Entity Map

Stairlift Guru Organization e_001

Independent UK stairlift information website produced by a small UK editorial team. It does not sell, install, buy or remove stairlifts; it compares suppliers and prices and passes quote requests to UK suppliers, who pay a fee if a purchase follows.

Stairlift Guru is produced by a small UK editorial team. We do not sell, install, buy or remove stairlifts, and we hold no ownership link to any supplier.

Stairlift Guru is funded by fees from UK stairlift suppliers. If a reader asks for quotes through our website and then buys from a supplier we introduced them to, that supplier may pay us a fee. We are not paid for the quote request itself, and we carry no advertising.

We are committed to editorial independence. Our content is free from undue influence or bias, whether from individuals, organisations or advertisers. We do not accept payment or favours in exchange for publishing or altering our content.

UK Stairlift Price Index ProprietaryTerm e_002

Stairlift Guru's published index of UK stairlift prices. The 20 August 2026 capture recorded 73 new-stairlift prices from 25 UK sellers; the full dataset holds 290 sourced datapoints.

The median published price of a new UK stairlift is £2,800, from 73 new-stairlift prices published by 25 UK sellers, captured on 20 August 2026 for the UK Stairlift Price Index.

73 prices from 25 UK sellers, captured 20 August 2026. Maker list prices rechecked 2 October 2026. Published (advertised) prices, not prices paid.

Median published UK stairlift price Metric e_003

Medians of prices published by UK sellers, captured 20 August 2026 for the UK Stairlift Price Index: £2,800 for all new stairlifts, £1,995 for a new straight lift and £4,395 for a new curved one.

• PART_OF → UK Stairlift Price Index
• MEASURES → Straight stairlift
• MEASURES → Curved stairlift

Quick answer: The median published price of a new UK stairlift is £2,800: £1,995 for a straight lift and £4,395 for a curved one. The medians come from 73 prices published by 25 UK sellers, captured on 20 August 2026 for the UK Stairlift Price Index.

The headline figures on this site are the medians of that set: £1,995 for a new straight stairlift and £4,395 for a new curved one.

Straight stairlift PhysicalProduct e_004

A stairlift for staircases that run in a single straight line, using a standard rail with no bends. Typical UK cost £1,500 to £3,500 installed.

• REGULATED_BY → BS EN 81-40:2020

A straight stairlift is a stairlift designed for staircases that run in a single straight line, using a standard rail with no bends or curves.

Quick answer: A straight stairlift is suitable for any staircase that runs in a single straight line with no bends or landings. In the UK, straight stairlifts typically cost £1,500 to £3,500 and can be installed within 2 to 4 hours. If your staircase has even a small turn, you will need a curved stairlift instead.

Curved stairlift PhysicalProduct e_005

A stairlift for staircases with bends, corners or landings, using a custom-made rail that follows the exact shape of the stairs. Typical UK cost £4,000 to £7,000 or more.

• REGULATED_BY → BS EN 81-40:2020

A curved stairlift is designed for staircases with bends, corners, or landings, using a custom-made rail that fits the exact shape of the stairs.

Quick answer: A curved stairlift is required if your staircase has any bends, corners, or landings. In the UK, curved stairlifts typically cost £4,000 to £7,000+, compared to £1,500 to £3,500 for straight models. The staircase shape, not preference, determines which type is needed.

Reconditioned stairlift PhysicalProduct e_006

A previously used stairlift professionally stripped, inspected and refurbished with replacement parts where needed. Reconditioned straight models typically cost 20-50% less than new.

Quick answer: A reconditioned stairlift is a previously used unit that has been professionally stripped, inspected, and refurbished with replacement parts where needed. Reconditioned straight stairlifts typically cost 20–50% less than new models. They should come with a warranty and be installed by a qualified engineer.

According to Stairlift Guru’s review of the UK market, a reconditioned stairlift is one of the most effective ways to cut the cost of a straight stairlift, but the saving only stacks up under the right conditions. The biggest mistakes we see are buying second-hand from a private seller with no warranty, and assuming a reconditioned curved stairlift will be much cheaper than new. Neither is usually true.

Outdoor stairlift PhysicalProduct e_007

A stairlift built for external staircases, with sealed electrics, a protective cover and weather-resistant materials. Typical UK cost £2,000 to £4,500.

• RELATES_TO → Straight stairlift

An outdoor stairlift is a stairlift designed for external staircases, built with weather-resistant components to operate safely outdoors.

