Published 16 July 2026
Global accessibility manufacturer Savaria has launched a new straight stairlift for the UK market, expanding the range available to trade partners and, in turn, to homeowners shopping for a stairlift. The Savaria K2 is already an established seller across North America, and its arrival in the UK adds another option to a straight stairlift market long dominated by a handful of familiar names. The launch was reported by THIIS Magazine.
The K2 uses a rack and pinion drive system, the mechanism most commonly found in quality straight stairlifts, which drives the carriage along a toothed rail rather than relying on a cable or chain. Savaria says this delivers smooth, quiet and dependable travel over the long term. The unit is battery operated with built in charging, meaning it continues to work during a power cut, a feature that has become a standard expectation rather than a premium extra on new stairlifts sold in the UK.
Two specifications stand out for anyone assessing whether a stairlift will suit their staircase. The first is the swivel radius of 645mm as standard, which Savaria describes as an ultra slim profile. A narrow footprint matters most on staircases that double as a main route through the house, or where a partner, carer or wheelchair needs to pass the parked chair. The second is the maximum incline of 55 degrees. Many straight stairlifts top out well below that, so steeper Victorian and cottage staircases, which often defeat standard models, may be viable without moving to a bespoke curved rail. Curved installations typically cost considerably more, so a straight lift that copes with a steep run can make a real difference to the final price. Our guide to stairlift costs explains how straight and curved pricing compares.
Safety and diagnostics feature prominently in the specification. The K2 carries an LED diagnostic display that reports status at a glance, and the One Touch Alert two way voice communication system, which lets a user speak to someone if they need help while on the lift. Savaria also points to the ease of servicing as a selling point for its trade partners, saying the design is quick to install and simple to maintain, which reduces disruption in the home. Servicing costs and response times are worth asking about before you sign anything, and our stairlift servicing guide covers what to expect.
Jason Skelding, UK and Ireland Trade Sales Director at Savaria UK, said the K2 “offers a practical, highly customisable design with premium safety features that enhance independence while ensuring total peace of mind”, adding that for trade partners it is “straightforward to install, easy to service, and built to last”. The lift can be specified with a range of powered options and additional customisable features to suit individual staircases.
Savaria is not a new entrant to UK accessibility, even if the K2 badge is unfamiliar to most buyers. The company acquired Handicare in 2021 and Garaventa Lift in 2018, and it manufactures stairlifts for straight and curved stairs, vertical and inclined wheelchair lifts, and home lifts for domestic and commercial use. Handicare in particular has a long established UK installer network, which gives the K2 a route to market that a genuinely new brand would take years to build.
For buyers, more competition on straight stairlifts is generally good news. Straight models are the most commoditised part of the market and the segment where shopping around tends to pay off most. Prices vary widely between national brands and independent installers fitting the same or similar equipment, so it is worth gathering more than one stairlift quote and asking each supplier what warranty, callout and servicing terms are included. If your need is short term, following an operation or during recovery, stairlift rental can work out cheaper than buying outright. You can compare installers in your area through our find a company directory, and read background on models and buying considerations in our main stairlifts section.
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Published 16 July 2026
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