Best Stair Lift Companies

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, program director of the entry-level occupational therapy doctorate program at the University of Oklahoma. 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 pros and cons of stair lifts and other considerations to keep in mind when purchasing, Callen said. 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.

“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?”

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 lift batteries will take on average eight to 12 hours to fully charge from no battery charge. But this depends on how often you use it, how long the track is, and the weight being placed on the lift. Stair lifts can charge themselves when plugged in and stationary at the top or bottom of a staircase.

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Pros and cons of stair lifts

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, but manufacturers also offer heavy-duty models with wider seats and reinforced rails for users who need higher capacities. Here are some of the more common home stair lift variations.

Stair lifts can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $22,000. That doesn’t include the modifications you may need to make to your home in order to accommodate a stair lift. Some general ranges:

Outdoor stair lifts are typically more expensive than indoor stair lifts because of the additional components required for weather-proofing, says Pete Newstrom, vice president at Arrow Lift.

Keep in mind, there are some additional features of stair lifts that can increase their price, including:

• Power-swivel seats, so you can rotate to get on or off easier
• Upgraded upholstery or cushioning for added comfort
• Hinged rails that fold out of the way to prevent tripping
• Remote control to call the lift from the top or bottom of the staircase

Stair lift rental costs

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

Typically, stair lifts aren’t covered by insurance. Likewise, Medicare doesn't offer coverage as it considers stair lifts to be home modifications and not durable medical equipment. 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.

While researching companies, ask each about any available discounts. Callen also recommended reaching out to community programs — your health care team can help facilitate this. 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.

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

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Local grants and financial assistance for stair lifts

Community grant programs can make stair lift installation feasible. One of the largest resources is HUD's Older Adult Home Modification Program, which serves homeowners or renters aged 62 and older. Although the typical budget is $5,000 per home, occupational therapists directing the work can approve higher-cost structural upgrades—such as licensed stair-lift installations—when they are critical for preventing falls and supporting aging in place.

Because funds are awarded locally, start with your Area Agency on Aging or county housing office to learn when applications open and what documentation (income verification, proof of residence, OT assessment) you'll need.

Approved projects cover the cost of licensed contractors, required environmental reviews and even temporary relocation if safety demands it, with a follow-up inspection scheduled within a month to confirm the stair lift's safe operation. If your locality is not participating, ask trusted nonprofits, VA service officers and rehab hospitals about smaller home-modification grants that mirror HUD guidelines.

Charitable programs such as StairLift For Vets and Rebuilding Together can also help with resources for getting a stair lift.

Grants for veterans

Veterans may be eligible for a VA Home Improvement grant. Disabled veterans can apply for either a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, or Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant. SAH grants have a higher maximum amount, but are reserved for more severe disabilities.

Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide veterans with either a $2,000 or $6,800 grant to modify their home because of a disability.

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.

1. Understand your current environment

Stair lifts do not require a significant amount of power, are battery-powered, can typically be plugged into an outlet to charge and work in the event of a power outage.

According to Callen, the clinical associate professor, space is the biggest obstacle preventing a person from installing a stair lift in their home. Callen recommends first looking at your space because you may not realize how narrow your stairs really are.

Nevertheless, if you can safely walk on the stairs, they're safe enough to install a stair lift on, according to Pete Newstrom, vice president at Arrow Lift. A stair lift system doesn't weigh much (between 100 and 200 pounds), and multiple supports spread the system's weight out across multiple steps.

Most stair lifts can be installed on stair widths of 28 to 33 inches at a minimum.

A steep stairway is another concern you might have. It’s a good idea to have a home survey done, so a consultant can measure the space, as well as the incline. In general, stair lifts can accommodate a range of staircase inclines, ranging from about 27 to 48 degrees, but some can fit a greater incline for steep staircases.

2. Compare stair lift companies

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

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.

3. Prep your home for stair lift 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. This evaluation is typically done at no cost, and purchase usually includes the warranty and installation. On average, installation fees can range from $500 to $2,000.

With the high price point of purchasing a new stair lift, you might be trying to decide if it’s worth the investment or if renting is the way to go. If you’ve been told you’re unlikely to regain full mobility and want to stay at home long-term, a new stair or refurbished stair lift might be the way to go. If the stair lift is needed for only a short period, renting may be more convenient and cost-efficient than purchasing.

When deciding between buying vs renting, consider:

• Your budget
• Your mobility and any limitations
• How long you anticipate needing a stair lift

There are pros and cons of each.

Buying a stair lift

The benefits of owning your own stair lift include:

• No existing wear and tear
• Lesser chance of needing repairs
• More robust warranty
• More options for customizations
• Updated with the latest technology

The drawbacks of purchasing a new stair lift include:

• The higher cost
• If you no longer need it, it’s potentially wasted space (and money)

Buying a refurbished stair lift

If you decide to go with a refurbished model, it’s best to buy a stair lift from a legitimate company, and not from another stair lift model. If there’s an issue, you will unfortunately not have a warranty. The benefits of buying a stair lift secondhand include:

• Lower cost than buying brand new
• More environmentally friendly than buying new
• Can offer the same performance as a new stair lift, as they’ve typically been reconditioned and tested by professionals
• May be more readily available than a new model

Keep in mind that most stair lift companies won’t rent to you if you rent your home because of liability issues, according to Callen. Some other drawbacks include:

• May need repairs sooner
• Comes as-is — no options for customizations
• May only offer older models
• May have no warranty or a limited warranty

Renting a stair lift

The pros of renting a stair lift include:

• No commitment to buy
• Good for short-term use such as after surgery
• Typically lower in cost with a monthly rental fee
• Repairs and services are usually included
• May have a rent-to-own program, depending on the manufacturer

The downsides of renting include:

• Fewer models to choose from
• In some cases, financing a new stair lift can be more affordable
• Can be more expensive in the long term

Most stair lifts are equipped with a variety of safety and comfort features to protect you against falls or injuries. Some of the important safety features of stair lifts 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.
• Hinged track: This allows the track at the bottom of the stairs to fold away to avoid a tripping hazard when the stair lift is at the top of the staircase.
• Controls: You can control the movement and speed of the chair lift 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. Stair lift batteries last on average one to three years before they need to be replaced. Unless covered under a service plan or warranty, expect to pay around $200 to $300.
• Swivel chairs: Designed for both safety and comfort, swivel lift chairs help you easily get into the chair. Swivel chairs can rotate about 24 to 30 inches, depending on the brand and type of stair lift.

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.

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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.

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.

For long-term homeowners with less financial concern, installing a home elevator may be a better solution than stair lifts.

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