Best Stair Lift Companies

If you have had a recent health concern or surgery, or you’re just getting older, you may find yourself with a balance or mobility issue that limits your ability to get up and down your stairs. Stair lifts can help you continue to live independently in your home.

In this guide, learn about how stair lifts work, their features and how to choose the best stair lift for your needs.

Key insights

• Stair lifts come in different types and sizes, with add-on features available.
• It’s a good idea to consult with a licensed contractor before installing your stair lift to see if other home modifications are required.
• Stair lifts can come with a steep price tag, but there are options for financing, buying a refurbished one or renting.

A stair lift is a motorized device that rides along a staircase to help you go up and down the stairs securely. If you have mobility concerns, a stair lift can help you navigate your home safely and avoid dangerous falls. A stair lift contains a seat, armrests and footrests, and some models let you fold these away when they’re not in use.

A stair lift is usually controlled by a joystick or buttons and is installed on a track with one or two rails. Some models include a hinged track that folds away for narrow staircases.

There are different types of stair lifts available, including straight stair lifts, curved stair lifts, outdoor stair lifts, wheelchair stair lifts and standing stair lifts.

Who benefits from a stair lift?

Older adults who experience difficulty with their balance could benefit from stair lifts.

“Anyone whose balance might be compromised by neurological, physical or even psychological reasons could benefit from a stair lift,” said Jerilyn Callen, a clinical associate professor of occupational therapy at Baylor University. According to Callen, stair lifts can help people with certain health conditions that impact the ability to balance while walking on stairs, including:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Dementia
• Arthritis
• Vision impairments
• Spinal cord injuries

There are several things to keep in mind when purchasing a stair lift, Callen said.

“Once you’re up the lift, what’s the setup?” she asked. “Is there a wheelchair at the top of the stairs you may need ready? Are there long hallways to get down?”

If you live alone and use a mobility device like a wheelchair, walker or cane, you’ll need to think about your setup at the top or bottom of the stairs, she said.

As an occupational therapist, Callen has seen people get stuck on stair lifts during power outages. Having a backup battery helps prevent this from happening, but it may add to the stair lift’s cost. Batteries also have to be charged regularly to ensure they can be used during a power outage.

Stair lifts come in multiple styles and configurations to match your staircase and mobility needs. Most stair lifts have a maximum weight of between 300 to 600 pounds. Here are some of the more common home stair lift variations.

Straight stair lift

Straight stair lifts are typically the least expensive, while stair lifts for curved or spiral staircases tend to cost more.

Straight stair lifts are designed for traditional straight flights of stairs and can be installed on either side of your staircase. They usually contain an adjustable seat with a back and footrest. You press a button or move the joystick to raise or lower yourself up or down the stairs. This type of stair lift tends to be the least expensive and easiest to install.

Curved stair lift

Curved stair lifts are custom-made for any staircase that has a spiral or goes around a corner. They cost considerably more than a straight stair lift and are recommended for people living in homes that don’t have a traditional straight staircase or have a landing between floors.

Outdoor stair lift

Some stair lifts are specifically made for the outdoors and can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. They’re a good option if you have a porch, patio or deck that contains stairs you need to use regularly.

Wheelchair stair lift

This type of stair lift is for wheelchair users or others who are unable to transfer easily to a seated stair lift. Be sure to check the weight limits of these lifts, especially if you have a power wheelchair.

Standing stair lift

Standing stair lifts let you stand up and hold on to the sides of the lift as you travel along the stairs. They tend to take up less space than seated stair lifts because they're more narrow. If you have difficulty sitting, can’t bend your knees easily or prefer to stand, you may want a standing stair lift.

Most stair lifts are equipped with a variety of safety and comfort features to protect you against falls or injuries. These can include:

• Safety sensors: Stair lifts can contain sensors that search for obstacles in the device's path, such as items left on the steps. The sensors automatically turn off the device, and it won’t move until the obstacles are removed.
• Seat belts: Stair lifts move slowly, but it’s a good idea to buckle up to prevent falls or injuries when you use one.
• Tracks: Stair lifts use a track to move up and down the staircase at a slow speed. Tracks are usually mounted to the wall next to the stairs or to the stairway tread.
• Foldable seat and footrest: These features are designed for those who have narrow stairs or a minimal amount of space around the staircase.
• Controls: You can control the movement and speed of the chair by pressing buttons or maneuvering a joystick on the armrest. Some stair lifts have a remote control that you can use if you need to call the chair up or down the stairs.
• Backup batteries: These batteries keep stair lifts operational when the power supply is inconsistent, like during power outages.
• Swivel chairs: Designed for both safety and comfort, swivel chairs help you easily get into the chair.

The stair lift you choose should contain as many safety features as possible. Make sure your stair lift is installed properly and that your staircase is sturdy and large enough to fit the stair lift you desire.

