Standing and perch stairlifts
A standing stairlift carries the rider on a small platform; a perch stairlift has a high, narrow seat to lean on. Both suit people who find it hard to bend their knees, and both take less width than a seat.
Updated Oct 21, 2026
Who they suit
- People with stiff or painful knees or hips who can't sit down and stand up easily.
- People with good balance who can stand safely for the whole ride.
- Narrow stairs where a seated lift would be tight.
Width and headroom
A rule of thumb from UK suppliers is about 68 cm of stair width for a stand-on lift without changes to banisters. Because the rider stands, check the headroom along the whole stairs, especially under a sloping ceiling: the 3D planner asks for it.
Safety
- Ask whether the model has a seatbelt or a body strap and grab handles.
- A standing lift is not suitable if the rider might faint or lose balance.
- Ask an occupational therapist if unsure.
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
Frequently asked questions
Are standing stairlifts safe?
For riders with good balance, yes; they have handles and often a belt. They are not suitable for people at risk of fainting or falling.
Do standing stairlifts need less space?
They need less width than a seated lift but more headroom, because the rider stands.
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