Introduction
If you're looking for a stairlift in the UK, three names come up more than any other: Acorn, Stannah and Handicare. All three are well-established, widely available and trusted by hundreds of thousands of people across the country. But their prices, models and approaches to installation differ more than many people expect.
This guide breaks down what each brand costs, what you get for your money, and how to decide which one suits your home and budget. Prices shown are typical 2026 figures for new stairlifts including installation, unless stated otherwise.
What Affects Stairlift Prices Across All Brands
Before comparing brands, it helps to understand what actually drives stairlift costs. The single biggest factor is your staircase type. A straight staircase uses standard or modular rail components, which keeps manufacturing costs down and installation quick. A curved staircase requires a rail that is custom-built to the exact shape of your stairs, which adds significantly to both the cost and the lead time.
Beyond staircase shape, the following factors all influence your final quote:
- Length of the staircase and number of steps
- Number of bends, turns or intermediate landings
- Any obstructions such as radiators, doors or fixed handrails
- The model and seat type you choose
- Optional extras such as powered swivel seats or extended warranties
- Whether the stairlift is new, reconditioned or rented
VAT exemption is also worth noting. If you or the person using the stairlift is chronically ill or registered disabled, you are entitled to pay zero VAT on the purchase, which can reduce the cost by 20%.
Acorn Stairlift Costs and Models
Acorn is one of the UK's largest stairlift manufacturers, based in Yorkshire and known for offering competitive pricing alongside a broad range of models. Their most popular model is the Acorn 130 straight stairlift, which starts from around £2,150 for a new unit including installation. Reconditioned versions start from approximately £1,250.
For curved staircases, the Acorn 180 starts from around £5,500. Acorn also offers an outdoor straight stairlift, the Acorn 130 Outdoor, which starts from approximately £3,000 and comes with a weather-resistant cover as standard.
- Straight (Acorn 130): from £2,150 new, from £1,250 reconditioned
- Curved (Acorn 180): from £5,500 new
- Outdoor (Acorn 130 Outdoor): from £3,000
Acorn uses a single-rail system with electronic levelling, which allows for faster installation. A standard straight stairlift can typically be fitted within one to two hours of the engineer arriving. Their 130 straight model supports users up to 127kg (20 stone).
Stannah Stairlift Costs and Models
Stannah has been manufacturing stairlifts since the 1970s and is one of the most recognisable names in the industry. They use a bespoke twin-rail system that is custom-built for each staircase following a detailed home survey. This approach tends to produce a more precise fit, particularly on staircases with unusual angles or tight turns.
New Stannah straight stairlifts start from around £3,300, making them typically more expensive than Acorn at the entry level. Curved Stannah models start from approximately £4,200, with complex multi-turn staircases reaching £7,000 or more. Reconditioned Stannah stairlifts are available from around £1,500 to £2,500 depending on model.
- Straight: from £3,300 new, from £1,500 reconditioned
- Curved: from £4,200, up to £7,000+ for complex staircases
- Outdoor: from £3,500 to £6,000
Because Stannah rails are custom-fabricated after surveying, installation typically takes one to three weeks from survey to fitting. Stannah also offers heavy-duty models with weight capacities up to 160kg. Running costs are very low — Stannah estimate electricity costs at around £7.26 per year.
Handicare Stairlift Costs and Models
Handicare was founded in 1886 and is one of the most established mobility companies in the world. Their UK stairlift range is known for slim, space-saving designs and strong safety features. They are a member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) and hold a Trustpilot rating of 4.3 out of 5.
Straight Handicare stairlifts typically cost between £2,000 and £3,500 for new models. Their curved models start from around £3,950 and can reach £7,500 for more complex installations. Outdoor options start from approximately £2,700 for a straight configuration.
- Straight (1000 / 1100 models): from £2,000 to £3,500
- Curved (4000 / Freecurve models): from £3,950 to £7,500
- Outdoor (1000 Outdoor): from £2,700
- Reconditioned: from £1,438
The Handicare 1100 is particularly popular for narrow staircases, featuring one of the slimmest rail profiles on the market. Seat capacity goes up to 140kg (22 stone) on standard models. New Handicare stairlifts come with a two-year parts and labour warranty as standard.
Brand Comparison: Acorn vs Stannah vs Handicare
Choosing between brands comes down to budget, staircase type, installation speed, and aftercare. Here is a direct comparison:
- Price (straight, new): Acorn from £2,150 | Handicare from £2,000 | Stannah from £3,300
- Price (curved, new): Acorn from £5,500 | Handicare from £3,950 | Stannah from £4,200
- Installation speed: Acorn fastest (1-2 hours) | Handicare similar | Stannah slowest (1-3 weeks lead time)
- Rail system: Acorn single-rail modular | Handicare single or twin-rail | Stannah bespoke twin-rail
- Max weight capacity: Acorn 127kg | Handicare 140kg | Stannah up to 160kg
- Warranty (new): Varies by dealer | Handicare 2 years standard | Stannah 2 years standard
If budget is the priority and your staircase is straight, Handicare and Acorn offer the most competitive entry-level pricing. For complex curved staircases or higher weight capacity, Stannah may deliver a better long-term fit.
