If you’ve ever wondered ‘can a stairlift be reversed?’, the answer will depend on what you mean by ‘reversed’. Here we answer the different ways this question can be interpreted.
Can a Stairlift be Reversed?
Reversing a stairlift could mean one of three options:
During a stairlift journey
Stairlifts come with directional controls that allow you to travel up and down the stairs. The controls allow you to travel forward and in reverse so that you can access the floors of your home. If you’re travelling along the stairs and encounter an obstruction, the stairlift with slow to a stop. You can then use the controls to reverse back, so the obstruction can be removed and you can continue your journey.
Swapping the stairlift from left to right
A stairlift is usually fitted to one side of your staircase. This side usually provides the best access to the stairlift and to the stairs for other people in your home. Your stairlift rail will have been cut to measurements to suit the side of the stairs it is fitted to. It may be possible to swap the stairlift to the other side, but you would need to arrange for an experienced fitter to remove and reinstall the existing lift. You would also need to pay for a brand-new rail to be made and installed.
Removal of the stairlift
Once a stairlift is fitted, the installation can be reversed when the stairlift is no longer needed. Because of the modern fitting methods used by our stairlift fitters, the stairlift can be removed without damaging the property or decor. The stairlift rail is fitted to the stairs and not the walls, so there is no need to fill drill holes once the stairlift is taken away. Once the stairlift is uninstalled, you’ll need to know what to do with unwanted stairlifts so that you can dispose of your unit properly. Halton Stairlifts can help you find the most cost-effective way of removing a stairlift.
You can find out more about our stairlift removal service or how do stairlifts work. Speak to a member of our team on 0800 644 7766 for expert advice.
Neil is the founder of Halton Stairlifts. He has years of experience installing stairlifts across the UK. With an eagerness to help those with mobility issues get up the stairs, Neil understands how important it is for a seamless and straightforward approach to installing stairlifts to help those in need quickly.