Key Takeaways Why Trust NCOA

More than one in four Americans age 65 and older fall every year, making falls one of the leading causes of injury in older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ^[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Found on the internet at http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars While roughly 60% of falls occur in the home, many of those can be prevented, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery. ^[2] Jager TE, Weiss HB, Coben JH, Pepe PE. Traumatic brain injuries evaluated in U.S. emergency departments, 1992–1994. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10691071/

Home modifications like wheelchair ramps and grab bars, as well as devices like medical alert systems with fall detection, have expanded the ways older adults can stay safer at home. Stair lifts, also called chair lifts, are another home modification that can deliver safe and effective mobility solutions for you or your loved one while restoring independence. Stair lift chairs are motorized seats that travel on a rail that is securely bolted to your steps, making it easier for those with mobility or other issues to move between floors with less risk of falls. Stair lifts consist of a metal track (straight or curved, depending on your staircase) installed on your staircase (indoors or outdoors), with a seat, armrest, footrest, and safety belt that allows for the user to ride up or down the stairs comfortably and safely.

For those who are unable to climb stairs, having a stair lift can reopen parts of their home and help them regain independence and potentially age in place longer. To help you stay safer in your home, our Reviews Team researched the best home stair lifts that can keep you independent in 2024 and beyond.

A quick look at the best stair lifts of 2024

• Editor’s Pick: Lifeway Mobility
• Best Manufacturer: Bruno

Table 1, The best stair lifts of 2024

Brand	Starting price (straight)	Starting price (curved)	Environment	Financing	Maximum weight capacity (lbs)
Lifeway Mobility	$3,000.00	$9,000.00	Indoor or outdoor	Available	300–600
Bruno	$3,000.00	$9,500.00	Indoor or outdoor	Available via dealer	300–400
Harmar	$3,700.00	$7,000.00	Indoor or outdoor	Available via dealer	350–600
Access BDD	$3,500.00	$10,000.00	Indoor or outdoor	Available via dealer	275–350
Ameriglide	$1,499.00	$7,199.00	Indoor or outdoor	Available	264–600
Stannah	$3,400.00	$8,800.00	Indoor or outdoor	Available	300–350

Best stair lift brands of 2024

Editor’s Pick: Lifeway Mobility

• Price for straight: $3,000 starting price before installation
• Price for curved: $9,000 starting price before installation
• Environment: Indoor and outdoor
• Weight capacity: Up to 600 pounds
• Financing: Available

Our Reviews Team awarded Lifeway Mobility “Editor’s Pick” for its exceptional products and positive reputation. In addition to stair lifts, the company offers wheelchair lifts, ramps, home elevators, transfer systems and additional safety products designed as independent living solutions for those who need them.

Lifeway Mobility is highly regarded online by its customers. As a dealer, the company has a wide selection of straight and curved stair lifts for both indoor and outdoor use from reputable manufacturers, including popular models from Bruno and Harmar. Lifeway Mobility offers professional installation and robust warranty coverage, as well as service after installation.

Lifeway Mobility purchase process

To purchase a stair lift with Lifeway Mobility, you’ll begin by scheduling a free in-home evaluation. This can be scheduled online via the website’s free quote form or with a free consultation at any of the Lifeway Mobility locations. A stair lift expert from Lifeway Mobility will meet with you in person or virtually to learn more about your specific needs, take measurements, and offer recommendations. You can expect a free quote within a few days. If you’re interested in testing a stair lift before purchase, visit a showroom in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Colorado Springs, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or San Francisco.

Lifeway Mobility team members are available to answer any and all questions as you consider your options. After the lift is purchased, you’ll be contacted to schedule the date and time of installation. Factory-trained technicians will install the lift and show you how to operate it safely. Straight rail models take between two and three hours to install, while curved rail models generally need an additional hour or two.

Warranties are offered for all of the stair lift models sold and installed by Lifeway, but coverage varies depending on the product model.

Payment options

Lifeway Mobility sells, installs, and offers maintenance on stair lifts from different brands. For specific price quotes, complete the contact form on the company website to schedule a free consultation. You can ask about financing options when you receive your quote. Lifeway Mobility also has a helpful list of funding sources on its website.

