The different types of stairlifts
We are often asked what are the differences between the different types of stairlifts that are currently available on the market. Below we explain the differences between straight & curved stairlifts as well as introduce you to a new classification of stairlifts that are being called “modular”.
Whichever type of stairlift you require be assured that modern stairlifts come with various features and options such as adjustable seat height, armrests, automated or manual flip-up footrests, safety features and more, to provide you with options that will make your life easier.
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Stairlifts traditionally have been categorised into two main types:

Straight stairlifts:
A straight stair lift is just that – straight. It goes up single flights of stairs, no matter how long, with no bends, curves or intermediate landings. A straight stairlift is the simplest, cheapest and normally the easiest to install.
Straight stairlifts can have additional powered options such as a powered footrest, powered swivel seat or a powered hinge. Straight stairlifts can sometimes feature a “slide track” that moves up or down the stairs when the seat is moving.
A slide track helps to reduce any track overhang at the top or bottom of the stairs which avoids the track becoming an obstacle or or a trip hazard. Especially in front of doorways at the top or bottom of the hallway.
A straight stairlift is normally cheaper to purchase and only takes a couple of hours to install and program. However a straight stairlift cannot accommodate any landings of curves/bends on the stairway or off the stairs parking of the seat when it is not in use, for that you will need a curved stairlift.

Curved stairlifts:
A curved stairlift follows any bends of the staircase, travels across any intermediate landings between stairs and can continue up multiple flights of stairs. A curved stairlift will have at least one curved section. However, in some cases, there can be multiple bends and curves.
A curved track can also travel 180 degrees in the direction of travel. This enables the chair to be parked away from the stairs at the side of a staircase or in a place that is out of the way. Again, curved stairlifts can be fitted with powered options such as a powered footrest, powered swivel seat, powered hinge, etc.
They are made individually to fit your particular staircase and do require more measurements to be obtained during the survey stage than a straight one.
As the rail for curved stairlifts, they have to be produced for your individual stairway. They can take anything from 6-10 weeks to produce – depending on the brand/manufacturer.
Traditional curved stair lifts normally take around 3 to 4 hours to install and program at your home.
Are you struggling to navigate your home due to mobility limitations right now and you don’t want to wait many weeks for your stairlift? If you have intermediate landings or a curved staircase, a modular stairlift might be the perfect solution? There is no need to wait for a custom-made curved rail. Below we discuss these modular stairlifts.
Modular Stairlifts - a new type of stairlift!





Modular stairlifts:
There is a new type of stairlift that is not constrained by the old labels of straight or curved! Modular stairlifts have arrived and are taking the stairlift market by storm, due to their ability to be configured in any way that is required.
They can be constructed in almost any configuration quickly, on site. So there are no lead times to worry about. Once the initial assessment is finished, it can be installed into your home almost immediately. These stairlifts are a great way of gaining access to the other floors or levels of your home, without waiting for (in some cases) many weeks for a curved stairlift rail to be manufactured.
Modular stairlifts can also be re-configured on site if required or can even be removed and re-installed into another property with a minimum of fuss, if you decide to move home.
We now provide the Icon Rehab UP.LIFT Modular stairlift to to the public and also to local authorities, who love their features, flexibility and the fact that they can save money by re-purposing or transferring a stairlift to another property. The UP.LIFT is also made from recyclable materials, which reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing.
The advantages of a modular stairlift:
- Ditch the Old, Embrace Freedom: The new standard for stairlifts! Forget the limitations of “straight” or “curved” stairlifts! Modular stairlifts shatter those categories with its fully modular design. These innovative stairlifts tackle any staircase, straight or curved, with ease.
- Effortless Navigation, Installed Fast – Imagine a stairlift that adapts to your home, not the other way around. With the modular UP.LIFT stairlift that’s exactly what you get. The modular rail system can be configured on-site, eliminating the wait for a custom-built curved lift.
- Unmatched Comfort and Adaptability – Say goodbye to struggling! The UP.LIFTs fully automatic features elevate comfort to a whole new level. The powered swivel seat and footrest move automatically, ensuring a smooth and effortless ride. Where the rail overlaps or runs into a corridor, hallway or a doorway, a compact “power hinge” is available, just like a standard stairlift.
- But the UP.LIFT’s brilliance goes beyond installation. This ingenious system adapts to your changing needs. An initially straight UP.LIFT can be transformed into a curved configuration later, if necessary.
The UP.LIFT: Redefining independence, one revolutionary ride at a time.
Do you want more information about modular stairlifts?
Click this link for more details & info on the new UP.LIFT Modular Stairlift.

