Heavy Duty & Bariatric Stairlifts
Defining "Heavy Duty": Which Tier Do You Need?
When standard stairlifts aren’t enough, you need a solution built for strength and stability.
If you have been told “we can’t help” by other companies, or if you find standard stairlift seats too narrow and uncomfortable, we can help. Stairlift Solutions GB provides a comprehensive range of Heavy Duty (HD) stairlifts designed to bridge the gap between standard lifts and expensive through-floor home lifts.
Quick Answer: Do you do stairlifts for over 20 stone?
Yes. While standard stairlifts typically support up to 18–19 stone (120kg), our Heavy Duty (HD) range is designed specifically for larger users. We offer reinforced straight and curved lifts with capacities of 25 stone (160kg) and specialist bariatric solutions.
We categorise our high-capacity lifts into two clear tiers to help you find the right balance of cost and performance.
Tier 1: Enhanced Duty (20 – 23 Stone)
- Best For: Users who are just above the standard weight limit or want a more robust feel.
- Models: Acorn 130 HD or Brooks 130 HD.
- Features: Reinforced chassis and upgraded batteries for reliable power on steeper gradients.
Tier 2: Extra Heavy Duty (23 – 25 Stone)
- Best For: Larger users requiring maximum stability and seat width.
- Models: Brooks 130 HD.
- Features: Heavy-duty motor and reinforced seat frame to prevent “flexing” during travel.
If you would like to find out more information about any of our products or services, please use the information below
The Brooks 130 Slimline Straight Stairlift offers a safe, reliable and compact design, with automatically recharging batteries which run smoothly and quietly.
The Brooks 180 Curved Stairlift leads the market in terms of reliability, comfort, and the wide range of options and accessories available.
Acorn Stairlifts are an established UK stairlift manufacturer and global brand which is highly-regarded for top quality stairlift solutions.
Top Models for Heavy Duty Needs
1. The Acorn 130 HD (Straight Stairs)
A reinforced version of the world’s best-selling stairlift.
- Capacity: 25 Stone (159kg).
- Fast Track: Ideal for hospital discharges as we hold these in stock across England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Smooth Start: The “Soft Start/Stop” technology means no jolting, which is crucial for users with back pain.
2. The Brooks 130 HD (Straight Stairs)
Known for its “bulletproof” reliability and low running costs.
- Capacity: 25 Stone (160kg).
- Heavy Duty Motor: Upgraded drivetrain to handle steeper gradients with a heavier load.
- British Made: Built in Yorkshire, ensuring parts availability is never an issue.
3. Heavy Duty Curved Solutions
If you have a curved staircase and weigh over 20 stone, standard lifts won’t work. We supply specialist Modular Curved Lifts (such as the Acorn/Brooks 180 HD) designed to carry extra weight around bends safely.
- Modular Rail: The rail is built from sections, allowing us to install it quickly without waiting weeks for a factory-made rail.
- Capacity: Supports users up to 19-21 stone (depending on the angle of the staircase).
Comparison: Heavy Duty Capacities
Model | Acorn 130 HD | Brooks 130 HD | Acorn 180 HD |
Best For… | Speed (Fast Install) | Durability (Low Maintenance) | (Modular Rail) |
Max Weight | 25 Stone | 25 Stone | ~21 Stone |
Stair Type | Straight | Straight | Curved |
Key Benefit | Low Cost / Fast Fit | British Reliability | Fits Complex Bends |
If you would like to find out more information about Acorn Stairlifts then please call us on 0800 470 2920. If you’d like to find out more information about us, browse our About Us page & feel free to read our reviews & testimonials.
Funding & Grants: England, Scotland & Wales
We understand that a heavy-duty lift is a significant investment. Depending on where you live in Great Britain, financial help may be available. We are experts in both systems:
Scotland: Scheme of Assistance
In Scotland, a stairlift is often categorised as an “essential adaptation.”
- Mandatory Grant: Local councils must provide a grant for 80% of the approved cost for essential structural adaptations, often regardless of income.
- Our Role: We provide the technical quotes required by councils in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands to process your application.
England & Wales: Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
The DFG is available via your local council (up to £30k in England, £36k in Wales).
- Means Tested: For adults, this is means-tested based on income/savings.
- Non-Means Tested for Children: If the lift is for a child or young person under 19, the grant is usually not means-tested.
- Our Role: We work with local authorities from Manchester to Cardiff to ensure our lifts meet the specific OT requirements.
Why Choose Stairlift Solutions GB?
1. Nationwide Local Engineers
We are not just a website; we have a network of local engineers. Whether you are in a London Victorian terrace, a Yorkshire cottage, or a Welsh valley home, we have a surveyor nearby to assess your stairs accurately.
2. Fast Track Hospital Discharge
We know that bariatric patients are often kept in hospital simply because their home is not “safe” yet.
- Urgent Install: We can prioritise your installation.
- Next Day: Models like the Brooks 130 (Straight) can often be fitted within 24-48 hours to help get you or your loved one home sooner.
Get a Free Heavy Duty Quote
Don’t settle for a lift that feels unsafe. Get a solution built for your needs.
Call 0800 470 2920 to speak to our specialist team.
- Confidential, dignity-first advice.
- Free feasibility survey.
- Quotes for private purchase or grant applications.