Customer service and reviews

Lifeway Mobility has an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where it has been accredited since 2017. There is a single one-star review from 2022, with the customer expressing frustration regarding service issues. On Trustpilot, Lifeway Mobility has an excellent rating of 4.8 stars based on 2,165 reviews. Customers have high praise for the professional experience, knowledgeable sales representatives and technicians, prompt installation times, and quality products.

Customer service is easily reached via the free quote request form on the Lifeway Mobility website or by calling 888-301-9315. The company also has showrooms in cities around the country. A full list of showrooms is available on the quote request page.

Best Manufacturer: Bruno

• Price for straight: $3,000 starting price before installation
• Price for curved: $9,500 starting price before installation
• Environment: Indoor and outdoor
• Weight capacity: Up to 400 pounds
• Financing: Depends on dealer

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Most Supportive: Harmar

• Price for straight: $3,700 starting price with installation
• Price for curved: $7,000 starting price with installation
• Environment: Indoor and outdoor
• Weight capacity: Up to 600 pounds
• Financing: Refer to dealer

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Best Option for Arthritis: Stannah

• Price for straight: $3,400 starting price with installation
• Price for curved: $8,800 starting price with installation
• Environment: Indoor and outdoor
• Weight capacity: Up to 350 pounds
• Financing: Available

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Most Adaptable to the Home: Access BDD

• Price for straight: $3,500 starting price with installation
• Price for curved: $10,000 starting price with installation
• Environment: Indoor and outdoor
• Weight capacity: Up to 350 pounds
• Financing: Refer to dealer

Access BDD is a new brand to the United States that announced its partnership with Next Day Access dealers across the nation in 2022. Its stair lifts are well-known in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe as award-winning home mobility solutions. Here’s why the brand’s stair lifts are “Most Adaptable to the Home.”

Access BDD stair lifts

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Most Affordable: AmeriGlide

• Price for straight: $1,499 starting price without installation
• Price for curved: $7,199 starting price with installation
• Environment: Indoor and outdoor
• Weight capacity: Up to 600 pounds
• Financing: Available

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Pros and cons of stair chair lifts

Pros

• Offer a safe solution for stair mobility in the home
• Fit almost any staircase, both indoor and outdoor, without damaging the walls
• Financing options available from most manufacturers or dealers
• Used or rental stair lifts available as a more affordable option
• Safe and reliable on any staircase shape (when professionally installed)
• Operate on battery power even during power outages
• Customizations to improve functionality or add style offered by many brands

Cons

• Cost several thousands of dollars or more
• Little to no insurance coverage or public programs to help offset the cost
• Turnaround time from purchase to installation can take weeks, particularly on curved lifts
• Take up a lot of space on the staircase
• Not always pleasing to the eye

What are stair lifts?

A stair lift is a home modification that helps people navigate staircases with less risk of falls. Most stair lifts on the market are very simple but expensive devices. Cost often starts between $3,500 and $15,000 for the seat and track depending on the shape and size of your staircase.

Stair lift basics and features

Almost all basic, modern stair lift models are composed of the same building blocks:

• Seats, armrests, and footrests can be folded away when not in use. Most seat units can swivel 45–90 degrees to safely enter or exit the stair lift. Most, but not all, seats are adjustable to accommodate multiple users in the same household.
• Tracks can have one or two rails depending on the brand or model. Some tracks are wider than others, which can be a major consideration if you have narrow staircases. A hinging track is a good option for those with doorways blocking the bottom landing. This allows you to fold the track away when not in use. But hinged tracks lower weight capacity by about 50 pounds, because a hinge is a pivot point that creates a weak spot on the track.

Stair lifts also come with a few basic features:

• Seat belts help keep you secure in your seat during your ride. Some are retractable, so the belt hides in the seat when not in use.
• Controls are found on the armrest, so you control your travel direction. The style of controls (joystick, button) depend on the brand and model. It’s more common now to find separate controls as well, either mounted on the wall or as a remote control, to call the stair lift to you when it’s on the opposite landing.
• Rechargeable batteries ensure the stair lift is operational during a power outage. Power stations are installed at the top and bottom of the staircase so the chair is always charging when at rest.

Most modern stair lifts incorporate additional features to optimize your safety. Keep an eye out for these features that separate the good options from the best:

• Electronic sensors can detect obstacles on the staircase, sending the chair back to start position until the obstacle can be removed for safety.
• Hinged tracks can fold away when not in use to reduce tripping hazards.
• Stair lift apps are specific to certain brands and are relatively new features in the industry.

