Introduction
Acorn Stairlifts is one of the most widely recognised stairlift brands in the UK. Founded in Yorkshire in 1992, it has grown into one of the largest stairlift manufacturers in the world. If you are researching stairlifts, you have almost certainly come across Acorn already.
This guide covers what Acorn offers, the main models available in the UK, what they cost, and what the customer experience is actually like - based on the thousands of publicly available reviews.
Acorn's UK Model Range
Acorn sells direct to consumers in the UK, without going through independent dealers. Their current range consists of three main products:
- Acorn 130 Straight Stairlift: The most popular model. Designed for straight staircases with no bends or turns. Minimum staircase width of 660mm. Weight capacity up to 127kg (20 stone), with a heavy-duty version accommodating up to 159kg (25 stone). Folds neatly against the wall when not in use. Comes with remote controls and battery backup as standard.
- Acorn 180 Curved Stairlift: Acorn's curved model, using their FastTrack modular rail system. Unlike fully bespoke single-piece curved rails, the FastTrack system uses interlocking pre-made sections assembled on site. This allows installation within 24 hours in some cases, faster than rivals who wait weeks for factory-made bespoke rails. Fits staircases from around 685mm wide. Weight limit 120kg (just under 19 stone).
- Acorn 130 Outdoor Stairlift: A weatherproofed version of the 130 for external steps. Features weather-resistant seat cover, anti-slip footrest, and controls operable with gloves. Not recommended for coastal properties due to salt air.
A sit-stand version of the 130 is also available for users who have difficulty with a fully seated position.
Acorn Stairlift Prices in 2026
Acorn does not publish prices on its website - quotes are provided after a home survey. Based on publicly available data and customer reports, typical 2026 prices are:
- Acorn 130 (new straight): from around £1,800 installed
- Acorn 180 (new curved): from around £5,500, rising for complex staircases
- Acorn 130 Outdoor: from around £3,000
- Reconditioned Acorn 130: from around £995
Monthly payment plans are available, and VAT relief applies for qualifying buyers, cutting the price by 20%. See Acorn vs Stannah vs Handicare prices for a side-by-side comparison.
Acorn's FastTrack Curved Rail: What It Means
The most distinctive feature of the Acorn 180 compared to competitors is the FastTrack modular rail. Rather than manufacturing a single custom-bent rail from scratch after surveying your staircase, Acorn uses pre-made interlocking sections assembled on site to match your staircase shape.
The practical advantage is speed: in straightforward cases, Acorn can install a curved stairlift the day after the survey, rather than waiting the two to four weeks typical of custom rail competitors. This matters when someone has been discharged from hospital and needs immediate access.
The trade-off is that FastTrack is less suited to very complex or unusual staircase geometries where bespoke engineering is needed. For most standard UK curved staircases, it works well.
Get Acorn prices for your stairsAcorn is one of the suppliers we work with. Get a free instant guide price for your staircase, then compare Acorn with other vetted UK suppliers covering your area.
Get my free guide price ›
Customer Reviews: What People Say About Acorn
Acorn has over 10,000 reviews on Trustpilot with a 4.6 out of 5 rating, and 82 percent of reviewers give 5 stars. On the BBB (for US customers) they hold an A+ rating.
Common positive themes from UK reviews: quick installation, polite and professional engineers, easy-to-use controls, reliable operation.
Recurring criticisms: some customers report strong initial sales follow-up (repeated calls after a survey), and some find the warranty and aftercare costs relatively high once the initial 12 months expire. The 12-month standard warranty is slightly shorter than competitors like Handicare/Age Co who offer 2 years as standard.
Warranty and Aftercare
All new Acorn stairlifts come with a 12-month manufacturer warranty covering parts, labour, and call-outs, including a 25-point inspection near the end of the first year. Extended warranty cover is available for a further four years, covering annual servicing, priority response, and repair costs.
Acorn operates a 24-hour helpline throughout the warranty period. For owners outside the warranty period, a standard annual service typically costs in the range of £85 to £150. See our guide to stairlift servicing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Acorn 130 straight stairlifts start from around £1,800 installed. The Acorn 180 curved model starts from around £5,500. Reconditioned Acorn 130 models are available from around £995. Acorn provides quotes after a free home survey rather than publishing standard prices, and most buyers with a long-term illness or disability can buy VAT-free.
Acorn has strong customer reviews, with a 4.6/5 Trustpilot score from over 10,000 UK reviews. The brand is consistently praised for quick installation, reliable operation, and professional engineers. The main criticisms centre on sales follow-up pressure and a 12-month standard warranty that is shorter than some competitors.
FastTrack is Acorn's modular curved rail system using pre-made interlocking sections assembled on site, rather than a single factory-made bespoke rail. It allows faster installation - sometimes the day after the survey - compared to competitors who wait weeks for custom rails. It suits most standard UK curved staircases.
New Acorn stairlifts come with a 12-month standard warranty covering parts, labour, and call-outs. Extended warranty cover for a further four years is available, including annual servicing and priority response. The 12-month standard term is shorter than some competitors who offer 2-year warranties as standard.
Yes, when purchased from a reputable supplier who has properly serviced and tested the unit. Reconditioned Acorn 130 models are widely available and start from around £995. Look for a minimum 6-month warranty, ideally 12 months, and confirm the reconditioned model has been installed by a qualified engineer.
Conclusion
Acorn Stairlifts is a solid, well-reviewed choice for most UK straight staircases. The Acorn 130 is one of the most popular stairlift models in the country for good reason - it is reliable, quick to install, and competitively priced from around £1,800 fitted. The FastTrack curved system offers a useful speed advantage for urgent curved stairlift installations.
Compare the Acorn 180 price carefully against other curved stairlift suppliers, where significant price variation exists, and check what extended cover costs after the first year. Compare Acorn prices with other vetted UK suppliers to see what your staircase would cost.
Written by Stair Lift Comparison · Content Team