Choosing a Stairlift: The Complete 2026 Buying Guide

Finding the right stairlift can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re choosing one for the first time. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from staircase types and essential features to costs, rentals, and installation — so you can make a confident, informed decision.

The decision to have a stairlift installed is sometimes a difficult one to take but when compared with the alternative of moving home or living on one level of your property, many people have found a stairlift to be their preferred option.

When choosing a stairlift, there are 3 main specifics to consider:

1.    Staircase shape
2.    Your needs
3.    Cost

1. Shape of the staircase:

Staircases come in various shapes and sizes but in the stairlift industry they are commonly put in to two categories:

• Straight staircases
• Curved staircases

How do you establish which type of staircase you have? Well if your stairs go in a straight line then you’ve got a straight staircase, if they do anything else (even if they don’t necessarily feature a curve or bend) then they usually fall in to the curved staircase category.

Straight staircase: If you’ve got a straight staircase then you will require a Straight Stairlift. Straight stairlifts run on straight rails only. They can be installed on various straight staircases including narrow, steep and long runs. They are only suitable for use where a stairlift travels in one straight line, for example from the bottom to the top as shown in the picture to the right.

At Unicorn Stairlifts we offer a varied range of straight stairlifts to accommodate the majority of different straight staircases and user requirements. To see our selection, please click here: Straight Stairlifts. 

Curved staircase: If your staircase features any type of curve, bend, fan shaped steps or a corner then you will require a Curved Stairlift. Curved stairlifts run on a custom design rail that is built to fit the shape of your staircase. They can be designed to be installed on a number of staircases from standard 90° staircases to ones with multiple turns and bends.

Curved stairlifts are not usually set priced due to variation. Prices are calculated on how many bends the staircase features plus the length of track. To get an accurate price we would recommend a staircase survey, you can book a FREE survey by clicking here: Stairlift Survey

We offer a varied range of curved stairlifts to accommodate the majority of staircases and user requirements. To see our selection, please click: Curved Stairlifts

Additional points to consider: Consider obstructions such as doors, walkways, radiators, storage heaters, pipes, electric and gas meter cupboards near the staircase, particularly at the bottom. If you do have an obstruction then we can usually offer a practical solution. For example, if you find that having a stairlift would block access to a door at the bottom of the stairs we could install a folding hinge track as pictured (click here to see how a hinge track works) Many of our stairlifts can be adapted with various functions or alterations to the track to over come such problems.

2. Your needs

Before purchasing a stairlift it’s important to consider your personal needs. Most stairlifts come with an array of features as standard that are perfectly suited for the majority of users. If your worried that your mobility could potentially hinder using a stairlift, then we can usually make adjustments to cater for your particular needs.

Stairlift features you should consider before buying are:

Swivel Seat:

The swivel feature enables the user to turn the seat section of the stairlift 90° when required. The idea behind this is to make getting off the stairlift easier by allowing the user to walk straight off instead of stepping off sideways when at the top. To activate the swivel seat at landing level, you are required to push down a lever that releases the swivel lock. Rotation can be achieved by physically walking the swivel chair around (It's very similar to the movement when turning a desk chair). This movement for 95% of users is simple and easy to do, however we do find that those with spinal problems or limited movement could find it difficult.

At Unicorn Stairlifts we can overcome this problem by fitting a power swivel to the stairlift (only available on selected models) which will automatically turn the stairlift at landing level. For curved stairlifts we can run the track on to the landing if there is sufficient room or again fit a powered swivel seat.

3. Cost

The cost of a stairlift is dependent on the type of staircase you have, any additional features and how long the stairlift is required.

We offer new, reconditioned and rental stairlifts for both straight and curved stairlifts which we feel offers affordability and flexibility.

Rental Stairlifts:

Both straight and curved stairlifts are available for rental. This can be a good option if the stairlift is only required temporary. This is also our cheapest option - we only require a installation fee (which includes removal) and then a small monthly rental charge follows.

Renting a stairlift could potentially save you a lot of money when compared to buying one outright. If the stairlift is only required short term then its the recommended option, particularly with rental curved stairlifts which could save you thousands.

If the stairlift is required for longer than 18 months for example, then it can become more expensive than the purchase of one outright. If you find that the rental stairlift is needed long term, we offer a discounted buy-out scheme when required.

An installation fee is required when renting a stairlift:

Straight stairlift rentals: £385.00 installation fee and then £40.00 per month (minimum term contract also applicable).

Curved stairlift rentals: £950.00 installation fee and then £80.00 per month (Minimum term contract also applicable).

Rental stairlifts come with a continuous warranty, 24 hour response service and free removal when the stairlift is no longer required.

For more details, please click here: Stairlift Rentals

Reconditioned Stairlifts:

Reconditioned stairlifts can offer large savings when compared to buying brand new stairlifts.

Reconditioned stairlifts have usually been used (sometimes not for very long periods), purchased back and then fully reconditioned before installation.

We only recondition the latest stairlift versions available which are generally no older than 1-2 years from date of manufacture.

Reconditioned stairlifts are subjected to a rigorous multi-point reconditioning process by our highly trained reconditioning specialists. This is all complete in our well equipped workshop where parts such as batteries, OSG's, rollers and much more are replaced with new. When the process is completed the stairlift performs and looks as you would expect when buying new - we offer the exact same guarantee as you would get when buying new.

Reconditioned stairlifts come with 12 months warranty as standard (unless otherwise stated or on special offer) with extended warranties also available.

Our most popular reconditioned stairlifts are:

For straight staircases: Reconditioned Acorn stairlift from only £1,195.00

For curved staircases: Reconditioned Acorn curved stairlift from only £2,500.00

Brand New Stairlifts:

Another popular option is buying new, particularly when it comes to straight stairlifts. We find customers generally opt for buying new because the difference in price is small when compared to our reconditioned straight stairlift prices. However, when it comes to curved stairlifts customers generally select reconditioned due the bigger savings on offer.

We order new stairlifts in advance so that we have them in stock and available for express delivery. Also buying a new stairlift directly from an approved supplier like ourselves is cheaper than buying directly from the manufacturer because our overheads are lower.

Brand new stairlifts come with 12 months warranty as standard (unless otherwise stated or on special offer) with extended warranties also available.

See our most popular brand new stairlifts here:

For straight staircases: Brooks 130 stairlift from only £1,695.00 

For curved staircases: Brooks curved stairlift from only £4,800.00

We hope this stairlift buying guide comes in handy, however If your looking for additional stairlift information, please check out our frequently asked questions section here: Stairlift FAQ's