Frequently Asked Questions
Before you buy – General & product selection
A stairlift is usually a seat lift that transports a person in a seat along the stairs. A platform lift has a larger, folding platform and is designed to transport people with wheelchairs or walking aids – it therefore requires more space.
A stairlift is ideal if the user can sit and does not need to take any aids with them. A platform lift makes sense if the wheelchair or walker is to be taken on the journey or if it is difficult to stand up.
Common types are seat lifts (stairlifts), platform lifts (inclined or vertical), lift platforms for small height differences and home lifts/residential elevators. They differ in load capacity, space requirements and price.
A stairlift is usually cheaper and quicker to install. An elevator/home lift offers more comfort, a higher load capacity and barrier-free access to several floors – but requires more space and structural work.
Yes. Many manufacturers offer weather-resistant models with corrosion-protected components, special covers and weather protection – both for seat lifts and for platform and lift platforms.
Yes. Curved stairlifts and platform lifts can be planned to serve multiple floors and intermediate landings, provided the structural conditions are suitable.
For narrow and steep stairs, there are slim seat lifts and special rail systems. However, whether it really fits can only be determined by an on-site measurement by a specialist company – minimum widths and standards must be observed.
Yes. Custom-made, curved rails are used for this purpose. These are more complex in design and therefore more expensive than solutions for straight stairs.
Yes, especially platform lifts (inclined and vertical) and lift platforms are designed for wheelchair users. They offer larger platforms, higher load capacity and barrier-free entry without repositioning.
With good quality and regular maintenance, service lives of 15 years or more are realistic. Wearing parts are replaced on a regular basis during servicing.
Costs, Financing & Subsidies
Depending on the model, staircase shape and equipment, the costs are roughly between 3,500 and 9,800 euros, and even higher for more complex systems.
Platform lifts often start at around 9,000 euros and – depending on the lifting height, number of floors and design – can go into the five-figure range.
Important factors are: staircase shape (straight/curved), number of floors, lift type (seat, platform, lift platform, home lift), indoor/outdoor, optional equipment (e.g. folding rail, design) and necessary structural work.
Yes. In Germany, care insurance funds, KfW programs, state/municipal funding and, if applicable, employers’ liability insurance associations are possible options. The programs change regularly – up-to-date advice is important.
Subsidies of up to 4,000 euros per person in need of care are possible for measures to improve the living environment. The specific amount depends on the degree of care and the individual case.
Depending on the situation, stairlifts and platform lifts can be claimed for tax purposes as extraordinary expenses or household-related services. This should be clarified with a tax advisor or wage tax assistance.
Renting is particularly worthwhile if the lift is only needed temporarily. For long-term use, buying is usually more economical because rental rates add up in the long run.
Used chairs can be an option, but the rail is almost always custom-made. This relativizes the savings. Professional overhaul, warranty and a reputable provider are important.
Maintenance contracts are often around 100–200 euros per year, depending on the scope. Electricity costs are low, as the lift only runs for a short time and often works with batteries.
Yes, many providers offer purchase by installments or financing. Transparent conditions, effective interest rate and clear total costs are important.
Installation, space requirements & structural questions
Depending on the system, stair widths from around 70–75 cm are sufficient for seat lifts. The specialist company must check on site whether the stairs are still safe to walk on afterwards.
Since platforms are wider, at least around 100 cm of stair width is usually required. The exact requirement depends on the platform dimensions and building regulations.
In principle, yes, but only with the landlord’s consent, as this involves intervention in the building fabric and communal areas. Agreements on costs and dismantling should be recorded in writing.
In a WEG, installation is usually a structural alteration that must be approved. Barrier-free measures are often privileged, but the resolution and cost sharing must be clarified.
In a detached house, a classic building permit is often not required, but building and fire protection laws must be observed. A permit may be mandatory in apartment buildings or public buildings.
Yes. The specialist company checks whether the stairs or wall can absorb the loads. In normal residential buildings, the existing load-bearing capacity is usually sufficient; if in doubt, a structural engineer is consulted.
A specialist advisor accurately records the course of the stairs, curves, landings and obstacles – often digitally. The rail or lift is then planned to the millimeter based on this.
The installation of a standard system often takes place within one working day. More complex platform or multi-story systems may take longer.
Many modern platform and lift platforms come with a self-supporting shaft or a very shallow pit. This makes them ideal for retrofitting.
Yes, in addition to the foundation and electricity, weather protection, drainage and corrosion protection must be taken into account. Facade systems are also subject to building and fire protection requirements.
Everyday use, operation & comfort
Modern systems have safety bars, sensors, speed limitation, emergency stop and emergency lowering. They are developed and tested according to European safety standards.