According to Stairlift Guru’s review of the UK market, an outdoor stairlift is essentially a weatherproofed straight stairlift: the rail, drive, and operation are the same, with sealed electrics, a protective cover, and weather-resistant materials added. The two things that catch people out are uneven external steps, which a straight rail cannot follow, and where the charging socket will go. Both are settled at a survey.

Heavy-duty stairlift PhysicalProduct e_008

A stairlift designed to support higher weight limits and larger seat dimensions than standard models, using reinforced components.

A heavy-duty stairlift is a stairlift designed to support higher weight limits and larger seat dimensions than standard models, using reinforced components for added strength and stability.

Perch stairlift PhysicalProduct e_009

A stairlift with a small semi-standing seat, used in a standing or perching position, for users who cannot bend their knees easily or for very narrow stairs.

• SUITED_FOR → Very narrow staircases (declared)

A perch stairlift has a small semi-standing seat for users who cannot bend their knees easily or who have very narrow stairs where a standard seat will not fit.

Through-floor lift PhysicalProduct e_010

A home lift that carries a person vertically through an opening in the ceiling, standing or seated in a wheelchair. UK dealers' published guides put it at roughly £12,000 to £35,000 fitted.

• RELATES_TO → Disabled Facilities Grant

A through-floor lift carries a person vertically through an opening in the ceiling, either standing or sitting in a wheelchair. It is the option to look at when transferring onto a stairlift seat is no longer safe, or when a wheelchair needs to be used on both floors. It costs several times as much as a stairlift and needs building work, so a home survey by the lift company comes first. Annual servicing is dearer too: one of the guides we read suggests budgeting £250 to £450 a year for a service contract.

Quick answer: A stairlift is the cheapest way to keep using upstairs, usually £1,500 to £3,500 for straight stairs. A through-floor lift costs far more, roughly £12,000 to £35,000 fitted in UK dealers’ published guides, but suits someone who cannot sit and transfer, or who uses a wheelchair. Living downstairs avoids the stairs. It works when there is room for a bed and a toilet or shower on the ground floor. A Disabled Facilities Grant can help with any of the three.

Stairlift rental Service e_011

Renting a stairlift instead of buying, usually £40 to £80 a month plus a one-off installation fee of £300 to £500, mostly offered on straight stairlifts.

• SUITED_FOR → Short-term mobility needs (declared)

Quick answer: Yes, you can rent a stairlift in the UK. Rental usually costs £40 to £80 a month, plus a one-off installation fee of £300 to £500. It is mostly offered on straight stairlifts, because curved rails are made to measure. Renting suits a short-term need, such as recovery from surgery or a wait for a grant. These figures come from our check of UK rental providers in August 2026.

Stairlift rental is often considered when mobility issues are temporary, such as after surgery or injury. While renting can be practical in some situations, it is not always cheaper or available for every type of staircase.

Stairlift removal Service e_012

Safely uninstalling a stairlift and removing the rail, chair and motor unit. In the UK it typically takes one to two hours and leaves minimal marks on the stairs.

Stairlift removal is the process of safely uninstalling a stairlift from a staircase and removing the rail, chair, and motor unit.

In the UK, stairlift removal typically takes one to two hours and leaves minimal marks on the stairs.

Stairlift buy-back and resale Service e_013

Selling a used stairlift through buy-back companies, manufacturer resale schemes, charity donation, scrap recycling or private sale. A used stairlift typically sells for around £100 to £500 in 2026.

At a glance: A used stairlift in the UK typically sells for around £100 to £500 in 2026, depending on brand, age, condition, and whether it is straight or curved. Straight stairlifts are easier to resell than curved ones because the rail can be reused. The main routes are independent buy-back companies, manufacturer resale schemes (e.g. Acorn), charity donation, scrap recycling, and private sale.

Type of stairlift is the single biggest factor. A straight stairlift has a standard rail that fits most UK staircases, making it attractive to many potential buyers. A curved stairlift, by contrast, is custom-built for one specific staircase and cannot be adapted to fit a different layout. This limits the buyer pool dramatically and usually leaves the resale value near zero.

Stairlift running costs Concept e_014

What a stairlift costs to run: it charges two 12-volt batteries from a normal socket, a full charge costs about 5p, and a household using it ten times a day spends about £11 a year on electricity.

A full charge of a stairlift battery costs about 5p. Almost every UK stairlift runs on two 12-volt sealed batteries, 7Ah on most models, which holds 0.168 kWh of electricity. At 26.32p per kWh, the Ofgem price cap rate for 1 October to 31 December 2026, filling that pack from flat costs 4.4p of electricity, or roughly 5p once charging losses are counted.

