How to Choose the Right Stairlift for Your Home

The right stairlift comes down to four things: the shape of your staircase, the needs of the person using it, the layout of your home, and your budget. This guide walks you through each one, so you know what to look for and what to ask before you commit.

At Premier Community, every stairlift starts with a free, no-obligation home survey. Our in-house engineers measure your stairs, talk through the options with you, and fit and support the lift for years afterwards, from our branches in Nottingham, Mansfield, Ilkeston, Sheffield and Swadlincote.

Step 1: What type of stairlift does my staircase need?

A straight staircase needs a straight stairlift, while stairs with bends, turns or landings need a curved one. The shape of your stairs also has the biggest effect on price.

Stairlift type	Best for	What to know
Straight	A single flight with no bends or landings	Usually the quickest and most affordable to fit
Curved	Bends, half-landings, turns and spiral stairs	The rail is made to measure for your staircase, so it costs more and takes longer

Things to check on your stairs:

• Shape: a single straight flight suits a straight stairlift. Bends, turns, intermediate landings or a spiral need a curved stairlift.
• Width: many narrow staircases can still take a stairlift, depending on the width, layout and space at the top and bottom.
• Every home is different: we assess your staircase at a free home survey and recommend the best solution.

Step 2: How do I choose a stairlift for the person using it?

A stairlift should fit the person as well as the stairs. Think about their needs now and over the next few years.

• Mobility and comfort: the right stairlift depends on the user’s mobility needs and comfort preferences, as well as the staircase.
• Weight capacity: this varies between stairlifts. Call us and we can advise.
• Controls: most stairlifts have straightforward controls, but they vary. Choose one the user can operate comfortably.
• Seat features: stairlifts may include a swivel seat and a seat belt.

Not sure what suits? Our team will talk through the options with you during your free home survey.

Step 3: Will a stairlift suit the rest of my household?

In most homes, yes. A stairlift becomes part of the house, so think about everyone who uses the stairs.

• Other stair users: when the seat, arms and footrest are folded up, the stairs stay clear for everyone else. Narrower stairs leave less room, so we check this at your survey.
• Power: most modern stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries. Ask us about battery backup and power cuts; our Stairlift FAQs cover these too.
• Running costs: a stairlift only draws power when it’s moving or charging, so electricity use is generally low.

Step 4: What features should a stairlift have?

Look for a seat belt, safety sensors and a swivel seat as a starting point. Features vary between stairlifts, so these are the ones most worth asking about.

• Safety features: seat belts, safety sensors and swivel seats.
• Folding parts: folding seats, armrests and footrests keep the staircase clear for others.
• Rechargeable batteries: used by most modern stairlifts.
• Easy controls: straightforward controls the user can operate comfortably while seated.
• Weight capacity: check it meets the user’s requirements.

Correct installation, regular servicing and following the manufacturer’s instructions matter as much as the features themselves.

Step 5: How much does a stairlift cost?

The price depends mainly on your staircase. A straight stairlift is usually the quickest and most affordable to fit; a curved stairlift is made to measure for your stairs.

At Premier Community we compare suppliers to find the best-value option for your budget, and give you a clear quote after your free survey.

Please note: we can only service and repair stairlifts that we have supplied and installed.

Step 6: How is a stairlift fitted and serviced?

A good supplier supports you from the first call to long after fitting. With Premier Community, it works like this:

1. Talk to us: call, visit a branch or send the enquiry form. We ask a few questions about your stairs.
2. Free home survey: we measure your staircase and talk through the options, with no obligation.
3. Clear quote: we compare suppliers and recommend the best-value option for your budget.
4. Fitted and supported: our own engineers install the lift, often within days, with servicing and aftercare to follow.

Fitting is often done within days. How long it takes depends on your staircase and whether you need a straight or curved stairlift.

After fitting, plan for:

• Regular servicing at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, to keep the lift safe and reliable.
• Breakdown support: if the lift stops, check it is switched on and parked on its charging point. Never try to repair it yourself; call a qualified engineer.
• Removal: if you no longer need the lift, a qualified engineer can usually remove it.

Where can I get a stairlift fitted near me?

We are a family-run business with 30 years’ experience and our own in-house engineers. Our mobility shops are in Carlton (Nottingham), King’s Mill Hospital (Mansfield), Ilkeston (Derbyshire), Woodseats (Sheffield) and Swadlincote, with Alfreton coming soon. Whether you know exactly what you need or are not sure where to start, we will guide you.

• Call us: 0800 368 9923
• Book a free home survey: send an enquiry
• Visit a local branch: get friendly, knowledgeable help at one of our shops across the East Midlands
• Read more: Stairlift solutions · Stairlift FAQs