The Best Stair Lifts Of 2023: Top Companies And Prices

PRO TIPS: 

• Most companies offer a free in-home consultation, so take advantage of this feature to test out a few brands first to see what they have to offer.
• Straight stair lifts are much cheaper than curved lifts. If you have more than one staircase and can choose between a straight lift or a curved model, the straight option will save you money.
• Consider the warranty when shopping for the best stair lifts. Some warranties include long terms and servicing, while others are limited in length and scope.
• If you’re not handy, have a professional install your stair lift.

Key Takeaways

• For people who prefer to age in place, a stair lift is an affordable way to be able to continue to use the entirety of a multi-level home. 
• AmeriGlide is the most affordable brand we found, but you may have to install the lift yourself or hire an independent contractor.
• Most companies don’t post pricing because it varies widely depending on the dealer you purchase from, your specific stair and home setup, and the exact features you desire.
• Acorn and Stannah both sell directly to you rather than using independent dealers. This allows each company to provide seamless service from start to finish and offer some of the best warranties around.

What Is a Stair Lift?

Stair lifts are mobility aids that help people get up and down stairs safely. Stair lifts consist of a chair that is attached to a track that lines the stairs. There are various types of stair chair lifts to suit both indoor and outdoor stairs, allowing you to continue safely navigating all areas of your home as stairs become more challenging.

Who Can Benefit from Having a Stair Lift?

Stair lifts are useful for people with limited mobility, those at a high risk of falls, and anyone who finds navigating stairs to be challenging. These home assistance products help people age in place, and they’re also beneficial for those with limited mobility caused by an accident or health condition.

For many people, stair lifts may allow people to stay in their multi-story home instead of having to move to a single-floor home. Additionally, family members who have a parent or grandparent move in with them may want to purchase a stair lift for their home in order to accommodate their limited mobility.

How Do Stair Lifts Work?

All stair lifts have two main parts: the track (also known as the rail) and the chair. These work together to safely get you from one level of your home to another.

Stair Lift Tracks

The track runs along the side of your stairs and must be customized for a precise fit. Depending on your staircase, tracks are either straight or curved, with straight tracks costing less than curved models. Curved tracks work with various stair types, including spiral staircases, curved staircases, or staircases with one or more landings.

Another differentiating factor is whether the tracks are for indoor or outdoor use. Outdoor tracks must be weatherproof and are usually pricier.

Finally, you may need a folding or sliding track. These options allow the track to move out of the way when it’s not in use, which may be helpful if your stairs end at a doorway, walkway, or closet.

Stair Lift Chairs

Stair lift chairs are where you sit when you ride up the lift. There are various options you should consider when choosing a chair lift seat.

• Aesthetics: Many stair lift companies provide various upholstery options, including different colors and materials.
• Weight limit: Chairs have specific weight limits, so be sure to choose one that safely accommodates your body weight.
• Swivel or stationary: Some seats have a manual or power swivel feature, allowing you to get out of the chair more easily. In contrast, there are models with a fixed seat that require greater mobility to use.
• Angled seats: Angled seats have a slight tilt backward, providing greater security during the ride.
• Collapsible features: There are collapsible seats, armrests, and footrests that you can fold up when you’re not using the lift. These are more popular if you share your home or have narrow stairs.
• Hand controls: The hand controls provide manual stair lift control. These are placed on either the right or left side of the chair, and some may feel more comfortable to use than others.
• Perch seats: Some companies offer an alternative to a traditional chair called a perch seat. These seats don’t require you to sit down fully and work well for people who have trouble moving their hips or knees.

Stair Lift Installation

Stair lifts are customized to your home’s stairs, a process that requires accurate measurements and skilled installation. While some companies allow the homeowner to supply measurements and handle installation, most require you to work with a professional. Unless you have experience with home maintenance and remodeling, we recommend working with a professional to ensure a smooth and safe process from start to finish.

Types of Stair Lifts

Stair lifts can be curved or straight and are made either for indoor or outdoor use.

Straight Indoor Stair Lifts

Straight indoor stair lifts are the most affordable type of stair lift. These models only work for staircases that are a straight line from top to bottom, although in some rare circumstances, you may use two of these on a staircase that has one landing.

Curved Indoor Stair Lifts

The curved indoor stair lift works for any type of staircase that isn’t a straight line from top to bottom. These include:

• Spiral staircases
• Staircases with one or more landing
• Curved staircases

Because these styles of stairs don’t work with a one-size-fits-most stair lift track, they cost more than straight stair lifts. You can also expect the installation and measurements to be more complicated, requiring assistance from a professional.

Straight Outdoor Stair Lifts

Straight outdoor stair lifts provide a safe ride up a simple staircase that’s a straight line. Because these lifts and chairs must be weatherproof, they’re more expensive than the typical straight indoor stair lift model.

