installation take?

A standard installation generally takes around 2 hours, however a complex staircase may take longer. All of our stairlifts are fitted by professional engineers with minimal disruption, mess and inconvenience and the engineer will not leave until you are completely satisfied.

Is a Stairlift easy to use?

Stair lifts are operated by simple, large, up and down paddle switches on the arms, which are designed to work with minimal pressure. This makes them suitable for people with arthritis or who are visually-impaired. You simply need to gently press the paddle in the direction of travel to start the stair lift.

On completion of the installation our engineers will give a thorough and complete demonstration and will not leave until you feel comfortable using the lift.

What happens if the stairlift is at the "Wrong" end of the stairs?

All of the stairlifts we fit come with remote controls which are useful if someone else in your house uses your stair lift and you need to call it back to where you are or you want to send something up or down the stairs without having to carry it.

Your remote controls will be provided by our engineers at the time of installation and can be mounted on the wall at the top and bottom of the stairs so you are always able to find them when you need them.