How much do stair lifts cost?

The cost of a stair lift depends largely on the shape of the track, straight or curved, which has a major influence on the manufacturing and installation process.

Straight stair lifts costs

Because the tracks are easy to make and install, straight stair lifts are the most affordable option and often start around $3,500 for product and installation. Some manufacturers like AmeriGlide offer lower stair lift cost options, with starting costs at $1,499, although consumers rarely pay less than $3,000 with added customization and installation fees. Track length is the only major variable, so straight tracks can be stocked in advance and cut to size for nearly any straight staircase. Some stair lift companies can measure and install a straight stair lift within a few days, even the next day if it’s urgent.

Curved stair lifts costs

Alternatively, curved stair lifts are more expensive and often start around $10,000 for product and installation. These tracks have a higher price tag because they need to be custom made. In most cases, a professional needs to visit the home to take detailed measurements for track manufacturing and proper fitting.

Every bend in the track adds to the cost of manufacturing and installation, so the end cost could be up to $25,000 for multiple landings or spiral staircases. From order to purchase, you’ll be waiting a few weeks before your stair lifts can be installed, but the actual install can often be completed in a day. Keep in mind that curved stair lifts may have a different weight capacity than straight stair lifts.

Outdoor stair lifts cost

If your stairs are outdoors, there are chair lift options that can weather the elements. Outdoor stair lifts typically start between $7,000–$15,000 with installation. They’re similar to the indoor straight or curved stair lifts, but they’re made with weatherproof materials and encasings to protect the circuits and motor.

Even if it seems like a simple, straight stair lift, you should still have a professional come out for a consultation and to take measurements. Uneven terrain and unstable surfaces like gravel can influence manufacturing and installation decisions, so outdoor stair lifts do require extra safety consideration.

Cost of perched or standing stair lift chairs

If your joints feel better standing during your lift, you can choose a standing stair lift. Despite the name, standing stair lifts place you in more of a “perched” position with a barstool-height seat to keep you on your feet during the ride. This way, you don’t have to squat into a chair each time you need to use the lift. Standing stair lifts are also great solutions for small spaces since they have a more narrow profile.

You can find perched seats through some brands like Stannah or Handicare, but not everyone offers this option. Adding a perched seat to your lift could add a few thousand dollars depending on the brand and track accommodations to support the higher seat.

Wheelchair lifts cost

Wheelchair lifts, or incline platform lifts, are not as common in the home. But they are sold by some trusted stair lift manufacturers like AmeriGlide and Access BDD, starting at around $12,000 with installation depending on the type of lift. Access BDD is able to curve its wheelchair lift or place it outdoors, but this adds to the cost. Although wheelchair lifts are more expensive, they may be worth the investment, especially for caregivers who would otherwise need to transfer the person to and from a seated stair lift.

Incline wheelchair lifts in the home can support at least 550 pounds and have built-in safety features like handles and platform boundaries to keep the person and wheelchair in place. Controls are located on the platform on the side of the rail with similar ease-of-use as a chair stair lift.

If you have a power wheelchair that pushes you over the weight limit, a vertical platform lift is another option. These are like home elevators and can accommodate up to 750 pounds. They may require a partial renovation, but the product itself can be less costly than a wheelchair lift. For example, residential platform lifts from AmeriGlide start around $4,000–$7,000, not including installation. All vertical lifts should be installed by a state-permitted professional, so installation fees vary greatly between states.

How to buy stair lifts

When buying a stair lift, you can either start by contacting a stair lift company, or visiting a stair lift dealer in your area. If you purchase directly from a stair lift company, you’ll deal directly with the company for installation, repairs, and maintenance. If you purchase from a stair lift dealer, you’ll likely deal directly with the dealer for installation, repairs, and maintenance, but it varies by dealership.

Once you’ve decided on a supplier, buying a stair lift requires two main steps:

• Measuring for a stair lift, which typically requires a professional from the manufacturer or dealer to survey your staircase, walk you through your options, and give you an accurate price.
• Manufacturing and installing the stair lift, which occurs a few weeks (or days, in some cases) after purchasing your lift from the manufacturer or dealer.

