The Benefits of a Modular Curved Stairlift

When a staircase has bends, turns or landings, a straight stairlift won’t be suitable.

In these cases, a curved stairlift is required. Curved stairlifts are designed to follow the shape of the staircase rather than running in a single straight line.

One popular curved stairlift option is the Acorn 180, also known as the Brooks 180, which uses a modular track system.

What is a curved stairlift?

A curved stairlift is designed for staircases that don’t run straight from top to bottom.

This includes staircases with:

• One or more turns
• Intermediate landings
• Changes in direction

Many curved stairlifts use bespoke rails that are made specifically for the staircase. These systems are very precise and are often chosen for more complex layouts or where a tailored fit is required.

The Acorn 180 curved stairlift

The Acorn 180 is a curved stairlift manufactured by Acorn Stairlifts in the UK.

It’s also commonly referred to as the Brooks 180, but both names refer to the same stairlift system using the same rail and components.

More details about the system itself can be found on the Acorn 180 curved stairlift page.

A modular curved stairlift option

What makes the Acorn 180 slightly different to many other curved stairlifts is its modular track design.

Instead of using a fully bespoke rail, the Acorn 180 uses pre-engineered track sections that are assembled to suit the staircase layout. This allows flexibility while still providing a smooth and secure ride.

Both modular and bespoke curved stairlifts have their place, depending on the staircase design and the needs of the user.

Installation times and availability

Because the Acorn 180 uses modular components, it can often be installed more quickly than some bespoke curved systems.

In many cases:

• The track can be assembled in the home within 4–6 hours
• There is less waiting time for components
• The stairlift may be installed within days of ordering, subject to availability

This can be particularly helpful where a curved stairlift is needed sooner rather than later.

New, reconditioned and rental options

Another benefit of the modular design is flexibility.

At Trent Stairlifts, we supply the Acorn 180:

• Brand new
• Reconditioned
• On a rental basis, where suitable

Because the track sections can be reused, reconditioned Acorn 180 stairlifts are often available, which can help reduce overall costs for some customers.

A practical and sustainable choice

The ability to reuse modular track sections means less waste compared to one-off rails, which is a positive from both an environmental and cost perspective.

For customers where the Acorn 180 suits the staircase layout, it can be a practical and efficient solution without long lead times.

If you’re unsure whether a modular or bespoke curved stairlift would be more suitable, you can get some advice or a quote following a home survey.

Final thoughts

The Acorn 180, also known as the Brooks 180, offers a flexible approach to curved stairlifts.

Its modular design allows quicker availability and reuse, while bespoke curved stairlifts remain an excellent option for staircases that require a fully tailored rail.

Choosing the right curved stairlift comes down to the staircase layout, timescales and individual needs.