Reconditioned Stairlifts: What Each Brand Offers
All three brands offer reconditioned stairlifts, which are refurbished models that have been tested and checked before resale. These can cost significantly less than new units and are a sensible option if budget is a constraint or the stairlift is only needed temporarily.
- Acorn: reconditioned straight from £1,250
- Stannah: reconditioned from £1,500 to £2,500
- Handicare: reconditioned from £1,438
Reconditioned stairlifts typically come with a 12-month warranty. They are most commonly available for straight staircases, as curved rails are built to fit specific staircases and are harder to repurpose. Always confirm the unit has been inspected to BHTA standards and check exactly what the warranty covers before buying.
Stairlift Rental: An Alternative to Buying
If you only need a stairlift for a few months — for example, during recovery from surgery — rental can work out cheaper than buying. Monthly rental costs for a straight stairlift typically start from around £50 per month, with the first six months often billed as a lump sum ranging from £1,300 upwards.
Rental stairlifts are collected when you no longer need them, which avoids the need to arrange removal and resale. The downside is that long-term rental costs more than outright purchase if the stairlift is needed for more than 12 to 18 months. Stannah, Acorn and Handicare all work with rental and dealer networks across the UK.
Grants and Financial Help for Stairlifts
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is the main source of public funding for stairlifts in England and Wales. Eligible applicants can receive up to £30,000 in England and up to £36,000 in Wales. The grant is means-tested and administered by your local council.
To apply, you will need an occupational therapist to assess your needs and recommend the adaptation. Your local council can then arrange a survey and provide a grant offer. In Scotland, grants are available through local councils under the Scheme of Assistance, and in Northern Ireland through the Housing Executive.
Some charities, including the Royal British Legion and various local benevolent funds, also provide financial support for mobility aids in specific circumstances.
What to Ask Before You Buy
Getting multiple quotes is the most effective way to ensure you are paying a fair price. Most suppliers offer free home visits with no obligation to buy. During the visit, the surveyor should measure your staircase, discuss your mobility needs, and provide a written quote including installation.
Key questions to ask:
- Is VAT included, and am I eligible for a VAT exemption?
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
- Is an annual service plan included or available?
- How long will installation take from survey to fitting?
- What happens if the stairlift develops a fault out of hours?
- Is removal included if I no longer need the stairlift?
Do not feel pressured to accept a quote on the day. Reputable suppliers will give you time to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
For straight stairlifts, Handicare and Acorn offer the most competitive entry-level prices, with new models starting from around £2,000 to £2,150 including installation. Stannah is generally more expensive at the entry level, with straight models starting from approximately £3,300. Reconditioned stairlifts from any of the three brands start from around £1,250 to £1,500.
Curved stairlifts cost considerably more than straight models because the rail is custom-built to match your staircase. In 2026, prices from the main brands start from around £3,950 (Handicare) to £5,500 (Acorn), with complex or multi-turn staircases reaching £8,000 to £10,000. Always get at least two quotes, as prices vary between suppliers even for the same brand.
Both are reputable brands with strong track records. Stannah uses a bespoke twin-rail system that tends to perform reliably over 10 to 15 years and suits complex staircases. Acorn uses a modular single-rail system that installs faster and costs less upfront. For most standard straight staircases on a tighter budget, Acorn is a practical choice. For complex curved staircases or users needing higher weight capacity, Stannah may be the better fit.
Yes, in most cases. If the person using the stairlift is chronically ill or registered disabled, the purchase is zero-rated for VAT under HMRC rules. This applies to domestic or personal use and can reduce the cost by 20%. Your supplier should ask about eligibility during the quote process and handle the VAT paperwork on your behalf.
A well-maintained stairlift from a reputable brand should last 10 years or more. Regular annual servicing — typically costing £80 to £150 per year — helps extend the lifespan and keeps the stairlift safe to use. Most manufacturers offer extended service plans that cover parts and callouts beyond the initial warranty period.
Conclusion
Acorn, Stannah and Handicare all make reliable, safe stairlifts — the right choice depends on your staircase, budget and how quickly you need installation. For straight staircases on a budget, Acorn and Handicare are the strongest starting points. For complex curved staircases or higher weight requirements, Stannah is worth the extra cost.
Always get at least two or three written quotes, check VAT eligibility, and ask about warranty and servicing before you commit. Comparing quotes is the single most effective way to ensure you are getting a fair price for the right product.
Written by stair-lift-comparison · Content Team