How to Save Thousands on a New or Used Stairlift

Problem: New stairlifts cost £2,000 to £5,500 and you do not know which platform sells them cheapest
Walking into a single brand showroom means accepting whatever price they quote. Most families overpay simply because they never compare across platforms.

Solution: Use comparison platforms and multi-brand retailers to force price competition
Age UK Mobility is the strongest starting point. They partner with multiple manufacturers, offer impartial advice, and their buying power often yields prices 10 to 15 percent below going direct to Acorn or Stannah.

Which? Trusted Traders lets you search vetted stairlift installers, read verified reviews, and request quotes from three local companies simultaneously. This side-by-side comparison typically reveals a price spread of £500 to £1,200 on identical models.

Checkatrade and TrustATrader list independent fitters who often undercut national brands by 20 to 30 percent because they carry lower overhead. Filter by rating and distance, then request quotes from at least three.

Mobility Plus and Companion Stairlifts are online-first retailers with transparent pricing on their websites, letting you see base prices before a salesperson visits. Use their listed prices as a benchmark when negotiating with other suppliers.

Problem: A brand-new stairlift is still too expensive even after comparing quotes
A refurbished straight stairlift starts around £1,200, but most buyers do not know where to find reliable second-hand units with warranties.

Solution: Buy refurbished through specialist platforms with warranty backing
WeBuyAnyStairlift is the largest refurbished marketplace. They remove, recondition, and resell straight stairlifts from £1,200 to £1,800 with a 12-month warranty. Each unit is stripped, tested, and fitted with new batteries and rollers.

Stairlift Guru and Mobility Superstore also stock reconditioned units and let you filter by brand, rail type, and price. Compare their stock weekly, as inventory turns over fast.

For curved stairlifts, refurbishing is rarely viable because the rail is custom-built for the original staircase. If you need a curved model on a budget, ask suppliers about ex-demo units or cancelled orders where a customer backed out after the rail was manufactured. These can sell at a 30 to 40 percent discount.

Always confirm the warranty covers parts, labour, and call-out fees. A 12-month minimum is the industry standard for refurbished units.

Problem: You need a stairlift short-term and do not want to commit to a full purchase
Post-surgery recovery or a temporary mobility setback may only require a stairlift for three to six months. Buying outright wastes money if the device is removed after a few months.

Solution: Rent through a national provider and calculate the break-even point
Acorn Stairlifts and Handicare offer rental plans for straight stairlifts: approximately £450 upfront installation fee plus £50 to £60 per month, with maintenance included. This is the cheapest option for periods under 12 months.

Calculate your break-even point: a £1,200 refurbished purchase versus £450 plus £55 monthly rental means rental becomes more expensive after month 14. If you expect to need the stairlift for over a year, buying refurbished is cheaper.

Rental is only available for straight stairlifts. Curved rails cannot be reused, so no provider rents curved models. For short-term curved needs, ask about a buyback guarantee, where the supplier agrees to repurchase the unit at a set percentage of the original price.

Problem: The quoted price is higher than expected and you are not claiming available financial relief
Many families pay full price because they are unaware of VAT exemptions, council grants, and local charity support that can cut the effective cost by thousands.

Solution: Stack VAT relief, Disabled Facilities Grant, and charity funding
VAT relief under Notice 701/7 reduces the rate from 20 percent to zero for anyone with a chronic illness or disability. If you are over 60 but do not qualify as disabled, you still pay a reduced 5 percent rate. Most suppliers handle the paperwork automatically, but always confirm the zero-rated price appears on your quote.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from your local council can cover part or all of the stairlift cost. The grant is means-tested, and processing takes two to six months, so apply early through your council’s housing or social services department. Maximum grant amounts vary but can reach several thousand pounds.

Charity and nonprofit support: Contact Independence at Home, Turn2us (grant search tool), and local branches of Age UK. Many have small grants or interest-free loan schemes specifically for mobility equipment. Kanda Financing also offers low-interest monthly payment plans if you need to spread the cost over several years.

Getting the Best Quote: Step by Step
Request surveys from at least three suppliers: one national brand (Acorn, Stannah, or Handicare), one independent fitter found through Checkatrade or TrustATrader, and one refurbished specialist like WeBuyAnyStairlift. Each survey takes about an hour and is free. Compare the written quotes line by line: equipment cost, installation labour, optional upgrades, warranty length, and removal cost when you no longer need it. Negotiate using the lowest quote as leverage. Suppliers will often match or beat a competitor’s price to win the job.

Look for the BHTA (British Healthcare Trades Association) logo on any supplier you consider. BHTA members must follow a strict code of conduct, ensuring transparent pricing and no high-pressure sales tactics.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform offers the cheapest stairlifts overall?
WeBuyAnyStairlift offers the lowest prices for refurbished straight models starting at £1,200. For new units, Age UK Mobility and Mobility Plus typically beat national brand showroom prices by 10 to 15 percent due to bulk buying power.
How much can I save by buying refurbished instead of new?
A refurbished straight stairlift costs £1,200 to £1,800 versus £2,000 to £3,371 for a new equivalent. That is a saving of 40 to 60 percent. Refurbished units from reputable sellers come with new batteries, tested components, and a 12-month warranty.
Can I get a stairlift for free through a grant?
The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can cover part or all of the cost, but it is means-tested and takes two to six months to process. Contact your local council housing department. Independence at Home and Turn2us also offer smaller grants for mobility equipment.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a stairlift?
Renting costs £450 upfront plus £50 to £60 per month with maintenance included. If you need the stairlift for under 14 months, renting is cheaper. For longer-term needs, a £1,200 refurbished purchase is the better financial choice.
How do I make sure I am not overpaying?
Get written quotes from at least three suppliers: one national brand, one independent fitter via Checkatrade or TrustATrader, and one refurbished specialist. Compare line by line, negotiate using the lowest quote, and confirm the price includes VAT relief. A price spread of £500 to £1,200 on identical models is common.