Stairlift Costs: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Stairlifts are a significant investment; they are highly specialised equipment tailored to fit your staircase. Because each installation is bespoke, there is no fixed price. The final cost will depend on several factors, including the type of staircase (straight or curved) and any optional features or upgrades you choose.

How much does a stairlift cost in the UK?

If you are wondering what a stairlift price in the UK is, Here are the average costs of a stairlift:

A Straight Stairlift starts from £2,000
Curved Stairlift starts from £4,500
A Reconditioned Stairlift starts from £1,200

The prices listed above are starting points.

Additional features like a hinged rail, powered swivel seat, or personalised upholstery will affect the stairlift's ultimate cost.

Curved stairlifts are typically more expensive than straight models because the rail needs to be specially measured and manufactured to fit the precise bends and angles of the staircase. This means a longer manufacturing time and a more intricate installation.

At Senior Stairlifts, we are delighted to offer transparent pricing. For your peace of mind, each quote comes with a free staircase survey, a no-obligation quote, a complete 2-year warranty, and award-winning aftercare.

What Affects the Cost of a Stairlift?

Not all stairlift brands in the UK are priced equally. Every stairlift comes with a base cost, depending on the manufacturer and model. Choosing a lower-cost option may mean sacrificing certain features or comfort. Several factors influence the final price:

1. Type of Staircase

The layout of your staircase impacts cost:

Straight stairlift costs for straight staircases are typically the most affordable, as they require a standard rail.

A curved stairlift price for more complex staircases (with bends, turns, or landings) is more expensive because they require a custom-built rail to fit your specific layout and ensure smooth operation.

2. Number of Floors and Landings

If your staircase crosses multiple floors or has several landings, this will increase the length and complexity of the rail, adding to the overall cost.

3. Additional Features and Customisations

While basic safety features like seatbelts, obstacle sensors, and emergency stop buttons are usually included, other features can improve comfort and convenience for an additional cost:

Swivel Seat (Manual or Powered): Allows the seat to rotate at the top of the stairs for safer dismounting. Manual versions are user-operated via a lever, while powered seats swivel automatically when the stairlift reaches the top.

Folding Footrest and Seat (Manual or Powered): These fold away when not in use to save space, and they are particularly helpful in narrow staircases or busy areas in your home.

Powered Hinged Rail: This is ideal when the rail ends near a doorway or walkway. This feature lets the rail lift its lower section automatically to prevent tripping hazards and improve accessibility.

Custom Upholstery and Rail Colours: Some models allow you to choose from various fabric options and rail finishes to match your home décor better.

Outdoor Stairlifts: Specifically designed for external use, these models are weatherproof and UV-resistant, making them ideal for garden steps or outdoor staircases.

Straight vs Curved Stairlift Costs

The cost of a stairlift varies significantly depending on whether your staircase is straight or curved.

Straight Stairlifts are generally more affordable because they use standard, rails that fit most straight staircases without much modification.

Curved Stairlifts, on the other hand, require a custom-made rail designed to follow the unique bends, turns, and landings of your staircase. This involves additional time, drawing planning, and manufacturing complexity, which increases both the cost and installation time.

What’s Included in The Price?

When you choose Senior Stairlifts, we begin with a free staircase assessment. One of our skilled team will come to your home to assess your staircase and pick the best stairlift for your requirements. In certain situations, a technical survey will be conducted to demonstrate the precise location of the stairlift's installation and its functionality within your house. There is no additional stairlift installation cost from us.

To ensure we’re going the extra mile, our engineers will walk you through the process, outlining features and assisting you in selecting various upholstery and customisation options that better suit your needs.

Installation is included in the quoted price; there are no hidden costs. All our stairlifts, even reconditioned ones, come with a standard two-year warranty.

Can You Rent a Stairlift Instead of Buying?

While some companies do offer stairlift rentals, at Senior Stairlifts, we've found that renting is often more expensive than purchasing a reconditioned stairlift, especially for customers who only need it short-term.

If you need a stairlift temporarily, like during injury recovery, buying a reconditioned model is usually the more cost-effective option.

We also offer a buyback service on all our stairlifts. We can provide between £200–£400 if you no longer need your lift, depending on the model and its condition.

Are There Financial Assistance Options Available?

Several financial assistance alternatives are available if you need assistance paying for a stairlift.

Stairlift grants are intended to assist people with limited mobility in making necessary home renovations and can be obtained through government programs.

To be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (dfg), you must have a disability and the suggested modifications must be deemed essential for your independence, safety, and accessibility.

Grants involve lengthy application procedures and eligibility tests, even though they can drastically reduce costs. If you need a stairlift more urgently, buying a reconditioned one can be a quicker and less expensive option.

We at Senior Stairlifts also offer financing options. Contact a member of our staff for advice on possible funding options and how we can help you through the process.

Stairlift Cost FAQs

How much does a stairlift cost to install?

Some providers charge an extra £20 to £300 for installation in addition to the stairlift's purchase price.

Senior Stairlifts offers free installation because we value open and honest pricing.

We will handle the installation and 2-year warranty at no additional cost; you only need to pay for the stairlift.

Is there a difference in price between indoor and outdoor stairlifts?

Yes, outdoor stairlifts are typically more expensive than indoor models.

This price difference is due to several key factors:

Weatherproofing: Outdoor stairlifts are built to withstand rain, wind, UV, and temperature fluctuations. This requires sealed electronics, rust-resistant materials, and durable coatings.
Protective Covers: Most outdoor stairlifts have a weather-resistant cover that protects the seat and controls when not in use.
Limited Options: Fewer models are available for outdoor use, so there's less price competition compared to indoor stairlifts.

On average, you can expect to pay £500–£1,000 more for an outdoor stairlift compared to a similar indoor model.

Do I need to pay for a survey?

No, some companies charge for a survey visit; however, at Senior Stairlifts, we don't. We offer a free, no-obligation home survey.

Can a stairlift be moved to another home?

On some occasions, a stairlift may be relocated to another home. However, if it is a curved stairlift, there is very little chance of it being able to be relocated. This is because the rail is bespoke to the angles and bends of your staircase, and the other may not match.

Is maintenance included in the price?

We provide servicing and repairs independently; the price does not cover maintenance. This covers parts, repairs, and callouts under the stairlift's normal warranty, batteries, and accidental damage.

We do provide a five-year warranty upgrade. This covers everything included in the standard warranty, free yearly servicing, battery costs, and all labour and parts.

Why Choose Senior Stairlifts

Based in Yorkshire, Senior Stairlifts is a family-run company that is pleased to serve clients across the United Kingdom. We offer a no-pressure service; after sending you your customised price, we'll give you some time to think it over before giving you a call to answer any questions you might have.

Our staff is dedicated to providing a customised, individual experience. We take the time to learn about your needs, help you at every stage, and answer any questions. We prioritise providing outstanding customer service from your first inquiry to aftercare.

Because of the attention to detail and care we put into each installation, we are pleased to have received more than 500 five-star Google reviews and to be a Which? Trusted Trader.

Conclusion

Stairlift costs vary based on your staircase layout, home environment, and personal requirements. However, we are committed to transparent, fair pricing with no hidden fees at Senior Stairlifts.

Get in touch today to request your free, no-obligation quote and see how affordable home independence can be.