There are lots of reasons a stairlift is no longer needed. A home is being sold or cleared, someone has moved into care, or the lift is being replaced. Whatever the reason, stairlift removal is a job for an engineer, not a weekend DIY project. The carriage is heavy, the batteries need safe disposal, and the rail is bolted to the stair treads.
What stairlift removal involves
A typical removal includes:
- Making the lift safe: isolating the power and disconnecting the batteries.
- Removing the carriage and seat, which is the heaviest part.
- Unbolting and removing the rail and its supports from the stairs.
- Removing charging points, call stations and wiring.
- Taking everything away, including safe disposal of the batteries.
Rails are usually fixed to the stair treads, not the wall, so removal normally leaves small screw holes in the treads or carpet. Ask the engineer what they do about these. Some fill them, and on carpeted stairs they are often hard to see.
Straight vs curved removal
A straight stairlift can often be removed fairly quickly. A curved stairlift has a longer, multi-section rail with more fixings, so it takes longer and usually costs more to remove.
Council or rented property?
If the stairlift was fitted by Liverpool City Council or a housing association, don’t arrange a private removal. The equipment may belong to them, and they usually have their own process for collecting it. Our council stairlift guide explains who to contact.
If you are a landlord or managing a property, check who owns the lift before arranging removal.
Can a stairlift be reused or sold?
Sometimes. Straight stairlifts in good condition, from popular makes and not too old, can sometimes be reconditioned. Curved stairlifts are made to measure for one staircase, so they rarely have resale value. If you are hoping to recover some cost, mention the make, model and age when you get in touch.
If you need a stairlift somewhere else, a reconditioned stairlift can be a cheaper alternative to a new one.
Removal cost
The price depends on whether the lift is straight or curved, its make, and how it is fixed. Ask for a fixed quote before the job is booked. Our stairlift repair cost guide covers general pricing.
We remove stairlifts across Liverpool and the surrounding areas, including Bootle, Kirkby, Childwall and St Helens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to remove a stairlift?
A straight stairlift is often removed in a couple of hours. Curved lifts usually take longer because the rail has more sections and fixings.
Will removing a stairlift damage my stairs?
The rail is usually screwed to the stair treads, so small holes are left. Ask the engineer how these will be dealt with.
Can I remove a stairlift myself?
We don't recommend it. The carriage is heavy, the batteries need safe disposal and the electrics must be isolated properly.
Who removes a council-fitted stairlift?
Contact the council or housing provider first, as the equipment usually belongs to them. See our council stairlift guide.
Is my old stairlift worth anything?
Sometimes, if it is a straight lift from a popular make in good condition. Curved lifts rarely have resale value because the rail is made to measure.
Request a call-back
Tell us about your stairlift
Tell us what's wrong and a local stairlift engineer will call you back. No obligation.