Top Stairlifts from Platinum and Thyssen: Models, Features, Prices & Installation

Choosing a stairlift is easier when you start with the staircase, the user’s mobility, and the level of aftercare you need. In this guide, Multicare Mobility Products compares the top stairlifts from Platinum and Thyssen, including straight, curved and outdoor choices, guide prices, key features, and what happens during installation.

Quick overview: Platinum vs Thyssen stairlifts

Platinum Stairlifts and Thyssen, now widely known as TK home solutions, are two strong choices for UK homes needing straight stairlifts, a curved stairlift, or outdoor stairlifts. Platinum is often chosen for bespoke engineering, high-capacity support and complex layouts; Thyssen is known for smooth operation, quiet operation, automation and modern design.

 

Multicare Mobility Products supplies, installs and services both Platinum and Thyssen stairlifts UK wide, including free surveys, fast fitting, repairs, rental options, reconditioned stairlift choices where suitable, and 24-hour breakdown support.

About Platinum Stairlifts

Platinum is a Yorkshire based manufacturer with around 25 years’ experience building custom stairlift solutions. platinum stairlifts cover straight, curved and outdoor use, with particular strength on narrow or steep staircases, steep staircases, and difficult curved stairs.

Platinum Stairlifts offers custom built models that can be tailored to individual needs, including options for power-assisted controls and adjustable seating. Platinum specializes in high capacity, heavy duty lifting and bespoke, adjustable seating positions, while emphasising user comfort and ergonomic design to reduce strain on the body.

Platinum also focuses on posture support and space savings at the bottom of the track. Its rails are normally fixed to the stair treads rather than the wall, which reduces mess, avoids major structural work and makes the installation process cleaner. Multicare works with Platinum to specify, fit and maintain different models, including reconditioned options when available.

Platinum stairlift models & key features

The core Platinum range includes Horizon for straight and outdoor use, Curve for curved staircases, and Ultimate for premium curved models. Platinum offers extensive customization catering specifically to heavier users and special ergonomic needs, with upholstery choices, powered controls, and space saving rail options.

Platinum Horizon – best for straight & outdoor stairs

Horizon is Platinum’s straight model, designed for straight staircases and straight stairs, with an outdoor version for front access or garden steps. It uses a straight rail, foldable seat and footrest, lever assisted footrest, optional powered swivel seats, remote controls, safety belt, obstruction sensors, and several upholstery choices.

It is well suited to standard UK homes, narrow stairs and limited space where the folded footprint matters. The usual weight capacity is around 22 stone / 140 kg. The outdoor version uses weather resistant materials for changing weather conditions and can often be fitted to concrete, tiled or wooden steps. From survey to fitting, many straight units can be installed quickly, with the installation itself usually taking 2 to 4 hours.

Platinum Curve – tailored for curved staircases

Platinum Curve is made for curved staircases with bends, turns and intermediate landings. It uses bespoke curved rails, often with a twin-rail layout, measured to match the staircase precisely.

Its features include a smooth ride around tight corners, lever-assisted footrest, manual or powered swivel, safety sensors, battery backup for power cuts, and around 21.5 to 22 stone capacity depending on configuration. It suits older homes, curved stairs and narrow staircases where measuring accuracy is crucial. Because every rail is custom made, stairlift cost and lead time depend on corners, gradient changes and overall length.

Platinum Ultimate – premium curved stairlift for narrow stairs

Platinum Ultimate is the flagship option for very narrow staircases, heavy duty use and complex stair layouts. Platinum Ultimate is designed for heavy duty use with a unique ability to handle complex stair layouts while maintaining comfort.

The Platinum’s Ultimate model supports up to 160 kg (25 stone) safely and offers forward facing travel capabilities. Forward Facing Travel helps users with limited knee bend, hip discomfort or vertigo travel in a more natural position. First Step Start reduces rail intrusion at the bottom, helping where doors, hallways or family members need more clearance.

