Rental Stairlifts in London

As a person gets older, it is normal to start experiencing mobility problems. For instance, if you live in a storied house, you might get difficulties when trying to access the rooms on the upper floors. This is where stairlifts come in handy.

The market has a variety of options differentiated by specific features. Most models have a battery-powered motor at their base. The motor has a gear that determines the direction of the lift. If it moves in one direction, the chair moves up the stairs. When running in the opposite direction, it goes downstairs.

You can move the stairlift while nobody is on it using the call/send switches. These are particularly useful when two or more people want to use the chair. The switches also help when the chair is at the opposite end of the staircase from where you are standing. The different types of stairlifts in the market have been discussed below.

Types of Stairlifts

There are different types of stairlifts available for renting in London. The four most popular options are straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts, reconditioned stairlifts, and outdoor stairlifts. You do not need to worry about installation since the service provider handles this task. More importantly, they can customize the chairs to match your interior décor and suit your personal needs.

Straight Stairlifts

Straight stairlifts are the most popular variants because most people have straight stairways in their homes. Their design factors in safety and free movement. This means that they are robust enough to carry the weight of the passenger without breaking and flexible enough to move freely up and down the staircase.

Curved Stairlifts

If you have a spiral staircase, it can be quite challenging to find a suitable stairlift. The solution to this problem is investing in curved stairlifts. These are designed in such a way that they operate smoothly in the tightest of spaces without compromising on your safety.
Curved stairlifts typically cost more than their straight counterparts because they are customized to suit your staircase. The designer has to do an extensive survey before they make a rail for the stairlifts, another factor that increases the price of these stairlifts.

Reconditioned Stairlifts

One of the reasons why people shy off from buying stairlifts is their expensiveness. If you are on a tight budget, a good option would be investing in a reconditioned stairlift.

A reconditioned stairlift is one that had a previous user but has undergone servicing and repairs from professionals to restore its original functionality. The servicing usually covers the replacement of damaged parts and repairing the motor. After this, the chair is cleaned to restore its outward appearance. The outcome of these processes ensures that the product is the closest it can be to a new stairlift.

Outdoor Stairlifts

Outdoor stairlifts ensure that you remain safe and free from mobility challenges when outside your house. Because of their location, they have weatherproof features to increase their longevity. Their robustness enables them to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Factors to Consider When Renting a Stairlift

Instead of spending vast amounts of money on a brand new stairlift, you can make significant savings by renting. However, the abundance of options can make it challenging to settle on a particular choice.
Here are the top factors you need to consider when renting a stairlift.

Cost

The most apparent consideration factor is cost. Since most companies allow you to choose between renting and buying, you must pick the more cost-effective of the two. For instance, renting is more suitable if you are staying in a temporary residence. It is not viable to buy a stairlift if you plan to move after a short while. On the other hand, buying is better if you are living in a permanent home.

Stairlift Capacity

The stairlift you choose must be safe and comfortable. The capacity determines the weight that the chair can hold without breaking. If you are a heavy person, go for lifts with larger capacities and wider chairs to prevent accidents. Fortunately, most companies can customize stairlifts to your exact specifications.

Convenience

The comfort afforded by a stairlift is mostly dependent on its features. You can opt for a model that has armrests and footplates, although these come at an extra cost. Modern designs have swivel seats that make it easier to sit on and alight from the stairlift.

Safety Features

Your safety should be a priority when looking to rent a stairlift. Standard safety features found on stairlifts include brakes, seatbelts, and switch controls. Also, it should have a call/send switch. Make sure that the product has a user guide that shows you how to use its features.

Benefits of Renting a Stairlift

The following are the top advantages of renting a stairlift.

Cost-effectiveness

Renting is more affordable than buying, especially if you are in a temporary residence. It also saves money for people who are hosting a person experiencing mobility challenges for a short time.
When purchasing, you need to pay thousands in a single installment. On the other hand, renting requires you to pay a deposit and subsequent monthly payments of as little as £50. This allows you to allocate your budget to different needs for your home.

Maintenance

Most rental agreements cover for stairlift maintenance costs. On the contrary, people who buy stairlifts have to spend extra money on servicing and repairs.

Expert Advice

Many stairlift rental companies offer free consultancy services to their clients. Professionals will assess your home and recommend the best type of lift that addresses your needs.

Professional Installation

Besides warranties and free maintenance, rental companies offer installation services to customers. This ensures that your products get installed according to the required safety standards.

Conclusion

Stairlifts are invaluable to people from suffering from mobility challenges. They allow you to move freely and perform tasks that you would have otherwise been unable to do.
That said, it can be quite costly to purchase a new stairlift. If you need the product temporarily or you have a tight budget, renting is the best alternative to buying. Besides being cheaper, you get free installation and maintenance, as well as expert advice from seasoned professionals.