Manchester Stairlifts
Curved stairlifts for stairs that turn, fitted across Greater Manchester
By Roger De Gennaro, Director, Manchester Stairlifts. Over 10 years fitting stairlifts across Greater Manchester. Prices checked October 2026.
A curved stairlift, also called a stairlift for curved stairs, runs on a rail hand-built for a staircase that turns, has a landing or winds. With us a new curved stairlift costs from £2,995 fitted; a recent Miles Platting job with bespoke railings came to £3,500.
- from £2,995 fitted
- 1–3 weeks (or 48 hr)
- 12-mo warranty
- Acorn accredited
A recent curved stairlift we fitted: Miles Platting
In October 2026, a new Acorn 180, right-hand, with a made-to-measure rail and bespoke railings in Miles Platting was quoted at £3,500 fitted. This individual example shows why we confirm the price at a free survey: the rail and any additional work must match your staircase.
Made for stairs with turns
Will a curved stairlift fit my staircase?
Yes. If your stairs change direction anywhere, a curved stairlift is the type that fits. The rail is hand-built to follow your stairs exactly, hugging every bend so the ride is smooth and the staircase stays usable on foot.
The rail fixes to the stair treads, not the wall, so there's no structural work, no chasing into plaster and nothing visible from the wall side. Doorways at the top or bottom can be cleared with a hinged section of rail.
Staircase types
Which staircases need a curved stairlift?
Any staircase that isn't one straight run needs a curved stairlift. These are the layouts we fit most often in Greater Manchester homes.
Quarter turn (90°)
The stairs turn once, usually near the top or bottom, often over two or three winder steps.
Half-landing (180° turn)
A small platform part way up where the stairs double back. You'll find this in many semi-detached and terraced homes.
Winder steps
Wedge-shaped "kite" or "pie" steps that take the stairs round a corner without a landing.
Multiple turns or split levels
Two or more bends, or a short extra flight up to a mezzanine, loft room or extension.
Spiral or winding staircase
Stairs that curve all the way up. The rail follows the curve on the inside or outside, depending on the space.
Doorway at the top or bottom
A hinged rail folds the end of the rail out of the way so the door or hallway stays clear.
Not sure which you have? The free survey confirms it. If your stairs turn out to be straight, we'll tell you, because a straight stairlift costs less.
Why our curved stairlifts
Made-to-measure curved stairlifts, built for your stairs
Over 10 years fitting stairlifts across Greater Manchester — these are the things that matter once the lift is in.
Our stairlifts meet BS EN 81-40, the European safety standard for stairlifts. Features and options are confirmed at your free survey.
Made to measure for your stairs
Every rail is hand-built to the exact turns, bends and half-landings of your staircase — no two are the same.
Hugs the wall, saves space
Our slim curved rail tucks tight to the inside of the turn, leaving plenty of room for everyone else to walk past.
Smooth ride round every bend
Powered, levelled seat keeps you upright and comfortable through corners — no jolts, no tilts, no surprises.
Powered swivel and footrest
Seat powers round at the top so you stand off onto a flat landing — no awkward stepping over the rail.
Works in a power cut
Rechargeable batteries trickle-charge from the mains and keep your lift running when the power goes off.
12-month warranty + 24-hr callout
Every curved install includes a full 12-month parts and labour warranty and our 24-hour emergency line.
Easy-to-use safety seatbelt
A secure lap belt is fitted as standard so you feel safe and supported every time you ride.
Hold-to-run paddle controls
Directional paddle switches on the armrest give you complete control and are easy to operate even with limited dexterity.
Safety sensors on footrest & carriage
Sensors stop the lift gently and automatically if anything obstructs your staircase.
Lockable on/off keyswitch
A lockable on/off switch adds extra peace of mind and child-friendly safety when the lift is not in use.
Digital status display
A clear digital display tells you at a glance that your stairlift is charged, ready and safe to use.
Two remote call/send controls
Handy wall-mounted or handheld remotes let you summon or send the chair between floors with ease.
Slim fold-away arms, seat & footrest
Everything folds neatly out of the way when not in use, keeping your stairs clear for everyone else.
How it works
What is a curved stairlift made of?
A curved stairlift has two main parts: a made-to-measure rail fixed to the stair treads, and a carriage with the seat that travels along it.