Step one: measuring for a stair lift

Buying a stair lift starts at staircase measurements. Both straight and curved stair lifts require exact measurements for a perfect fit.

Online stores like AmeriGlide give you the option of measuring your staircase yourself before purchase, although this can be difficult and leaves room for error. When our Reviews Team reached out to customer service for guidance, they provided us with a pamphlet to measure straight stair lifts. They also referenced their online guide for measuring curved stair lifts, which is trickier because it accounts for turning space. The benefit to the AmeriGlide buying process is you can buy your stair lift and specify customizations as soon as you have your measurements using the brand’s online checkout. But you may be left wondering if your measurements were accurate.

Accurate measurements are critical to the fit and function of your stair lift, so it’s best to leave it to the pros. Most manufacturers sell their products through local dealers who will measure and install your lift for you. Many dealers send a professional to your home to perform a complimentary survey of your staircase. They’ll gather the information necessary to give you a price quote, including the following:

• Staircase measurements
• Environmental considerations, like terrain if the stair lift will be placed outdoors
• Staircase placement, specified to fit along either side of the staircase
• Personal preferences, like upholstery color or seat style
• Other desired and available features, like a remote control calling system or alternative armrest control placement

Once you agree on the model, customizations, and price, you can purchase the lift right there with the professional. Then, you’ll move forward to the manufacturing and installation process.

Note: Charging stations need to connect to an outlet at the top and bottom of the stairs. If there are no outlets available, you will need to hire an electrician to install these before the chair lift is installed.

Step two: manufacturing and installing the stair lift

If your staircase is straight, the manufacturing time is quick because straight tracks can be made in advance and cut to size. Some manufacturers or dealers can have them ready for next-day installation. If you have a curved staircase, you may be waiting a few weeks until they can manufacture and ship the track because they are custom made to fit your unique staircase.

Manufacturers like AmeriGlide let you install your stair lifts yourself unless you pay for professional installation, which can add between $599–$749 at checkout. Most dealers we’ve spoken to advise against self-installation, due to safety concerns. Many states (Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin) require you to have a permit to install any type of lift. Noncompliance can result in hefty fines, like Nevada’s $5,000 penalty.

Professional installation is the safest option for your home and your wallet. Most manufacturers and dealers roll the installation price into their initial quote, so you don’t have to worry about additional fees. Installation takes less than a day to complete, sometimes as little as four hours. The track is placed first and attached securely to your stairs. Then, the charging stations are installed at the top and bottom of the staircase, so the stair lift can charge while not in use in either position. Finally, the seat is installed and ready for a test run.

Stair lift warranties and maintenance

You should hire a professional to service and safety check your stair lift annually. This service is often provided by the manufacturer or dealer who sold you the lift. Depending on your warranty agreement, this service may be covered one or two times per year.

Note: If you self-installed your stair lift, most companies will void your warranty because they do not want to claim liability for possible faulty installment.

Warranties

Stair lifts come with varying warranty lengths depending on the seller. For example, the manufacturer warranty from Stannah only covers stair lifts bought directly from the company. If you bought from a dealer, the company might offer a different warranty agreement.

Warranties also differ between stair lift characteristics and parts. Ask your dealer or look online to get a full picture of the warranty, including warranty coverage and a timeline for the following variables:

• Track shape (straight or curved)
• Track location (indoor or outdoor)
• Specific parts (gearbox, circuitry, motor, batteries, rail, seat)
• Replacement parts
• Professional servicing

All warranties only cover manufacturing and installation defects on parts. Warranties will not cover damage by the user like using harsh cleaning products on electrical components, so read your manual on how to properly care for your product.

Maintenance

Most stair lifts are expected to last about 10 years, but most manufacturers claim longer product lifetimes with proper care and maintenance.

Day-to-day maintenance is simple. Most devices only require a quick dusting of the track and stair lift chair using a dry cloth. Do not use a damp or abrasive cleaning equipment because it can damage the lift.

A yearly scheduled servicing appointment will take a few hours at most with the service team thoroughly checking that each part is fully operational. This includes the gearbox, battery, and circuitry. Some gears need yearly lubrication, while others like Harmar have nylon polymer gear racks that don’t require lubrication at all. Further maintenance requirements largely depend on the brand, so check your stair lift manual, or ask a professional for further information.

