Get free quotes
Compare up to 4 quotes from trusted installers near you, free & no obligation.
🔒 Your details are only used to connect you with installers for your quotes. We never sell your data. See our Privacy Policy.
Last updated: 11 June 2026. LookInto analysis of published UK stairlift price guides and supplier list prices, reviewed twice a year.
Stairlift price estimator
UK stairlift prices at a glance (June 2026)
| Type | Typical price range (installed) | UK average |
|---|---|---|
| Straight stairlift (new) | £2,000 – £3,500 | ≈ £2,300 |
| Curved stairlift (new) | £4,000 – £7,000 | ≈ £5,500 |
| Bespoke / double-turn curved | £7,000 – £10,000+ | – |
| Outdoor stairlift | £2,500 – £5,000 | – |
| Reconditioned straight | £900 – £1,800 | ≈ £1,400 |
| Rental | £900 – £3,000 install + £70 – £200/month | – |
Starting prices by brand
| Brand / model | Straight from | Curved from |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn (130 / 180) | ≈ £2,750 | ≈ £5,500 |
| Stannah | ≈ £3,000 | ≈ £5,000 – £6,500 |
| Handicare / Companion (incl. Age Co) | ≈ £2,500 | ≈ £5,000 |
Starting prices for standard installations as published by suppliers and price guides, June 2026. Final quotes depend on rail length, features (powered swivel, folding rail, seat spec) and survey findings.
Three ways to pay less
1. VAT relief: if the user has a qualifying disability or long-term condition, stairlifts are zero-rated for VAT, an instant 20% saving (supplier handles the declaration). 2. Disabled Facilities Grant: means-tested council grants of up to £30,000 in England and Northern Ireland (£36,000 in Wales) can cover home adaptations including stairlifts. 3. Reconditioned or rental: for short-term needs (post-surgery recovery), renting usually beats buying.
Methodology & sources
Figures are a LookInto meta-analysis of UK stairlift price guides and published supplier starting prices (including Acorn, Stannah, Handicare/Companion list guidance) as of June 2026. Estimator logic: straight lifts assume a standard 13-step rail with ±£60 per step adjustment; curved lifts ±£150 per step; reconditioned ≈ 55–65% of new; outdoor models carry a weatherproofing premium of roughly 20%. Ranges are for guidance, staircases vary, and we recommend at least three quotes.
More from our mobility team: our UK Stairlift Price Index 2026 (full data report), stairlift guides, straight vs curved compared, UK stairlift brands worth knowing and alternatives to stairlifts.
For a second opinion on pricing see StairliftCosts.co.uk, and for independent buying guidance StairliftGuru.co.uk.
What else affects the cost of a stairlift?
Beyond the headline price, these are the costs and savings UK buyers most often ask about.
How do I get 0% VAT on a stairlift?
If the stairlift is for someone who is chronically ill or disabled and it’s for personal/home use, you qualify for VAT relief and pay 0% VAT, saving 20% on the total price. You don’t claim it back yourself: the installer applies it at the point of sale once you complete a short eligibility self-declaration form.
Will a Disabled Facilities Grant pay for my stairlift?
Possibly. The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) helps fund home adaptations and can cover a stairlift. Maximum grants are up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland; Scotland uses the separate Scheme of Assistance. DFGs are means-tested (except for children) and can take several months to be approved, so they suit planned rather than urgent needs.
What are the ongoing servicing and maintenance costs?
Budget for running costs once the initial warranty ends. Annual servicing typically costs around £70–£150, batteries usually need replacing every few years at roughly £80–£200, and an extended complete warranty runs about £100–£300 a year. Factoring these in gives a truer lifetime cost than the headline purchase price.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a reconditioned stairlift?
For short-term needs (under about 6–12 months, e.g. recovery after surgery) renting can work out cheaper, expect roughly £40–£100 a month plus a £350–£1,000 setup and removal charge. For permanent use, a reconditioned straight stairlift (around £1,000–£2,500) is usually far better value over time.
How much does a stairlift add to my electricity bill?
Very little. Modern stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries that trickle-charge from a standard mains socket, so they draw minimal power, typically only around £10–£15 a year to run.
Can I sell or get money back for a stairlift I no longer need?
Curved stairlifts are custom-built to your staircase, so they have little to no resale value. Some companies offer a small buy-back on standard straight units. If removal isn’t included in your original contract, expect to pay roughly £150–£300 to have the lift taken out.
Are there extra installation costs on top of the quote?
Reputable UK installers usually include standard fitting in the headline price. Extra charges (often £150–£400) can apply if your home needs preparatory work first, such as moving a radiator, minor carpentry, or adding a dedicated electrical socket near the stairs.