Dolphin Stairlifts in the UK: Costs, Types & Reviews

• Dolphin Stairlift costs range from £1,650 to £4,000 for new straight models, while curved models can exceed £8,000. Used models start at £900.
• Dolphin offers a variety of stairlift types, including straight, curved, outdoor, and specialised models for narrow staircases or higher weight capacities.
• Customer reviews are generally positive, with Dolphin maintaining a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot UK, including 82% 5-star reviews.

Dolphin Stairlifts is a well-established provider of mobility solutions in the UK, offering a range of stairlifts to meet various needs and budgets. With over 30 years of experience, Dolphin has built a reputation for delivering quality products and excellent customer service.

Dolphin Mobility, including Dolphin Stairlifts, is a leading UK and Ireland supplier of mobility products with branches across the regions. Their operations span Surrey, London, and the Home Counties (headquartered in Chobham, Surrey), the West Midlands (based in Cradley, Halesowen), East Anglia (in Felixstowe, Suffolk), and the South of England (in West Moors, Dorset). They also serve the North East, covering Newcastle, Gateshead, and surrounding areas, and have a presence in Ireland, with a base in Galway.

While Dolphin Stairlifts provides excellent options for many, it’s worth exploring if you’re eligible for NHS assistance with stairlift costs. The NHS may provide support for stairlifts in certain circumstances, depending on your health needs and financial situation.

The next step is finding out which stairlift is best for your home. Instead of spending hours doing endless research by yourself, we offer a great shortcut. Receive up to 4 free non-binding quotes from our network of vetted installers. It takes less than a minute! Click the button below to begin.

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Dolphin Stairlifts model range

Dolphin Stairlifts offer types of stairlift that cater to various needs and staircase configurations. As an independent supplier, Dolphin partners with leading manufacturers like Stannah, Brooks, Handicare, and Platinum to provide a diverse range of options, ensuring that customers can find the perfect solution for their homes and mobility requirements.

Straight stairlifts

Straight stairlifts are ideal for homes with simple, straight staircases. These models are suitable for individuals who have difficulty climbing stairs but can sit comfortably. The following straight stairlift models are offered by Dolphin Stairlifts:

• Handicare 1100: A slim and compact model, perfect for narrow staircases.
• Stannah Siena 600: The most popular model and this seat is compatible with Stannah’s straight 600 stairlift rail and curved 260 stairlift rails
• Thyssen HomeGlide: Built in soft start/stop and remote control settings compatible.

To explore the full range of straight options offered by Dolphin Stairlifts in your area, please visit their local website.

Curved stairlifts

Curved stairlifts are designed for staircases with bends, corners, or multiple landings. These are suitable for homes with more complex stair layouts. Dolphin Stairlifts offer the following curved models for their customers:

• Stannah Curved: A popular choice known for its reliability and smooth operation.
• Handicare FreeCurve: A single-rail system that offers a sleek appearance.
• Thyssen Flow X: Ideal for narrow, winding staircases due to its innovative articulated rail design.
• Platinum Ultimate Curved: A premium option with luxurious features and customisation options.

To get a detailed overview of curved options offered by Dolphin Stairlifts in your specific region, it is advisable to consult their local website.

Outdoor stairlifts

Outdoor stairlifts are weatherproof models designed to provide access to gardens, patios, or entrances with external steps. Dolphin Stairlifts offers Handicare 2000 Outdoor, a durable option built to withstand various weather conditions.

Specialised stairlifts

These models within the Dolphin Stairlifts range cater to specific needs or challenging staircase configurations.

• Stand and perch stairlifts: SP100 Stand and Perch is suitable for users who have difficulty bending their knees.
• Heavy-duty stairlifts: Homeadapt Elite is designed for users requiring a higher weight capacity.
• Narrow staircase models: Models like Flow 2 Auto Swivelling Stairlift, specifically engineered for homes with limited staircase width.
• Children stairlift: The new Child Seat from Stannah Stairlifts can be tailored to the child’s particular needs and size, and can be made to fit practically any type of stairs – straight, curved or narrow.

By offering such a diverse range of stairlift models, Dolphin Stairlifts ensures that they can accommodate the unique needs of various users, from those requiring basic mobility assistance to individuals with more complex requirements.

