What is the Acorn 180?

The Acorn 180 is Acorn's curved stairlift. The rail is made to measure for staircases with bends, corners, half-landings or a spiral, so the lift follows the shape of your stairs rather than stopping at the turn.

How much does an Acorn 180 cost?

Curved stairlifts are priced per staircase because the rail is bespoke. As a general market guide, curved lifts typically start around £5,000 installed and rise with the number of bends. Eligible customers pay no VAT. A written quote after a survey is the only accurate figure.

Why are curved stairlifts more expensive than straight ones?

Because the rail is manufactured specifically for your staircase after a detailed survey. That design and manufacturing work does not exist on a straight lift, where the rail is simply cut to length.

How long does a curved stairlift take to arrive?

Longer than a straight one, with any brand, because the rail has to be made. Expect a survey first, then a manufacturing period, then an installation appointment. Ask for the expected lead time in writing at quote stage.

Can it go round more than one bend?

Yes. Curved rails can be made for multiple bends, half-landings and intermediate turns. The survey establishes exactly what your staircase needs.

Can it park out of the way at the bottom?

In most cases yes — a curved rail can be designed to park the carriage around a corner or clear of a doorway. Raise it at survey stage if a hallway, door or fire escape route is tight.

Does it work in a power cut?

Yes. Acorn stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries that top up at charging points on the rail, so the lift keeps working for a number of journeys if the power goes off.

Can a curved stairlift be reconditioned?

Rarely in a useful sense, because the rail was made for a different staircase. Reconditioned stock is mostly straight lifts. See our guide to [new vs reconditioned](/buying/new-vs-reconditioned).

Acorn 180 Curved Stairlift: Features, Price & Quotes (2026)

The Acorn 180 is Acorn's curved stairlift, used where the staircase turns: a bend, a corner, a half-landing, or a full spiral.

Quick answer: the Acorn 180 runs on a rail made to measure for your staircase, so it can follow bends and half-landings in one journey. It costs more and takes longer than a straight lift because the rail is manufactured for your home, and prices are only meaningful after a survey.

How we make money: UK Mobility Stairlifts is an affiliate of Acorn Stairlifts. Enquiries made here go to Acorn, who survey, quote and install. If you buy, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

When you need a curved lift

You need the 180 rather than the Acorn 130 if your stairs include any of the following:

A bend or quarter turn part-way up.
A half-landing between two flights.
A spiral or continuously curving staircase.
A need to park the lift around a corner, clear of a door.

What it is like to use

One continuous journey. No changing lifts at the turn.
Folding seat, arms and footrest so the staircase stays usable.
Swivel seat so you step off safely onto the landing.
Remote controls at the top and bottom to call the lift.
Safety sensors and a seatbelt fitted as standard.
Battery drive so it works during a power cut.

What affects the price

The number and tightness of the bends.
Total rail length and whether the rail runs past a landing.
Any overrun or parking position around a corner.
Seat and powered options.
Whether you qualify for VAT relief.

Our Acorn stairlift prices page and the stairlift costs guide give realistic ranges before you book a survey.

How the process runs

Survey. A surveyor measures the staircase in detail — this is what the rail is built from.
Written quote. Confirm the total installed price and expected lead time.
Manufacture. The rail is made for your staircase.
Installation. Usually a longer visit than a straight lift, sometimes across a day.
Demonstration and handover, including how to use the remotes and the safety features.

More detail in our stairlift installation guide.

Before you commit

Get the lead time in writing, not just the price.
Ask where the lift will park at each end.
Check doorway, hallway and fire-escape clearance with the lift parked.
Check warranty length, servicing costs and breakdown response.

Acorn 180 Curved Stairlift

When you need a curved lift

What it is like to use

What affects the price

How the process runs

Before you commit

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

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