Curved stairlifts
A curved stairlift follows stairs that turn, have a landing, wedge-shaped winder steps or go up several floors. The rail is designed and bent for your staircase, which is why it costs more than a straight one.
Updated Oct 21, 2026
How a curved stairlift is made
- Survey: the installer measures every turn exactly; many use photo or laser survey tools that feed the maker's design software.
- Design: the rail is shaped in 3D for your stairs, with the angles of each bend.
- Manufacture and fitting: the rail is made and bent for your stairs and fitted to the treads, usually in one visit.
See your own staircase with a curved rail in the 3D planner.
Inside or outside of the turn?
- Inside rail: shorter and often cheaper, but the bends are tighter and steeper.
- Outside rail: longer, with gentler bends and more room for the rider's knees, but it takes more space on landings.
What fits a typical L-shape with landing staircase
- Curved stairliftFits
- Standing or perch stairliftFits
- Home lift (through-floor)Fits
- Portable stair climberFits
- Straight stairliftNot suitable
Parking bends and folding rails
A curved rail can end in a parking bend that moves the parked chair out of the way at the bottom or top, which helps when a door or the bottom step would otherwise be blocked.
What it costs
Typical prices in United Kingdom
GBP
| What | Price range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Straight stairlift | £2,000 – £5,000 Which? owner survey: from about £2,000; 86% paid £5,000 or less (average £3,501 in 2020, £3,867 in 2022). Stannah straight models from £3,585 with a two-year warranty. | Which? owner survey: from about £2,000; 86% paid £5,000 or less (average £3,501 in 2020, £3,867 in 2022). Stannah straight models from £3,585 with a two-year warranty. |
| Curved stairlift | from £7,000 Which?: curved or long staircases cost £7,000 or more. Stannah curved models from £7,134. | Which?: curved or long staircases cost £7,000 or more. Stannah curved models from £7,134. |
| Reconditioned straight stairlift | from £2,831 Reconditioned Stannah Siena for a straight stair, with installation, a one-year warranty and one service. | Reconditioned Stannah Siena for a straight stair, with installation, a one-year warranty and one service. |
Disabled people pay no VAT on a stairlift, its installation and repairs (GOV.UK).
Sources: Which? (2020-09), checked Oct 21, 2026 · Stannah (UK), checked Oct 21, 2026
Models
Frequently asked questions
How much does a curved stairlift cost?
Usually two to three times the price of a straight one; see the table for your country. In the UK, Which? found curved or long staircases cost £7,000 or more, and Stannah's curved models start from £7,134.
How long does a curved stairlift take to arrive?
Longer than a straight one, because the rail is made after the survey. Ask each installer for the lead time in writing.
Can a curved stairlift be reused on other stairs?
Rarely without a new rail, because the rail is shaped for one staircase. That's why reconditioned curved stairlifts are uncommon.
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3D Planner
Your stairs in 3D with the lift riding on them, and a fit check for every lift type.
Straight stairlifts
For one straight flight: the simplest and cheapest stairlift.
Cost calculator
Typical prices in your country, running costs and the grants that lower the bill.
Spiral stairs
When a curved rail can follow a spiral, and when a home lift is better.