Dolphin Stairlift prices in the UK

Dolphin Stairlift offers a range of stairlifts and can cost an average of £1,650-£6,000. The cost of stairlift varies depending on the type of stairlift, installation requirements, and additional features. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Dolphin Stairlift costs in the UK, including purchase, installation, and maintenance expenses.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact the supplier for the most up-to-date information.

Additional features and costs

Dolphin offers various optional features to enhance the comfort and functionality of their stairlifts. These additions can increase the overall cost but may provide significant benefits for users with specific needs.

• Powered swivel seat: £250 – £350
• Powered footrest: £150 – £250
• Hinged rail: £300 – £500
• Heavy-duty model (for users over 120kg): £500 – £1,000
• Custom upholstery: £100 – £300

Warranty information

Dolphin typically provides a comprehensive warranty for their stairlifts, ensuring peace of mind for customers:

• New stairlifts: 2-year parts and labour warranty
• Reconditioned stairlifts: 1-year parts and labour warranty

Extended warranty options are available for an additional cost, usually ranging from £50 to £150 per year, depending on the stairlift model and coverage level.

It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the complexity of installation and specific customisation requirements.

Advantages & disadvantages of Dolphin Stairlifts

Dolphin Stairlifts has established itself as a prominent provider of mobility solutions in the UK. As with any product or service, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing Dolphin Stairlifts. Let’s examine the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages

Dolphin Stairlifts offers several benefits that have contributed to their positive reputation in the market:

• Wide range of options: Dolphin supplies stairlifts from various manufacturers like Stannah, Handicare, Platinum and more, ensuring a solution for straight, curved, outdoor, spiral and every staircase and user need.
• Excellent customer service: Their 4.6/5 Trustpilot UK rating, with 82% 5-star reviews, reflects their commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Extensive showroom experience: Dolphin Stairlifts operates multiple showrooms across the UK, including the largest in Newcastle.
• Free removal service: They offer free removal of purchased stairlifts, saving customers additional costs and hassle. They can remove units not purchased from them, potentially for a small fee, and may buy back second-hand units under 3 years old in good condition for refurbishment and resale.
• Local presence: With multiple branches across the UK, Dolphin ensures localised service and support from DBS-checked engineers.

Disadvantages

Despite the many advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Higher costs for curved models: Curved stairlifts can exceed £8,000, which may be prohibitive for some budgets.
• Potential wait times: As an independent supplier, there might be longer wait times for specific models compared to direct manufacturers.
• Limited own-brand options: Dolphin primarily resells other brands, which may affect long-term support for discontinued models.
• Installation complexities: Some homes may require additional modifications, potentially increasing costs and installation time.
• Limited rental options: Only models available for rental are the ones used in straight staircases. This is because of practical reasons wherein the amount of creating a custom-made rail for the curved stairlifts is too expensive.

By weighing these advantages and disadvantages, you can determine whether Dolphin Stairlifts is the right choice for your mobility needs. Their wide range of options and strong customer service record make them a compelling option, but it’s essential to consider your specific requirements and budget constraints.

Whilst all these tips and estimates can point you towards the right stairlift, the only way to find out exactly what is the most appropriate for your house is to get expert advice from a professional stairlift installer. However, finding the right installer could take hours of your time and a lot of effort if you opt to do the research yourself.

Fortunately, there’s an easier way. Dolphin offers free, no-obligation stairlift quotes to provide accurate pricing based on each customer’s unique situation. We can help you with this by quickly connecting you with up to 4 qualified installers in your local area hassle-free. You can then compare their quotes and choose the best price. Click the button below to get your free, non-binding quotes.

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Dolphin Stairlift customer reviews

Dolphin Stairlifts has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers across various platforms. These testimonials highlight the company’s commitment to quality service, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. Let’s explore what customers are saying about their experiences with Dolphin Stairlifts.

Customers consistently praise Dolphin for their excellent service, high-quality products, and the positive impact their stairlifts have had on their lives. Here are some key themes from customer reviews:

Improved quality of life

Many customers report significant improvements in their daily lives after installing a Dolphin stairlift. Here is what come of them have to say:

• “I can now get upstairs after spending 7 months sleeping on the ground floor”.
• “The stairlift has enabled me to get upstairs and bathe my two very young children again after 4 months of not being able to. It has made all our lives so much better”.
• “Dolphin has changed my life completely. I now no longer worry about going up and down the stairs and breaking bones”.

