How Do I Choose The Right Stairlift?

Authored By

Lianna Naylor

At Senior Stairlifts, We understand that a stairlift can be a huge help to anyone who struggles with mobility issues, which is why we’re here to help you choose the right lift for your home. We offer a selection of stairlift models to help your specific needs and determine what best suits your home.

Different Stairlift Models

Straight Stairlifts

Straight stairlifts are suitable for staircases where there isn’t a bend or landing present. Typically, most houses in the UK have a straight staircase. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure as we have friendly stairlift experts who will be able to assess your needs properly when we carry out a survey.

You can choose from our models by evaluating your needs. If you need an indoor or an outdoor stairlift, have a specific budget, or need something to suit your individual mobility needs better.

The models we offer are:

Curved Stairlifts

We have a curved stairlift for every type of staircase that will allow you to move freely about your home. Because of the unique nature of these kinds of staircases, you might be worried that a stairlift might not fit or you have a particularly difficult staircase. However, we have a dedicated team of engineers that have had plenty of experience fitting even the tightest curved staircases.

The models we offer are:

Reconditioned Stairlifts

Reconditioned stairlifts are the perfect mobility solution for anyone who needs a cost-effective way to regain independence on their staircase.

The models we offer are:

Outdoor Stairlifts

Outdoor stairlifts make any space fully accessible. From your garden to your balcony, your freedom and independence will be complete.

The models we offer are:

Features of the lifts

Straight Stairlifts

Features	Handicare 1000	Homeglide	Handicare 1100
Weight Capacity	137kg/21.5st	160kg	140kg
Safety Features	Safety sensors, Internal batteries	Retractable seat belt	Retractable seat belt, safety sensors
Battery	Two park points	Internal battery’s
Rail	Slimline rail with solid aluminium cover	Slim aluminium rail, fitted to your staircase. Folding rail available	Strong reliable rail with no tooth rack
Controls	Two handheld remote controls	Joystick to go up and down with ease. Call device (optional) stay connected with 3 different telephone numbers stored and contactable from your lift.	User friendly toggle,
Additional Options	XL – 25 Stone XXL – 31 Stone Powered swivel seat Perch seat Outdoor version available	Powered linked footrest Powered swivel Keylock Seat height adjustment Outdoor version available	A zero intrusion system An automatic slide track Easy hinge allows track to be folded away from a door.

The main difference between straight and curved stairlifts lies in their design and application. Straight stairlifts, such as the Handicare 1000 and 1100 models, are ideal for homes with straightforward, uninterrupted staircases. These models feature simple rail systems and are designed for ease of installation and use. In contrast, curved stairlifts, like the Flow X and Handicare Freecurve, are specially designed to navigate complex staircases with turns, landing, or narrow spaces. The curved options offer more customization in rail design and are often tailored to the specific shape of a staircase. Both types, however, offer a variety of features to enhance user comfort, safety, and convenience.

Curved Stairlifts

Features	Flow X	Handicare Freecurve	Handicare 2000 curved
Weight Capacity	125kg	125kg/19.5st	115kg/18st
Safety Features	Seatbelt, Ergonomic armrests, Call device	Safety sensors, DC power enabling the stairlift to continue to run for a limited number of trips in a power cut.	In-built safety sensors,
Battery	2 x 12v batteries	N/A	Internal batteries, enabling the stairlift to continue to run for a limited number of trips in the event of a power cut.
Rail	Single rail design, ASL technology allows it to be fitted on staircases as narrow as 610mm	Slim and stylish single rail design (less than 8cm in diameter)	The 2000 twin curved rail system is custom made.
Controls	Joystick	Two handheld remote controls	Includes two handheld remote controls
Additional Options	N/A	Powered folding seat automatically puts itself away after use, Powered seat to footrest folding link available, Powered swivel seat to turn you around at the top, Active seat.	Heavy duty motor able to carry up to 137kg/21.5st Folding footplate powered from arm switch Perch seat for those who need extra assistance.

Stairlift Design choices

We understand that a stairlift isn’t just a functional addition to your home, but also an integral part of your living space. That’s why we offer a wide variety of design choices to complement your personal style and the aesthetics of your home. You can select from a range of premium fabrics, upholstery styles, and rail finishes. Ensuring your stairlift not only meets your mobility needs but also enhances the look and feel of your home.

We offer a variety of upholstery materials and colours to match your home decor and personal style.

Vinyl Upholstery: Durable, easy to clean, and available in shades from neutral beige to bold reds and blues, ideal for high-usage areas.
Leather Upholstery: Luxurious and soft, offering durability and elegance in a range of tones.
Fabric Upholstery: Comfortable and inviting, with a selection of colours from pastels to rich hues, designed for long-lasting comfort.

The Handicare 1000 & Handicare 4000

Both the Handicare 1000 and 4000 models offer customizable upholstery options, including vinyl, fabric, and leather. Allowing you to choose the style and comfort that best suits your needs.

