Installing a stairlift at home can help people to continue to live independently as they get older, so choosing the right stairlift is an important decision to make. As well as looking at reliability, safety and the costs and payment options, it is also important to check which models can be installed on the required stairway layout.
The information below provides details about the stairlifts provided by the top 11 stairlift companies in the UK, to help you to make a choice regarding which option is best for your specific requirements.
| Company | Straight | Curved | Rental | Reconditioned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn | Y | Y | Y | N |
| Stannah | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Handicare | Y | Y | N | N |
| Brooks | Y | Y | N | N |
| Companion | Y | Y | N | N |
| AgeUK | Y | Y | N | Y |
| Platinum Stairlifts | Y | Y | N | Y |
| thyssenkrupp | Y | Y | N | N |
| Bespoke Stairlifts | Y | Y | N | Y |
| Dolphin | Y | Y | N | Y |
| TK Encasa | Y | Y | N | N |
The information displayed in the table is taken from major stairlift companies and their available services may change from the time of writing (October 2019).
Disclaimer: MedicalPrices.co.uk is a general information website only and cannot make recommendations of any company or product, we simply collate information on each company and product to share it with you.
Companies are ranked in no particular order and this in no way indicates one is better than another. We may choose to work with companies that pay us a fee but there is no obligation or requirement on your part to use them to access this website. These fees allow us to run and maintain this website at no cost to you.
Main Topics
Acorn
Key features and benefits:
- Next-day installation available
- Range of options (curved, straight, narrow, outdoor)
- Fits to stairs, not wall
- 12 month manufacturer guarantee
- Seatbelt fitted as standard for safety
- Helpdesk open 365 days a year
- Servicing and aftercare available
- Extended warranty option includes cost of callouts, parts and labour
Website: acornstairlifts.co.uk
Reviews: Acorn Stairlift Reviews
Stannah
Key features and benefits:
- Support and engineers available 24/7
- Stores across the UK
- Recommended by Which?
- Range of options (straight, curved, narrow, wide)
- Rental and reconditioned options
- Strong reputation
- 2 years’ free warranty including aftercare and engineer callouts
- Website provides product details
Website: stannahstairlifts.co.uk
Reviews: Stannah Stairlift Reviews
Handicare
Key features and benefits:
- Global business with strong reputation
- Innovative technology (slimmest straight staircase on market)
- Range of options (straight, made-to-measure curved)
- 3D PhotoSurvey ensures perfect fit
- Different colours available to match decor
- Plus size options up to 35st
- Local suppliers across UK
- Aftercare includes servicing, extended warranty and relocation
- Website has tool to find best stairlift for your requirements
- Extended warranty available
Website: handicare-stairlifts.co.uk
Reviews: Handicare Stairlifts Reviews
Brooks
Key features and benefits:
- Wireless remote control option
- Weight capacity up to 20st
- Runs on rechargeable batteries
- Slimline design with folding arms, seat and footrest
- Safety cut-out sensors
- Swivel seat locks at 45° or 90° position
- 12 month guarantee
- Extended warranty available
Website: brooksstairlifts.co.uk
Reviews: Brooks Stairlift Reviews
Companion
Key features and benefits:
- Range of stairlift products available (straight, curved, narrow, spiral, outdoor)
- Pricing options for range of budgets
- Which? Trusted Traders for installation services
- Emergency stairlift fitting available across UK
- 12-month guarantee
- Quiet (Whisper) DC powered stairlifts
- Choice of colours to suit decor
- 24/7 support 365 days a year
- Price match guarantee
Website: companionstairlifts.co.uk
Reviews: Companion Stairlift Reviews
AgeUK
Key features and benefits:
- Customer support centre open 7 days a week
- Price match guarantee
- Range of products (straight, curved)
- Swivelling seat and folding footplate
- Provided through Handicare Accessibility Limited
- 2 year warranty as standard
- 14 day money back guarantee
Website: ageuk.org.uk
Reviews: AgeUK Stairlift Reviews
Platinum Stairlifts
Key features and benefits:
- Range of products (curved and straight)
- Hand-built in UK and tailored to your home
- Capacity up to 25st
- Industry leading supply time (within 7 days)
- ERGO model provides adjustable seat
- Choice of colours available
- Retractable reel seat belt
