Acorn Stairlifts: A Simple Guide
Written by Dave Smith, UK-based stairlift researcher · Last updated 28 July 2026
Acorn Stairlifts is one of the UK's best-known stairlift manufacturers. This guide explains what Acorn offers and how to get a quote.
Quick answer: Acorn Stairlifts is a leading UK stairlift manufacturer offering straight, curved and outdoor models, plus reconditioned options. UK Mobility Stairlifts is an Acorn affiliate — fill in the form to get a free, no-obligation quote from Acorn.
UK Mobility Stairlifts is an affiliate of Acorn Stairlifts. We don't manufacture or install stairlifts ourselves — Acorn does. We earn a commission when we refer a customer, at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure for full details.
What Acorn offers
Acorn manufactures and installs stairlifts across the UK, covering the main types of staircase:
- Straight stairlifts for stairs with no bends.
- Curved stairlifts, made to measure for stairs with bends and landings.
- Outdoor stairlifts for external steps.
- Reconditioned stairlifts as a lower-cost option, mainly for straight stairs.
The Acorn range
| Model | Staircase | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn 130 Straight | One straight flight | The standard straight lift; fold-away seat, swivel seat at the top |
| Acorn 180 Curved | Bends, winders, half-landings | Made-to-measure rail built to your staircase |
| Acorn 130 Outdoor | External steps | Weatherproofed version of the straight lift, with a cover |
| Reconditioned | Straight stairs | A lower-cost pre-owned option, subject to availability |
It's a deliberately narrow range. That keeps things simple and cost-competitive, but it also means less choice of upholstery, styling and seat variants than brands with a broader catalogue.
Features and options
- Fold-away seat, arms and footrest so the stairs stay usable.
- Swivel seat at the top for a safe step-off; powered swivel available.
- Seatbelt, safety sensors that stop the lift if something is in the way, and a soft start and stop.
- Slimline rail suited to narrow staircases.
- Hinged rail option where the bottom of the rail would block a door or hallway.
- Heavy-duty options for higher weight capacity.
Warranty, servicing and availability
Acorn states a 12-month manufacturer's guarantee on new stairlifts, with service plans and extended cover available afterwards. It installs nationwide through its own engineer network, and advertises next-day installation availability on straight stairlifts — availability, not a guarantee, and never applicable to curved stairs where the rail must be manufactured first.
Before you commit, ask for the warranty length, what it covers (parts, labour, call-outs), the annual service cost afterwards and the call-out charge in writing — see questions to ask and warranty and aftercare.
Installation
Acorn surveys the staircase, confirms the model, then supplies and installs. The rail fixes to the stair treads rather than the wall, so it suits nearly every home and doesn't damage walls or décor. Straight lifts are usually fitted in a few hours on a single visit; curved lifts take longer because the bespoke rail is manufactured after the survey. More detail: how stairlifts are installed.
Price transparency
Acorn, like every UK stairlift manufacturer, does not publish fixed prices — the rail length and the bends set the cost. As a general market guide, straight lifts typically start around £2,000 and curved around £5,000, with eligible customers paying no VAT. The only accurate figure is a written fitted quote after a survey. See Acorn stairlift prices and the full stairlift costs guide.
Alternatives to consider
Acorn isn't the only option, and it isn't right for everyone. If you want a longer standard warranty, a wider styling choice or a more premium build, read Acorn vs Stannah and Acorn vs Handicare, or the wider best stairlift brands comparison. We are paid only when someone buys through Acorn, so we'd rather you check.
How to get an Acorn quote
Fill in the form below and Acorn Stairlifts will provide a free, no-obligation quote for your home — with VAT relief applied if you're eligible.
Where to go next: Acorn prices · Acorn vs Stannah · Acorn 130 · Acorn 180 · Acorn 130 Outdoor · stairlift costs