Handicare vs Platinum Stairlifts: Which Brand Is Right for You?

Choosing the right stairlift can significantly impact comfort, independence, and safety at home. Two of the UK's leading brands, Handicare and Platinum Stairlifts, offer excellent products with different strengths. Here's a detailed, side-by-side comparison to guide your decision.

1. Brand Background & Manufacturing Quality

Handicare is a globally recognised brand, selling through Age UK, Companion, and independent dealers. With a reputation for user-centric designs like arthritis-friendly controls and anti-pinch sensors, their stairlifts combine sleek aesthetics with comfort.

Models include the 1000 and 1100 straight stairlifts, featuring streamlined profiles, soft-start/stop mechanisms, key switches, swivel seats, and battery backup systems.

Platinum Stairlifts Ltd, based in Yorkshire since 1996, specialises in bespoke, hand-built stairlifts. They serve the UK and export globally, and pride themselves on custom-made rails and enhanced features such as diagnostic LEDs, first-step-start, and forward-facing travel.

2. Product Range Comparison

Both brands cover straight, curved, outdoor, and heavy-duty stairlifts, but there are notable differences:

Handicare Models:
- 1000 Straight: Compact, foldable, charger built into track, battery backup, weight limit upto 195 kg.
- 1100 Straight: Slim profile, joystick control, sensors, 140 kg capacity.
- 4000 Curved / Freecurve: Custom-fit rails, upgradable seats, weight limits 115 to 158 kg.
- Outdoor variants available.

Platinum Models:
- Ergo / Horizon Straight: Slim, ergonomic, powered swivel, 158 kg capacity.
- Curve & Heavy-Duty: Custom rails, curved variants (136 kg capacity), heavy-duty up to 160 kg.
- Ultimate Curved: High-end design with first-step launch, single-tube rail, forward-facing seats, LED diagnostics.
- Outdoor models with weather-resistant materials.

3. Price & Value for Money

Handicare Prices:
- Straight models start around £1695.
- Curved models range between £3995 and £6995.

Platinum Prices:
- Straight models from approximately £1,695 to £2,995.
- Curved options from £3,795 to £5,995.
- Heavy-duty variants from £5,595 to £9,995.

4. Technical Features & Customisation

5. Reliability, Warranty & Support

Handicare offers 3  years on new stairlift components. It is sold through trusted dealers, ensuring strong after-sale support.

Platinum, hand-built in Yorkshire for over 25 years, provides clear diagnostic tools and solid reliability. Warranty details vary depending on the dealer, with standard 3-year parts and labour and optional extended packages.

6. Installation & After-care

Both brands are installed via Multicare offering a full service and repair service on all models..

7. Stairlift Pros

Handicare:
Pros:
- Comfortable seat designs
- Battery backup
- Wide dealer network
- Reliable performance

Platinum:
Pros:
- Lower starting prices
- Heavy-duty and curved options
- Innovative features
- UK-built, custom-fit

8. Who Should Choose Which Brand?

Choose Handicare if:
- You want a reputable global brand
- You prefer user-friendly, classic features
- You are installing a straight or mildly curved lift
- You need a moderate weight limit

Choose Platinum if:
- You require a bespoke solution
- You need heavy-duty capacity
- You value innovative features
- You prefer a hand-built UK product

9. Final Verdict

Both Handicare and Platinum produce high-quality stairlifts that enhance mobility and independence. Handicare offers trusted accessibility with a global support network, ideal for straightforward indoor installations. Platinum delivers precision-engineered, bespoke lifts for complex, heavy-duty, or outdoor needs with innovative features.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on staircase layout, user weight, budget, preferred features, and local dealer support. Whichever you choose, a free home assessment by a certified installer is essential to ensure the best fit for your home and lifestyle.