Heavy Duty Stairlifts: A Guide for Users Over 20 Stone
Key points
- Standard stairlifts usually carry around 19 to 22 stone. Heavy duty models carry 25, 30 or 31.5 stone.
- For straight stairs, the Handicare 1000 XXL carries up to 31.5 stone, from £3,995 fitted.
- For curved stairs, the Bruno Elite Curved carries up to 30 stone, from £8,995, and the Platinum Ultimate Heavy Duty carries up to 25 stone, from £5,495.
- Heavy duty stairlifts are usually supplied new rather than reconditioned.
Why the weight limit matters
Standard stairlifts usually carry around 19 to 22 stone. If the user is heavier, you need a heavy duty stairlift, which carries 25, 30 or up to 31.5 stone depending on the model.
Every stairlift has a maximum user weight set by the manufacturer. Using a lift above that limit puts strain on the motor, rail and seat and can affect safety and the warranty. We recommend allowing some headroom, so a lift’s limit is comfortably above the user’s weight rather than right on it.
Weight is not the only consideration. Seat width and the gap between the arms matter just as much for comfort, and heavier users may also benefit from a powered swivel and footrest.
Heavy duty straight stairlifts
| Model | Max user weight | From, fitted |
|---|---|---|
| Handicare 1000 XL | 25 stone (160 kg) | £2,995 |
| Platinum Ergo (straight) | 25 stone (160 kg) | £2,595 new |
| Brooks 130 heavy duty | 25 stone (159 kg) | £3,195 |
| Bruno Elite Straight | 30 stone (190 kg) | £4,195 |
| Handicare 1000 XXL | 31.5 stone (200 kg) | £3,995 |
The Handicare 1000 XXL has the highest weight limit of any stairlift we supply, with a wider Smart XXL seat and arm spacers to widen the gap between the arms. The Bruno Elite Straight carries up to 30 stone and charges anywhere it stops on the rail, and it offers a larger seat option.
Heavy duty curved stairlifts
| Model | Max user weight | From, fitted |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Ergo Curve | 25 stone option | Ask for a price |
| Platinum Ultimate Heavy Duty | 25 stone (160 kg) | £5,495 recon, £6,995 new |
| Handicare 4000 heavy duty | 25 stone (160 kg) | Ask for a price |
| Bruno Elite Curved | 30 stone (190 kg) | £8,995 |
The Bruno Elite Curved carries up to 30 stone on curved stairs and can have an optional park and charge point at a middle landing. The Platinum Ultimate Heavy Duty carries up to 25 stone on a single tube rail that starts on the first step.
Compare prices for your stairsTell us about your staircase and we will call you with a guide price.
Will a heavy duty stairlift fit my stairs?
Heavy duty lifts are larger than standard models, so they generally need more room. Bruno does not publish a minimum stair width, for example, so we confirm the fit at the survey. If your stairs are narrow as well, tell us when you book so the surveyor can check the options carefully.
Heavy duty straight lifts suit most straight staircases. On curved stairs, the choice narrows as the weight limit goes up, with the Bruno Elite Curved the main option above 25 stone.
New or reconditioned?
Heavy duty stairlifts are usually supplied new. They are made in smaller numbers, so reconditioned stock is rare. The exception is the Platinum Ultimate Heavy Duty, which we can sometimes supply reconditioned from £5,495. New lifts carry a 3-year parts and labour warranty, and reconditioned lifts 2 years.
Paying for a heavy duty stairlift
The same help applies as for any stairlift. If you have a disability or long-term illness and the lift is for your own use, you can buy it VAT-free, and your council may help through a Disabled Facilities Grant. See our stairlift price guide for details, or our heavy duty stairlifts page to compare every model.
To see how the Handicare 1000 XXL compares with our other recommended models, read our best stairlifts UK 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum weight for a stairlift?
Standard stairlifts usually carry around 19 to 22 stone. Heavy duty models carry 25 or 30 stone, and the Handicare 1000 XXL carries up to 31.5 stone (200 kg).
Which stairlift takes 30 stone?
The Bruno Elite Straight and Bruno Elite Curved both carry up to 30 stone (190 kg). The Handicare 1000 XXL carries up to 31.5 stone on straight stairs.
Is there a heavy duty curved stairlift?
Yes. The Platinum Ultimate Heavy Duty carries up to 25 stone, from £5,495, and the Bruno Elite Curved carries up to 30 stone, from £8,995.
How much is a heavy duty stairlift?
Heavy duty straight stairlifts cost from £2,995 for 25 stone and £3,995 for 31.5 stone, fully fitted. Heavy duty curved lifts cost from £5,495.
Can I get a reconditioned heavy duty stairlift?
Rarely, as they are made in small numbers. The Platinum Ultimate Heavy Duty is sometimes available reconditioned, from £5,495.
Get a fixed price for your stairsBook a free home survey. We measure your staircase, compare the models that fit and give you a fixed written price, with no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 07534 654944.