Our guide to buying a stairlift

Stairlifts come in many shapes and sizes and are designed for specific types of users and installations. Here’s our comprehensive guide to help answer all of the questions you may have about the purchase and usage of a stairlift.

Our aim is to make everything as transparent as possible, so you can make an informed decision. For an alternative point of view check out the Which Stairlift Guides.

If you have any questions, feel free to give the team a call 01733 971 975

Things to consider when buying a stairlift

It’s worth highlighting at the beginning that while a stairlift is designed to ease the burden when using the stairs, it is fundamentally a safety device. As such, care needs to be given to choosing the right one so that it suits your needs but also that it operates safely in the desired installation location.

Get Expert Advice

The Anglian Lifts’ team are trained to assess your situation and needs so that the right options can be presented to you. We will always prioritise your safety above all else. Stairlift options we propose will meet your intended use and take into consideration other factors such as family and friends who may need to use the stairs as well. The ultimate aim is to have a stairlift which is as safe and compact as possible.

We encourage our customers to get a second opinion. An Occupational Therapist (OT) can recommend the right type of lift for you. Then, we can work in partnership with to give you the best solution. Read Inclusion Me’s Straight Stairlift Guide.

An Occupational Therapist will take into account clinical factors such as:

• Sitting tolerance
• Stability while operating
• Ability to transfer safely from seated to standing and vice versa
• Cognitive ability of the user
• The potential risk of seizures on the stairlift, 

You may also consider applying for a home assessment on GOV.UK

Make sure your stairlift is fit for you

Buying a stairlift should give you independence and have features you need to feel safe and comfortable. During your home survey, our team will make a user assessment to identify which chair and features would best suit you and your lifestyle.

Consider the weight

How much weight does a stair lift hold? If the main user is more than 120kg then we would recommend a stairlift from a supplier that has expertise in that area. Bruno stairlifts from the US are our preferred brand. Their Elite range is rated up to 190kg.

Do you have difficulty bending your knees?

Stand and Perch lifts are available which are ideal for those who have difficulty in bending their knees. Contact us about your requirements because it maybe that a through floor lift could be a better solution at an affordable price.

Choose a reputable stairlift installer

Anglian Lifts’ MD Phil Rice is a board member of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA). See Anglian Lift’s listing here.

There are a variety of Stairlift installers in the UK. From one person outfits to large national groups. We find that a good rule of thumb is to check their Google reviews. If any company has less than 4 stars you should read a few of the reviews to find out why before deciding to give them a call. Also, if a company has no reviews it could be that they are new but it could also mean that location is ‘fake’ and simply a phone number for another company. Google are clamping down on this activity.

What Features Do Modern Stair Lifts Have?

The latest generation of stairlifts have moved on from their predecessors. For starters, they have a lot more in-common with other hi-tech pieces of technology you may have in your home like a TV or mobile phone.

Safety and convenience features

• Folding footrest saves space. Powered option available on some models
• Adjustable seatbelt to ensure a safe and comfortable ride
• Swivel seat for safety and convenience. Powered options are available on some models
• Safety sensors to stop the stairlift should it come into contact with obstructions
• Battery. Has enough storage for trips in the event of a power cut
• Call and send remote control units (Bluetooth remote control)
• Continuous charging strip
• Telescopic seat post
• Weatherproof joystick control
• Weatherproof cover
• Conformal coated PCB board (IP65)
• Weather-resistant coating
• Bespoke rail sizes
• Emergency Holding Button
• Barrier Arm (optional extra)

Stairlift Colour Combinations

Up-Stairlift by Devi-stairlifts have a great range of colours and fabrics

Types of Stairlift

There are several types of stairlift that can be used in a home or business setting. The two main ones are straight and curved stairlifts.

Stairlift Delivery Time

We have some straight stairlifts in stock and they can usually be fitted the next day if our engineers are available. The easiest and quickest to specify and install.

Curved stairlifts as mentioned above, need the rail to be manufactured after the order is placed. Delivery of the finished rail typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, although we’ve recently seen lead times as high as 12 weeks due to recent supply chain issues. We’ve added other suppliers to our range so we can mitigate any supply chain issues. Curved stairlifts require a bespoke rail to be designed and manufactured. This typically requires 6 to 8 weeks.