A stairlift does not draw power from the wall while you are riding it. It runs off two 12-volt sealed lead-acid batteries wired in series to make 24 volts, and those batteries top up from a normal socket whenever the chair is parked on a charging point. So the honest way to price the electricity is to work out what it costs to fill the batteries.

Stairlift warranty and aftercare Concept e_015

Warranty length, scope and value vary significantly between UK stairlift manufacturers; Stairlift Guru compares the published warranty and aftercare terms side by side.

• REQUIRES → Stairlift servicing

Every stairlift sold in the UK comes with some form of warranty, but the length, scope, and value of that cover varies significantly between manufacturers. Stairlift Guru has reviewed the warranty and aftercare terms published by leading UK stairlift companies to help you compare what is included, what costs extra, and what to check before signing.

Stairlift servicing Service e_016

Professional servicing recommended at least once a year, covering motor, batteries, safety sensors, rail and seat belt. Servicing schedules are set by manufacturers and warranty terms, not by law.

Quick answer: Stairlift manufacturers recommend a professional service at least once a year. An annual service typically includes checking the motor, batteries, safety sensors, rail, and seat belt. Regular servicing extends the life of the unit and keeps the warranty valid.

Servicing schedules are set by manufacturers and warranty terms, not by law. Our reference on UK stairlift regulations and standards sets out what is legally required and what is not.

Stairlift installation time Concept e_017

How fast a stairlift can be fitted in the UK: a straight lift as soon as next day if in stock (fitting takes two to four hours); a curved lift needs a made-to-measure rail, typically two to six weeks from survey.

A straight stairlift can be fitted as soon as the next day if the supplier has one in stock, and within one to three weeks otherwise. The fitting takes about two to four hours. A curved stairlift needs a rail made to measure, so expect two to six weeks from the survey (three and a half weeks is the typical figure), followed by half a day to a day of fitting. Some suppliers can fit curved lifts within days using modular rail systems, so ask each company for a date in writing.

A straight stairlift can often be fitted the next day. Eight of the 18 UK suppliers we checked advertise next-day fitting for straight stairs, and seven of those eight attach a condition such as stock, model, area or urgency.

Disabled Facilities Grant Regulation e_018

The main UK grant route for stairlifts, applied for through the local council. It covers up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £35,000 in Northern Ireland, does not have to be repaid, and is means-tested for adults.

• ENABLES → Straight stairlift

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can pay up to £30,000 towards a stairlift in England, £36,000 in Wales and £35,000 in Northern Ireland, and it does not have to be repaid. It is means-tested for adults, adaptations for disabled children are funded in full, and most stairlift installations cost well under the cap. Scotland runs a separate Scheme of Assistance, with support set locally by each council.

Will the council pay for a stairlift? Often yes. The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), applied for through your local council, is the main route: in England it covers up to £30,000 of adaptation costs including stairlifts, subject to a means test. Approval rates and waiting times vary widely between councils, and the guide below covers who qualifies, how to apply and what to do while you wait.

In 2026/27 England’s 296 housing authorities share £723 million of Disabled Facilities Grant funding. That is £12.29 per resident, or £64.36 per resident aged 65 and over. The maximum grant is £30,000 per household everywhere in England, but the budget behind it varies more than tenfold: Burnley has £33.47 per resident, Uttlesford £3.13. Nationally a Disabled Facilities Grant takes an average of 247 working days from first enquiry to finished work.

NHS stairlift support Concept e_019

The NHS does not usually fund stairlifts directly, but NHS professionals assess mobility needs, refer to the right services and support applications for council funding or home adaptations.

The NHS doesn’t usually fund stairlifts directly, but it has an important part in assessments, referrals, and access to local support. NHS professionals can help identify mobility needs, refer you to the right services, and support applications for council funding or home adaptations.

Stairlift buying guide Concept e_020

Stairlift Guru's seven-step guide to choosing a stairlift: staircase shape first, then mobility needs, new versus used, true cost, grants, the right type of quote, and choosing the supplier.

According to Stairlift Guru’s analysis of stairlift purchases in the UK, most problems arise when people buy based solely on price or choose a stairlift that only meets current needs, not future mobility needs.

A proper stairlift quote should be based on a home survey rather than an online estimate.

Pressure selling Concept e_021

High-pressure stairlift sales tactics, typically during a home visit. Stairlift Guru flags it as a warning sign and says a reputable company should inform buyers of their cancellation rights.

This is important because many stairlift sales happen during a home visit, and it is easy to feel pressured into a quick decision. Any reputable company should inform you of this right, not try to work around it.

Clear advice, suitable product recommendations, written pricing, strong aftercare and no pressure selling.

