Lifeway earned the title “Best Stair Lift Dealer” in our roundup of Best Stair Lifts because it helps connect people to multiple stair lift brands. Having a trustworthy place to buy a stair lift is important—and that’s where Lifeway Mobility comes in. Stair lifts are difficult to buy secondhand and may not include warranty coverage if bought from a private seller.

Stair lifts and other mobility aids like grab bars, walkers, and walk-in tubs can help you age in place and retain your mobility in a multi-story home. When we surveyed older adults about the mobility aids they rely on, stair lifts tied with walkers as the second most popular option.¹

For this Lifeway Mobility review, we evaluated the Lifeway Mobility stair lift collection for accessibility, comfort, and features like chair comfort and transit volume (how loud it is when it moves). We also looked at track steepness and cost to help you determine the best Lifeway stair lift for your needs.

Why we recommend Lifeway for stair lifts 

Stair lifts in general are recommended to address the fact that more than one in four U.S. adults age 65 and older report experiencing a fall. ² Falls can happen for multiple reasons. “There’s physiological changes that can contribute to balance issues,” said Amanda Rudderman, MSW, fall prevention coordinator for VCU Health Trauma Center’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program. “Ultimately we want to prevent any risks [of] falling so that you don’t have to worry about the recovery period, which can be a lot harder once we’re older.”

We recommend Lifeway stair lifts because safe stair lifts with warranty coverage are difficult to buy through private sellers. Buying through a reputable dealer ensures your purchase comes with warranty protection. Stair lift retailers like Lifeway Mobility are also one of the best ways to test a stair lift before committing to the cost and installation.

For example, Stannah stair lifts have showrooms in only four states, so it may not be possible to test one before it's installed in your home. But Lifeway has showrooms in more than 25 states. Buying a stair lift through a dealer like Lifeway Mobility is also a reliable way to finance a stair lift that is protected by a warranty. If the cost of a stair lift feels steep, buying through Lifeway means you won’t have to worry about installation or injury risk that can come with purchasing from private sellers.

Lifeway

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• Carries a wide selection of brands
• Showrooms in more than 25 states

• Excellent customer service

Comparing Lifeway stair lift brands

Lifeway Mobility is a dealer for other stair lift brands. This means you have a variety of stair lifts to choose from when you visit a Lifeway Mobility location. Of our respondents who used stair lifts, 64% bought them new, while 14% bought them used.¹ Lifeway offers new, used, and rental stair lifts. Choosing among those options can feel overwhelming, so here’s a quick look at the types of stair lifts available at your nearest Lifeway location.

Understanding stair lifts sold by Lifeway

Bruno Stair Lifts

Lifeway Mobility sells five Bruno stair lifts: the Bruno Elan Straight, Bruno Elite Straight, Bruno Elite Curved, Bruno Elite Outdoor Curved, and Bruno Elite Outdoor Straight. Bruno is the only brand Lifeway offers financing on, and it offers used or rental options. Lifeway’s Bruno stair lifts have the most comprehensive warranty of the brands it carries.

Bruno Stair Lifts

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• Bruno Stair Lift Review
• Type: Curved, straight, indoor, outdoor

• Weight capacity: 300–400 pounds

Bruno features

• Used models available: Yes
• Rental options: Yes
• Financing: Yes
• Warranty: 5 years to limited lifetime

Pros and cons

Pros

• Top pick on our best stair lift ranking
• Smoothest ride of all the brands we tested
• Enclosed gears for quieter ride
• Limited lifetime warranty on indoor models
• Used options and financing available

Cons

• Local dealerships determine financing
• Bruno doesn’t sell directly to consumers
• Not the most comfortable brand we tested

Harmar Stair Lifts

Lifeway offers four Harmar models: the SL300, the SL600, the SL600HD, and the Harmar Helix. We tested three of these models. Harmar stair lifts are not available to rent through Lifeway, so here’s what to know before you commit.

Harmar Stair Lifts

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• Type: Straight and curved

• Weight capacity: 300, 350, 600 pounds

Harmar features

• Used models available: No
• Rental options: No
• Financing: No
• Warranty: Limited lifetime (Helix, SL600), 10 years (SL300)

Pros and cons

Pros

• SL600 HD is well-suited for higher-weight users
• Remote control-operated
• Can perform up to 40 trips during a power outage
• Power-folding for slim storage

Cons

• Not very stylish, according to our tester
• Harmar Helix is loud

Otolift Stair Lifts

Lifeway only carries the Otolift Curved, known for its more subtle and slim rail. Otolift is highly customizable, offering nine different track options. With its armrest smart dashboard, it’s also one of the more high-tech stair lifts we evaluated.

Otolift Stair Lifts

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• Type: Curved

• Weight capacity: 275 lbs

Otolift features

• Used models available: No
• Rental options: No
• Financing: No
• Warranty: 2 years 

Pros and cons

Pros

• Incredibly thin rail 
• Smart dashboard on arm rest
• Powered swivel seat
• Seat belt closes with one hand

Cons

• No used Otolifts available through Lifeway
• No financing available
• Most expensive stair lift on this Lifeway Mobility review

Who should consider Lifeway Mobility for stair lifts:

• People with straight staircases looking to finance: Lifeway Mobility is a strong option if you have straight stairs because straight stair lifts are the only type Lifeway Mobility offers financing for.
• People who want to try before they buy: Lifeway has showrooms in more than 25 states, so there is a good chance you can test one of the brands it sells in person. Other stair lift brands like Stannah have only four locations across the U.S.
• Shoppers with intricate stairways: Lifeway Mobility is one of the only ways to purchase the highly customizable Otolift stair lift. The brand doesn’t sell directly to consumers. Otolift’s nine rail options are great for stairways with specific or custom needs.

