Skip to content

Accessibility Friendly

Call Handicare 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm for free advice

British Pound icon black

Stairlifts Price Match Promise

Black Call Centre Icon

Free advice

Protected Shield icon black

Warranty included

Customers icon black

Profits support Age UK

Award icon black

Handicare - experts for over 130 years

5 stars on Feefo

Rated Exceptional on Feefo.com

British Pound icon black

Stairlifts Price Match Promise

Black Call Centre Icon

Free advice

Protected Shield icon black

Warranty included

Customers icon black

Profits support Age UK

Award icon black

Handicare - experts for over 130 years

5 stars on Feefo

Service Rated Exceptional on Feefo.com

How to choose the right stairlift

Age uk straight stairlift

Interested in buying a stairlift? This guide includes everything you need to know before deciding, including types, costs, installation, and alternative solutions. The first thing to consider is whether having a stairlift could make your life easier, instead of moving to a bungalow, ground-floor flat, or being confined downstairs, installing a stairlift is often a more practical and cost-effective option. Choosing to buy a stairlift may result in minimal charge in your lifestyle, allowing you to continue living independently in your own home.

There are also stairlift alternatives available, such as the Luma Lift. You can learn more about options like these by visiting our home lifts comparison page.

If a stairlift is the right option for you, it is essential to select one that best suits your needs. Read on to learn more or to make an enquiry below to start the process.

As with all major home improvement purchases, there are options to think about and you may want to talk through them with friends, family or professionals before you buy a stairlift. Requesting a free stairlift brochure and information pack is a great way to compare products to consider for your home.

  • Compare stairlift models, features, prices, and services to help you assess your options.
  • Book a free home assessment so your personal requirements can be assessed by a professional and your options clearly explained
  • Reliability and safety are the main factors to consider. Speak to the experts and take your time
  • It may be helpful to contact an Occupational Therapist (OT), who will be able to offer you guidance on the best solution for your individual requirements
  • Speak to someone who owns a stairlift for an honest opinion about the advantages and any tips they have
  • Consider contacting your Local Authority; they can give you information on Disabled Facility Grants and are obligated to give you this if your circumstances meet the criteria.
  • For more advice, please get in touch with one of Handicare’s experts.

Straight stairlifts

Age UK Trading Straight stairlifts, such as 1000 straight stairlift and 1100 straight stairlift, are designed to travel up a straight staircase, with installation typically completed in just a few hours. Straight stairlifts are fired to the stair tread rather than the wall of the staircase, so you needn’t worry about having to sort out painting and decorating work. Straight stairlifts are powered from the mains and are available with a battery backup option in case of power failure.

Curved stairlifts

Age UK Trading Curved stairlifts, such as 4000 curved stairlift and the Freecurve curved stairlift, can go around bends in the staircase, as well as glide across landings or half landings. All curved stairlift tracks are made to order, to fit each individual staircase. Most curved stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries, which are constantly topped up from charging points at the top and bottom of the stairs. The seat must be positioned correctly to charge, and a warning beep sounds if it is placed incorrectly.

Our stairlifts are available with a range of seats, including perch seats. Our most popular stairlifts allow the user to sit comfortably on a seat that swivels at the top of the stairs, making it easier to transition from a seated to a standing position. These types of stairlifts come in all shapes and sizes, with an array of features. Perch seats are better suited to those who find sitting down difficult or uncomfortable. These seats support the user under the buttocks, reducing the need to move the hip or knee joints.

Unsure if a stairlift is right for you? Consider a home lift.

You can also install a stairlift alternative, such as the Luma lift. The Luma lift is a two-stop, or two floor, home lift. The Luma home lift is a safe and space-saving alternative to traditional home lifts, thanks to its compact 38″ x 47″ (approximately 96.5 cm x 199.5 cm) footprint. No support wall is required. It has self-supporting rails and can be placed anywhere in your room.

It’s easy to install and requires minimal preparation – a simple square foot cut-out makes the experience as stress-free as possible. Installed by trained professionals, the whole process typically takes just one or two days.

You can learn more about other home lift options available by visiting this page.