Key Takeaways
- For a standard straight stairlift, professional removal typically costs £100 – £250.
- Curved or custom stairlifts usually cost more to remove, often £200 – £400+, depending on complexity.
- In some cases, especially if the stairlift is still in good condition, you may be offered free removal, or even payment under a buy-back scheme.
- Cost depends on factors such as stairlift type (straight vs curved), the number of flights of stairs, ease of access, and whether removal includes disposal or recycling.
Typical Removal Costs
What affects the price
- Rail type: Curved or bespoke rails are heavier, more complex to remove, and hence more expensive.
- Number of floors/flights covered: Multi-flight stairlifts or ones covering more stairs may cost more because removal takes longer and involves more parts.
- Condition & age of the stairlift: Older lifts may be harder to dismantle or obsolete; some companies may refuse to reuse them.
- Disposal or recycling fees: If the provider must remove, recycle or dispose of parts (especially batteries/electronics), this may add to the cost.
- Labour, transport, and access costs: Difficult staircases, tight spaces, or hard-to-access homes can modestly increase expenses.
When Removal Might Be Free or Even Profitable
- Some providers offer free removal if the stairlift is a recent model or in reasonable condition and can be refurbished.
- There are “buy-back” schemes, especially for popular models, in which the provider may pay you rather than charge you.
- For short-term rentals or certain agreements, removal at the end of the rental period is sometimes included.
It’s always worth checking with the provider whether removal is free or whether the stairlift has resale/re-use value.
What’s Included in a Professional Stairlift Removal
A typical professional removal service involves:
- Safe disconnection of power and all electrical parts
- Dismantling of the rail, motor unit, seat, and brackets.
- Removal of all components from the property without damaging stairs, walls or flooring
- Disposal, recycling or (if agreed) refurbishment/resale of the stairlift parts
- (Optionally) Patching or cleaning the stair area, though cosmetic repair (like filling screw holes) may not always be included, is worth asking about.
Most straight-lift removals take 1–2 hours. Curved lifts may take a bit longer, depending on complexity and the number of parts.
What to Do Before Booking Removal
- Check if your stairlift qualifies for free removal or buy-back. Some models are still in demand, and companies offer removal at no cost or even pay you for it.
- Get multiple quotes. Prices vary between companies, especially for curved or older stairlifts.
- Ask what’s included. Ensure electrical disconnection, safe removal, and responsible disposal or resale are part of the price.
- Confirm the condition after removal. If you care about the appearance of your stairs, ask whether screw holes are patched or need DIY cosmetic work.
- Avoid DIY removal. Stairlift components are heavy, electrically connected, and pose a risk of injury or property damage if removed incorrectly.
Conclusion
Removing a stairlift in the UK is generally affordable. For a straight stairlift, expect to pay around £100–£250, while curved or bespoke stairlifts typically cost £200–£400+. In many cases, particularly for relatively recent stairlifts, removal can be free, or even part of a buy-back/resale agreement.
If you’re planning to remove a stairlift, it’s worth contacting several professional services, checking whether free removal or buy-back applies, and asking for full breakdowns before committing.