How Much Does a Stairlift Actually Cost in 2026?
Published 18 March 2026
The real prices
Everyone quotes ranges. Here are the actual numbers you'll encounter in 2026:
| Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Straight stairlift (new) | £2,500 – £4,000 |
| Curved stairlift (new) | £5,000 – £10,000 |
| Outdoor stairlift | £3,500 – £6,000 |
| Reconditioned straight | £1,200 – £2,000 |
| Through-floor lift | £12,000 – £20,000 |
The gap between straight and curved is not subtle. A straight stairlift is essentially an off-the-shelf product — standard rail, standard motor, bolted to your stairs in a morning. A curved stairlift is bespoke. The rail is manufactured to match your exact staircase. Every bend, every landing, every angle. That's why it costs double or triple.
Reconditioned is fine. Seriously.
The stairlift industry doesn't talk about this enough. A reconditioned straight stairlift from a reputable dealer — Stannah, Acorn, Handicare — costs £1,200 to £2,000. The motor gets rebuilt. The rail gets inspected. You get a warranty. For a standard straight staircase, there is almost no reason to buy new unless you specifically want a particular model.
Curved is different. Because the rail is custom-made, you can't recondition a curved stairlift for a different staircase. The rail only fits the house it was built for. So curved almost always means new.
DFG funding changes everything
Over 50% of all Disabled Facilities Grants go towards bathroom adaptations and stairlifts. It's the single most common use of the grant. If you qualify — and many people over 65 do — the DFG can cover the full cost of a stairlift including installation.
The process: your council arranges an OT assessment. The OT recommends a stairlift. The council puts it out to tender or uses their approved contractor list. You don't pay upfront. The council pays the installer directly on completion.
If you don't qualify for a DFG, or you want to move faster than the council process allows, you're looking at paying privately. Get three quotes minimum. Check the installer is registered with a body like TrustMark or BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association). And check if they'll remove and dispose of an old stairlift — many charge extra for that.
Running costs people forget
A stairlift uses about the same electricity as a television. Roughly £20 a year. The battery charges while it's parked at the top or bottom. Even during a power cut, you can still use it — that's the point of the battery backup.
Servicing costs £100-£200 per year. Most manufacturers recommend annual servicing. Some warranties require it. A service contract from the installer typically costs less than a one-off call-out, so get one at installation.