Stairlifts vs Through Floor Lifts, Which is Best?
Can you stay in your home if you have mobility issues?
In a lot of cases, the short answer is yes.
For many homeowners, the choice between moving or staying comes down to safe access to the upper floors. This case study follows a couple who have lived in their home for over 50 years and successfully used a Flow X stairlift to overcome knee health challenges without the structural upheaval of a through floor lift.
The Challenge
After living in their home for over 50 years, the residents faced mobility issues due to knee health. They needed a solution that would allow them to use the entire house without having to leave their home.
The Comparison:
- Through Floor Lifts: Considered, but rejected due to the structural “upheaval” and construction work required.
- Stairlifts: Chosen as the “easiest” and solution.
The Result: A successful installation that allows for safer movement of laundry and household items, providing the “reassurance” needed to prolong their time in their long-term home.
About The Author
About The Author
Matt Armstrong
Sales Director at EMS Lifts Verified on: May 11, 2026
Matt Armstrong has over 20 years of experience in the mobility industry, specializing in helping families find the most cost effective and reliable stairlift solutions. As the Sales Director at EMS Lifts, Matt ensures that every customer receives transparent pricing and impartial advice tailored to their specific home layout.
“This case study highlights the common dilemma between stairlifts and home lifts. For many of our clients, like those in this video, the ‘ease of installation’ and immediate relief stairlifts provide, made them the perfect choice to make an immediate, impactful difference.”
Our Expert Advice
Explore our FAQ section for swift answers to your stairlift and mobility solution questions, helping you make informed decisions with ease.
Stairlift costs vary depending on type and features. Typical starting prices are:
- Straight stairlift: From around £2,000.
- Curved stairlift: From around £4,500.
Additional costs may apply for custom rails, powered options, or extended warranties. EMS Lifts provides free home assessments and tailored quotes to give an accurate cost based on your property and needs.
- Straight stairlift: Typically 2–3 hours.
- Curved stairlift: Usually 4–6 hours due to custom rail design.
EMS Lifts also offers same-day installation on selected straight models, minimising disruption and providing fast access when needed.
Yes, you can get a stairlift for free. In some cases, you may be eligible for financial assistance through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) provided by your local council.
- Eligibility: Based on need and sometimes means-tested.
- Coverage: May pay for part or all of a stairlift installation.
- Application: Involves a home assessment arranged through the local authority.
EMS Lifts can support customers in applying for grants and provide the necessary documentation.
The “best” stairlift company depends on personal needs, but EMS Lifts is a trusted UK provider known for:
- High-quality straight and curved stairlifts.
- Expert installation and aftercare.
- Clear pricing and transparent advice.
- Carbon-neutral, family-run operations.
Customer satisfaction, fast response times, and tailored solutions make EMS Lifts one of the UK’s leading stairlift companies.
Yes. The terms “chair lift” and “stairlift” both describe the same device — a motorised chair that runs on a rail to help people with limited mobility move safely between floors.
A chair lift, also called a stairlift, is a motorised device that transports individuals up and down stairs while seated. It works by:
- Track installation – a rail is securely fixed to the stair treads.
- Chair mechanism – a motor moves the chair smoothly along the track.
- User control – operated via a switch on the armrest or remote control.
- Safety systems – seatbelt, swivel seat, and sensors ensure safe travel.
Chair lifts provide independence for individuals who find stairs difficult.
Important factors include:
- Staircase layout – straight or curved.
- Mobility needs – seated or standing models.
- Weight capacity – ensuring safe use.
- Seat design – size, upholstery, and comfort features.
- Additional features – powered swivel seat, folding footplate, or remote controls.
EMS Lifts provides free home surveys to assess needs and recommend suitable options.
The cost of servicing varies depending on the stairlift model and the level of service required. EMS Lifts provides tailored quotes following an assessment.
Service plans may include:
- Annual servicing.
- Priority breakdown response.
- Parts and labour cover.
- 24/7 call-out support.
This offers predictable costs and peace of mind that your stairlift is kept in safe working order.
Yes. EMS Lifts can safely remove and re-install stairlifts during home renovation or building projects. Professional removal is important to:
- Protect the rail and drive system from damage.
- Ensure correct reinstallation.
- Maintain warranty coverage.
Most removals and reinstalls can be completed within a few hours.
Yes. Curved stairlifts are custom-built to fit staircases with bends, corners, or spirals. The rail is designed specifically for the shape and dimensions of the staircase, ensuring smooth and safe travel.
Yes. Stairlifts are designed to fold away when not in use. Most models feature:
- Foldable seat, armrests, and footplate to free up stair space.
- Slimline rails fitted close to the wall or stair tread.
This means other household members can continue using the staircase normally.
Yes. Stairlifts are designed with multiple safety features to protect users. Standard features include:
- Seatbelt for security during travel.
- Swivel seat for safer entry and exit.
- Safety sensors to stop the lift if obstacles are detected.
- Speed regulators for smooth, controlled movement.
- Battery backup to ensure use during a power cut.
With proper installation and regular servicing, stairlifts are a safe and reliable mobility solution.
A stairlift specialist can carry out a home survey to assess whether your staircase is suitable. Key factors include:
- Staircase type – straight, curved, or spiral.
- Width of the stairs – slimline models are available for narrow staircases.
- Headroom clearance – ensuring safe entry and exit.
- Landing space – enough room at the top and bottom for safe transfer.
Most modern stairlifts can be adapted to fit a wide range of staircase designs.
