Wow tough question! Guess one can not put an actual figure on this as there are to many variables! Lift manufacturer, Amount of usage per day, Regular serviced, Location Internal-External etc.

The older models produced in the 80s are some of the best stairlift designs ever made! They were built like “Army Tanks”. Made of steel and well over engineered. There are still many in operation today and you would be looking at 20+ Years service.

Sadly I can’t see modern stairlifts built in the 21st century being around in the next 20 years. I would say the life span for a modern stair lift of today would be 10 years and if one is looking at reselling a modern stairlift (second hand sale) the resale age would be a maximum of five years.

The modern stairlift is plastic junk! The body carriages are made of moulded plastic the seats are preformed moulded chairs. Nothing is robust about them. Ok I agree they all look modern and are compact slim line design etc. Sorry I’m old school give me a tin box with a big motor and a few simple relays and contactors and a bit of wire rope I’m happy.

Stairlift electronics has gone crazy! There are stair lifts being produced today that contain up to 5 different (pcb’s) Printed Circuit Boards. Use of electronics in modern stairlift systems is widespread and ideas are being developed ongoing in the same way as they are for other forms of transport like motor cars C’mon it’s a damn stair lift under engineered over complicated and really no need for it.

Ok I feel better now I’ve have had a little vent. Back on topic! Life span of a modern stairlift 10 years if you’re lucky. Stairlift companies make money selling new stair lifts. They tend to bring out new models every year. Within just 3 years your stair lift could be obsolete and parts no longer available (They Got-ya by the Balls)

Buy Sell New and Second hand Stairlifts This article, Life Expectancy Of A Stairlift has free reprint rights.