Curved Outdoor Stair Lifts

Curved outdoor stair lifts are the most expensive option because they must be weatherproof and customized to a specific staircase shape.

How Much Do Stair Lifts Cost?

You’ll notice when shopping for stair lifts that few companies share standard prices online. We asked Dawn Heiderscheidt, Occupational Therapist and Founder of Aurora Independence, a mobile home safety consulting company, about the pricing for leading brands that don’t share a pricing structure. This is what she had to say:

“Honestly, they vary so much it’s hard to get a price from any dealers. I struggle with this when helping clients prepare for costs during evaluations. Usually, we don’t know until the estimate is completed. I will say most reputable dealers will do free home estimates.”

So, why is pricing unclear? Some of the main reasons include:

• Dealer variability: Many brands are sold by more than one independent dealer, each with a unique pricing structure.
• Installation cost: Installation difficulty varies by staircase and household and can cost more when there are challenges.
• Stair lift design: While some staircases accommodate a stair lift with little-to-no customization, others require a custom-made lift.

In our research, we found stair lifts costing anywhere from $1,900-$15,000. Depending upon the company, additional costs, including installation, shipping, or an extended warranty may be incurred. Generally, straight stair lifts are more affordable, with most costing between $2,500-$5,000. Curved lifts start at around $8,000 and can easily exceed $10,000. Additionally, you can expect to pay more for an outdoor lift, as they must be more resilient than indoor lifts due to weather variability.

The Best Stair Lifts of 2023

Overview

Acorn Stairlifts, which opened its doors in 1992, is based in the United States and specializes in stair lifts. What we love about Acorn is how simple the company makes the buying process and installation.

During a free one-hour in-home consultation, an Acorn associate will answer your questions and provide a personal quote. Also, if you opt for an Acorn stair lift, you won’t need to install the lift or wait weeks for someone to come to you. Even if you require a customized curved stair lift, an engineer can install it within a few days.

After installation, Acorn ensures a smooth process for the next 12 months. The Acorn 12-month manufacturer guarantee covers not only parts and labor, but also includes a full inspection at the end of the warranty period. At this point, you may purchase an extended warranty with similarly generous terms, removing any worry about unexpected future costs. Plus, Acorn’s service team can come to you any day of the year and guarantees assistance within 24 hours of a request.

Types Of Stair Lifts And Prices

Overview

AmeriGlide is our top choice for an affordable stair lift. Its direct-to-consumer model means you won’t pay extra dealer costs, and many of the models allow for homeowner installation. In committing to offering the lowest prices, AmeriGlide has an impressive Guaranteed Best Price policy. If you find a lower price, the company will match it with an additional 10 percent discount. Additionally, AmeriGlide is one of the few companies that sells reconditioned and used stair lifts for even greater savings.

Types Of Stair Lifts And Prices

Overview

Bruno provides stair lifts with customizable options, making Bruno stair lifts excellent for people who want high-end features. Bruno offers straight and curved stair lifts for both indoor and outdoor use, making it one of the few brands with curved outdoor options.

Every stair lift comes standard with remote call/send options, a foldable seat, footrest, armrest, a manual swivel seat and a vertical rail. The vertical track takes up less space than competitors’ horizontal tracks, while collecting less dirt (because of its design). Optional features include larger seat pads and footrests, power-folding footrests and swivel seats, overrun park position and multiple seat color options. Plus, every Bruno stair lift is made in the US in a factory run by the company itself.

Types Of Stair Lifts And Prices

Overview

Harmar is one of the few stair lift companies with a lift made for heavier people. The Harmar Heavy Duty Stair Lift has a 600-pound weight limit, a wide seat, and a more durable build for enhanced stability. Harmar’s line of stair lifts is extensive, with options for curved or straight staircases available for use both indoors and outdoors, along with commercial lifts. Our one complaint is that there aren’t many customization options—like multiple colors or powered swivel seats—for most models.

Types Of Stair Lifts And Prices

Overview

Handicare’s stair lifts offer some of the best accommodations for people with a wide variety of mobility challenges. Among our favorite features is the perch seat available on certain models, including all types of staircases, both indoors and outdoors. With the perch seat, you don’t have to fully sit down and stand up each time you use your lift. Instead, the higher and shallower seat allows stability without the need to sit, which is great for people with hip or knee flexibility problems.

In addition to the perch semi-standing stair lift option, all Handicare stair lifts have a joystick-style armrest control designed for use with your fingers, hand, or arm. The ease of use provides a good solution for people with painful joints in the fingers or wrist. Handicare also provides a harness option instead of a seat belt.

