The Best Stairlifts of 2024

As the golden years approach, it often becomes increasingly difficult for us or the people we care about to navigate staircases safely and independently. Purchasing a stairlift is a great solution for people who have prosthetic joints, significantly reduced mobility, or a disability that makes accessing a multi-level home difficult. However, buying a stairlift can be a challenging process. 

Finding the right stairlift requires research and comparison shopping, followed by a significant investment. After a purchase, customers must often wait for their stairlift customizations and work with contractors to install it correctly. However, the overall benefits make it worth the effort. You or your loved one can now remain at home, without the hassle and danger of moving up and down the stairs unaided. 

In this guide, we have compiled a list of the best stairlift manufacturers for 2024, along with steps to help you navigate the purchase process. The companies listed here stand by their engineering and design by offering strong warranties and industry-leading customer service. Unlike big-box or generic stairlift brands, all of the manufacturers on our list sell their products either directly to consumers or through a brand-certified network of dealers and installation teams tasked with upholding the manufacturer’s standards of quality.

The Best Stairlift Companies

In this guide we have completed reviews for seven of the best stairlift companies. Each review covers all available models and their features, as well as the best overall qualities of each company. 

*For all stairlift companies, installation fees and the costs of customization cannot always be accurately assessed without a lengthy consultation, so these prices should be taken merely as a starting point. Seniors should note that the range of curved rail prices from Handicare is particularly difficult to pin down without a consultation. 

AmeriGlide Stairlifts Review

Best for Competitive Pricing

AmeriGlide Stairlifts is an American manufacturer and second-hand dealer offering one of the largest selections of stairlifts in the country, which means they have options to fit any budget. Its stairlifts are available for sale directly from the company in new, certified pre-owned, or factory reconditioned varieties and price ranges, and may be used in either in-home or commercial settings.

AmeriGlide guarantees the best possible price for its products. It will match the prices of other retailers if they are lower as well as give customers an additional 10% off. They may also be the only stairlift manufacturer that allows buyers to install their own lifts or hire their choice of installation specialist. Buyers who have carpentry or machine installation experience can save up to $1,025 by opting to install their own AmeriGlide stairlift. 

Note: None of the prices include shipping, which is likely to be 200+. All prices include a + because they are merely the starting costs- upgrading any features will increase the cost.

*Increasing the track to 16 feet or longer reduces weight capacity to 250 pounds.

AmeriGlide Stairlift Models

AmeriGlide accommodates a greater range of budgets than many other stairlift companies by offering a versatile range of straight and curved models, including models for indoor and outdoor use. Features common to all AmeriGlide stairlifts include infrared remote controls, call buttons for bringing the chair to your floor, joystick controls on either armrest, swivel seats, and a stair-mounting rail design for easy installation. 

Below you will find ample information on eight stairlift models that are available from Ameriglide’s own website. Ameriglide does also offer a stairlift made by the company Harmar and a stairlift made for transporting cargo. We have provided details on the Harmar model under its company’s own profile rather than below, and we have not covered the cargo model since it is not designed to transport people. Seniors should note that online you may see mention of older Ameriglide models that are now only available used or for rental. Ameriglide frequently updates its product line and retires older models as it makes improvements.

AmeriGlide Stairlift Safety Features

All AmeriGlide models are built with safety in mind. Various features ensure the chair, railing, and power are all working optimally and as intended and additional safeguards are in place to promote child safety.  

AmeriGlide Stairlift Pros and Cons

Harmar Stairlifts Review

Best for Larger People

Harmar Stairlifts is an American manufacturer and one of the most trusted stairlift brands in the world. Its stairlifts are all designed and assembled within the United States and the thousands of dealers throughout North America that sell its products also offer assessments, installation, and routine maintenance services to their customers. Harmar specializes in fast delivery, supportive customer care, and perhaps most importantly, top-quality engineering.

Where Harmar truly shines is in the long-term convenience and efficiency of its mechanical engineering. No other manufacturer of quality stairlifts can beat the 600-pound weight capacity of Harmar’s Pinnacle HD stairlift, and every Harmar machine comes with a highly capable motor and a battery that is double the size of nearly all other stairlifts.

Note: Harmar does not list prices on its own website. The prices listed above were gathered from various third-party dealer websites in April 2022. Your costs may vary. 

*Weight limit decreases to 250 pounds for longer track lengths between 15’10” and 25’.

Harmar Stairlift Models

Harmar’s stairlifts each come with a drivetrain that best suits the device’s specific application, whether indoor, outdoor, curved, or heavy duty. All come with a comprehensive suite of safety features, though seatbelts that retract and key locking are upgrade options on most models.

Additionally, Harmar stairlifts are capable of speeds of 20 feet per minute (other than the Pinnacle heavy-duty model), which is slightly faster than average, and have high-capacity batteries that provide up to 60 trips in power outages. Below, you can read more details about each of the 6 Harmar stairlifts covered in the above table. 

