What Is a Stiltz Lift and How Does It Work?
As an installer who has worked with countless homes, I can tell you that a Stiltz lift is one of the most versatile through-floor elevators available. It moves you safely between two floors on self-supporting rails, so you don’t need load-bearing walls. The drive motor sits neatly in the lift car roof, avoiding the need for a pit, machine room, or bulky hydraulics.
It plugs into a standard 13-amp socket and runs on a self-contained electric drive system. That means faster installation, minimal disruption to your home, and a footprint small enough for corners, stairwell voids, or even converted cupboards. For homeowners comparing options, Stiltz lifts are often chosen for their compact design and straightforward installation.
Stiltz Lift Models and Features
Duo+
The Duo+ has the smallest footprint in the Stiltz lifts range at just 0.8m² and carries two people. Its clear-sided cabin and curved shape blend into interiors, and we’ve fitted it in tight spaces like stairwell voids and underutilised corners.
Trio+
The Trio+ is larger, with a footprint of 1.44m², and comfortably accommodates a full-sized wheelchair or three passengers. Wide entry, a level-access ramp, and an optional automatic door make it a strong choice for mobility needs. It meets BS EN 81-41 and BS5900:2012 safety standards.
Other Variants
- Classic – Solid-sided, entry-level design in Duo or Trio sizes.
- Vista – Clear car body for a modern, light-filled look.
- Thru-Car – Doors on both sides for through access.
Quick model guide:
- Duo+: 0.8 m² footprint, 2 people, compact design.
- Trio+: 1.44 m² footprint, 3 people or wheelchair, wide entry, optional auto door.
Where a Stiltz Lift Fits Best
We’ve installed Stiltz lifts in living room corners, hallways, cupboards, wardrobes, stairwell voids, and garages. This flexibility makes them ideal even for homes with tricky layouts.
With a Stiltz lift, you avoid carrying heavy laundry upstairs or worrying about guests tackling steep stairs. Some clients add one to help ageing parents move safely around their home; others install them to increase property value before selling. Stiltz lifts are also popular in downsizing projects where homeowners want to maintain independence in a smaller home.
Siting & First-Fix Checklist
The Duo+ footprint is 0.8 m²; the Trio+ is 1.44 m² for wheelchair access. Both run from a standard 13-amp socket with the drive equipment concealed in the car roof—no pit, machine room or load-bearing wall required. Typical placements include a corner of a room, a stairwell void, a cupboard or wardrobe, or from a garage up to the hall. We confirm aperture size, electrical provision, and fixing points at survey so your builder can prepare quickly.
How Much Does a Stiltz Lift Cost?
Prices for the Eco Range start at about £12,000. Final cost depends on:
- Model choice
- Custom finishes like carpet, rail colour, and handrails
- Extras such as automatic doors or uninterrupted power supply
- Any building adjustments, like moving pipes or wiring
Funding, Grants and VAT Relief
If you’re adapting your home for accessibility, you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). This involves an occupational therapist’s assessment and local authority approval. Qualifying users can also claim VAT relief on domestic adaptations. We guide you through both processes so you don’t miss out on financial help. For homeowners adapting for disability, the Disabled Facilities Grant comes via your local council and doesn’t affect existing benefits; some qualifying works can also be zero-rated for VAT under HMRC rules.
Running Costs and Energy Efficiency
Stiltz lifts use no more electricity than a toaster when running, with very low standby draw. This keeps annual costs manageable. We assess energy using ISO 25745-2, which estimates annual consumption and assigns efficiency classes across lift types. During your survey we can model trips per day and standby profile so you know the likely kWh/year for your home.
Power Cuts: What the Lift Does
Every Stiltz lift includes a battery backup. If the mains fails while you’re travelling, the car descends gently to the lower level so you can step out. For clients who need extra resilience, we can specify an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) so you can make several journeys during a prolonged outage.
Noise & Ride Feel
Stiltz lifts use a self-contained electric drive, not hydraulics, so the cabin experience is quiet and smooth. In practice, clients describe normal conversation levels during travel. We review adjacent rooms at survey and, if needed, specify simple isolation details so nearby bedrooms or studies stay calm.
Installation Process and Timeline
We start with a site survey, confirm design details, and arrange for a qualified builder to create the ceiling aperture. Our engineers usually complete installation in a single day. On the day, we position the lift, connect power, test all safety features, and walk you through operation. You might only need light decorating afterwards. Stiltz lifts often appeal to homeowners who want a swift upgrade without weeks of building disruption.
Safety and Compliance
Safety features include full-height light curtains, obstruction sensors, secure locks, and emergency stop controls. The Trio+ meets BS EN 81-41 and BS 5900:2012 safety standards.
Maintenance & Lifespan
A well-maintained home lift delivers many years of reliable service. Stiltz recommends regular servicing (annual as a baseline) to keep safety systems, batteries, and controls in top condition. Industry bodies also highlight periodic inspections for passenger-carrying lifts; frequency depends on usage and local rules, so we set a service plan at handover that matches your household pattern. Typical visits include testing interlocks and safety edges, checking charging systems for the battery backup, and inspecting rails and fixings. If you prefer hands-off ownership, we can bundle aftercare with scheduled visits so you never miss a check.
Why Choose a Stiltz Lift from Morgan Ellis?
As an official Stiltz partner, Morgan Ellis offers the full range with complete installation, aftercare, and customisation. Visit our Sky House Design Centre showroom in Amersham to ride the lifts, check finishes under natural light, and discuss your project with specialists who’ve handled everything from listed buildings to modern penthouses.
We manage your project from start to finish — design, building coordination, installation, and servicing — ensuring your lift fits seamlessly with your home. Clients consistently choose us for our knowledge, efficiency, and dedication to delivering the perfect Stiltz lifts experience.
Transform Your Home with a Stiltz Lift from Morgan Ellis
A Stiltz lift makes life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. When you choose Morgan Ellis, you get expert advice, hands-on guidance, and aftercare to keep your lift performing year after year.
Book your Stiltz lifts consultation today, explore the Duo+, Trio+, and other models in person, and find the perfect match for your home.