Flow X

The Flow X features sleek lines and high quality fabric options, available in both neutral and bold colours. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort and style, with customization options for the rail and seat finishes.

Straight VS Curved Stairlifts

A straight stairlift is for staircases without curves or landings, following a simple, linear path. It’s easier to install, with a pre-made track that takes hours to fit. More affordable than curved models, it uses standardized parts, though the track may be visible. Modern designs are sleek and low-profile. Straight stairlifts are ideal for standard, linear staircases, offering a quicker and more cost-effective solution.

A curved stairlift is designed for staircases with curves, bends, or landings. Its custom-made track is tailored to fit the specific shape of the staircase, making it more complex and expensive than a straight stairlift. The track often has more joints and bends, requiring additional labor for precise measurement, fabrication, and installation. Installation is typically longer due to the custom design. While curved stairlifts offer a seamless, less obtrusive fit, they are harder to resell or move because the track is unique to your staircase. In short, curved stairlifts are ideal for complex staircases, offering a tailored solution but at a higher cost and with longer installation time.

New vs Reconditioned

When considering a new or a reconditioned stairlift, there are several factors to weigh up. Cost, quality, installation and warranty. Here is a breakdown of the differences as well as some pros and cons.

New

A brand new stairlift is typically more expensive due to the cost of manufacturing, shipping and installation. On average, a new stairlift can cost between £2,000 – £4,000 and a new curved stairlift can range from £3,000 – £7,000 depending on the customization and brand.
Brand new stairlifts are in perfect condition, with all components working optimally and without any wear. They come with a full manufacturers warranty which is typically 1-5 years.
New stairlifts come with comprehensive warranties which often covers both parts and labour.
Delivery and installation of a new stairlift can take longer, as it may need to be custom-built, especially for curved staircases. This could take a few days to weeks.
New stairlifts can be fully customized for your staircase whether straight or curved. This ensures a perfect fit and can include extra features. Such as a power swivel seats, remote controls, or different colour schemes.

Pros Of New Stairlifts	Cons Of New Stairlifts
Peace of mind: Guaranteed quality and reliability with full warranty	Higher cost: More expensive, which may be a significant financial consideration
Customization options: Can choose from different rail colours or upholstery options	Longer lead time: Can take longer for delivery and installation, especially for curved stairlifts that need to be custom-built
Latest technology: Access to the newest features such as advanced controls, safety features and more

Reconditioned

A reconditioned stairlift is a pre-owned unit that has been refurbished to meet safety and performance standards. The cost is significantly lower. You can expect to pay 30-50% less for a reconditioned model compared to a new one. With prices ranging from £1,000 – £3,000 for straight stairlift and £3,0000 – £5,000 for curved ones, depending on brand, model, and condition.
Reconditioned stairlifts are used models that have been inspected, repaired, and upgraded by professionals.
Parts such as the motor, battery, and seat may have been replaced or refurbished but the stairlift is no longer in its original “new” state.
Reconditioned stairlifts generally come with a shorter warranty which could range from 6 months to 1 year. While the warranty may not be as long as a new stairlifts, we ensure quality checks and will provide service for a limited period post-purchase.
Reconditioned stairlifts are generally in stock and ready for faster installation. If the model is available in your chosen configuration, installation can be arranged quickly.
Reconditioned lifts may have limited customization options, especially if you are looking for a curved stairlift. They are available in various standard configurations, but they may not offer the full flexibility of a new tailor made.

Pros Of Reconditioned Stairlifts	Cons Of Reconditioned Stairlifts
Lower cost: Significant savings compared to buying new, making it an affordable option for many families.	Shorter warranty: Typically comes with a shorter warranty
Quick installation: Since reconditioned stairlifts are often in stock, installation can be much quicker.	Limited customization: You may have fewer options for customizing the stairlift, especially for curved stairs
Environmental impact: By choosing a reconditioned model, you’re reusing and recycling, which can be seen as a more environmentally friendly choice.	Wear and tear: Even though reconditioned lifts are inspected and refurbished, there may still be minor signs of wear. The lifespan could be shorter than a brand-new unit.
	Fewer features: Older models might lack the latest features or technology found in new models.

Conclusion

Choosing the right stairlift is an important decision that can significantly improve your quality of life. By restoring your independence and mobility within your home. At Senior Stairlifts, we understand that every home and individual has unique needs. This is why we offer a wide range of stairlift models designed to suit various types of staircases and budgets.

Whether you need a straight stairlift for a simple staircase or a curved one for a more complex design, we have options for both. Our reconditioned models offer a cost-effective solution without sacrificing safety or reliability.

Additionally, we offer a range of features and customizations, including various upholstery options, powered swivel seats, and outdoor packages. Ensuring that your stairlift is as tailored to your needs as possible.

At Senior Stairlifts, we’re committed to guiding you through the selection process, from assessing your home and mobility needs to installation and ongoing support. Whether you choose a new or reconditioned model, we ensure that you receive a quality product backed by professional advice, expert installation and dependable customer service.