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Buying and installing a stairlift

Which? experts help you choose the right type of stairlift at the right price, and explain how to get a free or council stairlift
Joanna PearlHead of consumer research

If you've been struggling with going up and down the stairs in your home, you may have thought about getting a stairlift, but choosing the right one is not always straightforward. 

We can help you pick the right type, understand what you'll be paying and explain how you might get a free stairlift.

We also run through stairlift rentals for those of you who only need one for a short period of time, and second-hand stairlifts if you want to save money. 


If you already know what you're looking for, head straight to our best and worst stairlift brands to see which company you should buy from


Should you get a stairlift? 

Many people who invest in a stairlift regret not getting one sooner. However, they're not right for every condition or lifestyle, and some staircases may not be able to accommodate them.

If you still have a fair degree of mobility and don't experience pain when climbing the stairs, it may be best to wait before getting a stairlift – in some cases, people’s joints degenerate faster if they're not used regularly. 

Before investing, it's a good idea to have an occupational therapy (OT) assessment to make sure the type of stairlift you want will suit you now and in the future. For example, you'll need enough mobility to be able to get on and off the seat yourself and dexterity to be able to use the controls and the footrest, although there are some workarounds.

You can ask for an OT assessment by contacting your local council social services department, or privately via the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Types of stairlift 

Although there are lots of different types of stairlift available, most fall into two main categories: straight and curved. The latter are the more bespoke, as the stairlift rail has to be made to fit around the shape of your stairs. 

Seated stairlifts for straight staircases 

Straight stairlift

If you have a straight staircase, it should be fairly straightforward to install a stairlift that runs along a straight rail. These most commonly have seats (fixed or drop-down) attached. 

If the layout of your staircase is straight for the most part, but curves right at the top, you may need to buy a straight stairlift plus a ‘bridging platform’ to enable the lift to reach the landing.  

Pros: easy to install, the cheapest type of stairlift

Cons: very narrow staircases may not be able to accommodate one

Seated stairlifts for curved staircases 

Woman sitting on curved stairlift

If a stairlift goes round a corner, it's classified as curved. Curved stairlifts require bespoke curved rails to fit the exact shape of your staircase.

Pros: can usually be made for any staircase

Cons: generally more expensive - as a rough guide, each extra corner doubles the initial price


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Standing or perching stairlifts 

Perching stairlift

These can be used for particularly narrow staircases that don't have room for a seated lift. The headroom of the staircase has to be high enough to fit your whole standing body.

Pros: good if you have problems bending your knees, some have a small ledge to help you keep your balance

Cons: most have grab rails attached, but if you sometimes get dizzy spells or don’t have the physical strength to stand for a few minutes, then it could be dangerous to use one

Vertical ‘through-floor’ lifts

Through-lift in a living room

These take you from one floor of your house to another via a hole in the ceiling/floor – for instance, moving directly from the living room up to the bedroom above. The track of the stairlift attaches to the wall.

Pros: can accommodate wheelchair users who are not able to transfer safely to a stairlift seat, a good option if your staircase isn’t suitable for an ordinary stairlift – for instance, if it’s too narrow or if it’s a spiral staircase

Cons: vertical lifts are the most expensive type to install as they will require considerable building work to create a suitable hole, install the lift and make it good again afterwards

Outdoor stairlifts

Outdoor stairlift

These are essentially the same as indoor straight and curved stairlifts, but are made of weather-resistant materials so they can be used outside. 

Pros: allow access to a property with steps to the front door or outside spaces such as a garden

Cons: an electricity supply is needed and must meet installation safety requirements


If you're looking for help getting around outdoors, we've found the best mobility scooters from our tests


Stairlift prices 

Although stairlifts are expensive, the cost of buying and installing one has remained fairly stable for years.

Our December 2022 survey of stairlift owners revealed that the average price paid for a new stairlift was £3,867. The average price paid for a new straight stairlift was £3,371: this increases to an average £4,728 for a curved stairlift.

As a general rule, every corner in your staircase will double the initial price. If you have a staircase formed of two straight flights of stairs with a landing area in between, it may be cheaper to buy two straight stairlifts instead of a single curved one. You would need to be mobile enough to move from one lift to the other, though.

If you're registered disabled or have a chronic health condition, you can claim VAT exemption when buying a stairlift. But make sure you're clear about whether the quote you're getting includes VAT, so you can compare quotes between companies.

For further details, see the HMRC on VAT exemption

How do you qualify for a free stairlift? 

If you need to buy a stairlift because you have a chronic illness or other form of disability, and you intend to live in your current property for the next five years, you may be eligible for a means-tested disabled facilities grant to help with the cost.

A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) maximum award is £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, the alternative is a scheme of assistance

Depending on your income you may be awarded a full grant or a percentage towards the costs.

Start the application by contacting your local authority's social services department to request an assessment, stating that you're experiencing difficulty using your stairs.

If you're provided with a DFG stairlift, it becomes your personal property and you're generally responsible for the servicing and repairs. Be sure to check this, as it can be a costly extra.


Find out more about the Disabled Facilities Grant and how you can apply for one


Stairlifts from the council 

Woman sitting on a stairlift

It's worth looking into whether you might be eligible for a stairlift provided or funded by the council. You'll need to discuss the arrangements in your local area with your council, as they vary, but the brands of stairlift are the same ones you'd buy yourself.  

In some areas, the district council makes arrangements to lease new or reconditioned stairlifts, while some hold their own second-hand stock to give or lease. The council is then responsible for the repairs and maintenance.

Others will ask you to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). They also sometimes offer low-cost loans. However, your income and savings have to be assessed first.