How to save money on stair lifts

Stair lifts are expensive, but they can mean the difference between aging safely at home and moving out. What are some cost-saving strategies to help lower this financial barrier to home accessibility?

Ask your insurance company

Stair lifts are rarely covered by insurance, but it’s worth asking. Private and government policies, including Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and Medicare Part B, require a doctor prescription and substantial documentation that prove medical necessity to consider coverage. Long-term care insurance may also cover a portion of the costs associated with a stair lift. Speak to your insurance provider for more information.

Medicaid offers a Home and Community Based Services program, which could provide for at least partial coverage. Medicaid programs are state-dependent, so you need to call your local office to see what programs are available to you.

You can also check NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp tool to see if there are programs available in your community. You just have to provide your ZIP code and select the help you’re looking for.

Get a tax deduction

Stair lifts and maintenance costs can be tax deductible, but you need to prove it was a medically necessary purchase by keeping your doctor’s prescription for the lift on hand. Keep the receipt for tax season, and list your expense as an “itemized deduction” for medical purposes. You can find more information on the IRS website.

Some states also offer various tax credits for home modifications that help older adults age in place, such as Virginia’s Liveable Home Tax Credit or Maryland’s Independent Living Tax Credit. Check with your state’s tax authority for state-specific tax credits.

Purchase a used stair lift or rent instead

Many manufacturers and dealers have used stair lifts at their warehouses. We called 101 Mobility, a dealer with locations across the United States, about its used stair lift inventory. Our Reviews Team was told that the dealer has a long waiting list, but used stair lifts work just as well as a new lift for a fraction of the cost—sometimes as low as $2,600 including installation for a straight lift. Curved lifts can be purchased used, but they’re more difficult to fit due to the customized nature of the product. Keep in mind that warranties are different for used lifts than new ones, so ask a professional for those details.

Rental lifts are available for temporary use and can also be found with some manufacturers and dealers. 101 Mobility told our Reviews Team that rental pricing for lifts ranges between $145–$500 per month, with a $500 installation fee, but exact price depends on the dealer’s location and characteristics of the lift. The dealer also told us rentals are a great option for those who aren’t sure if a stair lift is right for them, because you can try it out for a few months before purchasing. Depending on the retailer, the initial rental agreement will last about six months before you have the choice to continue renting month-to-month or purchase the lift at a used price.

You can also check out Amazon or Ebay for used stair lifts, where there are options for as low as $650, but you need to be sure they’re in working condition. To be extra safe, make sure you hire a professional to install it. Your lift won’t be covered by any warranty because secondhand stair lifts are a liability.

Finance the stair lift

Although this may not save you money in the long run, some manufacturers or dealers offer financing options to lower the initial cost barrier. You can check with the stair lift’s retailer to see how you can apply. If you do qualify, you’ll pay an upfront fee followed by monthly payments until the stair lift is fully paid off.

Seek out charitable programs

Nationwide programs like Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together can help find low-cost or used stair lifts for those that need them. These organizations also rely on volunteers who can install the stair lifts at little or no cost.

Ask your local Habitat for Humanity or Rebuild Together for more information.

Who are stair lifts best suited for?

People with mobility impairments are at an increased risk for falls and injuries, which makes people with mobility impairments most in need of stair lifts.

Falls are an increasing problem among older adults, leading to more than 2 million yearly emergency room visits, according to the CDC. ^[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trends in Nonfatal Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, 2012–2018. Found on the internet at: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6927a5 With most falls among older adults occurring at home, stair lifts could be a lifesaving preventive measure for those at high risk. ^[4] Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Addressing Falls Prevention Among Older Adults, Part I. Found on the internet at https://www.hss.edu/conditions_addressing-falls-prevention-older-adults-understanding.asp To help measure your risk for falls, take this quick and easy Falls Free CheckUp.

A number of factors and conditions can contribute to an increased falls risk, according to the CDC, including: ^[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about falls. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html

• Lower extremity and trunk weakness
• Balance difficulties
• Frequent dizziness
• Vision problems
• Use of certain medicines, especially if they interact
• Active lower extremity injury
• Energy conservation needs, often seen in those with multiple sclerosis or lung and heart conditions
• Neurological conditions, like a stroke or Parkinson’s disease

Stair lifts not only help the person using it, but also family, caregivers, and nurses who provide assistance. Caregivers who tend to those with high-level mobility needs are able to transport or supervise the person up or down the stairs with less physical effort and safety risk. For those who are recovering from a major event like surgery or trauma, a temporary stair lift can give you access into your home or to your second floor during rehabilitation.

