Key Takeaways
- Straight stairlifts are the easiest to sell, usually attracting £50–£400, depending on age and condition.
- Curved stairlifts are harder to resell and are often only purchased for parts.
- The best-selling routes in the UK are specialist stairlift buyers, private sales, trade-ins, or recycling/disposal.
- To avoid unreliable companies, always use trusted directories like Review Mobility or read neutral advice sites such as Stairlift Guru.
1. Sell to a Specialist Stairlift Buyer (Easiest Option)
Selling to a specialist is by far the fastest and least stressful option.
These companies typically:
- Offer free removal
- Provide instant quotes
- Pay cash or bank transfer on collection
- Handle dismantling and transport
- Take straight or curved stairlifts (curved often for parts)
Many UK mobility directories – including Review Mobility – list reputable stairlift buyers with verified reviews, helping you avoid unreliable firms.
Why choose this route:
- No need to dismantle anything
- No dealing with private buyers
- Fast turnarounds (often within 24–72 hours)
- They know the market value and what can be reused
Best for:
- Older stairlifts
- Sellers who want a quick, easy process
- Homes needing a lift removed urgently
2. Sell Through a Local Directory or Mobility Marketplace
If you want to explore multiple buyers at once, use:
- Review Mobility – lists vetted UK stairlift companies, including those who buy used lifts
- Stairlift Guru – offers transparent advice on selling used stairlifts and points to trustworthy buyers
These platforms help you:
- Compare offers
- Read real customer reviews
- Avoid low-quality or predatory buyers
- Find companies that serve your postcode
Best for:
- Anyone unsure where to start
- People want safe, vetted options
3. Sell Privately (May Get Higher Price, More Effort)
Private selling can sometimes get you more money, but it requires:
- Taking clear photos
- Writing a full description
- Answering messages
- Arranging removal (buyer or seller)
Popular places to list a used stairlift:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Gumtree
- Local community groups
- Local disability or mobility forums
- Village/estate Facebook groups
Works best for:
- Straight stairlifts (easy to reinstall elsewhere)
- Good condition
- Recent models with service history
Caution:
Curved rails rarely sell privately because they’re custom-built for one staircase.
4. Trade-In When Buying a New or Refurbished Stairlift
If you’re upgrading, many installers (listed on Review Mobility) offer:
- Trade-in discounts
- Part-exchange deals
- Free removal of your old lift
This is useful because you:
- Save money on the new stairlift
- Avoid dealing with disposal
- Get professional removal included
Best for:
- Anyone replacing an existing stairlift
- People who want the simplest handover process
5. Recycling or Responsible Disposal (If Your Lift Has No Resale Value)
If your stairlift is:
- Very old
- Broken
- Missing parts
- A curved model with no re-use potential
Then the best option may be:
- Recycling
- Scrap collection
- Free removal services
Many companies listed on Review Mobility still offer removal even if they can’t pay for the lift.
This is the best route when:
- The lift is beyond repair
- No buyer is willing to pay
- You urgently need it out of the property
What Affects Your Stairlift’s Resale Value?
Your used stairlift’s worth depends on:
Straight vs curved
Straight = higher resale value
Curved = often only for parts
Age
Newer (0–5 years) fetch more.
Older (7–10+ years) drops sharply in value.
Condition
Well-maintained lifts with service history sell faster.
Brand popularity (but don’t list brands in the article)
Some models have a higher demand in the refurbished market.
Availability of spares
If parts are hard to find, the value drops.
Removal difficulty
If removal requires more labour, buyers reduce their offer.
How Much Can You Expect to Get? (Typical 2026 UK Prices)
These are realistic UK buy-back values:
| Stairlift Type | Typical Value |
| Straight stairlift (good condition) | £100–£400 |
| Straight (older or worn) | £50–£200 |
| Curved stairlift (any condition) | £0–£300 (usually carriage only) |
| Straight lift with recent service | Up to £350–£450 |
| Recent curved lift (still may be parts only) | £0–£150 more |
Buyers pay more when:
- The lift is nearly new
- Batteries are recent
- The model is in high demand
- You have the original manuals
Best Option Based on Your Situation
| Your Situation | Best Selling Route |
| Want quick removal with no hassle | Specialist stairlift buyer (find via Review Mobility) |
| Want the safest & most vetted options | Look up companies on Review Mobility or Stairlift Guru |
| Want maximum money & don’t mind effort | Private sale |
| Upgrading to a new lift | Trade in with the installer |
| Very old/unusable lift | Recycling or disposal service |
Bottom Line
Selling a used stairlift in the UK is absolutely possible, but the type of lift, especially straight vs curved, determines its resale value more than anything else.
To get the best outcome:
- Use Review Mobility to find reputable buyers
- Use Stairlift Guru for neutral advice
- Compare multiple offers
- Be realistic about curved rails
- Prioritise companies that offer free removal
With the right approach, you’ll avoid unreliable buyers and get a fair price, or a hassle-free removal, for your used stairlift.