Knowing where to start when buying a stair lift for yourself or a loved one can be difficult. There are a number of different types of stair lifts, and there are even more added options and features to consider. Here are some steps to get started choosing the right stair lift for your needs.

Understand your current environment

Stair lifts require a significant amount of power and are hard-wired into your home’s electrical system.

Callen, the clinical associate professor, recommends first looking at your space because you may not realize how narrow your stairs really are. Space is the biggest obstacle Callen sees that prevents a person from installing a stair lift in their home. Another concern she sees is homes, especially older ones, which do not have enough power to accommodate a stair lift.

“Stair lifts require a significant amount of power,” Callen said. “You can’t just plug it into a wall — it’s hard-wired into your home’s electric system, and many homes don’t actually have enough power to power the lift.”

Buying vs. renting

Renting a stair lift is a good way to reduce your costs if you only need one for a short period.

Consider how long you’ll need to use the stair lift. It may be a good idea to purchase a stair lift if you’ve been told you’re unlikely to regain full mobility and want to stay at home long-term. If the stair lift is needed for only a short period, renting may be more convenient and cost-efficient than purchasing.

Consult a licensed contractor

Callen recommended consulting with a licensed contractor to come out and determine if your home can structurally support a stair lift installation. Stair lifts can weigh thousands of pounds, and not every stair lift representative is a licensed contractor who can judge whether your home can support one.

If your home can’t structurally handle a stair lift, whether that’s due to space or electrical wiring, find out from the contractor what the necessary home modifications or renovations would look like and how much they would cost.

The shopping process

There are multiple stair lift manufacturers in the market, and most offer an array of options and features. Contact different companies to get estimates on stair lifts and compare those prices to find the best deal.

Check reviews, compare specifications, and get quotes to evaluate which stair lift is right for you, including weight requirements. Some companies have showrooms where you can test out different models.

Installation

Many of the major stair lift companies come to your home to measure the stairwell and give you options. It might be tempting to do the measurements or install the device yourself to save money, but Callen recommended letting the company representative come out to get the most accurate measurement. This also helps avoid accidents or faulty installation.

Stair lifts can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $14,000. That doesn’t include the modifications you may need to make to your home in order to accommodate a stair lift. Some general ranges:

• Straight stair lifts cost $2,000 to $5,500.
• Curved stair lifts cost $5,000 to $14,000.
• Outdoor stair lifts cost $2,500 to $12,000.

Renting a stair lift can cost between $80 and $600 a month, depending on the lift’s features and the nature of your staircase. This doesn’t include the cost of installation and removal, which can cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

How to pay for a stair lift

Stair lifts are expensive and often aren’t covered by insurance. Medicare considers stair lifts to be home modifications and not durable medical equipment, so it doesn’t cover them. Medicaid may cover a stair lift installation in some circumstances; rules vary by state.

A Medicare Advantage plan might cover some of the cost of a stair lift if you have a prescription from your health care provider stating that one is medically necessary. However, Callen cautioned that as an occupational therapist, she has written many letters of necessity and has had little success in getting coverage for stair lifts.

If you are a veteran, you may be able to receive assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a stair lift.

Callen also recommended reaching out to community programs — your health care team can help facilitate this. You may also qualify for a grant, and some stair lift companies offer financing options to help you pay for one. Ask the stair lift company about these options when you get a quote.

Renting a stair lift is an option if you have a short-term need while recovering from surgery or an injury. Keep in mind that most stair lift companies won’t rent to you if you rent your home because of liability issues, Callen said. You may also have the option to purchase a used stair lift, which reduces cost.

Your stair lift and its maintenance might be tax deductible as a medical expense. See the IRS website for more information.

If you can’t afford a stair lift

For many people, stair lifts are out of financial reach, so you may need to consider other options. If you’re only expecting to have limited mobility for a short, finite term, a temporary solution is to create living space on the first floor of your home if it isn’t there already. Many people will have recovered enough to manage trips upstairs by the time a rental stair lift is installed, Callen said.

If you have long-term mobility issues and can’t afford a stair lift, downsizing into a one-level home may be a better option, Callen said. It may not be ideal, but it is a way to remain independent in your home.

Each company offers different stair lift warranties that vary based on the model.

Some companies offer lifetime warranties on the stair lift motor and gearbox. Other companies offer a warranty for a few years on certain parts and labor. Your warranty typically doesn’t cover accidental damage, such as a failure caused by using cleaning products on the electric system.

Make sure you understand what maintenance you need to do on the stair lift in order to keep the warranty valid. Some companies will void your warranty if you don’t have the stair lift installed by an authorized dealer.

Stair lift maintenance

With proper maintenance, your stair lift should last a decade or longer. Once you have a stair lift installed, schedule an annual appointment for a technician to inspect and service it. Be sure to read your stair lift manual for specific maintenance requirements.

In day-to-day use, your stair lift can be wiped down with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris, but be cautious of using harsh cleaners or wet cloths because these can damage the motor or gears.