Brittany Battle, a doctor of physical therapy at Duke University Hospital, is heavily involved in discharge planning at the hospital. She shed some light on the number of patients discharged home who need extra assistance. “Skilled nursing facilities have become more selective in accepting patients due to staffing shortages, bed availability, and insurance challenges. Instead, patients are going home from the hospital with higher assistance needs. Home modifications could help increase their safety and independence, and now, we often recommend 24/7 able-bodied assistance to ensure patient safety in their home environment,” she said.

Ferri warned that a stair lift doesn’t negate the need for a caregiver for those who need the extra cognitive and physical support. “A stair lift could be great for someone who has many medical needs that can be addressed in the home by a caregiver. They can help facilitate stair lift use, like making sure they’re strapped in and pressing the right buttons. That’s when I see the most success,” she said.

Stair lifts should not be the go-to solution for everyone, as there are lower-cost solutions for some. “A lot of people don’t realize that first floor setup is a possibility,” Ferri said. “It might be difficult because of space, but it could be worthwhile to invest in a hospital bed on the first floor instead.” If first floor setup isn’t possible, a stair lift could still be a good idea.

For help from a professional, you might turn to an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist can provide a home assessment and make recommendations for home modifications that allow aging in place. These changes could involve modification to the main level of a home for optimal function, inexpensive options for bed placement, and bathroom modifications, such as elevated seats, improvised lighting and grab bars. To find an occupational therapist with expertise in home modifications, visit the Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance (HMOTA). The HMOTA is a worldwide network of occupational therapists that specialize in home modifications. An occupational therapist can also help you decide if a stair lift is right for you, and if so, what stair lift product best meets your needs.

What to look for in the best stair lifts

When you’re looking to buy a stair lift, your top priorities should be price and safety. The best stair lifts on the market involve professionals in the buying process who can help you measure your staircase for accurate fit and talk you through your options, including pre-owned and rental lifts.

Your next priority should be making sure the lift is best for your unique needs. When browsing a manufacturer or dealer’s website, you’ll find many customizations and bonus features that seem like a good idea, but how do you know which ones are worthwhile?

Stair lift chair options

Some brands have different chairs to choose from for comfort and style. It’s nice to have options so you’re happy with the way a stair lift looks in your home, but more importantly, so you feel good using it. You shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable every time you ride, so get a seat that feels right for you. Consider wide or narrow seats and upholstery texture for comfort. Brands like Stannah offer the “standing lift” option with a perched seat or a slightly reclined seat position for a more secure feel.

Most seats can swivel toward the walkway as you prepare to exit the stair lift. This can be a manual swivel where you clamp the lever and physically turn the seat like an office chair, or it could be a power swivel, which can be automatic or controlled by your armrest controls. Swivel seats are a great feature that add extra safety to your stair lift by directing you away from the stairs as you exit, and power or automatic swivels are most convenient for the user.

Control options

Controls can be a big deal for those with reduced dexterity, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers. Small buttons on your armrest are not always ideal, so you’ll want to look for joystick controls instead.

Most brands have separate controls, called a calling system. The controls can be mounted on the wall or in a remote control. This is an important feature if you have others in the home also using the stair lift. Imagine needing the lift but it’s on the opposite side of the staircase—now what? The calling system eliminates this problem by allowing you to “call over” the seat.

Safety features

The best stair lifts take extra steps to ensure your safety. Obstruction sensors and retractable seat belts from Bruno are two great examples of reducing hazards using safety features. Some lifts, like Stannah, have weight sensors to ensure the user is fully on the lift before moving.

A major aspect of user safety on a stair lift is making sure the lift is well-maintained.

Battery

Most modern stair lifts are powered by rechargeable batteries that charge while resting at their power stations at either end of the staircase. Home power-operated stair lifts are outdated because they are not reliable during a power outage and could potentially leave you stranded. Rechargeable batteries can keep your stair lift running for several days, like the Harmar SL600, which can last 60 trips without a recharge. Most rechargeable batteries last between three and five years and cost $30–$50 to replace.

