Acorn vs Brooks Stairlifts: A UK Comparison

Wider guide: see Types of stairlift to understand which type fits your staircase before comparing brands, and our stairlift prices guide for full 2026 costs.

Stairlift Guru is independent and is not owned by, affiliated with, or paid by any stairlift manufacturer. This guide describes publicly available information about two closely related UK stairlift brands to help you understand what you are actually choosing between.

Acorn and Brooks are not competitors in the usual sense: Brooks was founded in 1972 by Frederick Brooks and has been owned by Acorn since 2001, and UK retailers commonly list the 130 straight and 180 curved models under either badge. What you are really choosing is the route into your home. Acorn sells direct and installs its own lifts, typically from around £2,300 for a straight model in 2026. Brooks-branded lifts are supplied and fitted by independent mobility retailers, typically from around £2,100 for a straight model, with the quote depending on the dealer.

Acorn and Brooks at a glance

Starting prices are typical figures reported across UK installers and aggregators in the first half of 2026. Every staircase is different; see how stairlift prices work for what moves the final quote.

Two badges, one engineering platform

Frederick Brooks built his first stairlift in 1972, and Brooks Stairlifts operated as an independent British maker until Acorn acquired the company in 2001. Since then the Brooks name has continued as a retail brand: UK mobility shops and trade suppliers list the same 130 and 180 platforms as Acorn or Brooks depending on the channel, and several retailers state plainly that equivalent models differ in badge and trim rather than mechanics.

That matters for buyers because it removes the usual brand anxiety. If you are comparing an Acorn 130 quote against a Brooks 130 quote, you are comparing routes to market and aftercare arrangements, not two different machines.

Price in context

New straight stairlifts in the UK commonly range from £2,000 to £3,500 installed, and new curved stairlifts from £3,500 to £8,000 or more. Both badges sit at the accessible end of those ranges: Acorn direct from around £2,300 straight and £4,500 curved, Brooks through retailers from around £2,100 straight and £4,200 curved. Because Brooks is sold by many independent shops, quotes vary more, which cuts both ways: you can find keen prices, and you should still gather two or three. VAT relief reduces most quotes by around 17% where the user qualifies. Our UK Stairlift Price Index tracks the current figures.

Installation and aftercare

Buying direct from Acorn means one company handles the survey, the fitting, the warranty and every service visit, and Acorn advertises installation within days for straight staircases because its modular rail is cut from stock. Buying a Brooks-badged lift means your chosen retailer does the fitting and normally the aftercare too, so the retailer’s reputation, response times and service contract prices are the things to check. Parts availability is strong either way because the platforms are shared. Our servicing guide covers typical annual costs.

Reconditioned availability

The shared 130 platform is one of the most common reconditioned stairlifts in the UK, sold under both badges by specialist dealers at roughly £800 to £1,500 installed for straight units. Reconditioned curved units are rarer because the rail is specific to the original staircase. If budget is the driver, read our reconditioned stairlifts guide before choosing between a new Brooks quote and a reconditioned unit.

How to decide between them

If you want speed and a single point of responsibility, going direct to Acorn is the simpler route. If you have a local mobility retailer you trust, or you want competing quotes on the same hardware, a Brooks-badged lift through a dealer gives you that flexibility. Either way the sensible move is the same: get a written quote from Acorn and at least one Brooks retailer for your staircase and compare the totals, the warranty terms and the call-out arrangements. Our stairlift company reviews cover both, and if Stannah or Handicare are also on your list, see Acorn vs Stannah and Acorn vs Handicare.

Frequently asked questions

Are Acorn and Brooks stairlifts the same company?

They are closely related. Brooks was founded in 1972 and has been owned by Acorn since 2001. Brooks-branded stairlifts share Acorn engineering, and retailers list the 130 and 180 models under either badge.

What is the difference between an Acorn and a Brooks stairlift?

Mainly the sales channel and the badge. Acorn sells direct and installs its own lifts; Brooks-branded models are supplied and fitted by independent retailers. Retailers describe the underlying hardware of equivalent models as the same.

Do Acorn and Brooks stairlifts cost the same?

Starting prices are similar: around £2,300 for an Acorn straight stairlift direct in 2026, and around £2,100 for a Brooks-branded model through a dealer. Curved models start around £4,500 and £4,200 respectively.

Which should I buy, Acorn direct or Brooks through a dealer?

It depends how you like to buy. Direct from Acorn means one company handles everything, often within days. A Brooks lift through a local dealer lets you compare quotes and use a retailer you trust.

Can I get a reconditioned Acorn or Brooks stairlift?

Yes. The shared 130 platform is one of the most common reconditioned stairlifts in the UK, at roughly £800 to £1,500 installed for straight units with a 12 to 24 month warranty from reputable suppliers.

Who services a Brooks stairlift?

Normally the retailer that supplied it, or an independent stairlift engineer. Parts availability is strong because Brooks models share Acorn engineering. Confirm servicing arrangements in writing when you buy.