New or Reconditioned — Which Should You Choose?
One of the most common questions we receive is whether a reconditioned stairlift is a sensible option. The short answer is: for the right staircase type, a professionally reconditioned stairlift can be an excellent choice that saves you 30–50% compared to buying new.
At a Glance
| New | Reconditioned |
|---|
| Cost (straight) | €2,500 – €4,500 | €1,200 – €2,500 |
| Warranty | 2–5 years | 6–12 months |
| Availability | 1–2 weeks | Often within days |
| Latest features | Yes | Depends on age |
| Available for curved | Yes | Limited |
| Safety standards | Fully certified | Fully certified |
What Is a Reconditioned Stairlift?
A reconditioned stairlift is a pre-owned model that has been removed from one property and professionally refurbished before being reinstalled in a new home. The reconditioning process typically involves:
- Full mechanical inspection and service
- Replacement of worn components (batteries, cables, upholstery)
- Safety testing to current standards
- New or deep-cleaned seat covering
- Repainting or repolishing of the chassis where needed
When carried out by a reputable supplier, a reconditioned stairlift should function identically to a new one for everyday use.
Important: Only consider a reconditioned stairlift from a verified, reputable supplier who offers a written warranty and can provide evidence of the reconditioning work. All suppliers on the Compare Stairlifts Ireland platform meet this standard.
When to Choose New
- You have a curved, L-shaped or spiral staircase — reconditioned curved rails are rare because they are custom-made for a specific property
- You want the latest model with the most up-to-date features and a full manufacturer warranty
- You prefer the peace of mind of a 2–5 year warranty
- You have successfully applied for an Irish government grant which covers a significant portion of the cost
When to Choose Reconditioned
- You have a straight staircase — straight reconditioned stairlifts are widely available and typically well-suited to Irish homes
- Budget is a priority and you want to maximise the value of your spend
- You only need the stairlift temporarily (e.g. during recovery from surgery)
- You want a faster installation — reconditioned units are often available within days
Safety: Are Reconditioned Stairlifts Safe?
Yes — when professionally reconditioned by a reputable supplier. All stairlifts sold in Ireland, whether new or reconditioned, must comply with the same European safety standards (EN 81-40). A reputable supplier will test every reconditioned unit against these standards before installation and provide documentation.
The key is to buy from a verified supplier who provides a written warranty and a full safety certificate. We would advise against buying a reconditioned stairlift privately (e.g. on a classified ad site) without professional installation, as this carries real safety risks.
What About the Warranty?
New stairlifts from major brands typically come with a 2–5 year manufacturer warranty. Reconditioned stairlifts generally come with a 6–12 month supplier warranty. Extended warranties are usually available for purchase on both types.
The shorter warranty on reconditioned models is simply because the supplier cannot guarantee all original components to the same standard as a factory-fresh unit. In practice, most reconditioned stairlifts from reputable suppliers will last many years beyond the warranty period.