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rail | Shaped to your staircase and fixed to the treads, not the wall. The Acorn 180 uses a single slim tube. |
| Carriage and motor | Drives the seat along the rail and keeps it level through every bend. |
| Seat and powered swivel | Turns at the top so you step off onto the landing, not over the stairs. |
| Footrest, arms and seatbelt | Fold up when not in use. A lap belt is fitted as standard. |
| Paddle controls and remotes | A hold-to-run paddle on the armrest, plus two call/send remotes, one for each floor. |
| Safety sensors | Stop the lift gently if something is in the way of the footrest or carriage. |
| Batteries and charge points | Charge from the mains, so the lift keeps working in a power cut. |
| Hinged rail section | Folds the end of the rail away from a doorway or hallway. |
| Park positions | Where the seat waits when not in use: at the top, at the bottom, or round a corner out of the way. |
Models we fit
Which curved stairlift models do we fit?
We fit bespoke made-to-measure curved systems, new from £2,995 fitted; Acorn 180, new and reconditioned; and Brooks 180, reconditioned. Reconditioned curved lifts are priced at a free survey. Brooks BS101 is a straight stairlift, not a curved model.
Bespoke curved systems
New, from £2,995 fitted. The rail is hand-built to follow the turns of your staircase.
Acorn 180
Available new and reconditioned, with suitability checked at the survey.
Acorn 180 curved stairliftBrooks 180
Reconditioned curved stairlift, priced at a free survey; specifications confirmed there.
| Model | Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn 180 | New and reconditioned | Manufacturer specs: up to 120 kg user weight, folds to 335 mm, inclines 0–58°. Manufacturer source |
| Brooks 180 | Reconditioned | Reconditioned; specs confirmed at survey |
| Bespoke systems | New, from £2,995 fitted | Rail hand-built for your staircase |
Honest pricing, no surprises
Curved stairlift prices — one straight answer
New curved stairlifts start from £2,995 fitted because each rail is bespoke. You'll get a written fixed price at the home survey, and the figure you're quoted is the figure you pay, with no surprises on installation day. curved stairlift prices.
CURVED STAIRLIFT
from £2,995
All in, fitted
Bespoke rail, brand-new lift, full install, 12-month warranty.
Need it fast?
48 hr
Emergency option
Coming home from hospital? Ask about our Emergency 48-hour curved fit.
What's included subject to survey
Everything you need to be up and running, on one invoice.
- Free no-obligation home survey
- Bespoke rail, made to your staircase
- Full installation
- Features confirmed at the free survey
- 12-month parts & labour warranty
Comfortable. Safe. Quiet.
Designed for daily use.
A cushioned seat, padded backrest and powered easy-turn at the top make the lift comfortable to use a dozen times a day. Safety sensors stop the lift if anything's in the way, a child-lock keyswitch keeps little hands off, and the hold-to-run paddle gives you complete control over the ride.
- Cushioned, padded seat
- Powered swivel at the top
- Safety sensors all round
- Quiet, smooth motor
- Choice of upholstery colours
- Hinged rail to clear doors
What happens next
How we fit your curved stairlift — five simple steps
- Step 1
Call or request a callback
Speak to a local advisor on 0161 330 5544 — no call centre, no pushy sales.
- Step 2
Free home survey
Our surveyor measures every turn, half-landing and obstruction in detail.
- Step 3
Rail made to measure
We hand-build the rail to your exact staircase — usually 1–3 weeks. Emergency option fits within 48 hours.
- Step 4
Tidy installation
Engineers fit the rail and chair in about half a day, then demonstrate how to use your lift.
- Step 5
Handover & aftercare
Full demo, 12-month warranty, and 24-hour emergency repair line across Greater Manchester.
Doorways, hallways & half-landings
Hinged rail curved stairlifts — when the rail can't stop at the bottom step
A standard curved rail runs a short distance past the bottom step so you can stand up safely. In many Manchester homes that overrun blocks a front door, an internal doorway, or a fire-escape route. A hinged rail solves it: the last section folds up out of the way when the stairlift isn't in use, and drops back into place automatically before you travel.
When you'll need a hinged rail
- Stairs finish opposite the front or back door — the rail would swing across it.
- A hallway, understairs cupboard or bathroom sits at the foot of the stairs.
- Building Regulations or fire-safety routes must stay clear (common in flats and HMOs).
- A relative or carer still uses the stairs and needs an unobstructed bottom step.
- Wheelchair or walking-frame turning space is tight at the foot of the stairs.