Other types of stairlifts
Are designed for use in outdoor areas, such as patios or decks. Outdoor stairlifts are weather-resistant and are designed to withstand the elements. They sometimes come with the option of a weather cover.
Are designed for people who have issues sitting down or rising from a seated position. Standing stairlifts have a platform that the user stands on, which is then raised or lowered up and down the stairs.
These stairlifts feature a different seat on a standard stairlift, which has a half seat to recline and “perch” onto, with higher armrests, this allows the user to travel up & down stairs in a semi standing position. Ideal if the user has difficulty sitting or bending their knees.
These are essentially a stairlift base with a drop down platform that allows wheelchair users to “roll on” to the platform, travel to the end of the staircase and then “roll off” at the next floor. There are multiple additional safety features built into the platform to ensure user safety and stability. They tend to be more heavy duty than a standard stairlift as the lift needs to be able to handle the additional weight of the platform & the wheelchair (as well as the user). These systems tend to need much more space on the stairway than a standard stairlift due to the additional size of the motor/drive unit and the platform. In cases where the stairway is unsuitable, a through floor lift should be considered.
These are previously installed & used stairlifts that have been repaired and restored. Reconditioned stairlifts can be seen as a more affordable option than new stairlifts, however it can be difficult to know how much “work” these stairlifts have done in their previous installation or if the stairlift has been serviced & cared for properly?
We have seen many examples of clients buying older reconditioned stairlifts online “at a great price” and they have encountered many problems with the batteries, electronics and motors that are worn & need to be replaced soon after purchase. They can also also have a limited service life & lack many of the modern safety systems that are now standard on new models. It is for this reason that we do not provide our customers with reconditioned stairlift units.
A summary of the different types of stairlifts
24-7 Healthcare are not tied to providing a single stairlift brand, so we can offer you honest and independent advice as to which type, brand, or configuration is ideal for your particular property and your individual needs.
Type of stairlift | Description | Pros | Cons |
Straight stairlift | Designed for straight staircases with no curves or bends | Easy to install, more affordable | Not suitable for staircases with curves or bends |
Curved stairlift | Designed for staircases with curves, landings or bends. | Smoother ride, can accommodate a wider range of staircases | More complex to install, longer lead time, more expensive. Cannot be reconfigured to fit another property after installation. |
Modular stairlift | Designed to fit ANY staircase | Quick installation, smooth ride, can be re-configured after installation | Currently no standing or perching variants available |
Outdoor stairlift | Designed for use in outdoor areas, such as patios or decks | Weather-resistant, can withstand the elements | Designed only for outdoor use |
Wheelchair/Platform lift | Designed for wheelchair users to access other levels of their home | User "rolls" on & off a platform in their wheelchair, the platform travels up and down the stairs. Folds up when not in use | Can look very heavy duty and need space on the staircase for lowering the platform & additional space to "park" when not in use |
Standing stairlift | Designed for people who have difficulty sitting down or rising from a seated position | User stands on a platform that is raised or lowered up and down the stairs | Not suitable for people who need to sit down |
Perching seat stairlift | Can be installed on a standard straight or curved stairlift | Excellent solution for those with limited knee movement or unable to sit | No option to sit if users condition improves or changes |
Reconditioned stairlift | Used stairlift that has been repaired and restored to enable re-installation | More affordable than new stairlifts | May not have the latest features. Could have hidden issues & limited lifespan |
If you have any questions or you would like to book a free stairlift assessment, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!
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