Buying guide
Types of stairlifts:
the complete guide.
Straight, curved, reconditioned, outdoor and slimline narrow-stair models explained — how each one works, what it costs, and which suits your staircase. Prices from £995 fitted.
- From £995 fitted
- 24–48 hr fit
- 12-mo warranty
- 24-hr callout
Why stairlifts
A simple solution for safer daily life.
A stairlift is one of the most effective ways to restore independence at home, allowing safe and comfortable movement between floors without the risk of falls or strain. For most households across Greater Manchester, fitting a stairlift removes the need to relocate or make disruptive structural changes — it's a single day's work, on a fixed price.
Whether you're planning ahead, recovering from surgery or supporting a loved one, modern stairlifts are designed to fit a wide range of staircase layouts. From simple straight stairs to complex curved designs, there is always a tailored option that prioritises safety, comfort and ease of use.
- Older adults wanting to stay independent at home
- People recovering from surgery, a fall or hospital stay
- Living with arthritis, MS, COPD or balance issues
- Families supporting a relative with reduced mobility
From
£995
Reconditioned, fitted
Types of stairlifts
The right stairlift for your home.
Every solution is tailored to your staircase layout and personal requirements. The right type depends on the shape of your stairs, the available width, and how it'll be used day-to-day.
-
Most popular
Straight stairlifts
£1,995
For staircases that run in one continuous flight with no turns. Quick to fit, usually installed within 24–48 hours of survey.
See straight stairlifts -
Custom built
Curved stairlifts
£2,995
For staircases with bends, half-landings or L-shapes. The rail is made to follow your exact staircase for smooth, safe travel.
Curved stairlift prices from £2,995 -
12-month warranty
Reconditioned stairlifts
£995
Fully refurbished straight stairlifts — new battery, replaced wear parts, recalibrated safety sensors. Same safety standards as new.
Reconditioned stairlifts from £995 -
Weatherproof
Outdoor stairlifts
On survey
Built for external steps and porches with weatherproof covers, sealed motors and marine-grade rails. Heavy-duty options available.
View outdoor stairlifts -
Fits 660mm
Slimline / narrow-stairs stairlifts
From £995
Space-saving rails and folding seats for tight Victorian and terraced staircases — some models fit flights as narrow as 660mm.
See narrow-stairs options
How stairlifts work
Simple to use, safe every day.
A stairlift runs on a rail fixed to your stair treads — not your wall. The chair travels up and down on a quiet motor, controlled by a paddle on the armrest or a handheld remote. Every model we fit includes:
-
Swivel seat
Locks at the top of the stairs so you can step off onto the landing safely — no twisting on the top step.
-
Obstacle sensors
Safety sensors on the footrest and carriage stop the lift instantly if anything is on the stairs.
-
Folds away
Seat, arms and footrest fold flat against the wall so the rest of the household can still use the stairs.
-
Battery backup
Runs on rechargeable batteries from the mains, so it keeps working in a power cut — you're never stranded.
-
Slimline rail
Bolts to the stair treads, not your wall. No plastering, no structural work, no damage to the staircase.
-
24-hr callout
Every install includes our 24-hour emergency repair line for Greater Manchester, plus a 12-month parts and labour warranty.
Benefits at home
How a stairlift changes daily life.
For most of our customers, a stairlift transforms how they use their home — bedrooms, bathrooms and the rest of the upstairs become fully accessible again, without needing to move house or convert a room downstairs.
- Dramatically reduces the risk of falls
- Restores access to every floor of the home
- No major building work required
- Quick install — most fitted in a single day
- Foldable so others can use the stairs
- Peace of mind for the whole family
Buyer's guide
Second-hand vs reconditioned — the difference matters.
People often use these terms interchangeably, but they describe meaningfully different things — and the difference matters when you're deciding what to buy.
A second-hand stairlift is a unit removed from a property and resold with no significant work done. It may be clean and functional, but you're getting a used machine in unknown condition, with no service history and typically no warranty.
A reconditioned stairlift has been through a structured refurbishment: stripped down, worn parts replaced, motor and drive tested, battery renewed and safety sensors recalibrated before it goes back into service. Ours carry a 12-month parts and labour warranty — the same cover as a brand-new lift.
| Feature | Second-hand | Reconditioned |
|---|---|---|
| Worn parts replaced | Unknown | Always |
| Motor & drive tested | Not guaranteed | Certified |
| Battery renewed | Varies | Standard |
| Safety sensors recalibrated | No guarantee | Always |
| Warranty included | Typically none | 12 months |
Transparent pricing
How much does a stairlift cost in Manchester?
Every price below is the all-in fitted price — home survey, installation and a 12-month warranty included. No hidden extras, no VAT surprises.
| Stairlift type | Fitted price | Typical lead time | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reconditioned straight | £995 | 24–48 hrs | 12 months |
| New straight | £1,995 | 24–48 hrs | 12 months |
| Curved (made-to-measure) | £2,995 | 1–3 weeks · 48-hr emergency | 12 months |
| Outdoor | On survey | 1–2 weeks | 12 months |
| Rental (straight) | From £15/week | 24–48 hrs | Included |
Reconditioned-curved units and outdoor lifts are priced after the free home survey because the rail is built to your staircase.
Grants & funding
Council stairlifts, DFG and charitable funding.
You may not need to pay the full cost yourself. A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) of up to £30,000 is available through Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Bury, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bolton and Wigan councils for eligible households. Some charities and the Independence at Home fund also offer top-ups. We'll tell you what you're likely to qualify for.
Specialty options
For narrow stairs, heavier users, standing users & outdoors.
Not every home or every user fits the standard mould. These are the specialty stairlift options we regularly fit around Greater Manchester.