Half-landings & awkward layouts
Half-landings — where the stairs turn 90° or 180° on a small platform — are one of the most common reasons a curved rail is needed in the first place. A hinged section is often added at the top too, so the rail doesn't overrun onto a landing corridor or block a bedroom doorway.
- Winder stairs with a doorway at the top or bottom.
- Quarter- or half-landings with a window, radiator or airing cupboard in the way.
- Terrace and semi houses where the front door is only inches from the last step.
Powered or manual
Powered hinges fold automatically at the touch of a button — ideal if you have limited grip or use the lift alone. A manual hinge is lighter, cheaper, and folds with a single lift-and-latch action.
Safety interlock
The stairlift won't move until the hinged section is fully locked in place. If the rail isn't down, the carriage stops — a built-in trip-hazard safeguard.
Optional, priced at survey
An optional addition to clear a doorway or obstruction at the top or bottom of the stairs, priced at the free survey. A hinged rail is not included in the £2,995 starting price.
Curved stairlift prices 2026 — what you'll actually pay.
New curved stairlifts start from £2,995 fitted, with a rail hand-built for your staircase. Reconditioned Acorn 180 and Brooks 180 curved lifts are priced at a free survey.
Most UK quotes for curved stairlifts are £4,500–£8,000 or more (Which?, 2026).
Compare our curved stairlift prices or see all stairlift prices.
What affects the cost of a curved stairlift
- Rail length & bends. More turns = more rail sections bent to order.
- Half-landing or 180° turn. A full switchback needs more engineering than a single quarter turn.
- Hinged rail sections. Optional additions to clear doorways or obstructions, priced at the free survey.
- Seat & user options. Powered swivel, powered footrest, bariatric weight rating, perch seat.
- New vs reconditioned. Reconditioned Acorn 180 and Brooks 180 curved lifts are priced at a free survey.
- VAT relief. All our prices are VAT-free at 0% for anyone with a long-term illness or disability.
What's included in our fitted price (from £2,995)
- Free home survey and exact rail measurement.
- Made-to-measure curved rail — as many turns as needed.
- Optional hinged rail quoted separately at the free survey.
- Powered swivel seat, seatbelt, safety sensors, remote controls.
- Battery back-up so it keeps working in a power cut.
- Full installation, testing and handover — about half a day on the day, after the rail is made.
- 12-month parts and labour warranty on all lifts.
Local fitting, no call centres
Areas we cover across Greater Manchester
We fit curved stairlifts across Greater Manchester and north Cheshire. Reconditioned lifts are rebuilt at our Denton workshop.
Manchester
City-wide fitting
Stairlifts in ManchesterSalford
Salford & Swinton
Stairlifts in SalfordRochdale
Rochdale & Littleborough
Stairlifts in RochdaleOldham
Oldham & Saddleworth
Stairlifts in OldhamWigan
Wigan & Leigh
Stairlifts in WiganBolton
Bolton & Farnworth
Stairlifts in BoltonBury
Bury & Ramsbottom
Stairlifts in BuryStockport
Stockport & Cheadle
Stairlifts in StockportTameside
Ashton, Hyde & Stalybridge
Stairlifts in TamesideTrafford
Altrincham, Sale & Urmston
Stairlifts in Trafford
Not listed? We cover Greater Manchester and north Cheshire. Call 0161 330 5544 to check your area.
Curved stairlift installation, servicing and repairs
We don't just supply curved stairlifts. We survey, fit, service and repair them across Greater Manchester and north Cheshire. Fitting usually happens 1 to 3 weeks after the survey and takes about half a day in your home, or within 48 hours with our Emergency option. After that, every lift has a 12-month parts and labour warranty and our 24-hour emergency callout line. We also remove and recycle an old stairlift when we fit a new one. See stairlift servicing in Manchester.
Second hand curved stairlifts (reconditioned): can you get one?
Yes. We offer reconditioned Acorn 180 and Brooks 180 curved stairlifts, also called second-hand or refurbished curved stairlifts, priced at a free survey. These lifts are rebuilt at our Denton workshop and carry a 12-month parts and labour warranty.
Because every curved rail is shaped for one staircase, a used curved lift has to be matched to your stairs. At the survey we measure, check whether a reconditioned lift can be fitted safely, and give you a price for both reconditioned and new so you can compare. If your stairs are straight, reconditioned straight stairlifts £1,195 fitted are the cheapest option. For a new slimline curved lift, see the Acorn 180.
