Acorn vs Handicare Stairlifts Compared
Acorn and Handicare are both well-established names in UK stairlifts, and they often appear on the same shortlist. Here is an honest side-by-side of how they differ.
Quick answer: Acorn is a manufacturer that sells direct with a small, simple range (130 Straight, 180 Curved, 130 Outdoor) and is known for nationwide coverage and fast installation availability. Handicare offers a wider set of straight, curved and specialist configurations, frequently supplied through dealers and partners. Neither is simply "better" — the right choice depends on your staircase, your budget and who you want to deal with after installation.
How we make money: UK Mobility Stairlifts is an affiliate of Acorn Stairlifts. If you request a quote through this website and later buy from Acorn, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. We have set this comparison out as fairly as we can, and we would always suggest getting more than one quote. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
At a glance
| Acorn | Handicare | |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Focused: 130 Straight, 180 Curved, 130 Outdoor | Wider set of straight and curved models plus specialist options |
| Buying route | Direct from the manufacturer | Often via dealers and partner installers, as well as direct |
| Straight stairs | Yes | Yes |
| Curved stairs | Yes, bespoke rail | Yes, bespoke rail |
| Outdoor | Yes | Yes |
| Installation speed | Advertises next-day availability on straight lifts | Varies by supplier; curved always takes longer |
| Warranty | Currently states a 12-month manufacturer's guarantee | Varies by product and supplying dealer — ask in writing |
Where Acorn tends to suit people
- You want one company to survey, install and support the lift.
- You have a straight staircase and want it fitted quickly.
- You prefer a small range and a simple decision rather than a long options list.
- You want a single point of contact for servicing and breakdowns.
Where Handicare tends to suit people
- You want more model choice, including specialist configurations.
- A local dealer already looks after mobility equipment in your home.
- Your staircase is unusual and you want several rail options priced up.
What actually decides the price
Brand matters less than most people expect. What moves the price is:
- Whether the staircase is straight or curved, and how many bends there are.
- The rail length and any overrun at the top or bottom.
- Seat, swivel and powered options.
- Whether the lift is new or reconditioned.
- Whether you qualify for VAT relief.
See our stairlift costs guide for realistic price ranges, and questions to ask before you sign anything.
How to compare fairly
- Get a written quote from each company for the same staircase.
- Compare the total installed price, not the headline figure.
- Check the warranty length and what it actually covers.
- Ask what a service plan costs once the warranty ends.
- Confirm who attends a breakdown and how quickly.
- Check the removal and buy-back position if the lift is no longer needed.