Updated April 2026 · Based on industry data

Reconditioned Stairlifts: Are They Worth It?

For most people, yes — and often by a significant margin. A reconditioned stairlift costs 30–50% less than buying new. Straight models start from £1,000, the motor and drive system are rebuilt to manufacturer standards, and most come with a 12-month warranty. The catch, if there is one, is knowing what to look for and which questions to ask before you sign anything.

See Reconditioned Prices

Reconditioned stairlift fitted on a carpeted staircase

From £1,000

Straight reconditioned

From £2,500

Curved reconditioned

30–50%

Saving vs new

12 months

Typical warranty

Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.

Reconditioned vs New: Price Comparison

What you can expect to pay for a straight or curved stairlift, reconditioned versus new, installed. For the full picture on funding options, see the grants and funding section of our main stairlift cost guide.

New straight stairlift

Standard straight staircase, new unit, full manufacturer warranty

£2,750

£2,000 – £3,500

Reconditioned straight

Refurbished motor and carriage, new rail, 12-month warranty

£1,400

£1,000 – £1,800

New curved stairlift

Custom rail, bends, turns, or intermediate landings, new unit

£6,000

£4,000 – £8,000

Reconditioned curved

Refurbished carriage, new custom rail for your staircase

£3,750

£2,500 – £5,000

Rental (straight, per month)

Includes installation and removal, no long-term commitment

£75/mo

£50 – £100/mo

Remember: if the stairlift is for someone with a chronic illness or disability, you can buy it VAT-free — saving 20% on the purchase price. Ask your supplier about this before you pay.

What Does “Reconditioned” Actually Mean?

The term gets used loosely, so it’s worth knowing what should actually happen when a stairlift is properly reconditioned. A reputable supplier — particularly one accredited by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) — will do all of the following:

The motor and carriage come from a previous installation

Usually from a home where the stairlift is no longer needed — often because the owner has moved into care or passed away. The unit is collected, stripped down, and rebuilt before going back out.

Every moving part is inspected and worn components replaced

Bearings, drive belts, electrical contacts, and wiring are all checked. Anything that doesn't pass inspection gets replaced. The unit is then tested under load before it leaves the workshop.

The rail is always new on a straight stairlift

Straight rails come in standard lengths and aren't worth reusing — they'd need cleaning, cutting, and repainting anyway. So when you buy a reconditioned straight stairlift, you're getting a new rail with a refurbished motor and carriage.

Curved stairlifts work differently

Curved rails are custom-bent to fit a specific staircase, so they can't be reused on a different property. A reconditioned curved stairlift means a refurbished carriage fitted to a brand-new rail made for your stairs. That's why savings on curved models are smaller.

The seat and upholstery are cleaned or replaced

Reputable suppliers deep-clean and re-upholster the seat, armrests, and footrest — or replace them outright. You shouldn't be sitting on someone else's worn foam.

All safety systems are tested before installation

Safety sensors, limit switches, seatbelt mechanisms, and the manual override are all checked as part of the refurbishment. A BHTA-accredited supplier will test to the same safety standards as a new unit.

What to Check Before You Buy

Most reputable stairlift companies are straightforward to deal with. But it’s still worth going in with the right questions — especially on warranty and aftercare, where the small print can catch you out.

Warranty length

The minimum to accept is 12 months. Some reputable companies offer 24. Be wary of anyone offering less — or anyone who makes the warranty conditional on paying for an annual service plan before the first year is up.

Who handles the aftercare?

Ask specifically about call-out charges and response times. Some companies include call-outs in the first year; others bill you from day one. Getting this in writing before you buy saves arguments later.

Is the rail new?

For a straight stairlift, the rail should always be new. If a company is trying to reuse an old straight rail, that's worth questioning — new rails are inexpensive and there's no good reason to reuse one.

What brand is the unit?

Stannah, Acorn, and Brooks (now part of Acorn) are all commonly reconditioned and have good parts availability across the UK. Obscure or discontinued brands can be harder and more expensive to service down the line.

Does the price include removal of your old stairlift?

If you're replacing an existing unit, check whether removal is included. It isn't always. Removal on its own can cost £100–£300, so factor it into your comparison when getting quotes.

Can you try it before committing?

Some installers will let you sit in a demonstration model before you buy. Worth asking — particularly if the person using the stairlift has specific mobility needs or finds it hard to get comfortable in a standard seat.

Reconditioned vs Rental: Which Makes Sense?

If you need a stairlift for the long term, buying reconditioned is almost always the better financial choice. Rental typically runs £50–£100 a month. Within 18 months you’ll likely have spent more than the outright purchase price of a reconditioned unit — and you’ll have nothing to show for it at the end.

Rental does make sense in specific situations. If you’re recovering from a hip replacement or a serious operation and only need a stairlift for a few months, renting is cheaper and much less hassle — the company installs and removes it, and you’re not left trying to sell a stairlift you no longer need. Some rental agreements also let you convert payments towards a purchase if your situation changes.

