The 2026 UK Buyer's Guide
Chairlifts for stairs,
explained simply.
The four main types, what they really cost in 2026, the VAT relief and grants you might qualify for — and how to choose the right chairlift for your home.
- £1,995 straight
- 24–48 hr fit
- 12‑mo warranty
- Acorn accredited
The short version
Key takeaways
If you're short on time, here's everything you really need to know before talking to a stairlift company. The rest of this page expands on each point.
Four main types: straight, curved, perch and outdoor — the right one depends on your stairs and your mobility.
Our straight stairlifts are £1,995 fitted, reconditioned £995, curved from £2,995 — all in, no surprises.
0% VAT for disabled buyers under HMRC Notice 701/7; over‑60s pay 5%.
The Disabled Facilities Grant can contribute up to £30,000 toward installation in England.
Most chairlifts run on rechargeable batteries — they keep working during power cuts.
The numbers
Chairlifts in the UK, by the numbers.
£1,995
Our straight stairlift, fitted
£2,995
Our curved stairlift, from
8.8%
UK market growth per year
64%
Of pension‑age disabled adults have mobility issues
33%
Of over‑65s fall at least once a year
£30k
Max Disabled Facilities Grant (England)
Plain English
What is a chairlift for stairs?
A chairlift for stairs — the terms "chairlift" and "stairlift" mean the same thing in the UK — is a powered chair that rides along a rail mounted to your stair treads. You sit in the chair, press a paddle or joystick, and it carries you smoothly up or down. At the top, the seat swivels to face the landing so you can stand safely rather than twisting.
The chair folds flat when it isn't in use — seat, armrests and footrest all fold up — so the rest of the household can still use the stairs as normal. Most run on a rechargeable battery that tops up automatically whenever the chair is parked, so the lift keeps working during a power cut.
Chairlifts are most often fitted indoors, but weatherproof outdoor models are made for external steps, garden terraces and front entrances.
The four main types
Which type of chairlift do you need?
The right one depends on the shape of your staircase, your physical needs, and whether the stairs are indoors or outdoors.
Straight stairlift
£1,995 fitted · £995 reconditioned
For staircases that run in a single straight line. Standard pre‑manufactured rail, fitted in 24–48 hours. The most common type in UK homes.
See straight stairliftsCurved stairlift
From £2,995 fitted
For any staircase with a turn, bend or half‑landing. Every rail is custom‑made from a home survey — normally 1–3 weeks, or emergency fit within 48 hours.
See curved stairliftsPerch / standing stairlift
From around £2,000
Designed for people who can't fully bend their hips or knees. You lean rather than sit. Narrower footprint — useful on tight staircases.
Outdoor stairlift
From £1,995 fitted
Weatherproof models for garden steps, front paths and external entrances. Sealed against rain and frost, supplied with a protective cover.
See outdoor stairlifts
Quick match
Match your stairs to the right chairlift.
A free home survey confirms this in minutes — but as a quick rule:
| If your stairs are… | You'll need a… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single straight run, no bends | Straight stairlift | Standard rail fits — quick and affordable |
| L‑shaped, 90° turn or half‑landing | Curved stairlift | Custom rail needed for the turning section |
| 180° turn or spiral stairs | Curved stairlift | Bespoke rail engineered to exact measurements |
| Limited hip / knee flexibility | Perch stairlift | Lean‑on seat avoids full hip and knee bend |
| External steps or garden stairs | Outdoor stairlift | Weatherproof components for outdoor exposure |
Not sure? If your stairs change direction at any point — even a gentle half‑landing — you almost certainly need a curved stairlift. A free home survey confirms it in minutes.
What it costs
One straight answer on price.
Our prices are fixed and all‑in — no "from" pricing, no add‑ons on the day. Most buyers also qualify for VAT relief or grants that reduce the cost further.
Straight
£1,995
Fitted, new
Reconditioned
£995
Fitted, refurb
Curved
£2,995
From, fitted
0% VAT for disabled buyers
Under HMRC Notice 701/7, eligible disabled buyers pay no VAT on a stairlift. We handle the declaration form.
5% VAT for over‑60s
Buyers over 60 qualify for a reduced 5% VAT rate on a stairlift as a mobility aid in the home.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Means‑tested local‑authority grant up to £30,000 in England that can fund a stairlift installation.
12‑month warranty included
Every new stairlift includes parts and labour cover and a 24‑hour emergency callout in Greater Manchester.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a chairlift and a stairlift?
Nothing. "Chairlift" and "stairlift" are used interchangeably in the UK to describe a powered chair that travels along a rail fixed to your stairs.
Will a chairlift damage my staircase?
No. The rail bolts to the stair treads, not the wall — when the lift is eventually removed the holes are small and easily filled.
Does it still work in a power cut?
Yes. Chairlifts run on rechargeable batteries that charge from the mains, so they keep working when the power goes off.
How quickly can one be fitted?
Most straight and reconditioned stairlifts are fitted within 24–48 hours of the survey. Curved stairlifts are normally 1–3 weeks, with an emergency option to fit within 48 hours.
Do I qualify for VAT relief?
Most buyers do. If you have a long‑term physical or mental impairment, you can buy a stairlift VAT‑free under HMRC Notice 701/7. Over‑60s pay a reduced 5% VAT rate.
Not sure which chairlift is right for you?
Book a free no‑obligation home survey. A local engineer will measure your stairs and recommend the right lift — usually within 24–48 hours.