People who have physical disabilities, geriatric patients, or someone who is generally not able to move around by themselves require stairlifts to get up and around their homes. These used stairlifts for sale are installed at the staircase and transport the patient from one side to the other while they sit on a chair on that lift, allowing them to safely cross the stairs without any physical discomfort or effort.
However, stairlifts are expensive. Buying a brand new, basic stairlift with no additional features can easily set you back three or four grand in the United States, and if you are looking for specialized stairlifts, you can look at spending 7-10k as a starting point. That is why most people look for used stairlifts for sale.
However, buying used is not the end of it. There are plenty of challenges ahead that those using a stairlift to care for someone must know. Here, we will discuss those challenges, that we need to keep in mind.
Buying Used Stairlifts for Sale Brings Its Own Challenges
Before we discuss the maintenance work, there are plenty of pointers to look out for when buying anything used, and used stairlifts are no exception. Typically, buying anything used is not considered an ideal situation, as you never know the condition. Used cases, or other aspects of the product you are buying when buying used. But when stairlifts already cost nearly three grand without installation fees taken into account. Buying used has rightfully become a popular choice.
There are times when a limited warranty is provided, but considering the cost and necessity of the product, it is not enough for a buyer, especially if they are using it for long enough that they haven’t rented the product.
That is why it is best to purchase used stairlifts (or anything, really) through a service rather than directly from a buyer. The service acts as a buffer where you can deal with issues with the service that can give you some peace of mind.
This is just one of many considerations. Battery health, and general wear and tear can often become problems a few months after the purchase. If you need to constantly fix, buy parts for repair, etc. It puts the buyer at a disadvantage as they now have to spend considerably more.
Maintaining Your Used Stairlift
Buying a used stairlift may have less of an initial cost, but it can sometimes require more effort toward maintenance. While stairlifts are generally robust and reliable, buying used can change that due to a number of variables.
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Keep Your Stairlift Clean
Keep in mind that this is a recommendation based on what is ideal for the product. Because many will attest to cleaning the stairlift so frequently being very difficult to keep up with. Some will stay to hire a cleaner to do it instead, but considering we are buying used.
If not once a week, once a month can be a far less ideal but still viable scenario. Keeping such a crucial electrical component clean should be high on the priority list for any caretaker.
The stairlift also contains lubrication to travel up and down the stairs, as well as charge strips. So be very careful in cleaning those components and avoiding the lubricated rack entirely.
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Have Your Stairlift Serviced by a Professional Every Year
This is not about cleaning the stairlift but about ensuring that anything you should not clean. They can check and lubricate the rack and teeth if it is necessary. Inspect the circuits, batteries, sturdiness, and more.
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Maintaining The Batteries
When buying used, this can be an issue as the seller has most likely charged it infrequently or might even require a complete battery replacement. Even if it doesn’t, this can still mean that the stairlift you purchase will not have the best battery health.
Conclusion
When looking for a used stairlift for sale, you save up on cost, but you open yourself up to a myriad of other challenges. So that you can deal with them should you ever come across them.
Purchasing a used stairlift can be a cost-effective solution for individuals who require mobility assistance but are on a tight budget. However, buying used stairlifts for sale can also bring its own set of challenges.
One of the main challenges is the risk of buying a stairlift that is in poor condition or is not suitable for the user’s needs. It’s important to thoroughly inspect the stairlift before purchasing it, ensuring that it is in good working order and that all safety features are functioning correctly.
Another challenge is the lack of warranty or after-sales support that may come with a used stairlift. If the stairlift breaks down or requires maintenance, the buyer may be responsible for paying for repairs or finding a qualified technician to service the equipment.
Additionally, finding the right stairlift can be a time-consuming process. It may require extensive research and browsing of classified ads or online marketplaces, as well as negotiating with sellers to ensure a fair price.
Despite these challenges, purchasing a used stairlift can be a practical and affordable solution for those who need mobility assistance. It’s important to approach the process with caution and take the necessary steps to ensure that the stairlift is safe, reliable, and suitable for the user’s needs.