The noise level is usually moderate – comparable to quiet household appliances. The drive system, installation quality and maintenance have an influence.
Usually via levers or buttons on the seat or platform, as well as wall buttons or radio remote controls. The operation is kept very simple.
Most systems have batteries that are charged via the mains. In the event of a power failure, journeys are still possible or a defined emergency journey/emergency lowering.
Yes, stairlifts and platform lifts are designed for multiple use, as long as the load capacity and operating instructions are observed.
The seat, footrest or platform can be folded up. The stairs remain usable, but the passage width is reduced.
Many systems have key switches or locking functions. In addition, operating elements must be operated deliberately – accidental journeys are therefore unlikely.
Safety strips and sensors detect obstacles in the travel path and stop the journey automatically to avoid damage to people and equipment.
Technology, safety, standards & law
The essential standards are EN 81-40 (stairlifts and inclined platform lifts) and EN 81-41 (vertical platform lifts) as well as the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC or the future Machinery Regulation.
Slow-moving stairlifts and platform lifts (up to 0.15 m/s) are considered machines and fall under the Machinery Directive. Classic passenger elevators with a higher speed are subject to the Lifts Directive 2014/33/EU.
Required are, among other things, overspeed protection, emergency stop, protection against crushing and falling, safe control, emergency lowering/emergency release and understandable user information.
The CE marking shows that the manufacturer declares to comply with all relevant EU directives, to have carried out a risk assessment and to have drawn up a declaration of conformity.
For certain safety-critical machine types, a notified body tests a representative sample (type). It confirms that this type meets the requirements of the directive. This is mandatory for some machines, optional for others.
Yes. In addition to EU standards, national building and fire protection regulations and, if applicable, requirements of authorities and insurers apply – particularly relevant in stairwells and escape routes.
Through regular maintenance, safety inspections and, if necessary, modernizations. The specialist company points out necessary or sensible adjustments.
Maintenance, faults, used & dismantling
A annual maintenance is usually recommended; shorter intervals may be useful for intensive or commercial use. The maintenance contract regulates the details.
As a rule, you should first contact the responsible specialist partner who knows the system and its history. Error codes, photos or short videos help with rapid diagnosis.
The chair can be dismantled relatively easily, but the rail is custom-made for your stairs. Moving is only worthwhile in special cases and must be carefully calculated.
Condition, age, maintenance history and whether a manufacturer or specialist company is prepared to continue using the device after it has been inspected are important. It is often more sensible to sell to specialized dealers than directly to end customers.
The specialist company can dismantle the system professionally and dispose of it or take it back for reprocessing. Ideally, dismantling and possible residual values should be discussed at the time of purchase.
Specifically about Lehner Lifttechnik
Lehner Lifttechnik is a manufacturer of stairlifts and platform lifts. The products are developed and produced in Europe. Sales, measurement, installation and service are carried out by selected specialist dealers.
Via our function “Find a dealer near you” or the page “Find a partner”. You enter contact details, postcode and some information about the installation situation – we check your request and forward it to a trained Lehner partner in your region.
We rely on local expertise: our specialist partners know the situation on site, can provide personal advice, measure accurately and later take over the entire service. In this way, we combine the strengths of a specialized manufacturer with the proximity of a regional specialist company.
As a rule, your responsible Lehner specialist partner is your first point of contact. He knows your system and has the documents. If the partner is no longer known or reachable, you can contact Lehner directly – preferably with the product name and LE serial number (LExxxxx) from the nameplate.
For specialists, Lehner offers a central page with planning documents, CAD/BIM data, tender texts and technical specifications. In addition, our technical team is available for special installation situations. A suitable specialist partner can be involved via “Find a dealer near you” if required.
Yes. For several products – e.g. Sigma, Liftboy, Stratos NGA and Delta – Lehner provides 3D planning tools. This allows specialists to clearly display installation situations and test variants. You can find the links on the “Specialists” page and on the respective product pages.
Lehner only works with selected specialist companies that regularly receive product and service training. In this way, we ensure that advice, installation, commissioning and maintenance are carried out to a uniformly high quality standard.
Yes. You can describe your situation on the “Find a partner” page and upload photos, plans or a video. Our professionals will check the information, suggest a suitable product and select a suitable specialist partner. This partner will discuss the details and the next steps with you.
Contact Lehner Lifttechnik directly and have the following ready if possible:
- the product name
- the LE serial number (LExxxxx) from the nameplate
- Photos or a short video of the system
- a brief description of the problem.
This allows us to check which partner was responsible or which specialist company can take over the service in the future.
Lehner combines European quality, many years of experience with stair and platform lifts, and a stable network of trained specialist partners. You benefit from proven products, personal advice on site, professional installation and long-term service – supported by a manufacturer that supports its partners and customers in the long term.