Is there an alternative to a stair lift?

There are several alternatives to a stairlift. Home lifts are a convenient solution and can be tailored for either a standing position or wheelchair user. Another option for wheelchairs are Wheelchair Stair Climbers. Finally, a partially assistive solution is the Assistep.

What is the difference between a stair lift and a chair lift?

A stair lift has a seat that the person sits on to ride up the stairs. A chair lift or vertical lift is a platform lift designed to help a wheelchair user travel up one level.

Installing a stairlift

Can a stair lift be fitted to any stairs?

We’ve yet to find a staircase that we can’t fit one too. But that doesn’t mean every staircase should have a stairlift. In some cases a home lift is more suited. For example, in a spiral staircase where there’s room up the centre.

Narrow staircase? No problem.

Our Flow curved stairlifts with powered swivel chair system can be fitted to staircases as narrow as 61cm (24 inches) wide. The rail on this model is designed to fit tightly to the stairs providing room for those walking up the stairs.

Can I install my own stairlift?

In theory you could but we don’t recommend it. We get contacted regularly to ask us to either reinstall a stairlift or replace one with one more suitable. You think you’re saving a few quid but honestly please speak to us before you do. Read our post about stairlift self-installation. We hope this will convince you out of doing a DIY installation!

Clearances at the Top and Bottom of the Stairs

We measurement your stairs down to the millimetre so the stairlift you choose is made to measure to your specific staircase.

Your home may have a doorway at the top or bottom of the stairs. Or it could have a final step with a 90 degree turn. If so we may suggest a stairlift which wraps around the bottom of the stairs. Or alternatively a hinged rail can move out of the way to prevent tripping.

Narrow staircase? No problem.

Some stairlifts are specifically designed to be compact when there’s limited space. Our Flow curved stairlifts with powered swivel chair system can be fitted to staircases as narrow as 61cm (24 inches) wide. The rail on this model is designed to fir tightly to the stairs providing room for those walking up the stairs.

The design and layout of the property and staircase can also influence the outcome, for example, split levels and steps into bedrooms. For relatively able-bodied persons, a stairlift would suffice if the stairs are wide enough.

Do stair lifts damage walls?

Not necessarily. Installing a stair lift can have a minimal impact on the décor of your home. Most are attached to the stairs themselves and so the walls aren’t disturbed.

Outdoor Stairlifts

Many brands have stairlifts suitable for use outdoors. If you have a specific need for outdoor access support then get in touch.

What is the lifespan of a stairlift?

They can last 10 years or more if maintained well. We offer several service packages to suit most budgets. Batteries tend to need replacing every few years. around 10 years, although this may vary depending on frequency of use, among other factors. To get the most out of your stairlift, you must ensure that any signs of a problem are identified and addressed quickly.

How much does a stairlift cost?

Stairlift’s range quite widely in cost. At the cheaper end of the spectrum a second hand straight stairlift could be as low as £995*. A new straight stairlift starts at £1,300*. Curved stairlifts prices are more expensive mainly because the rail needs to be hand made to fit your staircase. A relatively simple curved design with a manual chair could start at around £4,000*. The price for a curved stairlift will increase if it requires multiple bends and you specify features such as a swivel seat and an automatic footrest. *Prices subject to change without notice.

Are stairlifts worth it?

This depends on your personal circumstances. If you consider that a stairlift could allow you to stay in the home you love, then most likely it will be a great investment.

Stairlift Grants

There are means-tested grants available in the UK. To find out if you’re eligible check out our post about stairlift grants. The Which guide has a comprehensive guide to council provided stairlifts.

Do stairlifts use a lot of electricity?

Electricity use will depend on how often it’s used and the model. Let’s take an example.

024 kWh of electricity or 24 watts per hour. That adds up to about $15 a year. By comparison, a washing machine uses nearly three times that amount: 700 watts per hour.

Stairlift Guide Summary

A stairlift is an investment in your quality of life. They increase the enjoyment of the home you love. The cost of a chair lift varies depending on several factors including whether the staircase is straight or curved, what features are specified, if the lift is new or refurbished, and finally the building work required (if any). Ask for a no-obligation stairlift survey today.

Give the team a call and talk about your requirements

Get in touch

See our full range of products and services