Do It Yourself Stair Lifts

SELF-INSTALLATION

We’re frequently asked to fix a stair lift that someone has bought “cheap” online or from a friend, then tried to install themselves. Invariably something goes wrong. The “chair didn’t work as advertised” or “the rail doesn’t fit my stairway” are two very common problems. For your safety and peace of mind we include professional installation with every stair lift. All reputable manufacturers insist on this, and some states require it by statute.

Buying used equipment online has its own set of risks. First, unless you've seen the equipment functioning properly, how will you know it is in good working order? A non-functioning chair could have a defective motor or drive system, or something as simple as dead batteries. Unless you have a strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to test circuitry, how will you know? Second, any reputable dealer that comes to the home to repair or complete a partial install will first need to certify and possibly have the chair permitted and inspected by the state.

One last consideration for do-it-yourself installation is the availability of parts and professional service if something goes wrong. Arrow Lift does not sell stair lift replacement parts or repair components directly to consumers for DIY installation or self-repair. Stair lift parts are intended to be installed by trained professionals as part of proper service and repair. Even if everything goes well initially, servicing a stair lift purchased online can become problematic. As with any other purchase in life, what seems too good to be true usually is. It is better to spend a little more and do it right the first time.

"In the past few years, there has been an increase in the concept of providing lifts over the internet and from storefronts or warehouses with the intent that the end-user (consumer) is expected to perform his or her own installation and servicing (self-installation). The practice is most evident with stairway chair lifts, but vertical platform lifts and other accessibility lift models, both used and new are also available through this marketing method."

AEMA does not support the concept of self-installation!