The Ultimate also offers a single rail design that hugs the staircase, adjustable seat, arms and footrest, joystick or rocker controls, and strong safety features. It is usually recommended after a detailed Multicare survey for homes where other brands may struggle.

About Thyssen / TK Home Solutions stairlifts

Thyssen stairlifts are now sold under the TK Home Solutions name, backed by more than 60 years of engineering experience. A Thyssen stairlift is often chosen for smooth travel, compact rails, high-tech automation and a premium finish.

Thyssen stairlifts are designed for various staircase types, including straight, curved, and narrow staircases, providing flexibility for different home layouts. Popular UK models include the TKE S100, S100 Outdoor, S200 curved, Flow X, Homeglide, Flow 2 and legacy Levant/Comfort models.

Thyssen stairlifts often feature a modern aesthetic with customisable rail and upholstery options, providing a luxury feel. Multicare supplies selected new and nearly-new Thyssen/TK products and provides ongoing servicing, repair and support.

Thyssen stairlift models & key features

The best Thyssen model depends on staircase type, not just brand preference. Below are guide prices only; final installation costs depend on survey findings, options and site complexity.

TKE S100 – straight indoor stairlift

The S100 is a straight indoor stairlift for straight staircases with no bends. It has a comfortable seat, simple joystick or rocker controls, remote controls, safety belt, obstruction sensors and compact folding parts.

Pros include quick installation, lower price than curved models and good fit for most standard homes. Cons are that it only works on straight rails and has fewer customisable options than premium products. Prices for Thyssen stairlifts typically start at £1,715 for straight models and can exceed £5,950 for curved models, depending on customization and installation complexity; in practice, many new S100 installations sit around £2,000 to £3,000.

TKE S100 Outdoor – straight outdoor stairlift

The S100 Outdoor uses the same platform as the indoor model but adds waterproof covers, treated rail parts, lockable controls and components built for UK weather. It suits front steps, garden access and garage to door stairs where scooters or wheelchairs cannot safely manage steps.

Pricing depends on stair length, step condition, drainage and power supply. Multicare checks all of this during the survey.

TKE S200 – premium curved stairlift for complex stairs

The S200, formerly Flow X, is Thyssen’s premium curved model for spiral stairs, curved staircases, tight bends and landings. The S200 / Flow X features patented ASL (Advanced Swivel and Levelling) technology that allows the seat and footrest to automatically turn and level during movement, accommodating staircases as narrow as 610 mm (24 inches).

Thyssen uses high-tech automation to navigate architectural challenges by turning the seat during transit. The Flow X is recognized for its automated operation and continuous chair rotation, ideal for users with mobility challenges. It offers a custom rail, smooth start/stop, compact folding seat and rail colour choices.

Its strengths are a comfortable ride, quiet movement and strong engineering for high traffic homes. Its drawbacks are higher upfront cost, often from around £5,500–£6,000 installed, and longer manufacture time for curved rails.

Flow 2, Homeglide & legacy Thyssen models

Flow 2 is an earlier Thyssenkrupp stairlift for straight and curved layouts on a single rail and may be available as a reconditioned stairlift. Homeglide is a simple straight range, including Homeglide Extra, for customers wanting reliability and slimline rails.

Levant/Comfort are value-focused straight models sometimes found second-hand. Multicare can advise whether a new stairlift or reconditioned option is sensible based on spare parts, safety standards and long term reliability.

Comparing Platinum vs Thyssen stairlifts

Both brands offer an extensive range of straight and curved staircases solutions, but they solve problems differently. Platinum offers bespoke solutions for unique home designs whereas Thyssen focuses on fast-installation, high tech products.

Platinum excels where significant adjustment is needed. For stairlifts requiring significant adjustment and customisation, Platinum is preferred over pre-engineered solutions often associated with Thyssen. Thyssen (Access BDD) is known for premium German engineering, contemporary aesthetics, and patented swivel technology for narrow staircases.

