The short answer
A new stairlift gives the longest warranty, the latest features and a model matched precisely to your stairs, and is usually the route for a curved staircase where the rail is bespoke. A reconditioned stairlift is a refurbished, re-tested unit that typically costs £1,200–£2,500 and can save roughly 30–50% — best suited to straight staircases, where standard rails are easier to reuse. Rental spreads the cost as a monthly fee and suits a temporary need, such as recovery after an operation. The right choice comes down to your staircase shape, how long you need it, and the warranty and servicing on offer.
New is not the only option. Reconditioned and rental stairlifts can lower the cost or suit a short-term need — here is how they compare and when each makes sense.
At a glance
- Newlongest warranty, latest features
- Reconditioned£1,200–£2,500, ~30–50% saving
- Rentalmonthly fee, temporary needs
- Reconditioned best forstraight staircases
- Curved usuallynew (bespoke rail)
How the options compare
A new stairlift comes with a full manufacturer's warranty, the newest safety and comfort features, and a rail matched to your stairs — and for a curved staircase it is usually the practical choice, because the rail has to be made to measure. A reconditioned stairlift has been refurbished and re-tested and typically costs £1,200–£2,500, saving roughly 30–50% on new; it works best on straight stairs, where a standard rail can be reused or re-cut. Rental turns the cost into a monthly fee plus fitting, which makes sense when the need is temporary.
| Option | Typical cost | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| New | £2,000–£8,000+ | any stairs; usually curved |
| Reconditioned | £1,200–£2,500 | straight staircases |
| Rental | monthly fee + fitting | temporary or short-term needs |
General comparison for guidance. Costs depend on your stairs and the model. Sources: Which? and BHTA buyer guidance.
What to check before you decide
Whichever route you choose, the things that protect you are the same. Ask about the warranty — how long it runs and what it covers on a reconditioned unit, which may be shorter than on new. Confirm servicing arrangements and call-out response. For rental, check the minimum term, monthly cost and what happens at the end, including removal. And remember that on a curved staircase a reconditioned lift is rarely a straight swap, because the old rail won't match your stairs — so new is often the realistic option there.
Not sure whether to buy new, reconditioned or rent?
We'll match you with a BHTA-member stairlift supplier who explains the new, reconditioned and rental options for your staircase and quotes each on a clear specification.
Frequently asked questions
Is a reconditioned stairlift worth it?
For a straight staircase it often is — a reconditioned stairlift typically costs £1,200–£2,500 and can save roughly 30–50% on new. Check the warranty and servicing, which may be shorter than on a new unit, before comparing prices.
Can I rent a stairlift?
Yes. Rental spreads the cost as a monthly fee plus a fitting charge and suits a temporary need, such as recovery after surgery. Check the minimum term, the monthly cost and what happens at the end, including removal.
Can I get a reconditioned curved stairlift?
It's less common. A curved rail is made to the exact shape of a particular staircase, so a reconditioned curved lift rarely matches different stairs. For curved staircases, a new bespoke rail is usually the realistic option.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific staircase. They are guidance, not a quotation.