How Much Does A Stairlift Cost?

According to the latest Which? Survey, the average cost of a stair lift was £3,284 (between £2,000 and £7,000). 

But there are some problems with this figure. Averages don’t work very well in a market where there’s such a wide range of stairways and stairlift types.

Which? do go on to break down the figures a little more…

They claim the average price for a new straight stairlift was £2,845 although, by definition, that average means you can find them for less…

It can do. Some stairlift brands market themselves aggressively and all that marketing budget has to come from somewhere. 

Generally speaking, a well-known stairlift brand will cost more than a lesser- known one, even though the stairlift itself may be very similar (and in some cases identical).

It’s simply a matter of complexity. 

A straight stairlift, such as the Handicare Simplicity 950 or 950+ costs less than a curved stairlift because it costs much less to manufacture and there’s less work involved in installing it. 

There are fewer variables too. A straight track is a straight track, and the only thing that’s likely to alter the cost is the number of steps in your hallway (which affects the length of track).

With a curved stairlift, such as the Bison 180, costs are influenced by the total number of stairs and the number of turns your stairway makes. 

Effectively, each twist and turn of your curved staircase adds to the cost, but there are ways to minimise this.

1. Consider multiple straight stairlifts: If yours is the sort of stairway that doubles back on itself, you may find installing a straight stairlift for each flight of stairs costs less that installing a curved stairlift to cover the entire length.
2. Go modular: Some curved stairlift tracks are custom made for the space in which they’ll sit. Naturally, these will be at the more expensive end of price ranges. 

Others use a modular track (that is, a track designed to fit any shape of building by using standardised pieces). Think of it as building a Lego or Scalextric track on a grand scale. Because the pieces are standardised, costs can be kept low, whilst ensuring the stairlift can still fit the contours of any stairway.

When comparing prices, it’s important to check that you’re comparing like for like. 

A low priced stairlift may look like a good deal, but if installation is an extra cost,  it will be far less of a bargain.

Check that the following are all included in the price you pay for your stairlift:

• The initial home survey
• Installation: Are there any additional costs to having the stairlift installed? (e.g. extra power sockets) 
• Warranty: Will your stairlift be guaranteed for two months or two years? And what’s included with the warranty? Parts and labour – or just parts?
• Aftercare standards: If there’s a problem, how quickly can you expect an engineer to be with you?
• VAT: so you can factor in any exemption (see below)

Absolutely. You’ll almost always pay less for a reconditioned stairlift vs. a new one BUT it’s important to ensure that the other factors that influence your decision to buy all add up.

• Buying a used stairlift from a private buyer: Often the option with the lowest upfront cost, but there can be issues with buying privately. You may not know the age and reliability of the stairlift you’re buying. You’ll need to pay separately for installation and, unless the stairlift you’re buying is still in warranty and that warranty is transferrable, you’ll need to pay for all servicing and breakdown costs too.
• Buying a used stairlift from a supplier: Installation will typically be included, but you’ll need to check there’s a warranty and that the stairlift you’re buying has been checked/serviced before its installation
• Buying from a stairlift engineer: Usually the safest route, as engineers have the capability to service the used stairlifts they sell before they install them and maintain them once they are in place. Check to see whether any maintenance or breakdown service is included with the purchase price.

Yes. Not everyone needs a stairlift in their home permanently. 

If you’re waiting for an operation, recuperating or receiving ongoing treatment, a stairlift can make a big difference in the short term and you don’t need to commit to buying one. 

That’s where renting a stairlift can help.

Things to check when renting a stairlift

• Are installation and removal included in the upfront cost?
• Are you clear on how much renting a stairlift will cost you in total? If things were to change and you needed to rent for longer, would you face a stiff penalty?
• Are you covered for breakdowns and servicing? How fast will an engineer be with you if you need to call one out?

Costs vary significantly between stairlift companies and depends on all the factors mentioned above (curved vs straight, length of stairway etc).

At Leodis for example, the typical cost for curved stairlift rental is £1,500.

For both types, that price includes installation, removal and two months’ rent. 

Additional months cost just £50 per month for all stairlift types. A comprehensive parts and labour warranty is included for the duration of the rental, with a 24 hr on call service.

VAT is, in theory, chargeable on stairlifts but many people can get an exemption to reduce or remove it entirely. If you have a chronic health condition or are registered disabled, you can claim an exemption from all VAT. If you don’t meet those criteria but are over 60 you’ll pay just 5% VAT.

To claim either VAT exemption you’ll need to complete a declaration form which your stairlift company will be able to give you.

Quite possibly. Help is available for many people from numerous sources:

Disabled Facilities Grants (DSGs) are arranged through your local council. They are means tested on all income and savings above £6,000 but can be worth up to £30,000 in England (they are also available for many home improvements other than stairlifts). The council will need to approve the work and decisions can take up to 6 months.

Independence at Home is a charity which works to “help improve independence, comfort, safety, dignity and quality of life for people with long-term illness and disability.” Grants average £360 for qualifying applicants and can be put towards the cost of a stairlift

SSAFA, the armed forces charity offers help for veterans with a range of needs including mobility.

RABI offers support for farming families, including support with paying for adaptations in the home such as stairlifts.

Margaret’s offers funding for women suffering from any illness. Applicants must be referred to the charity by a health professional.