Curved stairlift rental — when does hiring make sense?
Curved rental is £2,000 upfront, including the made-to-measure rail and first six months, then £80 a month. Every rental lift is reconditioned. The agreement is rolling with no minimum term. Renting passes the £2,995 new starting price in month 19, although your own purchase quote depends on the staircase.
Rental includes survey, fitting, servicing, repairs, call-outs, parts and labour, a 24-hour helpline and removal at the end. Rent paid can be credited towards buying. See stairlift rental or is it better to rent or buy?
Which curved stairlift has the smallest footprint for tight spaces?
The Acorn 180 is our go-to slimline curved stairlift for narrow or awkward staircases. Its single tubular rail sits close to the inside of the turn, and the chair, arms and footrest fold up compactly when not in use — leaving the staircase surprisingly open for everyone else.
The manufacturer lists the Acorn 180 folded width as 335 mm. This is not a minimum staircase width: suitability also depends on the turns, landings and person using the lift. During your free home survey we check the clearances before anything is ordered.
If your stairs are very narrow, we also look at where the chair can park — sometimes a remote park position at the top or bottom of the rail is the best way to keep the walkway clear. We cover this in detail on our narrow-stair stairlifts page.
Stairs straight after all? A straight stairlift costs less
If your staircase is one straight flight, you don't need a curved stairlift. A straight stairlift uses a standard rail, so it costs less and is quicker to fit. New straight stairlifts are £1,995 fitted, and reconditioned straight stairlifts are £1,195 fitted. Still weighing it up? Read straight vs curved stairlifts.
VAT on curved stairlifts
All our prices are VAT-free at 0% for anyone with a long-term illness or disability.
Straight answers
Curved stairlifts — frequently asked questions
How much does a curved stairlift cost?
Our curved stairlift is from £2,995 fitted, including the free home survey, bespoke rail, installation, handover and a 12-month parts and labour warranty. Optional additions such as a hinged rail are priced at the survey.
How long does a curved stairlift take to install?
Because the rail is made to measure, curved stairlifts are usually fitted within 1–3 weeks of your home survey. Installation on the day takes about half a day. If you need it sooner, ask about our Emergency option which fits within 48 hours.
Will it fit my staircase if it has turns and a half-landing?
Yes — that's exactly what a curved stairlift is for. Whether you have a single 90° turn, a half-landing, intermediate steps or a full winding flight, the rail is built to follow your exact stairs.
Do I have enough room?
The free home survey confirms the available space and clearances around every bend. Acorn lists a folded width of 335 mm for the Acorn 180; suitability depends on your staircase.
What about doorways at the top or bottom of the stairs?
We can fit a hinged section of rail so it folds out of the way of doors, hallways or fire-safety routes. This is an optional addition to clear a doorway or obstruction, priced at the free survey and not included in the £2,995 starting price.
Is there a warranty?
Yes — every curved stairlift includes a 12-month parts and labour warranty and our 24-hour emergency callout line.
Do you take old curved stairlifts away?
Yes, we remove and recycle any old stairlift as part of the install. Make the stairs your own again.
Can you get a reconditioned curved stairlift?
Yes. We offer reconditioned Acorn 180 and Brooks 180 curved stairlifts, priced at a free survey once we have checked how the rail will match your staircase. All lifts have a 12-month parts and labour warranty.
Can I rent a curved stairlift?
Yes. Curved rental is £2,000 upfront for the made-to-measure rail and first six months, then £80 a month. Every rental lift is reconditioned, on a rolling agreement with no minimum term. Renting passes the £2,995 new starting price in month 19.
Which curved stairlift is best for narrow stairs?
The Acorn 180 folds to 335 mm according to the manufacturer. We check the staircase and turning clearances at the free survey before recommending a suitable model.
Can you fit a stairlift on a spiral staircase?
A hand-built curved rail can follow a winding staircase. We check the width, turns and landings at the free survey to confirm a suitable installation.
Do I pay VAT on a curved stairlift?
All our prices are VAT-free at 0% for anyone with a long-term illness or disability.
Do I need planning permission for a curved stairlift?
No, not for a stairlift inside your own home. Listed buildings may need listed building consent. Read more about planning permission
Ready for a straight answer on your curved stairs?
Book a free home survey with one of our local engineers. We'll measure every turn, confirm the fixed price and book a date that works for you. Manchester Stairlifts fits curved rails right across Greater Manchester.