You may consider other options if you:

• Have a curved stairway and a limited budget: Lifeway Mobility does not offer financing for curved stair lifts. A curved stair lift purchased through Lifeway would need to be bought new, ranging from $11,000–$21,000.

Lifeway Mobility customer experience

• Warranty: Varies per brand
• Financing: Only for straight stair lifts 
• Phone: 888-299-1689
• Contact form: https://www.lifewaymobility.com/contact/ 

Warranties

Your Lifeway Mobility warranty depends on your purchase. If you’re financing or buying a new Bruno stair lift straight, you receive a limited lifetime warranty and a three-year warranty on parts. Bruno curved stair lifts come with a limited lifetime warranty and a two-year warranty on parts. Otolifts purchased through Lifeway include a two-year warranty.

Stair lift pricing at Lifeway Mobility

Lifeway accepts a range of payment options. You can rent or finance certain brands and buy new or used. For Bruno stair lifts, you can arrange financing through Affirm without paying the full price upfront. Lifeway’s website also offers more transparent pricing than many stair lift retailers, which often require you to call for a quote.

*Lifeway doesn't offer financing for curved stair lifts

Buying used stair lifts from Lifeway Mobility

You can save money on a stair lift by buying one used through Lifeway, but not every brand is available in used form. Otolifts purchased through Lifeway must be new. Lifeway also does not offer used curved stair lifts, largely because curved stair lifts are often custom-built.

Stair lift safety features

Stair lifts include a range of safety features. All stair lift brands have sensors to detect obstacles in your path. And all include a seat belt to keep you secure during transit. Stair lifts sold by Lifeway Mobility offer several additional safety measures:

• Emergency stop button: Available as an add-on for Harmar stair lifts.
• Obstruction sensors: All stair lifts include sensors under the footrest and in the chair motor that detect when something may be in the chair’s path.
• Overspeed brake: Both the Otolift and Harmar lines have a centrifugal brake that controls your descent.
• Seat belt: The seat belt helps secure you to the chair during transit. Lifeway’s Bruno stair lift seat belts can be operated with one hand.
• Swivel seats: The Harmar and Otolift lines feature a swivel seat so you can swivel to plant your feet on the floor before standing. Interlocks on the swivel seat prevent the stair lift from moving until the seat is locked in position.

Are Lifeway Mobility stair lifts right for you?

Before deciding which stair lift from Lifeway Mobility might be right for you, consider whether a stair lift is the right solution for your overall mobility needs. If you have a curved staircase, it may make more financial sense to move to a single-story home, as one of our mobility focus group participants did.

David L. opted to move rather than modify his home. Diagnosed with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis in his mid-20s, David told us his mother-in-law, a nurse, suggested he and his wife downsize to a home without stairs. "At that time, I could walk up the stairs," he said, "but she said, you know, you guys should really think about getting a one-story house because Dave's condition is going to worsen over time."³

If staying in your current home is the goal, Lifeway Mobility is a strong starting point for your stair lift search. The variety of brands and models it carries means there is a good chance something in the Lifeway lineup fits your needs.

Before you move forward, ask yourself:

• Do I want to stay in my two-story home long-term, or do I see myself downsizing?
• Do I live within a reasonable distance of a Lifeway Mobility showroom, or can I make a day trip?
• How many days am I willing to have a stair lift installation team in my home?
• Is my staircase curved?
• If my staircase is curved, do I have $11,000–$21,000 for a custom curved stair lift?
• If I don’t have that much money, am I confident I can qualify for a grant or financial assistance to cover installation?

One of our survey respondents said that the key factors to consider before buying and installing a stair lift were “safety, comfort, and value for time.”¹ Installation can take up to 10 days for some brands, so the time commitment of getting a Lifeway stair lift is something you should consider. Programs like Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together may also be able to help with low-cost or used stair lifts and installation for those who need financial assistance. Check out our stair lift buying guide for more tips.

Frequently asked questions

What is the installation process for a stair lift from Lifeway Mobility?

The first step in installing a Lifeway Mobility stair lift is to request an evaluation, which you can arrange at a showroom or online. A free home assessment will determine your rail options and next steps. Curved stair lifts will generally be more expensive.

What stair lift brands and models does Lifeway offer?

Lifeway offers Bruno stair lifts, Harmar stair lifts, and Otolift stair lifts. 

Is it difficult to get a stair lift from Lifeway Mobility fixed?

Lifeway provides at least a one-year warranty on its stair lifts, and some models are covered for a limited lifetime. If your stair lift needs repair outside the warranty period, Lifeway's 35 U.S. locations increase the likelihood that a location near you can help. In our experience, Lifeway's customer service was prompt and responsive.

Can you use FSA or HSA funds to purchase a stair lift from Lifeway Mobility?

Stair lifts may be eligible for purchase using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), but there are important limitations to be aware of. FSA funds cannot be used once you are retired. You cannot contribute to an HSA once you are enrolled in Medicare. To be eligible to buy a stair lift through either account you usually need to meet certain IRS guidelines and have a physician's recommendation. Check with your health care provider and benefits administrator before purchasing. You can also look into Medicare coverage of stair lifts.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.