Stair falls in the UK Concept e_022

Falls on stairs and steps kill more than 1,000 people a year in the UK, with people aged 65 and over carrying most of the risk; around 88% of stair-fall deaths happen at home.

Falls on stairs and steps kill more than 1,000 people every year in the UK, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Safer Stairs campaign. Falls overall were responsible for almost half (48%) of all accidental deaths in 2023, and falls from stairs and steps are the most commonly identified cause of fall-related deaths (Centre for Ageing Better, analysis of ONS mortality data).

Older people carry most of the risk: more than 850 deaths of people aged 65 and over were recorded in 2023 from falls on or from stairs and steps. Historical ONS analysis (ICD-10 code W10) shows that around 88% of stair-fall deaths happen at home rather than in public places (ONS).

BS EN 81-40:2020 Standard e_023

The British Standard governing how a stairlift is designed, built and installed: Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts - stairlifts and inclined lifting platforms for persons with impaired mobility.

The standard that governs how a stairlift is designed, built and installed is BS EN 81-40:2020, published by BSI on 30 September 2020. Its full title is Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. Special lifts for the transport of persons and goods. Stairlifts and inclined lifting platforms intended for persons with impaired mobility.

Its scope covers the construction, manufacture, installation, maintenance and dismantling of electrically operated stairlifts. It applies to equipment intended for use by one person, directly retained and guided by a guide rail or rails, in three forms: chair stairlifts, standing platforms and wheelchair platforms. The 2020 edition replaced BS EN 81-40:2008, and BSI lists it as current and under review.

It carries legal weight through machinery law. EN 81-40:2020 is listed by the European Commission as a harmonised standard under the Machinery Directive, with legal effect from 15 October 2021 (Commission Implementing Decision 2021/1813, Official Journal L 366). Building to it gives a manufacturer a presumption that the machinery meets the essential health and safety requirements.

VAT relief on stairlifts Regulation e_024

UK VAT relief for buyers purchasing a stairlift for a disability or chronic condition, making prices approximately 17% lower than the VAT-inclusive figure.

All figures include standard installation and VAT where applicable. Prices for VAT-exempt buyers (those purchasing for a disability or chronic condition) will be approximately 17% lower.

Stannah Organization e_025

Long-established UK family-run stairlift maker, and as of October 2026 one of the few publishing its own prices: straight from £3,585 and curved from £7,134, each with a two-year warranty and two services included.

• OFFERS → Straight stairlift
• OFFERS → Curved stairlift

Our verdict: Stannah is one of the longest-established UK stairlift makers and, as of October 2026, one of the few publishing its own prices: straight from £3,585 and curved from £7,134, each with a two-year warranty and two services included. It is also the only major company that publishes an emergency call-out time.

Stannah is a global family-run business with an annual turnover of over £210 million. It also employs around 1700 people across the UK.

Acorn Stairlifts Organization e_026

One of the UK's leading stairlift providers, known for quality devices at competitive pricing; also named by the site as an example of a manufacturer resale scheme for used stairlifts.

• OFFERS → Stairlift buy-back and resale

Acorn Stairlifts is one of the UK’s leading stairlift providers. They have a well-deserved reputation for offering quality devices at competitive pricing.

Handicare Organization e_027

Stairlift manufacturer supplying straight, curved, outdoor and specialist models through approved installers in the UK. Part of the Savaria group; UK operations run by Savaria UK Limited.

• PART_OF → Savaria

Handicare is a stairlift manufacturer that designs and supplies stairlifts through approved installers and does not always sell directly. In the UK, Handicare stairlifts are commonly offered alongside brands such as Stannah Stairlifts, Acorn, and TK Home Solutions.

Handicare is part of the Savaria group, an international manufacturer of mobility equipment. In the UK, Handicare stairlifts are sold and installed through approved suppliers, not directly by the manufacturer.

Brooks Stairlifts Organization e_028

UK stairlift brand created in 1973 by Frederick Brooks, reviewed by Stairlift Guru.

Brooks Stairlifts was created in 1973 by Frederick Brooks. Here is an in-depth review of Brooks Stairlifts and what they offer.

TK Home Solutions Organization e_029

Stairlift supplier formerly Thyssenkrupp Stairlifts, reviewed by Stairlift Guru; known for sleek, modern stairlift design.

TK Home Solutions stairlifts are known for their sleek and stylish design, fitting well into any home decor.

Age UK Stairlifts Organization e_030

The stairlift range carrying the Age UK name, with a choice of colours and standard features covering adjustable seats, remote controls and safety sensors.

Age UK Stairlifts is the stairlift range carrying the Age UK name. The lifts come in a choice of colours, and the standard features cover adjustable seats, remote controls and safety sensors.

