| TwinCity Stairlifts FAQ's
Stairlift Funding QuestionsQ: What does a strait stairlift cost?
A: Twin City Stairlifts carries a range of straight stairlifts from different manufacturers. You can expect to pay between $3,300 to $4,300 for a quality straight stairlift including installation and permit. There is no tax on stairlifts in Minnesota.
Q: What does a curved or custom stairlift cost?
A: If your staircase has intermediate landings or turns in any direction and you want your stairlift to take you from bottom to top non-stop, you need a curved or custom stairlift. These lifts require more parts and technology in order for the seat to remain level as the rail angle changes throughout the staircase. You can expect to pay $10,000 or more for this type of stairlift. You might opt to install two or more straight stairlifts and transfer at the landings in order to save some money.
Q: Will Medicare pay for my stairlift?
A: No, Medicare does not cover stairlifts.
Q: Does Twin City Stairlifts offer a payment plan?
A: No, Twin City Stairlifts does not offer a payment plan. Payment for strait stairlifts is due upon installation. Custom stairlifts require a 50% down payment at time of order and the balance is due upon installation.
Minnesota Specific Stairlift Questions
Q: Is a permit required in Minnesota for installing a stairlift?
A: Yes, Minnesota is highly regulated and requires a state elevator permit for all stairlifts. The cost is 1.5% of the sale price plus $100, and is always included in our price. If we install your stairlift, it will be inspected by a Minnesota state elevator inspector to ensure it is safe.
Q: Can stairlifts be installed outdoors in Minnesota?
A: Yes, A stairlift can be installed outdoors in Minnesota. The lift must be rated for outdoors and all electrical wiring and connections must be rated for outdoors. The lift should also be covered when not in use.
Q: Can a stairlift be installed in a church or a school in Minnesota?
A: No, The state of Minnesota does not allow stairlifts in any commercial building.
Q: Can a stairlift be installed in a group home in Minnesota?
A: Yes, as long as it is licensed for 6 or less residents.
General Stairlift Questions
Q: Do I require an electrical outlet for my battery operated stairlift?
A: Yes, you still need a standard electrical outlet for your stairlift, even if it is battery operated, to power the battery charger. The outlet needs to be on the same side of the stairs as the stairlift either at the top or bottom. The electrical code does not allow passing an electrical cord through a doorway to get to an existing outlet. We can determine during our initial visit whether an existing outlet will be sufficient or we can arrange to have our electrician install one if necessary.
Q: Is a stairlift the right product for me?
A: If you are having a hard time walking up and down the stairs, but are able to safely transfer on and off a chair, a stairlift may be the right product for you. If you need to transfer from floor to floor in your wheelchair, please see Ability Solutions for other products available.
Q: How complicated and messy is it to install a stairlift on my stairs?
A: The stairlift will be cut to length in our local shop using measurements taken during our initial visit. When the stairlift arrives at your home, it's already cut to length so no messy construction work is required. The installation usually takes about 1 to 2 hours for a straight stairlift and 3 to 4 hours for a custom stairlift.
Q: Is it difficult to get on and off the stairlift?
A: No, its unique seat design swivels to allow you to get onto the lift safely at the top of the stairs. This enables you to dismount straight onto the landing.
Q: Will I still be able to use the stairs as normal?
A: Yes, our stairlifts are some of the slimmest available. The seat, arms and footrest all fold away, so your stairs can still be used as normal.
Q: How easy is the stairlift to use?
A: By simply pressing the switch in the direction of travel you move steadily and smoothly up or down the stairs.
Q: How noisy is the stairlift?
A: The motor is quiet enough so you can use it day and night without disturbing others.
Q: What happens if the stairlift has been left upstairs and I'm downstairs?
A: This is a common occurrence when two or more members of a household use the stair lift. The stairlift is supplied with 2 remote controls, so just leave one upstairs and one downstairs. Simply by pressing the remote control, the lift will be brought to your feet.
Q: What if something gets in the way of the stairlift?
A: The stairlift has safety sensors which automatically stop the lift if anything is detected in its path.
Q: How will I learn how to use the stairlifts?
A: Your installation includes a demonstration of operational and safety features, as well as a comprehensive list of checks before we leave.
Q: Does my stairlift come with a warranty?
A: Yes, A warranty is included with every stairlift. Please see our stairlift comparison chart for warranty details.
Q: What if I have problems with my stairlift after the installation.
A: Twin City Stairlifts carries only high quality stairlifts and installs them correctly. This makes our stairlifts extremely reliable. In the unlikely event that there is a problem, we are local and here for you. We can usually get out to your home within 24 hours.
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