Stairlifts - any recommendations?

I have a Stannah stairlift and have had it for six months. I thought long and hard about it before I got it but have not regretted it. I did weigh up the various options and in the end decided to rent it. I got it via a local Mobility Shop who are agents and it was fitted very quickly and efficiently. My staircase is very steep but straight so relatively easy I think but I know they can cope with others.

One thing I'd suggest is looking beyond the name on the stairlift and focusing on the support that comes after it's installed. A lot of people compare the big brands, but I'd also ask about things like servicing, warranty cover, how quickly they can respond if something goes wrong, and whether they'll come out to assess the staircase before recommending a model.

If it's a straight staircase, it's also worth asking about professionally reconditioned stairlifts. They can be considerably more affordable than buying new, provided they're supplied, installed and backed by a reputable company with a proper warranty and ongoing servicing. I know a few people who've gone down that route and have been very happy with it.

I'd also recommend getting two or three quotes so you can compare not just the price but what's actually included. Sometimes the cheapest quote ends up costing more if servicing or call-outs aren't covered.

I'm sorry to hear about your DH's situation. I highly recommend Stair Ride Company for their excellent service and competitive pricing. You can visit their website: stairrideco.com/

They installed a stairlift for my relative, and the process was smooth and professional. Their team is very responsive and ensures the installation meets all safety standards. It's worth getting a quote from them to compare with the others.

Do you have to have an electric socket close to the lift?

Thanks everyone, we have now made a final decision, so I won’t be checking this thread again.

We had ours fitted by Handicare, recommended by Age UK.
(I don't know if they get a commission)
Has been a godsend. We had a few teething troubles, but these were sorted out.
Their engineers are sometimes hard to come by if you need one, but when they come are excellent when they do arrive.

Thank you all for your suggestions. They have been very helpful. DH and I are going to decide this afternoon as we are both going slowly bonkers having been stuck in here together for so long!

Stay clear of large companies. My first stairlift was bought from a small company but they were bought by a nationwide company that tried to take me for a ride financially. I found a small local company and they have been excellent.

A straight stairlift will cost around £2K whereas one for a round staircase will be closer to £5K.

The husband of a friend of mine got his fitted for zilch by his local council, have no idea why because they could afford to fit it themselves.

I'd have a home lift instead - as I just can't stand the look of stairlifts. The rental idea looks good otherwise. Do check out the financing help, though, as my friend's retired mother got one fitted free from the local council:

www.ageukmobility.co.uk/stairlift-advice/financing-a-stairlift

We have a local company who rent them out - a couple of friends got them for aged parents, knowing it would be short term.

HaltonStairliftsLtd.co.uk sell reconditioned stair lifts

We purchased an ACORN/BROOKS SUPERGLIDE 120 STAIRLIFT & RAIL second hand through a verified companywho fitted it for us. We managed to sell back to a family company based in North East of England who were very professional and dismantled the chair [they do a country wide service, unfortunately can't remember their name].
Perhaps worth looking on ebay and gumtree to get an idea

We had one from Acorn Stairlifts with very good service, The chap came out the same day as I contacted them and gave me a price, etc it was an emergency husband was stuck downstairs with no bathroom facilities, etc. They came and fitted one the next day very neat looking and plenty of room for people to still walk up the stairs.