Answers to our most frequently asked questions...
 
     
 
At Independence Ltd we understand that the thought of buying a stairlift can be daunting. The following questions aim to provide you with the answers you are looking for. If you have any other questions, please call us on 0800 92 66 77 or email us at info@independence.co.nz.
 
     
 
Please click here for information about wheelchair platform lifts.
 
     
 
A stairlift to suit your home...
 
Using your stairlift...
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
         
 
Buying your stairlift...
 
Guarantees and support...
 
     
     
     
       
       
       
       
         
 
A stairlift to suit your home...
 
     
 
Do you have a stairlift to suit any stairway?
 
 
Yes. We have a range of stairlift models to suit virtually any stairway! The stairways can be indoor or outdoor and either straight, with an intermediate landing, or with bends or curves. Check out our staircase stairlift finder
 
     
 
Will the stairlift take up much room on my staircase?
 
 
No. Each stairlift model is designed to fold away neatly leaving as much space as possible for others to use the stairs. See a folded stairlift here...
 
     
 
Where does the stairlift rail mount?
 
 
With all our stairlift models the rail mounts directly to the stair treads and not to the walls. This means that there is absolutely minimal damage done to the home. View the rail mounting here...
 
     
 
Are there chairlift colour options to suit my décor?
 
 
Yes. There are a range of colour options for the seat upholstery and on some models there are also rail colour options. Check out colour options here…
 
     
 
Can a stairlift go round corners and double bends?
 
 
Yes. We have models to suit virtually any stairway with bends or curves, both indoors and outdoors. See lifts for curved stairs here…
 
     
 
I have narrow stairs, will your stairlifts fit?
 
 
Yes. With their slim rail and compact carriage, along with folding arms, seat and footrest, our stairlifts are especially suitable for narrow staircases, even when curved. When folded away they leave plenty of room for other stair users. You can see our stairlifts at our showroom: Unit N, 657 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland, or at one of our customer's homes, by arrangement. Please contact us on 0800 92 66 77 for more details.
 
     
 
How long does the battery in a stairlift last?
 
 
Depending on usage, your battery should last between 3 to 5 years. If you have problems with your battery during the guarantee time of 2 years, we will replace it at no additional cost. If you require assistance now, please contact us on 0800 92 66 77.
 
     
 
Using your stairlift...
 
     
 
How much will my stairlift cost to run?
 
 
On average usage the running cost will make very little difference to a normal household bill. With average usage
(1 ˝ hours per day) the cost is less than one third of the cost of boiling a kettle!
 
     
 
Can it be moved when you are not seated on it?
 
 
Yes, there are remote controls conveniently positioned at the top and bottom of the stairs to enable the stairlift seat to be moved independently up or down the stairs. View the remote controls here…
 
     
 
Can the stairlift be used to carry goods?
 
 
Yes. The weight capacity of the stairlift will normally enable you to carry goods on your lap when you are using the stairlift. There is also a plastic coated wire basket available to suit some stairlift models which can be used to carry your groceries, laundry, fire wood, books etc. up or down the stairs using the remote controls. (Note: The load must not exceed the stated weight capacity for the stairlift). Please contact us on 0800 92 66 77 for more details.
 
     
 
Are the stairlifts easy to operate?
 
 
Yes. Every stairlift is designed with controls which are simple and easy to use and there are optional chair arm controls to suit the users needs. At the completion of the installation of the stairlift our technicians will show you how to use and care for your stairlift and provide you with a 'Users Handbook' for your future reference.
 
     
 
Can you take a walking frame, or wheelchair, on it?
 
 
No. The stairlift is not designed to carry a walking frame, or wheelchair. We recommend that another walking frame, or wheelchair, is kept for you to use at the top of the stairs.
 
     
 
Are stairlifts noisy?
 
 
No. Our stairlifts are not noisy at all. The stairlifts have electric battery powered motors which ensure a quiet, smooth ride. You can test-ride a stairlift at our showroom: Unit N, 657 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland, or at one of our customer's homes, by arrangement. Please contact us on 0800 92 66 77 for more details.
 
     
 
What happens if there is a power cut?
 
 
Our stairlifts are battery powered and will continue to work even in a power cut. In this case, a fully charged battery will complete approximately ten journeys on an average staircase, before power is restored.
 
     
 
Buying your stairlift...
 
     
 
How quickly could you visit to discuss a suitable stairlift?
 
 
With our nationwide network of stairlift advisors, we can normally visit as soon as it is convenient for you.
If you require assistance now, please
contact us on 0800 92 66 77.
 
     
 
If I book an assessment will I be obliged to buy?
 
 
No. On your request we will arrange for one of our trained advisors to visit you to view your stairs and discuss your exact requirements. This is completely free and involves absolutely no obligation on your part to buy any of our products. You will then be sent a free written quotation and it is entirely your decision whether to buy or not.
 
     
 
How much does a stairlift cost?
 
 
All products are tailored to your specific needs and prices therefore vary depending on the specific stair dimensions and the models and options chosen. Please contact us on 0800 92 66 77 for a free no-obligation assessment with one of our trained advisors to obtain a confirmed quotation to meet your requirements.
 
     
 
How long does it take to install and how disruptive is it?
 
 
It only takes a few hours to install your custom-made stairlft. And because our stairlifts are fitted to the stairtreads, not the wall, the process is quick, clean and simple. Before our installers leave they will tidy up, test the stairlift thoroughly and show you exactly how to operate it. To see how committed we are to high levels of service; please view our
6 Point Service Guarantee.
 
     
 
What happens if I no longer need my stairlift?
 
 
Independence Ltd will normally buy back any stairlift we have sold that is less than ten years old, which is being serviced under a Service Contract.
 
     
 
Can I buy a reconditioned stairlift?
 
 
Yes. Depending on availability Independence Ltd can offer reconditioned stairlifts for both straight and curved stairs. N.B. For curved stairs you will need an additional custom made rail. Please contact us on 0800 92 66 77 for more details.
 
     
 
Can I rent a stairlift?
 
 
Yes. For some customers, and in certain circumstances, renting a stairlift rather than making an outright purchase is a more appropriate solution. Independence Ltd does have some stairlifts available to rent, which are for straight stairs only. Since these rental stairlifts are usually previously owned, your choice of colour option may be limited. Please contact us on 0800 92 66 77 for more details.
 
     
 
Guarantees and support...
 
     
 
What quality and safety standards do your products conform to?
 
 
Stannah stairlifts were the first stairlift company to be Quality Assured to BS EN ISO 9001:1994 (formerly BS 5750:1989) and are fully approved to British Standard 5776 for safety. This gives us the confidence to offer a full 10-year parts guarantee with every stairlift, providing you have your stairlift serviced by Independence Ltd, or our approved agents in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
 
     
 
What guarantee do I get with my stairlift?
 
 
Every new stairlift comes with a 5 year comprehensive guarantee on the stairlift parts and two years guarantee on the 12v stairlift batteries. This guarantee is subject to the stairlift being serviced annually (twice yearly for outdoor stairlifts), by one of our trained technicians.
 
     
 
What after-sales service do you offer?
 
 
We have a nationwide network of trained technicians who are normally able to respond to a breakdown within 24 hours during the week.
 
     
 
Independence gives you more...
"Having a Stannah stairlift has meant that I can stay in my own home, which I had purpose built for my retirement. It has made life so much easier with my bad knee - I am independent! If you are thinking of getting a stairlift, I say to you - Go For It!" - Mrs Dick, Hamilton.
 
     
   
     
 
Call us on 0800 92 66 77
for a FREE no-obligation assessment and quotation anywhere in New Zealand.
 
 
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