Key Takeaways
- Yes, in the UK you can rent a curved stairlift, even for fairly short-term needs.
- Compared with straight-stair rental, expect higher upfront costs, modular/rental-rail fitting, and slightly longer lead times.
- Rentals usually include installation, maintenance, call-outs, and removal.
- Curved stairlift rental works best if you: have a curved/complex staircase; need flexibility (short- or medium-term); want to avoid the full cost of buying; or are unsure how long you’ll need a stairlift.
Can You Rent a Curved Stairlift? Short Answer
Yes, many UK stairlift companies offer curved-stairlift rentals. This includes a bespoke rail built to fit your staircase, along with a full package: survey, installation, maintenance/servicing, and removal when you no longer need it.
However, because curved staircases require custom rails and more complex installation, renting a curved stairlift is usually more expensive (up front and monthly) than renting a straight stairlift and often includes minimum rental periods or setup fees.
What to Expect When Renting a Curved Stairlift
Here’s how curved-stairlift rental usually works, and what to watch out for:
What’s Normally Included
- Free home survey to measure staircase bends/landings and confirm suitability.
- Bespoke rail manufacture tailored to your staircase shape (turns, half-landings, curves, multiple flights).
- Professional installation and safety testing by engineers.
- Maintenance, servicing, and call-out cover are generally included throughout the rental period, as are repairs and replacement parts.
- Removal at the end of use: many rental agreements include lift removal, so you’re not stuck with a stairlift if your needs change or you move.
What’s Different (Versus Straight Stairlift Rental) and What to Watch Out For
- Higher costs, both up front and monthly. For example, some rental providers quote around £80+ per month for curved stairlifts (compared to lower rates for straight stairlifts).
- Upfront installation/setup fees to cover the bespoke rail manufacture and fitting.
- Slower lead time due to the custom rail; installation often takes longer than with straight-stair rentals (though some providers offer “fast delivery” within days rather than weeks).
- Availability constraints: not all rental suppliers offer curved stairlifts, and reconditioned or modular-rail curved lifts may be limited depending on supply and staircase complexity.
- For minimum-hire periods or contracts, some curved-lift rentals come with minimum-commitment terms (e.g., 6 months) or higher setup costs, which can make short-term rentals less cost-effective.
Who Should Think Twice and When Renting a Curved Stairlift Makes Most Sense
Good candidates for renting a curved stairlift
- You have a curved or complex staircase (e.g., with turns, landings, a spiral, or multiple flights).
- You need a stairlift for an emergency or for an uncertain duration, e.g., recovery from surgery, temporary disability, short-term care for a visitor, or waiting for a grant/funding.
- You want to avoid the high upfront cost of buying a bespoke curved stairlift.
- You value the flexibility, you can return the lift when you no longer need it.
- You prefer a fully maintained solution (installation, upkeep, removal) so you don’t have to worry about maintenance or resale.
Situations where you might reconsider renting
- You expect to need the stairlift for several years. Rental costs (monthly plus installation charges) may exceed the cost of buying a curved stairlift outright.
- Your staircase is very complex or unusual, with multiple bends, tight spirals, and narrow stairs. Some rental providers may not offer a suitable curved lift, or the cost may be prohibitive.
- You prefer ownership and customisation. Buying lets you choose exact features, resell later, and may be more cost-effective in the long term.
Realistic Expectation: What the Rental Curved Stairlift Can and Can’t Do
- You can rent a curved stairlift in most parts of the UK, even for relatively short periods.
- Rental includes installation, servicing, maintenance, and eventual removal.
- Expect to pay more than with a straight-stair rental, with typically higher monthly fees and up-front rail/installation charges.
- Lead times can be longer, as rail manufacturing and custom fitting add delays (though some providers use modular rails to speed things up).
- Limited availability, not all providers offer curved stairlifts for hire; it depends on your location and staircase structure.
Conclusion
Yes, you absolutely can rent a curved stairlift in the UK. For many households with winding staircases, temporary mobility needs, or uncertain long-term plans, renting offers a flexible, lower-commitment alternative to buying.
However, realistic expectations are key: curved-stairlift rentals come with higher costs, possible setup fees, and sometimes minimum hire periods. For long-term or permanent requirements, or for very complex staircases, purchasing may be more economical and convenient.