Stair lift cost in South Africa starts at about R45,000 for a new straight stair lift and reaches about R95,000 for a curved or outdoor one, in the published prices we found. One firm publishes most of them, and its page doesn't itemise what is included. Dealers that quote after a survey don't publish prices. Your price depends on the staircase.
What is published, source by source
Every row is someone else's figure, not ours. They differ, and most don't say what is included. Use the table to know what to ask about.
| What | Published figure | Includes installation? | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight stair lift, new | R45,000 to R70,000 | The page says "supplied and professionally installed" but doesn't itemise what is included; VAT not stated | A South African supplier | Undated, accessed 14 Nov 2026 |
| Curved stair lift, new | R60,000 to R95,000 | Same | Same supplier | Same |
| Outdoor stair lift, new | R55,000 to R95,000 | Same | Same supplier | Same |
| Curved stair lift, new | R60,000, "including installation" | Yes | A Western Cape supplier | Undated, accessed 14 Nov 2026 |
| Curved stair lift, new | R57,000 (sale price, was R60,000) | Page lists "delivery and installation: yes" but not what the price covers | An industrial supplier of imported units | Undated, accessed 14 Nov 2026 |
The same Western Cape supplier says only "an affordable price which includes installation" for a straight lift, with no figure. A national dealer says price depends on rail length, curves, turns and steps, and offers a free survey and quote instead of a price.
What moves the price on your stairs
- Straight, curved or outdoor. A curved rail is made to measure, which is why curved costs more.
- Length of the rail. More steps mean more rail.
- Number of bends and turns. Each turn adds to the rail and the price.
- Seat and other options. Upgrades such as a different seat change the price.
- Installation and anything extra. Some prices cover installation and some may not. Ask.
What about used stair lifts?
People ask for used stair lifts. We could not find a South African price for a used or refurbished stair lift from a source we could check, so we won't give you one. A price you see in a marketplace listing is one person's ask.
If you are offered a used lift, ask these questions.
- Was it made for a straight staircase or a curved one, and will it fit yours? A curved rail is made for one particular staircase.
- Who will fit it, and does the price include that?
- Who will service it, and what happens if it breaks?
- Does it come with batteries and a charger that still work?
A used lift can cost less on the day, and the questions above show where the savings can disappear.
Questions to ask before you compare quotes
- Is the price supplied and installed?
- Does it include VAT?
- What is the rail length and how many turns does it assume?
- Who will service it, how often, and what does that cost?
- What happens in a power cut?
Two quotes are only comparable when the answers match.
Is there tax relief?
SARS has listed stair chairs installed to aid a person with a physical disability as qualifying disability expenditure. Whether it applies to you depends on your situation and the current SARS rules, so check current SARS guidance or ask a tax practitioner. The cost of the electricity to run it doesn't qualify.
Questions people ask
How much does a stair lift cost in South Africa?
One supplier publishes new straight stair lifts at R45,000 to R70,000 and curved or outdoor ones at R55,000 to R95,000. Another publishes a curved one at R60,000 including installation. Your price depends on the staircase, so it is confirmed after a look at the stairs.
Is the price installed?
Not always. The largest published price list says "supplied and professionally installed" but doesn't itemise what is included or say whether VAT is. Ask for the installed price in writing, and whether VAT is in it.
Why is a curved stair lift dearer?
Its rail is made to measure for your staircase, with the turns built in. A straight one is a standard rail cut to length.
Can I get a free quote?
Yes. Sending a request to us is free and commits you to nothing. We call you back, and the price is confirmed after a look at the stairs.
Sources for the figures and rules on this page
- A South African supplier's price list: straight R45,000 to R70,000, curved R60,000 to R95,000, outdoor R55,000 to R95,000, "varies with rail length and seat upgrades" (accessed 14 Nov 2026) stairliftchair.co.za (opens in a new tab)
- A Western Cape supplier: curved stair lift R60,000 including installation; straight lift no figure (accessed 14 Nov 2026) easydrivewc.co.za (opens in a new tab)
- An industrial supplier lists a curved imported unit at R57,000, was R60,000 (accessed 14 Nov 2026) rencoindustrial.co.za (opens in a new tab)
- A national stair lift dealer says price depends on rail length, curves, turns and steps and offers a free survey and quote (accessed 14 Nov 2026) acorn-stairlifts.co.za (opens in a new tab)
- SARS list of qualifying disability expenditure, effective 1 March 2020: stair chairs installed to aid a person with a physical disability (may have been updated since) sars.gov.za (opens in a new tab)