How We Test Mobility Products—and Why It Matters

Our mission at NCOA is to improve the lives of millions of older adults. That’s why we test and recommend products we believe can help you live a healthier life. We want to make it easier to find exceptional, reliable, and affordable stair lifts, walk-in tubs, and other mobility products. We believe these products can help you stay active, independent, and age in place (remain in your own home) for longer.

We began our testing process by reviewing all relevant research on older adults and mobility. We rely on our regular consultations with gerontologists, physical therapists, and our many in-house aging care experts to make sure we’re interpreting the research correctly. We also interview these experts to gain firsthand information on how we can help older adults stay active, how mobility products can help promote independence and ease pain, and which stair lifts, walk-in tubs, and other mobility brands are higher quality. 

We combed through thousands of verified customer reviews on trusted, impartial sites like Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot to help us understand customers’ experiences. Then, we launched a survey to hear directly from older adults—learning what they love about their stair lifts, walk-in tubs, and other mobility products, what they hate, and how these products have helped improve their lives. 

How we rank and review stair lifts

To know how to test stair lifts, we first have to understand what features are most important. So we went straight to the source: our surveys of older adults. Many of our survey participants have chronic pain that disrupts their mobility.

Based on our survey findings, we created a series of 17 tests. Each test results in a score, which is weighted according to the following factors:

• Customer service (10% of score): Customer service is key to your experience with your stair lift. For such a big purchase, you want to feel secure knowing that the company you bought from will honor warranties and provide good post-purchase care. Does the brand stand by its product with a warranty? Are they available if you have an issue or a question?
• Brand reputation (20% of score): We only recommend high-quality devices from companies that obtain the proper certifications for their stair lifts. We prioritize companies with long-standing reputations and years of experience serving older adults. 
• Features (35% of score): Through our extensive research, we have learned what features are critical to those using stair lifts. Then, we evaluate and test to ensure that those features perform as you want them to, such as automatic stop functions, power swivels, and more. 
• Affordability (35% of score): As part of our commitment to getting products into the hands of older adults who need them, we recommend stair lifts that are both high-quality and affordable. We compare price and feature data to decide whether a stair lift’s price justifies its value.

How we rank and review walk-in tubs

When creating our testing process for walk-in tubs and walk-in tub-shower combinations, we began with the same approach that worked for stair lifts. We surveyed older adults with mobility concerns to understand what matters most to them. 

Based on the answers to our survey and focus group, we created a series of 24 tests to rank walk-in tubs. Each test results in a score, which is weighted according to the following factors:

• Customer service (10% of score): Purchasing a walk-in tub is a major investment, and strong customer support can make a big difference before and after installation. We evaluate how easy it is to contact the company, the availability of support resources, and whether customers can expect timely assistance if questions or issues arise.
• Brand reputation (10% of score): We chose walk-in tub manufacturers with established track records and a history of producing safe, reliable products. Our research considers a company’s longevity, transparency, and overall trustworthiness within the industry.
• General and accessibility features (25% of score): Accessibility is central to any walk-in tub. We assess essential design and safety features to ensure tubs are usable for people with mobility challenges and meet modern accessibility standards.
• Comfort features (30% of score): Beyond safety, comfort plays a major role in the overall bathing experience. We test and compare therapeutic and convenience features designed to promote relaxation, ease of use, and long-term satisfaction.
• Affordability (25% of score): Walk-in tubs should balance quality with cost. We look at pricing, warranty coverage, and financing options to decide if a tub delivers good value relative to its features and long-term benefits.