How much does a stairlift cost?
One of the most common queries people have about stairlifts is how much it will cost to buy a stairlift and have it installed; this makes sense, it’s not exactly a regular point of conversation in day-to-day life. Rather than just stating a wide price bracket, Kudos Stairlifts want to provide a clear guide regarding all the costs you may need to consider when looking for a stairlift.
Which? magazine’s 2022 survey of stairlift owners found the average price of a new stairlift in the UK was £3,867. Generally speaking, approximate starting prices range from £1,500 to £4,500 – it all depends on the solution required for your needs and your staircase.
STAIRLIFT PRICE
A straight stairlift will be cheaper than a curved stairlift, because if it needs to turn corners there are more bespoke requirements for both the rail and the carriage. The price for the stairlift itself will also depend on which brand & model of stairlift is chosen, as well as any additional features that may be required – such as a powered swivel seat or a powered hinge at the bottom of the rail. Once the stairlift user and the staircase itself have been assessed by an experienced surveyor, the suitable options can be priced for your consideration.
In some situations a specialist stairlift model, such as a the Flow X curved stairlift with patented auto-swivelling technology, may be the only option – for example, if the stairs are particularly narrow with tight turns. Although these options are at the more expensive end of the scale, it is always worth checking if reconditioned/refurbished stock is available to help keep the cost as affordable as possible.
OTHER COSTS
It is important to be wary of any other ‘hidden costs’ – your quotation should always clearly state everything that is covered, including the installation of the stairlift itself as well as the standard warranty that comes with the product.
It may be the case that some alteration work is required to ensure a stairlift can work on your staircase, or that alteration work may be cost-effective in allowing a different stairlift model to fit the stairs. Your quotation should either advise you to source a price for alterations yourself, or include a price from your supplier for their contractor to carry out the necessary work. Examples include removal of a radiator, installation of a suitable power supply or relocation of handrails.
RUNNING COSTS
In terms of energy consumption, the average stairlift only uses around 24 watts of electricty per hour. Based on the July 2024 UK Price Cap of £0.22 per kWh (kilowatts per hour), this equates to just under 13p every 24 hours – around 1p per hour, less than £4 a month.
Making sure your stairlift is properly maintained will reduce the risk of any future repair work; when obtaining quotations, be sure to check what length of warranty is included, what the warranty covers and what the annual servicing costs are. Packages are widely available that cover extended warranties and servicing, including Kudos Stairlifts’ Smart Care plans that start from as little as £135 (correct at time of writing).
Aside from the financial cost, it’s also important to consider the cost to your quality of life – you cannot put a figure on maintaining your independence and peace of mind. We recently explored how stairlifts bring quality to your life, not just your mobility, on The Kudos Blog – click here to read more.
As with any purchase, it is crucial to ensure you are selecting a reliable and safe product from a trusted and experienced supplier. As a Which? Trusted Trader, you can rely on Kudos Stairlifts with our commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction.
Contact our Client Focus Team today to discuss how a stairlift can improve and protect the quality of life for you and your family.
Call us now on 0800 1522400 to arrange your free, no obligation survey and quote, or to ask any questions you may have.
