Liftak stanchion-mounted incline platform lift at the base of an outdoor staircase, with the checker-plate ramp lowered onto a concrete terrace.

StepLifts®

What Are Step Lifts

Types

Costs

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Garden Lifts

Step Lifts, Platform Lifts & Outdoor Stairifts Compared

Home › Incline Platform Lifts

StepLifts®

What Are Step Lifts

Types

Costs

Get a Brochure

Garden Lifts

Step Lifts, Platform Lifts & Outdoor Stairifts Compared

Home › Incline Platform Lifts

Need help getting up a step, slope, or flight of stairs in your garden? This guide compares the three main types of garden lift — outdoor step lifts, incline platform lifts, and outdoor stairlifts — including the makes and models available, what each costs, and how to get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted UK installer.

Incline Platform Lifts

WhatIstheElevateGlide?

The Elevate Glide is an incline platform lift — sometimes called an incline platform stairlift — that travels along a rail fixed directly to an existing staircase using a rack and pinion drive system. Unlike a conventional stairlift, which seats the user on a small fold-down chair, the Glide carries the user on a platform together with their wheelchair or mobility aid. No transfer out of the wheelchair is required.

The Glide is suitable for both straight and curved staircases — the rail is custom-fabricated to follow the exact profile of the staircase it is fitted to, with a minimum rail length of 500mm and a maximum of 35 metres, covering everything from a short domestic staircase to a long commercial flight.

Platform Lift for Home UK

WhatIsaGardenLift?

A garden lift is any lift or stairlift designed for outdoor use, helping you reach a different level in your garden — whether that's a raised patio, a sloped driveway, a tiered garden, or steps leading from the house. There are three main types: outdoor step lifts for a single step or shallow rise, incline platform lifts that travel along an external staircase, and outdoor stairlifts for those who can transfer onto a seat. You can compare all of our wheelchair and mobility lift options on our wheelchair lifts page.

Which one suits your garden depends on whether you need to stay in a wheelchair throughout the journey, the size of the level change, and your budget. This guide covers the makes and models available for each, what to expect on price, and what to consider around powering an outdoor lift.

From £6,389 Outdoor Step Lifts

From £8,000 Incline Platform Lifts

From £2,500 Outdoor Stairlifts

Free & Independent Advice on Every Option

Bespoke Synergy outdoor straight stairlift with a red seat, installed on a stone garden staircase beside a patio with decorative cartwheels.

Homelifts & Cabin Lifts

Homelifts

Outdoor vertical platform lift with full glass enclosure installed against a red brick garden wall — stainless steel frame with anti-slip chequer plate platform at lower garden level

Indoor & Outdoor

Step Lifts

Indoor & Outdoor

Step Lifts

Vertical platform lift installed in a narrow external passageway between two brick walls at a UK residential property — anti-slip chequer plate platform at lower landing level with drive column and handrails visible

Indoor & Outdoor

Platform Stairlifts

Commercial & Residential

Outdoor Curved Stairlift

Outdoor step lift installed beside a brick staircase at a UK semi-detached home, providing wheelchair access from the driveway to the front door.

Indoor & Outdoor

Step Lifts

Commercial & Residential

Outdoor Straight Stairlift

Indoor & Outdoor

Platform Stairlifts

How It Works

Homelifts & Cabin Lifts

Outdoor Curved Stairlift

Indoor & Outdoor

Step Lifts

Commercial & Residential

Outdoor Straight Stairlift

Indoor & Outdoor

Platform Stairlifts

HowtheElevateGlideWorks

The platform folds flat against the wall or stair when not in use — 300mm clearance on leg mount, 245mm on wall mount

The user unfolds the platform and boards with their wheelchair or mobility aid
The arm and safety barrier are lowered into position
The user operates the controls and the platform travels along the rail via the rack and pinion drive
The anti-jamming safety switch and brake system continuously monitor the journey
The platform arrives at the top or bottom landing and the user exits

WhichGardenLiftIsRightforYou?

→ A single step, raised threshold, or shallow rise an outdoor step lift

→ A full flight of garden steps, staying in a wheelchair throughout → an incline platform lift

→ A full flight of garden steps, able to transfer onto a seat → an outdoor stairlift (straight or curved)

→ A wheelchair user who can't transfer onto a seat → a step lift or platform lift, not a stairlift

→ Curved or bending garden steps → a curved outdoor stairlift, such as the Handicare 4000 Outdoor

→ Not sure which applies to you? Our wheelchair lifts guide compares all the options side by side

FAQ

Beforeyoustart,herearesomeofthethingsmostclientswanttoknow.

Not finding what you need?

Reach out anytime. We're happy to answer any questions before you commit to working together. Contact us.

Platform Lift UK customer support team member — independent lift advice and enquiry handling

Jayne Wood

Lift Access Specialist

Ask a question

Can a wheelchair user use an outdoor stairlift?

Not directly. An outdoor stairlift carries a seated user, so anyone using one needs to transfer from their wheelchair onto the stairlift seat. If you need to stay in your wheelchair throughout, an outdoor step lift or incline platform lift is the better option.

What outdoor stairlift models are available?

Straight options include the Brooks 130 T700 Outdoor, Handicare 1000 Outdoor, and Bespoke Synergy Outdoor. For curved or bending garden steps, the Handicare 4000 Outdoor is a twin-rail curved option built to measure for your staircase.

How is an outdoor lift or stairlift powered?

It needs a power supply near the installation point — either fed from the property's existing electrics, or via a dedicated outdoor IP-rated socket fitted by your installer or a qualified electrician. Your installer will confirm the best option during a site survey.

What's the cheapest garden lift option?

Outdoor stairlifts are generally the most affordable option for those who can transfer onto a seat, starting from around £2,500. For wheelchair users, an outdoor step lift is usually the most cost-effective choice, starting from around £6,389.

Can garden lifts be left outside all year round?

Yes. Outdoor-rated step lifts, platform lifts and stairlifts are all built from weather-resistant materials, and outdoor stairlifts typically come with a protective cover for extra protection when not in use.

How do I get a quote?

Request our free brochure, get in touch with our team, or fill in our quick form to get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted UK installer.

Can a wheelchair user use an outdoor stairlift?

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Ifyouarelookingforahomelift,cabinlift,steplift,platformlift,ordumbwaiter—orsimplyneedadviceonwheretostart—PlatformLiftUKisheretohelp.

Reach out today and you’ll get a clear plan, honest advice, and a team that cares about the outcome as much as you do. Whether you prefer a quick call or a simple email, getting started is easy.

Contact

Ifyouarelookingforahomelift,cabinlift,steplift,platformlift,ordumbwaiter—orsimplyneedadviceonwheretostart—PlatformLiftUKisheretohelp.

Reach out today and you’ll get a clear plan, honest advice, and a team that cares about the outcome as much as you do. Whether you prefer a quick call or a simple email, getting started is easy.