Thyssen’s Flow X is designed for very narrow staircases, leveraging advanced engineering for complex bends. Thyssen stairlifts are noted for their automated features such as power swivel seats, optimizing usability in tight spaces. In comparisons, Thyssen stairlifts are recognized for their modern engineering and quieter operation, whereas Platinum stairlifts are highlighted for their ergonomic design and safety features.

Both Thyssen and Platinum stairlifts include safety features such as automatic stop sensors and safety belts to enhance user protection during operation. Many manufacturers and other brands offer the same features on paper, but the right stairlift depends on fit, aftercare and the user’s specific needs.

Which stairlift suits your staircase type?

Start with your stairs:

• straight staircases: Platinum Horizon, TKE S100 or Homeglide.

• curved staircases: Platinum Curve, Platinum Ultimate, S200 or Flow 2.

• very narrow stairs: Platinum Ultimate, S200 / Flow X, or specialist alternatives.

• outdoor steps: Platinum Horizon Outdoor or TKE S100 Outdoor.

• heavy users or special posture needs: Platinum Ultimate is often a strong match.

A Multicare surveyor checks width, headroom, doors, radiators, low windows and landing space. Expert suppliers can provide guidance for selecting stairlifts appropriate for home specifications. In rare cases, standing/perching lifts or through-floor mobility solutions may be discussed.

Typical prices, additional costs & value for money

Curved stairlifts generally cost more than straight stairlifts because the rail is bespoke, with each additional corner in the staircase potentially increasing the initial price.

The average price for a new stairlift in the UK is approximately £3,500, with straight stairlifts averaging £3,375 and curved stairlifts around £4,750. As a guide, straight stairlifts often start from roughly £2,000 to £3,500 installed, while curved stairlifts often range from £4,500 to £7,000+ depending on complexity, model and additional features.

Common additional costs include powered swivel seats, powered hinged rails, custom rail colours, extra call stations, outdoor weatherproofing, upholstery choices and extended warranties. To save money, compare prices for new, reconditioned and rental options, but always check warranty length and spare-parts support. Eligible customers may also explore VAT relief on mobility equipment or Disabled Facilities Grant support.

Installation process with Multicare

Multicare’s installation process is designed to be quick, clean and minimally disruptive.

• Free home survey and advice.

• Written personalised quote with all costs.

• Order and manufacture, especially for a curved stairlift.

• Installation by trained engineers.

• Testing, handover and user demonstration.

A stairlift surveyor will conduct a thorough assessment of the staircase to ensure the stairlift can be fitted without issues, which usually includes measuring the staircase and discussing the user’s needs. The installation process for straight stairlifts typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, while curved stairlifts may require more time due to the complexity of the installation.

Rails are usually fixed to stair treads, not the wall. Once the installation is complete, the stairlift is tested to ensure it operates smoothly and safely, and the installer typically provides a demonstration of how to use it.

Customer feedback, reliability & aftercare

Customer feedback for both brands is generally positive. Thyssen stairlifts are often chosen for their smooth ride and strong engineering, while Platinum is recognised for its customer service and custom built options. Thyssen stairlifts are praised for their reliability and long term performance, often lasting over ten years with routine servicing, while Platinum stairlifts are noted for their innovative features and customisation options.

Routine annual servicing is typically required for most stairlift models to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Many lifts last 10 to15 years with regular servicing. Replacement parts for stairlifts are generally widely available, which helps reduce waiting times for repairs. Battery replacement is an important aspect of stairlift maintenance, with costs ranging from approximately £85 to £300 depending on the type of battery used.

Multicare provides planned servicing, repairs, 24-hour breakdown support, and help with removal or reconditioning when a stairlift is no longer needed.

How Multicare helps you choose between Platinum and Thyssen

There is no single best stairlift company or universal best model. The right choice depends on the staircase, user comfort, budget, timescale and long-term support.

Multicare assesses curved stairs, narrow, outdoor access, weight capacity, posture, family use and safety needs before recommending Platinum, Thyssen or another suitable option. If you want excellent customer service, transparent advice and a fixed quote, book a free Multicare home survey by phone or online form. We will help make life easier with a safe, reliable stairlift matched to your home.