- Battery powered and automatically charges from mains
Website: platinumstairlifts.com
Reviews: Platinum Stairlifts Reviews
Thyssenkrupp
Key features and benefits:
- UK’s leading stairlift manufacturer
- Part of Thyssenkrupp Home Solutions brand
- Built for comfort and quality
- Ergonomic seating position
- Automatic rotation whilst moving
- Suitable for fitting in tight spaces
- Built-in battery
- 2-year warranty as standard
- Most installations take less than ½ day
Website: thyssenkrupp-stairlift.co.uk
Reviews: Thyssenkrupp Stairlift Reviews
Bespoke Stairlifts
Key features and benefits:
- 12-month warranty
- Pre-owned and second hand options
- First service is free
- Extended warranty available
- Optional powered swivel feature
- Battery powered operation
- Multi-point sensors for safety
- Optional retractable seat belt
- Fast-track orders
Website: bespokestairlifts.com
Reviews: Bespoke Stairlifts Reviews
Dolphin
Key features and benefits:
- Range of models from leading manufacturers
- Specialists in access products
- Local branches across UK
- Stannah, Handicare, Flow 2 and Meditek products
- Outdoor stairlifts available
- Swivel seats
- Perching stairlifts available for users with limited flexibility in knees/hips
Website: dolphinstairlifts.com
Reviews: Dolphin Stairlifts Reviews
TK Encasa
Key features and benefits:
- Part of Thyssenkrupp brand
- Different fabrics and colours available
- Rail colour choice to suit interior
- Free styling advice
- Online style configurator tool
Website: flow.tkencasa.co.uk
Reviews: TK Encasa Stairlift Reviews
FAQs
How much do stairlifts cost?
The costs of stairlifts vary greatly depending on the quality and features of the stairlift and typically are priced between £2,000 and £6,000. The average price paid for a new stairlift in 2018 was £3,369.
The cost also depends on how the stairlift will be installed, for example, curved stairlifts cost a lot more than straight stairlifts due to the added complexity of rail design and installation. You also have the option to buy reconditioned stairlifts to keep costs down.
How much to rent a stairlift?
A number of companies provide rental options for stairlifts, with the cost usually being around £10 per week. The rental price for a curved stairlift is generally considerably more than that of a straight stairlift. Due to this, it tends to make better financial sense to buy a curved stairlift outright instead of renting one.
Are there stairlift grants available?
You may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local authority. The eligibility includes that someone living in the property must be disabled. You can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local authority’s website.
Can I get funding for my stairlift?
As well as government grants, there are also charities such as The Edward Gostling Foundation, SSAFA and Independence At Home that can help with the costs of a stairlift. Whilst not everybody will be eligible for support, it is worth checking all of the options.
Are stairlifts tax exempt?
You may be eligible for tax exemption depending on firring certain criteria. People who are ‘chronically sick or disabled’ are eligible for VAT relief on the provision that the stairlift is for domestic use. To benefit from VAT exemption, individuals must fill in a User VAT declaration when purchasing the stairlift from the provider.
Also, people over 60 can benefit from a 5% VAT reduction when the stairlift is installed in a private home.
How to get a stairlift through NHS
The NHS can assist with home adaptions including fitting a stairlift by working in conjunction with your local council. The first step is to arrange a home assessment where an occupational therapist will visit your home to conduct an assessment. The assessment will then determine whether you are eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant and can apply for that help.
How to get a stairlift from social services?
You may be entitled to have a stairlift provided by your housing association or local council. You can apply to your local council’s social services department to see if you are eligible. An assessment by an occupational therapist will then be arranged.
How much weight can a stair lift hold?
The weight that a stairlift can hold varies depending on the model. Certain manufacturers such as Stannah provide heavy duty stairlifts which hold up to 25st. Standard stairlifts generally hold between 18st and 22st.
The above information has been collated from the following sources: Which.co.uk, ridc.org.uk, ageukmobility.co.uk, gov.uk, stairliftsreviews.co.uk, stannah-stairlifts.com.