Companion Stairlifts Organization e_031

UK stairlift brand that sells, fits and services lifts made by Handicare.

• OFFERS → Stairlifts made by Handicare

Companion is a UK stairlift brand that sells, fits and services lifts made by Handicare. Everything below was read on Companion’s own website, Companies House and Trustpilot on 16 September 2026.

Dolphin Stairlifts Organization e_032

A nationwide network of local stairlift businesses whose branches supply and fit several brands, including Stannah, MediTek and Minivator; reconditioned listings start at about £900 with a two-year parts and labour warranty.

• OFFERS → Reconditioned stairlift

Our verdict: Dolphin is a network of local stairlift businesses, and its branches supply and fit several brands, including Stannah, MediTek and Minivator. It publishes no new-lift prices; reconditioned listings start at about £900 including a two-year parts and labour warranty.

Dolphin Mobility is a nationwide group of stairlift suppliers with branches throughout the UK. Here is an in-depth review of Dolphin Stairlifts.

Halton Stairlifts Organization e_033

UK-based, family-run independent stairlift supplier offering new and reconditioned straight, curved and outdoor stairlifts from multiple manufacturers.

• OFFERS → Reconditioned stairlift
• OFFERS → Outdoor stairlift

Halton Stairlifts is a UK-based, family-run business that has grown into one of the leading independent stairlift suppliers. Known for their flexibility, customer care, and wide range of products, Halton provides both new and reconditioned stairlifts to suit different budgets and home layouts. They supply straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts, and they’re not tied to a single manufacturer, which allows them to recommend the best fit for each customer.

MediTek Stairlifts Organization e_034

Former UK straight-stairlift manufacturer established in 1995; the brand is now owned by Otolift and MediTek lifts are sold, serviced and reconditioned through dealers.

• PART_OF → Otolift

Our verdict: MediTek no longer trades as an independent UK maker: the brand is owned by Otolift, and MediTek lifts are sold, serviced and reconditioned through dealers. There are no published MediTek prices; reconditioned MediTek lifts appear in dealer listings with installation and a two-year warranty included.

Savaria Organization e_035

Global mobility equipment manufacturer and parent group of Handicare; Handicare stairlifts in the UK are run by Savaria UK Limited (Companies House 04109393).

Handicare stairlifts in the UK are run by Savaria UK Limited, Companies House 04109393, per Handicare’s own company details page.

Handicare is part of the Savaria group, a global mobility equipment manufacturer. In practice, this means the product design and core components are consistent, while pricing, warranty handling, and aftercare depend heavily on the installer you choose.

England Place e_036

Jurisdiction where the Disabled Facilities Grant covers up to £30,000 per household, means-tested for adults, administered by 296 housing authorities.

The maximum Disabled Facilities Grant in England is £30,000, and that figure is the same in every council area. What changes from council to council is the size of the budget sitting behind it, and how long the work takes to reach you. Those two things have never been published side by side. This page merges them into one table covering all 296 housing authorities in England.

Scotland Place e_037

Jurisdiction running the Scheme of Assistance under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 instead of the Disabled Facilities Grant, with no fixed upper limit and a minimum grant of 80% of eligible cost.

Part 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 sets up the scheme of assistance. Section 71(2) includes adapting a house for a disabled person among the purposes, and section 73 makes assistance mandatory for that purpose where the house is or will be the disabled person’s main residence.

Citizens Advice Scotland states the minimum level of grant is 80 per cent of the eligible cost, and that a local authority must not apply a fixed upper limit on the cost of adaptation works covered by a grant.

Wales Place e_038

Jurisdiction where the Disabled Facilities Grant maximum is £36,000 and the means test has been removed from small and medium adaptations, which include stairlifts.

The maximum mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant in Wales is £36,000, stated by GOV.UK and by Age Cymru, against £30,000 in England.

Wales uses the Disabled Facilities Grant, with a higher maximum than England at £36,000, and it adds something England does not have: the Welsh Government has directed councils to remove the means test from small and medium adaptations, and stairlifts are classed as a medium adaptation. In practice that means a stairlift recommended by an occupational therapist is funded without the income-and-savings test that England applies, though some councils may still ask for a contribution, so confirm locally.

Northern Ireland Place e_039

Jurisdiction where stairlift grants run through the Housing Executive: up to £35,000, in some cases increased up to £70,000.

The Housing Executive states you may get up to £35,000, and in some cases the award may be increased up to a maximum of £70,000. Some UK-wide pages, including GOV.UK’s, still show older or different figures for Northern Ireland, so use the Housing Executive’s own numbers.