Key Takeaways
- You can sell a curved stairlift, but resale options are limited because the rail is custom-built for your staircase.
- Most buyers cannot reuse the curved rail, meaning it often needs to be replaced, drastically reducing resale value.
- The carriage (motor unit) may still have value if it’s a popular model in good condition.
- Expect low resale prices, often only 5–15% of the original cost.
- In many cases, free removal or recycling offers better value than attempting resale.
Can You Sell a Curved Stairlift?
Short answer: Yes, but it’s often difficult, and prices are far lower than straight stairlifts.
Curved stairlifts are built to match:
- The exact measurements of your staircase
- Each bend and gradient
- The landing distance
- Any custom drops or overrun sections
Because of this, the rail is usually the biggest obstacle to resale.
Why Curved Stairlifts Are Hard to Sell
A practical breakdown of the core issues:
1. The Rail Is Custom-Made for One Staircase
Your rail won’t fit another home.
Another buyer would need:
- A new survey
- A brand new rail
- Custom bends and fabrication
This eliminates most of the stairlift’s resale value.
2. Buyers Prefer Straight Models
Straight stairlifts have:
- Universal rails
- Fast installation
- Low engineering costs
- Higher resale demand
Curved models are less appealing due to complexity and cost.
3. High Refurbishment Costs Reduce What You’ll Be Offered
If a company buys your curved stairlift, they must:
- Engineer removal
- Test and recondition the motor
- Replace batteries
- Clean or repaint panels
The cost of a new rail is usually passed to the next customer, not recovered from your sale.
4. Limited Second-Hand Market
Many stairlift companies simply do not buy back curved models because:
- Demand is low
- Stock is slow to move
- Rails can’t be reused
This is why many sellers are offered zero payment in exchange for free removal.
What Parts of a Curved Stairlift Can Be Sold?
1. Carriage / Motor Unit
This is the most valuable part. It may still be reused if:
- The model is common
- The brand is reputable
- Parts are in good condition
2. Chair / Seat Assembly
Often resold if:
- No tears or excessive wear
- Electronics function properly
3. Remote Controls
These are inexpensive to refurbish and often reused.
4. Batteries
Usually replaced, but occasionally reused if recently installed.
Realistic Resale Prices for Curved Stairlifts
| Condition | Typical Resale Price |
| Nearly new (0–1 years) | £300–£800 |
| Good condition (1–4 years) | £100–£300 |
| Older models (5+ years) | £0–£100 |
| Non-working | Free removal only |
In most cases, the value comes from the carriage, not the rail.
Who Buys Curved Stairlifts?
1. Specialist Stairlift Companies
Some will buy them, but usually:
- Low prices offered
- Removal included
- Limited demand
2. Private Buyers
Possible, but rare; they will still need a brand-new rail, which is expensive.
3. Charities / Refurbishers
Often take the lift for parts, not resale.
4. Scrap & Recycling Services
Provide:
- Free removal
- Safe dismantling
- Little or no payment
When Selling Makes Sense
Selling is worthwhile if:
- Your stairlift is under 3 years old
- It’s a top brand (Stannah, Handicare, Acorn, Thyssen)
- The carriage is in excellent condition
- You have a service history
- Batteries were recently replaced
When Free Removal Is the Best Option
Free removal is usually the smart choice if:
- Your stairlift is older than 5–7 years
- It has faults or mobility issues
- It’s a discontinued model
- It has cosmetic damage
- The rail is heavily customised
In these cases, the time saved and removal costs avoided outweigh small resale amounts.
How to Maximise the Value of a Curved Stairlift
1. Sell Quickly
Value drops sharply after 2–4 years.
2. Provide Service Records
A maintained carriage sells for more.
3. Clean the Lift Before Photographing
Better presentation = higher buyer confidence.
4. Keep Original Manuals & Receipts
Adds credibility and can raise offers.
5. Get Quotes from Multiple Buyers
Different companies value parts differently.
FAQs
Is it worth selling a curved stairlift?
Yes, but expect low offers; the rail has almost no resale value.
Can the rail be reused by anyone else?
Rarely. It’s usually scrapped or recycled.
Will companies remove a curved stairlift for free?
Most reputable companies offer free removal, even if they don’t buy the lift.
Are curved stairlift parts valuable?
Yes, the carriage and electronics may hold decent resale value if in good condition.