Stairlift types

Curved stairlifts

If the staircase bends, turns or runs around a landing, a curved stairlift normally uses a rail made to follow that particular route.

Family discussing the staircase with a visiting adviser — An illustrative home consultation. A curved or multi-flight staircase needs its own surveyed rail layout.

Why the price rises

The rail geometry must match the turns, inclines and landing positions. Some systems use bespoke manufactured rails; Acorn’s 180 uses modular sections. The proposed route and options affect both cost and the space left on the stairs.

See our price guide for source-linked supplier examples rather than an assumed fixed cost.

A curved rail can solve a difficult staircase, but it should also leave sensible space to get on and off and for other people to use the stairs.

Parking and overrun

Ask where the chair and rail will be when not in use. On some stairs, continuing the rail around a corner can create a better parking point, but it adds rail and can affect the price.

Reconditioned curved lifts

A reconditioned chair or drive unit does not necessarily mean a reused curved rail. Ask every supplier exactly which parts are new and how the rail will be matched to the stairs.

Compare routes through the house

Read about multiple landings and separate straight lifts and parking and overruns. Compare Acorn 180, Handicare 4000, TKE/Access BDD Flow X and the curved Siena on the same staircase.