The grey area is six to twelve months. Run the numbers for your specific quote: if the monthly rental cost multiplied by your expected time frame comes close to the reconditioned purchase price, buying is probably the better bet. A second-hand stairlift in good condition can always be resold — Stannah and Acorn models in particular hold their value reasonably well.

Situation	Better option
Need it long-term (1+ years)	Buy reconditioned
Recovering from surgery (3–6 months)	Rent
Uncertain how long you'll need it	Ask if rental converts to purchase
You're eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant	Apply for the grant first — may cover cost entirely

Where to Buy a Reconditioned Stairlift

Not all sources are equal. Here’s where to start looking — and what to bear in mind with each option.

Directly from the manufacturer

Stannah and Acorn both sell reconditioned units direct. Buying from the manufacturer means factory-refurbished stock, genuine parts, and the manufacturer's own warranty and service network. Prices may be slightly higher than independent dealers, but the aftercare tends to be more reliable.

Independent mobility dealers

Many local mobility shops sell reconditioned stairlifts from multiple brands. Worth visiting in person so you can see the unit, ask questions, and get a feel for the service you'd be dealing with. Look for BHTA membership as a baseline quality check.

Online stairlift companies

Several UK companies sell and install reconditioned stairlifts nationwide. Prices can be competitive, but check reviews and aftercare terms carefully — particularly call-out charges and response times if something goes wrong.

Your local council

Some councils remove stairlifts from council properties or homes where residents have moved into care, and occasionally sell them on at a low price. It's not guaranteed, and availability is patchy, but a quick call to your local housing or social care department costs nothing.

How to Get Your Stairlift for Less

Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant first

Before you spend a penny, check whether you qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant through your local council. It can cover the full cost of a stairlift — reconditioned or new — and the maximum in England is £30,000. You need an occupational therapist assessment, but the application costs nothing. Even a partial grant takes a big chunk off the bill.

Check if you're VAT-exempt

If the stairlift is for someone with a chronic illness or disability, you can buy it VAT-free — saving 20% on the purchase price. The supplier handles the paperwork; you just sign a declaration. On a £1,400 reconditioned unit, that's a saving of £280 with no effort.

Get at least three quotes

Stairlift prices vary more between companies than you might expect. Getting three quotes takes an afternoon but could save you £300–£500. Don't just compare the headline price — look at warranty length, what call-out charges apply, and whether annual servicing is included in the first year.

Only rent if your need is genuinely short-term

Rental at £50–£100 a month sounds manageable, but within 18 months you'll typically have spent more than the purchase price of a reconditioned unit. If you're recovering from surgery for a few months, renting makes sense. For anything longer, buy — you can always sell the stairlift on when you're finished with it.

Useful Resources

Age UK

Independent advice on stairlifts, mobility aids, and funding options for older people.

British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA)

The trade body for mobility and healthcare equipment suppliers. Use their directory to find accredited stairlift companies.

Gov.uk: Disabled Facilities Grant

Official information on grants that may cover the full cost of a stairlift, including eligibility and how to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a reconditioned stairlift cost?

A reconditioned straight stairlift costs £1,000 to £1,800 installed — roughly 30 to 50% less than buying new. A reconditioned curved stairlift costs £2,500 to £5,000, because the carriage is refurbished but the rail is custom-made new for your staircase. Most reconditioned stairlifts come with a 12-month warranty as standard.

Is a reconditioned stairlift safe?

Yes, provided you buy from a reputable supplier. A properly reconditioned stairlift has its motor, gearbox, and drive system stripped and inspected, worn parts replaced, and all safety sensors and limit switches tested. The rail is always new on a straight stairlift. Look for suppliers who are members of the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), which sets standards for refurbishment.

What is the difference between reconditioned and second-hand stairlifts?

A reconditioned stairlift has been fully stripped, inspected, and rebuilt to a standard — worn parts replaced, safety systems tested, and upholstery cleaned or replaced. A second-hand stairlift is one sold as removed, with no refurbishment work done. Buying second-hand without professional refurbishment is not recommended — there is no way to verify the condition of internal components.

Does a reconditioned stairlift come with a warranty?

Most reputable suppliers offer a 12-month warranty on reconditioned stairlifts. Some offer 24 months. The warranty should cover parts and labour. Always ask what call-out charges apply after the warranty period and whether annual servicing is available.

Can I get a reconditioned curved stairlift?

Yes. Because curved stairlift rails are custom-bent to fit a specific staircase, they cannot be reused. A reconditioned curved stairlift means the carriage and motor from a previous installation are refurbished and fitted to a brand-new rail made to measure for your stairs. This still saves you money compared to buying a fully new unit — expect to pay £2,500 to £5,000 rather than £4,000 to £8,000.

Should I rent or buy a reconditioned stairlift?

If you need a stairlift for the long term, buying reconditioned is almost always cheaper. Rental costs £50 to £100 per month, so within 18 months you will likely have paid more than the purchase price of a reconditioned unit. Rental makes sense for short-term needs — for example, recovering from a hip replacement. Some rental companies will let you convert payments towards a purchase if your situation changes.