Excellent service

Customers frequently commend Dolphin’s service quality. Here is what they say:

• “Dolphin offered excellent service throughout. Very happy with my stairlift”.
• “Quality product, excellent service throughout. Would be happy to recommend it to family and friends”.
• “Fantastic service from everyone; didn’t know what to expect but really happy with everything”.

Professional and caring staff

Many reviews like the ones below highlight the professionalism and kindness of Dolphin’s staff:

• “If I could give Gary more than 5 stars, I would! He was so professional, thoughtful, detail-oriented, and thorough when he came to fit the stairlift”.
• “The fitter (Gary) who came to install the stairlift was extremely helpful and respectful. He performed the fitting without any fuss and instructed my elderly mother on the use of the stairlift very well”.

Overall customer satisfaction

Dolphin Stairlifts has achieved impressive ratings across various review platforms:

• On Trustpilot UK, they have a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with 82% of reviewers giving them a 5-star rating.
• Which?, a leading UK industry magazine, rates Dolphin highly with an overall rating of 75%.

These ratings demonstrate Dolphin’s consistent commitment to customer satisfaction and quality service.

Areas of excellence

Customers particularly appreciate Dolphin for:

• Reliability and efficiency in service
• Professionalism and expertise of their engineers
• High-quality products and installations
• Excellent customer service throughout the process
• Comprehensive approach from consultation to after-sales support

While the vast majority of reviews are positive, it’s worth noting that there is always room for improvement. Some customers have suggested areas such as price transparency and communication speed could be enhanced. However, these minor points do not detract from the overall positive experiences reported by the majority of customers.

How do Dolphin Stairlifts compare to other brands?

Dolphin Stairlifts, as a supplier and installer rather than a manufacturer, offers a unique position in the market by providing a range of stairlifts from various brands. This allows customers to choose from a wide selection of models to suit their specific needs. Let’s compare Dolphin’s offerings with other major stairlift manufacturers in the UK:

Dolphin Stairlifts stands out for its ability to offer a diverse range of stairlifts from multiple manufacturers, including some of the brands listed above. This flexibility allows Dolphin to cater to a wide variety of customer needs and preferences, potentially offering more competitive pricing and a broader selection than single-brand retailers.

While Dolphin’s pricing is competitive, it’s worth noting that as a reseller, their prices may sometimes be higher than buying directly from manufacturers. However, this is often offset by their comprehensive service, including free home assessments, professional stairlift installation, and ongoing maintenance support.

In terms of customer satisfaction, Dolphin’s Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 is on par with major manufacturers like Acorn Stairlifts and slightly below Stannah Stairlifts. This suggests a high level of customer satisfaction with their service and products.

Overall, Dolphin Stairlifts offers a compelling option for those who value choice and personalised service, with the ability to compare different brands and models to find the best fit for their specific needs and budget.

Should I get a Dolphin Stairlift?

If you’re considering a stairlift to improve mobility and independence in your home, Dolphin Stairlifts are certainly worth exploring. With decades of experience in the industry, Dolphin has established itself as a reputable provider of accessibility solutions. Here’s why you might want to consider a Dolphin stairlift:

Quality and reliability

Dolphin Stairlifts are known for their robust construction and dependable performance. The company partners with leading manufacturers to offer a range of high-quality options.

Customisation options

Every home is unique, and Dolphin Stairlifts understands this. They offer a variety of stairlifts to suit different stair configurations, including straight, curved, and outdoor models.

Expert installation and service

Dolphin’s team of experienced professionals ensures proper installation and provides ongoing maintenance support, giving you peace of mind.

Local presence

With numerous local branches across the UK, Dolphin offers personalised service and quick response times for installations and repairs.

An essential thing to do before investing in a new stairlift is to compare prices and suppliers. Examining stairlift reviews can be tiresome and a daunting task that takes up hours of your time. Luckily, we can make this daunting task easier for you. Simply complete our 30-second form and you’ll receive up to 4 free quotes from qualified installers available in your area, which you can then objectively compare. Click the button below to begin.

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