The 2026 UK Buyer's Guide
Chairlifts for stairs, fitted across Greater Manchester
Compare chairlifts for stairs, their fitted prices and the right type for your home, with a free home survey across Greater Manchester.
- £1,995 straight
- 24–48 hr fit
- 12‑mo warranty
- Over 10 years
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.
New straight stairlifts are £1,995 fitted, reconditioned straight £1,195 fitted, and new curved from £2,995 fitted.
All our prices are VAT-free at 0% for anyone with a long-term illness or disability.
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
£1,195
Reconditioned straight stairlift, fitted
12 months
Parts and labour warranty on all lifts
Over 10 years
Experience fitting stairlifts
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 · £1,195 reconditioned
For staircases that run in a single straight line. Standard pre-manufactured rail. Fitting is usually within a day, or within 48 hours if urgent.
See straight stairliftsCurved stairlift
From £2,995 fitted
For any staircase with a turn, bend or half-landing. Every rail is made to measure from a home survey, so curved stairlifts take longer to fit.
See curved stairliftsPerch / standing stairlift
Priced at a free survey
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
Priced at a free survey
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.
Reconditioned straight stairlifts are £1,195 fitted, new straight £1,995 fitted, and new curved from £2,995 fitted. Reconditioned curved, outdoor, heavy-duty and perch/standing lifts are priced at a free survey.
Straight
£1,995
Fitted, new
Reconditioned
£1,195
Fitted, refurb
Curved
from £2,995
From, fitted
VAT-free at 0%
All our prices are VAT-free at 0% for anyone with a long-term illness or disability, under HMRC Notice 701/7. We handle the declaration form.
12‑month warranty included
Every lift, new or reconditioned, comes with a 12-month parts and labour warranty.
Can you rent a chairlift for stairs?
We rent reconditioned chairlifts. Straight rental is £500 upfront including the first month, then £50/month. Curved rental is £2,000 upfront, then £80/month. Both are rolling contracts with no minimum term.
Servicing starts from £95 per year, or comprehensive cover costs £195–£295. See our full stairlift rental in Manchester page for rental details.
Chairlift, homelift or platform lift?
| Lift | What it is | Best for | Typical UK price (all suppliers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stairlift | A powered chair on a rail fitted to the stair treads. | Someone who can transfer onto a chair. | Our prices: from £1,195 fitted reconditioned straight; £1,995 new straight; from £2,995 new curved. |
| Homelift | A cabin travelling through an opening between floors. | Wheelchair users or people who need a through-floor lift. | £12,000–£25,000+, depending on building work and travel height. |
| Platform lift | A platform moving vertically or along a staircase. | Wheelchair users who cannot transfer to a chair. | £8,000–£18,000+, depending on the installation and travel length. |
We fit stairlifts, not homelifts or platform lifts.
How to choose a stairlift installer
- Ask for a free home survey and a written quote without pressure to sign.
- Check what the price includes: the lift, delivery, installation and clean-up.
- Ask about manufacturer training or accreditation.
- Check where the installer is based and how local support is arranged.
- Compare new, reconditioned and rental options to suit your budget.
- Read the warranty terms and ask about servicing and emergency support.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chair lift for stairs cost?
A reconditioned straight stairlift is £1,195 fitted, a new straight stairlift is £1,995 fitted, and a new curved stairlift starts from £2,995 fitted. Reconditioned curved, outdoor, heavy-duty and perch/standing lifts are priced at a free survey. Every lift has a 12-month parts and labour warranty.
Can you rent a chair lift for stairs?
Yes. Reconditioned straight rental is £500 upfront including the first month, then £50 per month. Reconditioned curved rental is £2,000 upfront, then £80 per month. Both are rolling contracts with no minimum term.
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?
Fitting is usually within a day, or within 48 hours if urgent. Curved stairlifts take longer because the rail is made to measure.
Do I qualify for VAT relief?
All our prices are VAT-free at 0% for anyone with a long-term illness or disability.
Is a chair elevator the same as a stairlift?
Yes. A chair elevator is another name for a stairlift.
What type of stairlift do I need if my staircase has turns or landings?
A staircase with a turn, bend or half-landing needs a curved stairlift with a rail made to measure. A free home survey confirms the right lift for your stairs.
Which option should I consider if my stairs are narrow or sitting is painful?
A perch/standing stairlift may suit someone who finds sitting painful, while a compact stairlift may help on narrow stairs. A free home survey checks the staircase and your needs. Perch/standing lifts are priced at a free survey.
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. Fitting is usually within a day, or within 48 hours if urgent; curved lifts take longer because the rail is made to measure.