The short answer
A straight stairlift typically costs around £2,000–£4,000 fitted in the UK, with many landing near the £2,300–£2,500 mark for a standard staircase. A curved stairlift usually runs £4,000–£8,000+ because the rail is bespoke to your stairs — Which? research has put the average curved model near £4,700. Reconditioned stairlifts often cost £1,200–£2,500, commonly saving around 30–50% on a new unit, while short-term rental suits a temporary need. The main drivers are whether your staircase is straight or curved, its length, and whether you choose new, reconditioned or rental.
Price depends mainly on whether your stairs are straight or curved, how long the rail needs to be, and whether you buy new, reconditioned or rent. The figures below are typical fitted prices for guidance, not quotations.
Typical UK stairlift costs
- Straight, fitted£2,000–£4,000
- Curved, fitted£4,000–£8,000+
- Reconditioned£1,200–£2,500
- Rentalfrom a monthly fee + fitting
- Which? curved average~£4,700
What drives the price
- Straight vs curved: a straight rail is a standard length; a curved rail is custom-built to your staircase, which is the single biggest cost difference.
- Staircase length & shape: longer runs, half-landings, bends and tight corners all add rail and fitting time.
- New, reconditioned or rental: reconditioned units cost less up front; rental suits a short-term or temporary need.
- Extras: powered swivel or folding footrests, hinged rails over a doorway and outdoor weatherproofing add to the figure.
| Type | Typical fitted cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Straight stairlift | £2,000–£4,000 | standard-length rail |
| Curved stairlift | £4,000–£8,000+ | bespoke rail; Which? avg ~£4,700 |
| Reconditioned | £1,200–£2,500 | often saves ~30–50% on new |
| Rental | monthly fee + fitting | suits temporary needs |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: Which? and BHTA buyer guidance.
Reconditioned and rental as lower-priced routes
If a new stairlift is more than you want to spend, two options can lower the cost. A reconditioned stairlift is a previously owned unit that has been refurbished and re-tested, typically priced £1,200–£2,500 and often saving roughly 30–50% against new — most suited to straight staircases, where standard rails are easier to reuse. Rental spreads the cost as a monthly fee plus a fitting charge and suits a temporary need, such as recovery after surgery. Whichever route you take, check what warranty and servicing are included before you compare prices.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a straight stairlift cost in the UK?
A straight stairlift typically costs around £2,000–£4,000 fitted, with many standard staircases landing near £2,300–£2,500. The exact price depends on the rail length and any extras such as a powered swivel seat.
Why does a curved stairlift cost more?
A curved stairlift needs a rail that is custom-built to the exact shape of your staircase, including any bends or half-landings, so it costs more to manufacture and fit — typically £4,000–£8,000+, with Which? putting the average near £4,700.
Can I save money with a reconditioned stairlift?
Often yes. A reconditioned stairlift is typically £1,200–£2,500 and can save roughly 30–50% against a new unit. They suit straight staircases best; check the warranty and servicing included before comparing prices.
Sources & further reading
- Which? — stairlift costs and buying advice
- BHTA — buying a stairlift
- Checkatrade — stairlift cost guide
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific staircase. They are guidance, not a quotation.