The short answer
An electric garage door typically costs £1,200–£3,000 supplied and fitted in 2026, with automation adding roughly £300–£800 over the equivalent manual door. A new automated roller or sectional door is the most common choice; retrofitting a motor to an existing up-and-over or sectional door is usually cheaper but depends on the door being sound and suitable. A powered garage door is classed as machinery, so it must meet safety requirements and carry CE or UKCA marking. These are typical illustrations, not quotes — see the pillar cost guide for figures by door type.
Electric operation is one of the most requested upgrades on a new garage door, both for the convenience of opening from the car and for the security an automated lock can add. This guide sets out realistic 2026 supply-and-fit ranges for electric doors, explains the difference between a new automated door and a retrofit motor, and covers the safety obligations that come with a powered door. All figures are typical illustrations rather than quotes, and a powered garage door should be installed and commissioned by a DHF-accredited garage door installer.
Electric door costs at a glance
- Automation uplift (over manual) £300–£800
- New electric roller door (fitted) £1,200–£2,500+
- New electric sectional door (fitted) £1,500–£3,500+
- Retrofit motor to existing door £300–£700
- Classed as Machinery — CE/UKCA marked
- Must have Obstruction detection
What an electric garage door costs
Buying a new door with automation, the most common route, typically costs £1,200–£3,000 or more fitted depending on the door type — an electric roller door usually lands £1,200–£2,500, an electric insulated sectional £1,500–£3,500 or more. Retrofitting an electric operator to a suitable existing up-and-over or sectional door is generally cheaper, around £300–£700, provided the door is in good condition and the right type for a motor. The motor specification, the number of remotes, and any smart or smartphone control affect the figure.
| Option | Typical cost (fitted) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Automation uplift on a new door | £300–£800 | Added to the manual door price |
| New electric roller door | £1,200–£2,500+ | Motor often built into the headbox |
| New electric sectional door | £1,500–£3,500+ | Usually insulated, higher security |
| Retrofit motor to existing door | £300–£700 | Door must be sound and suitable |
Powered-door safety and marking
A powered garage door is treated as machinery under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations. That means it must meet essential safety requirements, carry CE or UKCA marking, and come with a declaration of conformity. In practice this includes force limitation and obstruction detection, so the door reverses or stops if something is in its path, plus a manual release in case of power failure. A DHF-accredited installer is trained to install, force-test and commission powered doors to these requirements. This is the main reason a powered door should not be a DIY job. For the wider comparison, see electric vs manual garage doors.
What affects the price
The door type is the biggest driver — an insulated sectional with automation costs more than an automated roller, which costs more than a basic up-and-over with a retrofit motor. Beyond that, the motor power and brand, the number of remotes or keypads, smart-home integration, and any wiring work all add. A retrofit is only worthwhile if the existing door is sound; if it is tired or damaged, a new automated door may be better value — see garage door repair or replace. Get at least three itemised quotes and compare on the same door type, motor and safety spec. This is general information; your figure depends on your garage and the quotes you receive.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to make a garage door electric?
Adding electric operation generally costs £300–£800 over a manual door on a new installation, or £300–£700 to retrofit a motor to a suitable existing door. The motor, number of remotes and any smart control affect the figure. These are typical illustrations, not quotes.
Can any garage door be made electric?
Many up-and-over, roller and sectional doors can be automated, but the door must be sound and the right type for a motor. An installer will check suitability during the survey. If the existing door is tired, a new automated door can be better value than a retrofit.
Are electric garage doors safe?
A powered garage door is classed as machinery and must meet safety requirements, carry CE/UKCA marking, and include obstruction detection and a manual release. A DHF-accredited installer force-tests and commissions the door so it stops or reverses on an obstruction. Correct installation is what makes them safe.
Do electric garage doors work in a power cut?
Yes — a powered door includes a manual release so you can open it by hand during a power cut. Some motors also offer a battery backup. The installer will show you how the manual release works when the door is commissioned.
Sources & further reading
- Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) — guidance on powered door safety, force-testing and accredited installers
- Manufacturer guidance — motor options, smart control and automation suitability
- Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations — safety requirements and CE/UKCA marking for powered doors
- Trade guidance — typical UK supply-and-fit costs for electric garage doors
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation, and not a quote. Costs vary with your garage, the door and motor you choose and your chosen installer. A powered garage door should be installed and commissioned by a DHF-accredited garage door installer. We are an independent information and introduction service, not an installer.