How we chose the best stair lifts

Based on our expert consultations and research, we determined the following factors to be important for our readers when shopping for a stair lift:

• Price: We considered the price range of each straight and curved stair lift from both manufacturers and dealers.
• Financing options: We searched each brand to see who offers financing options to improve affordability.
• Warranty: We looked into each brand’s warranty length and terms for your consideration before you buy.
• Adaptability to the home and user: We examined each brand and model for a variety of functional features that would accommodate your unique needs.
• Customer satisfaction: We studied customer reviews on sites like BBB and Trustpilot to see what customers like and dislike about each brand.
• Customer service including installation: We experienced customer service ourselves by calling each brand and asking questions about pricing, purchase and installation processes, and lift specifications.
• Customization: We considered preferential features like upholstery options, so you can choose a lift that meets your “wants” list.
• Safety features: We compared safety features in each lift, so you can determine the safest option for you.
• Product reliability: We assessed how dependable each lift will be by assessing factors like battery life, so you can choose a lift that doesn’t leave you stranded.

We had all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for our readers’ needs.

Bottom line

Stair lifts aid in mobility from one floor to the next and serve as a tool to prevent falls in the home. Although they’re expensive, there are options like buying used, renting, or financing your lift. In many cases, stair lifts are permanent solutions for older adults with significant problems with mobility and an increased risk of falls. In other cases, they’re a temporary measure during a rehabilitation process. Caregivers also benefit from stair lifts to help reduce the need for assistance and create a safer alternative to stair navigation. No matter the use, a stair lift can drastically improve your quality of life.

The market is full of many reputable stair lift brands, but these picks have cleared our reviews process as the best and safest quality. Be sure to consider each one, as they all have unique nuances. A stair lift that fits one person doesn’t fit everyone, so make sure you pick the one that’s right for you and your mobility needs.

If you’re concerned about your falls risk, Battle advised: “Contact a physical therapist for an evaluation first, because there may be simple things that we can address before making a modification to your home that you may not need. As always, consult with your doctor.”

During an assessment, a medical professional can pinpoint your falls risk, including medication interactions, lower body weakness, or poor balance. They can also develop a plan to help you feel more confident in your mobility, which can involve engaging in prescribed exercises or adjusting your medications—so you can proactively work to prevent falls.

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover stair lifts?

Usually, no. Medicare, particularly Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part B, may consider coverage if it’s been deemed medically necessary by a doctor with a prescription.

How much does it cost to put a lift on stairs?

Straight stair lifts start at $3,500 with installation. Curved stair lifts start at $10,000 with installation. Outdoor stair lifts start between $7,500–$15,000 including installation, depending on the track shape.

Does insurance cover stair lifts?

Insurance does not typically cover stair lifts, but it depends on your insurance plan. It never hurts to ask your insurance company because they may cover a portion if the lift is deemed medically necessary by a doctor with a prescription. If you have long-term care insurance, check with your insurance provider about coverage for stair lifts.

Does AARP cover stair lifts?

AARP’s Medicare Advantage plans do not usually cover stair lifts, but they may consider coverage if deemed necessary by a medical professional with a prescription.

How much does a curved stair lift cost?

Curved stair lifts can start at $10,000 and can be as much as $25,000 depending on the number of curves and location of your staircase in the house. Because they are custom made, they require careful measurement, manufacturing, and installation efforts that hike up the price.

How much weight can a stair lift support?

Most stair lifts are designed to support up to 350 pounds. Some brands, like Harmar and AmeriGlide, also offer heavy-duty options with a weight capacity up to 600 pounds.

What is a stair lift?

A stair lift is a home modification that helps people navigate staircases with less risk of falls.

What is the difference between a stair lift and a chair lift?

A stair lift is designed with a seat so you can sit down as you’re moved up the stairs. A chair lift, also called a vertical lift, is a platform that helps people who use wheelchairs move up to the next while still seated in their chair.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

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2. Jager TE, Weiss HB, Coben JH, Pepe PE. Traumatic brain injuries evaluated in U.S. emergency departments, 1992–1994. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10691071/
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trends in Nonfatal Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, 2012–2018. Found on the internet at: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6927a5
4. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Addressing Falls Prevention Among Older Adults, Part I. Found on the internet at https://www.hss.edu/conditions_addressing-falls-prevention-older-adults-understanding.asp
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about falls. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html