-
Narrow stairs
Slimline models fold to as little as 260 mm from the wall — suitable for stairs from 610 mm wide. Ideal for terraces and older Manchester homes.
Narrow stair options -
Heavy-duty / bariatric
Reinforced rails and wider seats with user weight limits up to 25 stone (160 kg). Same 12-month warranty and callout cover.
Bariatric weight limits -
Perch / standing stairlifts
For users who cannot bend at the knee — a small perch seat lets you stand-lean rather than sit. Fits narrower staircases too.
Ask about perch models -
Outdoor stairlifts
Weatherproof covers, sealed motors and marine-grade rails for external steps, porches and garden entrances.
Outdoor stairlifts
Short-term stairlift rental
For recovery after surgery, a hospital discharge or end-of-life care, renting is often the sensible choice. From £15/week with installation, removal and servicing included — minimum rental just 8 weeks.
Rental prices & termsSell or remove an old stairlift
We remove old stairlifts across Greater Manchester — including Acorn, Brooks, Handicare and Stannah models — and may part-exchange the chair against a new or reconditioned unit depending on condition.
Brand comparison
Acorn, Brooks, Handicare & Stannah — how they compare.
As an Acorn accredited partner we fit and service every major brand in the UK. Here's how the main models stack up so you can choose with confidence.
| Brand | Popular model | Best for | Fitted from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn | 130 / 180 | Value straight & curved | From £1,995 |
| Brooks | BS101 | Curved, bespoke rail | From £2,995 |
| Handicare | 1100 / Freecurve | Twin-rail curved comfort | On survey |
| Stannah | 420 / 600 | Premium build & aftercare | On survey |
When a stairlift isn't right
Alternatives to consider.
A stairlift suits most homes, but not every situation. We'll tell you honestly during the survey if one of these would serve you better.
-
Through-floor / homelifts
When mobility is severely limited or the staircase is unsuitable, a through-floor lift travels between floors inside a small shaft. More disruptive and costly than a stairlift, but sometimes the right choice.
Stairlift vs through-floor lift -
Perch stairlift
If knee-bending is painful or impossible, a perch model lets you travel standing-leaning. Fits narrower staircases where a seated model won't clear.
Narrow-stair options -
Handrails, grab rails & stair aids
For milder mobility issues, second handrails or half-steps can be enough. We'll tell you honestly if a stairlift isn't the right answer yet.
Grab rails & stair aids
Warranty & your rights
What's included, what's covered, what you can cancel.
- 12-month parts & labour warranty on every install (new or reconditioned).
- 24-hour emergency repair line across Greater Manchester.
- Statutory 14-day cancellation right on orders taken at home.
- Extended cover available — up to 5 years on curved installs.
- Full annual servicing plans from £120.
- Consumer Rights Act protection if the lift is faulty.
What happens next
From phone call to first ride — five simple steps.
- Step 1
Call or request a callback
Speak to our local team on 0161 330 5544 — no call centre, no pushy sales.
- Step 2
Free home survey
A local engineer measures your stairs and confirms the fixed all-in price.
- Step 3
We book a fitting date
Straight and reconditioned units are usually scheduled within 24–48 hours.
- Step 4
Tidy installation
Engineers fit the rail and chair in a few hours and leave the stairs spotless.
- Step 5
Handover & aftercare
Full demonstration, 12-month warranty and 24-hour repair line — we're here when you need us.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a stairlift be installed on any staircase?
Almost any staircase can accommodate a stairlift — including narrow, curved and outdoor stairs. A free home survey confirms which model is the right fit for your layout.
How long does installation take?
Straight and reconditioned stairlifts are usually fitted within 24–48 hours of the survey. Curved stairlifts take longer — typically 1–3 weeks — because the rail is built to your staircase. An emergency 48-hour curved fit is available when needed.
Are stairlifts safe to use daily?
Yes. Modern stairlifts are designed for years of daily use, with hold-to-run controls, obstacle sensors, a seatbelt, a lockable keyswitch and a swivel seat that locks at the top.
What's the difference between new and reconditioned?
A reconditioned unit from us is fully refurbished — worn parts replaced, battery renewed, motor tested and safety sensors recalibrated — and carries the same 12-month warranty as a new model. The safety standards are identical; the upfront cost is lower.
Will it damage my walls or staircase?
No. The rail fixes to the stair treads, not the wall. There are no structural changes and when the lift is eventually removed, the holes in the treads are small and easily filled.
What happens in a power cut?
All our stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries that charge from the mains, so they keep working safely during a power outage.
How much does a stairlift cost?
Reconditioned straight stairlifts are £995 fitted, new straight stairlifts £1,995 fitted, and curved stairlifts from £2,995 fitted. All prices include the home survey, installation and a 12-month warranty.
Can I get a grant or council-funded stairlift?
Yes — a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) of up to £30,000 is available through your local council for eligible households, and some charities offer top-up funding. We help customers across Greater Manchester with the paperwork. See our grants guide for full details.
Do you buy back or remove old stairlifts?
We remove old stairlifts across Greater Manchester and, depending on brand, model and condition, may offer a part-exchange against a new or reconditioned unit. Ask when you book your survey.
Do you offer perch or standing stairlifts?
Yes. A perch model lets you travel in a semi-standing position and is a good choice if you can't bend your knee or your stairs are too narrow for a full seat. We'll confirm suitability during the free home survey.
What are my rights when buying a stairlift?
You have a statutory 14-day cancellation right for orders taken at home, plus consumer protection under the Consumer Rights Act if the lift is faulty. Every install comes with a written 12-month parts-and-labour warranty and a 24-hour repair line.
Ready to explore your options?
Call us for a no-obligation conversation about your staircase, your requirements and which solution is right for your home. Free home survey, fixed quote, no pushy sales.