Preparing for a social care needs assessment - we take you through the things that will be considered and how to get ready for your assessment 


Getting a stairlift quote

For a stairlift company to be able to give you an accurate quote, a surveyor will usually need to visit your home to carry out a feasibility study. This should be free of charge. 

They'll determine, among other things, whether your stairs are wide enough for the stairlift you want, and, for seated stairlifts, wide enough to allow room for your knees when seated.

The visit is your chance to find out about the different models of stairlift the company offers. But it's not just about your staircase, the assessor will need to find out about you too.

This will allow them to identify the features that will best suit your individual needs. For example, they should ask questions to understand whether you have the physical and mental ability to use features such as the controls and seatbelt, or if you'll need adaptations.

It's a good idea to get quotes from two or three different companies, including one manufacturer and one supplier, so you can compare prices and make an informed decision. 

Where to see stairlifts before you buy

If a company has a showroom it's a good idea to visit to see and try different models. Or you could ask them if there's any willing local owner who might be able to show you the staircase in their home.

Alternatively, try to find your nearest equipment demonstration centre. These are dedicated places where you can try out mobility aids in a non-sales environment, which can feel more relaxed. There are a number across the UK: search locally, but bear in mind they might have a local name such as a disability action and advice centre.

You could also ask your local council which brands it uses. If you have an occupational therapist, ask them or contact the occupational therapy department of your local council.


See which company customers rated the best place to buy a stairlift


Stairlift installation 

Man installing stairlift

Stairlifts from brands such as Acorn and Stannah can take between one and 14 days to be installed (the longer time frames are for curved stairlifts).

And, of course, you'll have to factor in any structural work that is required - for example, installing an extra power point or carpentry work.

This is likely to be significantly quicker than council or housing association installation though.


If you're looking to organise the installation yourself, find a local reputable trader through Which? Trusted Traders


Do stairlifts work without electricity?

Most stairlifts run on batteries that recharge automatically from the mains. This means they will still function during a power cut. Some are mains-powered, but will still have a small back-up battery in case of a power cut.

Buying a second-hand stairlift

You can save some money by buying a second-hand stairlift. Many manufacturers and suppliers sell reconditioned stairlifts, which can be much cheaper than new ones. 

These are usually straight stairlifts that have been removed from one property and can be fixed to another staircase in a different home. Made-to-measure curved staircases are not normally available second-hand.

If you're considering a second-hand stairlift ask the same sort of questions as you would for a second-hand car. For example, the stairlift's service history, who has serviced it, and the length of any warranty included.

Handicare and Stannah told us that only approved or authorised dealers should be selling reconditioned stairlifts. Do check, as if you buy a reconditioned stairlift elsewhere, it won't come with assurances such as a one-year warranty, guarantee and a full service history.


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Stairlift rentals 

An older couple with the woman sitting on a stairlift

Hiring a stairlift might be a better option if you know you will only need it for a set period of time, such as if you're recovering from an accident or operation. Some suppliers have a minimum term for stairlift hire, often around three months.

Installation costs when hiring (which normally also includes removal at the end) range from £350 to more than £1,000, while monthly rental fees range from £10 for a straight stairlift from a local supplier to as much as £150 a month for a complicated curved stairlift from a national manufacturer.


See our guide to how to make your bathroom more accessible, and find out more about walk-in baths, shower seats and bath lifts


Your rights when buying a stairlift

Make sure you know your rights when buying or returning a stairlift so you don't end up losing money or being stuck with a stairlift you can't use. 

Can you cancel your stairlift order after signing up?

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations (CCR) you can cancel a 'distance' or 'off-premises' contract - for example, where you ordered your stairlift during a sales visit to your home. Your right to cancel an order starts the moment you place it and doesn't end until 14 days have passed from the day after your goods were delivered to you.

However, the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 say that where goods are made to the customer's specifications, there will not be a cancellation right under that legislation.

You need to be clear what the company's terms and conditions say about your rights and their products before you sign a contract. 

What if the stairlift is not what was agreed?

Under the Consumer Rights Act, you have 30 days to send the stairlift item back and get a full refund - or if you prefer, a  repair or replacement - if the stairlift is faulty, doesn't match the agreed description, or is not fit for purpose. This applies whether the stairlift is bespoke or not.

After this 30-day period, you're entitled to a repair or replacement. If the repair or replacement is unsuccessful, and you haven't had the stairlift for more than six months,  you can then ask for a full refund. If you've owned the stairlift for more than six months, the company can make a deduction for the usage you've had.

If you have specific requirements - for example, you need the control to work in a certain way because of hand issues - you need to make them clear and get written confirmation (preferably in the contract) from the company that the product will be fit for your specific needs. This could save a dispute later.

Do you have to pay if the stairlift has to be returned?

Yes, if the stairlift is as described and isn't faulty you'll need to pay to return it, even if you cancel within 14 days (as per the Consumer Contracts Regulations or CCR) - unless the company's terms and conditions say they'll collect it. 

The company could make a deduction from your refund for excessive handling and damage caused, so it probably isn't a good idea to dismantle it yourself. The company could also make a deduction for any services it provided during the cancellation period at your request (for example, electrical or other preparatory work). 

However, if the product is faulty or not as described, and you are entitled to reject it, then the company has to either collect it or meet your reasonable costs of returning it.

What can you expect from warranties and servicing?

This is very dependent on the company's terms and conditions. Length of warranties vary, and servicing or repairs isn't always included.

Remember if a warranty has expired, you still have your rights under the Consumer Rights Act.  


How to choose the best ramps and grab rails for your home - adding ramps and rails to your home will improve accessibility, particularly in the bathroom where floors can get damp