How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Stairlift?
The cost of removing a stairlift depends on the model, its age, and what condition it’s in. Stairlift removal will be free of charge in some cases. In other cases, a company might even pay you for the stairlift with removal included.
Stairlifts are life-changing pieces of motorized equipment that assist individuals in moving up and down stairs. However, once a stairlift is no longer in use, it takes up space and could become an obstruction.
Here’s what you need to know about the costs associated with stairlift removal.
Cost of Removing Straight vs Curved Stairlifts
Straight stairlifts are the most common type of stairlift. They are also the easiest and least expensive to remove. This is because a straight lift chair only travels in straight lines.
Curved stairlifts are more complex to remove in general. If you have an older curved staircase, the process of removing a stairlift could be trickier than if you have a modern curved staircase.
Average Costs for Old Stairlift Removal Services
The average cost of stairlift removal in the United States is between $200 and $500. This typically covers the labor, tools, and cleanup service fees. The cost of removing a curved stairlift might be at the higher end of this range.
Some mobility equipment companies may even offer to remove your stairlift at no cost. If you have a stairlift rental, the cost of disassembling it may be covered as part of the rental agreement.
Stairlift Buyback Programs
Some mobility equipment providers will pay you to remove your stairlift. Eligibility for buyback depends on the stairlift model, make, age, and overall condition. We will generally accept Harmer-brand stairlifts that are still in good condition.
Other factors that will be taken into consideration are:
The age and model of your stairlift: The age of your stairlift will affect its eligibility for purchase. The more recent the model, the better your chance of receiving a higher buyback value.
The overall condition of your stairlift: If you have all the original parts of your stairlift, including its remote controls, seat padding, etc., you may also receive a higher buyback price.
The maintenance of your stairlift: If you have serviced your stairlift over the years and resolved any issues that have come up, you are more likely to be eligible for a higher reimbursement.
My Stairlift Isn’t Eligible for Buyback? What Now?
If your stairlift isn’t eligible for a buyback program, there are several ways to handle it:
Donate your stairlift to a nonprofit or organization that accepts stairlifts that are functional and safe to reuse.
Recycle your stairlift parts through a scrap metal service that will use the parts to make other things.
Ask for professional disposal of your stairlift from your original installer or a reputable mobility equipment provider. These companies are often familiar with the exact protocols for recycling or disposing of stairlifts correctly and may offer this service for an additional fee.
Tip: Never dispose of your old stairlift on a curb or in a public space as this constitutes littering or illegal dumping. In Colorado, littering comes with a fine of $20 to $500 for a first offense and $50 to $1000 for a second offense. It’s best (and could ultimately be much cheaper!) to call in professional services to remove and dispose of your stairlift properly.
Can I Remove a Stairlift Myself?
Taking on stairlift removal as a DIY project is highly advised against. Without the right tools and experience, you could end up damaging your staircase or harming yourself. Stairlifts contain heavy components and parts that make stairlift removal a taxing process.
Trying to remove a stairlift yourself is dangerous. To remove a stairlift safely, always contact a professional. Plus, trying to remove a stairlift yourself could potentially risk voiding certain warranties or maintenance guarantees that your equipment came with.
Mobility Plus Colorado offers a professional stairlift removal service throughout the Denver and Boulder areas.
What About Temporary Stairlift Removal?
If you have a pending home project that involves repainting or remodeling the area of your stairs, you could consider removing your stairlift temporarily. For example, if you want to rip up the carpet on your staircase, you will need to remove the stairlift to do so.
First, designate an area where you will store your stairlift upon its removal. You should then contact a technician to safely disconnect and remove your stairlift. After you have finished your home improvement project, call a technician to reinstall your stairlift, checking to make sure all systems are running smoothly.
Stairlift Removal Is Within Your Reach
Stairlift removal is made easier when you know how the process works. Stairlift removal is also generally very affordable. The technician will check your stairlift and identify the model, make, and type of the stairlift you have. Removing a straight stairlift is easier than removing a curved stairlift, but the overall cost will still average between $200 and $500.
Make sure to ask a local mobility equipment company if your stairlift is eligible for their buyback program. If your stairlift isn’t eligible, you have options such as donating it to a nonprofit or a scrap metal service. Never attempt to remove a stairlift by yourself. Reach out to a stairlift manufacturer for guidance on how to begin the stairlift removal process.