Questions and answers
The following Questions & Answers may be of assistance to you.
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Installation Q&A’s >
Operational Q&A’s >
Warranty & Service Q&A’s >
General Q&A’s >
Installation questions
How is the stairlift fitted and will I need to redecorate?
In almost all cases the stairlift is fitted to the treads of the staircase and not to the wall. Occasionally, it may be necessary to fix a bracket to the wall for additional support. Our fully trained engineers make installation simple, clean and quick. There is usually no need to re-decorate.
What power supply does the stairlift require?
A standard 13-amp socket is required in the vicinity of the stairlift. If this is not available, we can arrange to have a power supply fitted.
Do I have to maintain the batteries?
The batteries which operate the stairlift are DC powered batteries. These batteries charge whilst the stairlift is not in use, similar to a cordless telephone or electric toothbrush.
How much does the stairlift cost to run?
A stairlift uses very little electricity, only enough to keep the batteries charged. The amount of electricity depends on how often the lift is used, but typically this is no more than a DVD player or satellite TV system.
I have a radiator / table / cupboard at the foot of the stairs, will it be in the way?
This would be determined in our home survey, and fully discussed with you during the visit. We can arrange any preparation work, if required.
Will the door at the bottom of the stairs be an issue?
This is a common scenario and can easily be overcome with the use of a hinged track and rail. On Freelift’s products this operates automatically during travel, via the joystick control.
Top >Operational questions
What happens if there’s a power failure, will I be stranded?
Freelift stairlifts are battery powered and operate even in the event of a power failure. Fully charged batteries usually have enough power to complete around 15 trips (up and down) on an average staircase. The stairlift will not begin a journey unless there is sufficient power to complete the ride.
We both want to use the stairlift, how do we do that?
The stairlift has push button controls fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs to call and send the stairlift as required.
Do you sell stairlifts for children?
Yes, we can supply a Panda child’s seat suitable for children aged between 3 and 9 years. Alternatively, various harnesses are available for our standard seats.
Is it difficult to get on and off the lift?
Our seats all have a swivel device which turns the chair to assist the user to get off at the top. The seat swivels from a centre position so the user is placed safely onto the landing. Manual or powered swivel is available.
Will I still be able to use the stairs as normal?
Yes, the seat and armrests all fold up when the stairlift is not in use leaving plenty of room for other stair users.
What if something gets in the way of the stairlift?
Safety sensors are fitted to the carriage and the footrest to automatically stop the stairlift if something is detected in its path. These are essential safety features and you should always check that any stairlift has these fitted.
Do they go fast?
No. Most lifts have a slow start and stop mechanism, and will take you up an average flight of 13 stairs in around 30/40 seconds.
Is it quiet?
Yes, Freelift’s stairlifts operate via a rack and pinion mechanism and are very quiet and smooth, making them ideal for people with back problems. Chain driven stairlifts are another alternative.
Can they go around corners?
Yes, these are custom made curved stairlifts. Because they are made to measure they fit perfectly on individual stairs.
Do the stairlifts fold up?
Most lifts traveling up straight flights of stairs fold to about 12 inches (300mm) leaving plenty of room for others stair users. On curved stairlifts it is often possible to park the seat away from the actual staircase.
Top >Warranty & Service
What guarantee do I get with my stairlift?
With a Freelift stairlift you get a TWO year warranty, which includes call outs, parts and labour. You also get a free annual service included in the warranty.
What type of service contracts do you offer?
Once the standard warranty has expired, annual service contracts are available which cover call outs, parts, labour and an annual service.
What happens if my stairlift breaks down?
During office hours, our Customer Services department are at hand to answer any breakdown calls and allocate engineers throughout the country. Outside of office hours, we have a dedicated call centre who are trained on our products and operate 24 hours, 365 days per year.
Top >General questions
Where is the best place to get impartial advice?
Your local social services department, Occupational Therapists, Disability or Independent Living Centres.
Is grant funding available?
Grant funding may be available but is usually means tested and can often take a considerable amount of time. More >
You can ask your Local Authority or Social Services Department for more information on housing adaptations and funding. For help finding your local council, click here >
What happens during a home survey?
It’s not wise to choose a stairlift from a brochure… or even from a website! You need someone you can trust to pop round, do the measuring up and help you decide what type of stairlift is just right for your personal needs.
By visiting your home, our consultants are able to advise how to overcome any problems with access to doors, or any obstructions which may need to be taken into account. More >
Is a home visit safe?
First of all, Freelift can assure you that we will never visit your home unless you ask us to.
Once you have requested an appointment for a home visit, we will let you know the name of the consultant who will visit you. We will also agree on a mutually convenient date and time. Please don’t worry if you need to change the appointment, we are always happy to rearrange to a day and time that suits you.
Above all, you can trust Freelift to offer you friendly, hassle free advice and a firm quotation on the spot. Rest assured you will be treated with the utmost courtesy throughout the appointment. And remember, there is no obligation to buy.
For further information or to request a home visit call us FREE on 0800 083 3155