Types Of Stair Lifts And Prices

Overview

Savaria crafts just three stair lift models. What we like about Savaria is the quality and features included in the base stair lift option. With the K2 Straight Stairlift, Savaria’s most affordable lift, you have a swivel seat, foldable armrest, footrest, seat, LED diagnostic display, security key for restricted use, 350-pound weight capacity, toggle armrest control and adjustable-width armrest. The lift is battery-operated with an automatic shut-off to conserve energy.

While there aren’t many upgrades, such as powered swivel seats, powered footrests, or color options, the base package contains everything that most people require in a high-quality stair lift.

Types Of Stair Lifts And Prices

*Pricing varies by dealer; estimated prices listed are from various third-party dealers obtained in January 2022.

Overview

Savaria crafts just three stair lift models. What we like about Savaria is the quality and features included in the base stair lift option. With the K2 Straight Stairlift, Savaria’s most affordable lift, you have a swivel seat, foldable armrest, footrest, seat, LED diagnostic display, security key for restricted use, 350-pound weight capacity, toggle armrest control and adjustable-width armrest. The lift is battery-operated with an automatic shut-off to conserve energy.

While there aren’t many upgrades, such as powered swivel seats, powered footrests, or color options, the base package contains everything that most people require in a high-quality stair lift.

Types Of Stair Lifts And Prices

*Pricing varies by dealer; estimated prices listed are from various third-party dealers obtained in January 2022.

Overview

Stannah is one of the only stair lift companies that provides a risk-free trial period. After you go through the steps to purchase a Stannah lift—which include an in-home visit, choosing your lift and features, and installation—you have 14 days to try out the lift and decide if you want to keep it. This is excellent if you’re on the fence about whether or not you want a stair lift, as Stannah allows you to try out a lift in your home without taking a financial risk.

Types Of Stair Lifts And Prices

*Pricing varies by dealer, customization options, and stair design

Stair Lift Features To Consider:

Stair lifts come with many optional features. Consider the following options when shopping for a personalized stair lift: 

• Folding rails: A folding rail system, or folding track, helps conserve space when you’re not using the lift. Folding rails are popular if your staircase ends in a narrow hallway or at a door where the lift would be in the way.
• Lift-up footrest: A footrest will either be stationary or stowable by lifting it up or collapsing it in. The footrest may either be manual or powered, with the powered footrest being the best option for ease of use.
• Battery backup power: Most modern stair lifts are battery-powered; batteries charge when the chair is at rest at the top or bottom of the stairs. The stored power in the battery allows you to use the lift during a power outage. If you frequently lose power, you should check how many rides the stair lift battery holds.
• Safety belts: Most stair lifts come standard with seat belts or other types of restraints, such as a harness. Be sure that you choose a belt that’s easy to use and works best for your specific needs.
• Swivel seats: Most lifts come standard with swivel seats that allow you to align the chair with the landing so you don’t have to turn around when exiting the chair. Some are manually controlled using a lever, while others are powered.
• Electronic sensors: Most stair lifts have electronic sensors that detect when something is in the way of the chair lift and then signal the lift to stop. This is an important safety feature and promotes lift longevity.
• Remote control: Remote controls can have various features, including calling or sending the chair, lifting the footrest, or folding the track. The more features controlled by the remote, the less you need to do manually.
• Foldable seats: Foldable or collapsible seats provide a way to safely stow the chair out of the way when it’s not in use.
• Adjustable seats: An adjustable seat can work for more than one person by allowing you to change the seat height, and sometimes the width or depth.

Things To Consider When Shopping for a Stair Lift

Will The Installation Be Permanent Or Temporary?

For most people, a stair lift is a new, permanent feature in their home. However, if you’ll only need a stair lift for a few months, you may be able to save money with a temporary lift. Temporary stair lifts are sometimes used for people recovering from a procedure, who expect to be more mobile in less than one year.

What Size And Style Of Stair Lift Do You Need?

When you work with the installation technician, you’ll need to confirm the size and style of lift that you need. The size and style of your staircase determines the right customized lift. Just keep in mind that longer stairs with more curves or landings require a more expensive lift than short, straight stairs.

What Look Do You Want?

Most older adults looking to make home modifications to improve accessibility care about the aesthetics. Fortunately, many lifts come in various colors and finishes, so you can usually choose the style of chair, color of the chair and track, and even the type of fabric used on the chair.

What Features Would You Like?

Shopping for a stair lift is a lot like buying a new car—you may go with the most affordable standard model or choose various add-ons to improve usability and aesthetics. The sales associate can help you figure out what you need but be sure to review our section on stair lift features before shopping so you have an idea of what you want and what you can live without before making your purchase.

Pricing is accurate as of January 26, 2022.

Author: Nicole Gleichmann