Straight stairlifts
A straight stairlift runs on a straight rail fixed to the treads of a single flight with no turns or landings. It is the simplest, quickest to fit and cheapest kind of stairlift.
Updated Oct 21, 2026
How a straight stairlift works
A motor unit (the carriage) runs along a straight aluminium or steel rail fixed to the treads, not to the wall. The seat, armrests and footrest fold up when the lift is parked. Most models run on batteries that charge while the lift is parked, so they keep working for a while in a power cut.
Will it fit?
- The stairs must be one straight flight. With a landing halfway or a turn, you need a curved stairlift or two straight ones.
- Compact models need about 66 cm of stair width (see the fit check).
- Room at the top to swivel and step off, and at the bottom for the rail end. If the rail would block a door, a folding (hinged) rail solves it.
What fits a typical Straight staircase
- Straight stairliftFits
- Standing or perch stairliftFits
- Curved stairliftFits
- Home lift (through-floor)Fits
- Portable stair climberFits
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
A straight stairlift is the type most often sold reconditioned, because a straight rail can be shortened for new stairs.
Features worth asking about
- Swivel seat (manual or powered) to get off safely at the top.
- Folding footrest and seat, with a powered option for stiff hands.
- Safety sensors that stop the lift if something is in the way.
- Hinged rail if the bottom of the rail would block a doorway.
- Remote controls at the top and bottom to call or send the lift.
Models
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to install a straight stairlift?
Installers commonly fit a straight stairlift in a few hours once it is ordered. Ask your installer for the lead time and the visit length.
Can a straight stairlift go on stairs with a landing?
Only with two separate straight lifts, one per flight, or one curved stairlift that crosses the landing.
Is a straight stairlift fixed to the wall?
No. The rail is fixed to the treads, so walls and plaster are not affected.
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