Companion Stairlifts are a well known UK lift company that has a long track record of operating in the UK. They offer a range of well-designed lifts to fit most staircases. Companion is a subsidiary of a larger multi-national disability equipment company called Handicare. Handicare also has a well-known portfolio of disability products that are often recommended by UK Occupational Therapists.
Companion offers 5 stairlift models to suit a range of different staircase styles and with optional extras to suit user abilities. They are the only stairlift company that offers the ‘Slide Track’ as an extra option. The ‘Slide Track’ removes the need for a hinge on the track thereby markedly reducing the visual impact of the rail. Instead, the track moves away from the doorway in the direction of the lift travel. This innovative feature is available on the 950 and 950+ models only. Below is a description of Companion’s range of Stairlifts with a brief summary of the features.
Contents of this Stairlift Guide
950 Compact
This lift is a slimline model designed to fit straight staircases only. It can be very cost-effective compared to the other models in the range because it does not have powered options for folding the footplate, swivelling the seat or folding a track hinge if this is needed. You will need to operate a lever at the side of the carriage to swivel the seat away from the top of the stairs. Choosing the ‘Slide Track’ option instead of a manual hinge track will increase the cost. The only upholstery colour available on this model is ‘Sand’. The weight limit is 21.5st.
950+
This lift is designed to fit straight staircases only. This model does have optional extras including powered swivel, powered footplate/seat, and ‘Slide Track’ instead of a hinge track. The lift will swivel automatically at the top of the stairs if the powered option is chosen. The footplate will fold up automatically when the seat or armrest is lifted if this option is chosen. A powered footplate is an option that can be important if you struggle to bend to reach the footplate. The 950+ also has a range of 6 upholstery colours to choose from. The weight limit is 21.5st
1000 Straight
This lift is designed to fit straight staircases only. The track is slimmer for minimal intrusion into the staircase and attractiveness. There are powered options for the footplate, swivel operation and hinge track. The ‘Slide Track’ is not available due to the differently designed track. An important optional extra to note is that this lift can be fitted with a heavy-duty motor increasing its weight capacity to 31st. This weight limit is one of the highest available in the domestic stairlift market. Multiple colour options are also available as above. The weight limit is 21.5st/31st
2000 Curved
If your staircase turns corners you will need a curved stairlift. This lift is designed to travel around the turns in the stairs. The carriage runs on two tubular tracks that Companion call a ‘dual rail system’. The track can be fitted on the wall side or on the bannister side depending on which side is the most suitable. All the powered options are available for seat, swivel and hinge track. In addition to the upholstery colour options, the 2000 model also has colour options for the track allowing it to blend in with the existing decor. The weight limit is 19.5st
Freecurve
This model is a curved stairlift and is designed to fit onto narrower curved staircases where the 2000 model will not. This model runs on one tubular track only. It can be fitted onto narrower staircases and navigate tighter bends including spiral staircases. The track can be fitted on the wall side or on the bannister side depending on which side is the most suitable. All the powered options are available for seat, swivel and hinge track. All upholstery colour options are available. The Freecurve model also has colour options for the track itself allowing it to blend in with the existing decor.
What to expect if you contact Companion Stairlifts
In common with the other major stairlift manufacturers, Companion offers a free no-obligation quotation. An experienced salesman/surveyor will arrange a convenient time to visit your home, conduct a short survey of the stairs and give you a written quotation.
The surveyor will ask a little bit about your disability to help him/her suggest any needed lift features. There is no obligation to make a decision there and then. It is extremely rare for stairlift representatives from UK major manufacturers to be ‘pushy’ salespeople. The industry has an established code of practice and the major lift companies including Companion are aware they are sometimes visiting vulnerable people. The emphasis will be on ensuring you have the right lift to meet your needs. The surveyor will be very happy to leave you with the quote if you don’t want to make an immediate decision.
Price Match Promise
Companion stairlifts offer a price match guarantee valid for any similar stairlift quotation offered by a UK manufacturer.
Companion Stairlifts Customer Service
While we don’t endorse specific stairlift manufacturers on Stairlifty, but we do know that Companion have a 5-star rating on both their Trustpilot Companion page and also on their Feefo Companion page.
