On 07/06/2021 12:23, AnthonyL wrote:
My neighbour got a Horizon Platinum stair lift in 10yrs ago for his
wife. Shortly afterwards she became totally bedridden so the lift
hasn't been used.

He had tried to get it removed, expecting some payment but he was told
he would have to pay to have it taken away. I can't work out if this
is fair or a means of extracting more from the elderly.

In any event he now has need of the device himself.

He can't find the instructions though it doesn't seem that hard to
operate, but there is a low battery warning. I guess this is
understandable anyway after 10yrs but I can't find any instructions as
to how to replace them, or what regular maintenance is needed eg
lubrication.

If he decides he does not want to retain it and views as to fair and
reasonable alternatives? It is a straight staircase - a dozen steps.


I have much experience of this issue. The manufacturers generally make
things as difficult as possible for customers to have their machines
serviced by anyone except their agents, and the charges from them are
exorbitant.
It is absolutely impossible to obtain maintenance instructions, circuit
diagrams, etc. There are a very few freelance maintenance guys but even
they can't get any info.
Most models make it very difficult to replace the batteries.
(Incidentally most machines use two 12V lead acid batteries in series.
The skirting board mounted chargers are 33V 1A or 2A, and there is
charging regulation in the machine. I have been asked for £200 for one
of these chargers by a manufacturer's agent. A far better quality one
can be had from RS for about £40.
Bill