Harmar Stairlifts Safety Features

Harmar utilizes many safety features for its stairlifts, helping to prevent injuries among its users. Prospective buyers can learn more about each model’s safety features on the Harmar website, where more information is provided. Generally speaking, users can expect the following safety features with a Harmar stairlift: 

Harmar Stairlifts Pros and Cons

Bruno Independent Living Aids Review

Best Overall Quality

Bruno Independent Living Aids is a family-owned and veteran-founded American stairlift manufacturer that has been in business for over 35 years. Bruno sells stairlifts in markets all over the world and is a key brand for the largest residential stairlift dealer in North America, 101 Mobility.

The overall quality of Bruno’s product line comes from a mix of practical features, innovative design and high standards in manufacturing. Even Bruno’s entry-level stairlift, the Elan, offers a complete feature profile to fit almost any user’s needs. All models utilize Bruno’s unique vertical rail system that adds stability using less space than any other stairlift rail. What’s more, Bruno’s manufacturing systems are ISO 9001 certified, proving that the company’s high standards of workmanship are consistently applied to the production process.

*Note: Bruno lists some but not all of its stairlift costs online. The estimated costs in the table above were obtained from both Bruno’s website and a variety of dealer websites in April 2022. 

Bruno Stairlift Models

Bruno’s stairlifts come in any configuration a person could need, including curved-rail outdoor models. The standard features available on all Bruno stairlifts are equally as comprehensive, including audible diagnostic readouts for people with diminished eyesight and a suite of practical safety features. 

Standard features of Bruno’s stairlifts include:

• Onboard audio/visual diagnostics for easy status updates
• Continuous-charge strips that charge batteries wherever chair is parked
• Manual swivel seats with automatic option for easy boarding/unboarding
• Manual fold-away storage with automatic footrest folding option
• Obstruction sensors
• Battery power for continued use in an outage
• Call/send remote controls

Note that at some dealerships or online stores, Bruno models will be advertised under their more technical-sounding model numbers instead of by their names. Below, we have included such alternate names in parentheses for your convenience. 

Bruno Stairlift Safety Features

Bruno stairlifts are fitted with many features to protect those who use them as well as their families. Below is a table describing the safety features commonly found in most of its products.  

Bruno Stairlift Pros and Cons

Handicare Review

Best for Accessibility Features

Handicare was founded in the UK, but has grown to become an international organization and an industry leader in mobility equipment manufacture. With its stairlifts’ high quality, comprehensive standard packages, and highly customizable design, Handicare was a contender for more than a few of the other “Best” awards conferred in this guide. 

The factor that makes Handicare stand out from the competition, other than its industry-first Hinged Track straight rail option, is the high-accessibility design elements of its Xclusive stairlift. These features make it a great choice for many people, including those who have dementia or severe joint discomfort. 

With its color-contrasted and high-visibility user controls, power swivel and power footrest features, simple-to-access battery housing, and softened hand rests for people with arthritis, nearly anyone can have a more capable and secure stairlift experience with the thoughtfully designed Xclusive.

*Note: Handicare does not list its own prices on its website. This company’s prices have tended to fluctuate significantly in the past few years. The costs above are estimates only that are obtained from dealer websites in April 2022. Prices may not reflect the costs of upgrades, shipping, or installation. 

Handicare Stairlift Models

Handicare stairlifts all come standard with an impressive array of features, including key safety features common in modern, quality stairlifts. Many, though not all, Handicare models can be modified with a Heavy duty kit so that they can carry up to 300 pounds or more. Many models also have seats with adjustable heights or other special features, too. These modifications mean that Handicare is often a great choice for seniors of all weights and heights. 

Features common in Handicare models include:

• Two wireless remote controls
• Ergonomic paddle controls 
• Swivel seats in manual and powered options
• Powered folding rail option (most models)
• Continuous charging function
• Manual emergency stop
• Carpeted or textured footrests
• Plug-in powered battery operation
• Fold-away seat, footrests, and armrests
• Key-lockable

We have primarily referred to the models below by the names that they are listed under on Handicare’s own website. However, you should note that most models have two different names- usually a name that’s a number (1000, 2000, etc. ) and a name that has a word used along with that number (1000 Sterling, Sterling 2000, etc). Since you may see one or the other name used on other websites, we have included alternate names in parentheses as needed. 

Handicare Stairlift Safety Features

Handicare ensures that its customers can feel safe and confident while using its products. Some of the safety features present in many of its stairlifts are detailed in the table below. 

Handicare Stairlift Pros and Cons

Stannah Stairlifts Review

Best for Custom Options

From its humble beginnings as a crane and hoist manufacturer in England in the 1860s, family-owned Stannah Stairlifts has become an award-winning accessibility equipment manufacturer with locations all over the world. Stannah now has multiple U.S. offices, as well as a trusted dealer network with locations in every state.

Stannah’s feature models, the Starla and the Siena, stand out in the mobility device industry for their custom design appeal. Both can be ordered with such a broad range of options that nearly every part of these devices, from its cushions to its rail systems, may be made with custom colorways, even including an option to add wood trim in one of two finishes.

A Stannah stairlift also offers highly specific safety and accessibility options. Buyers can initiate a simple, three-part design and installation process to create a stairlift that is unique to their needs and blends with their home decor, all with the benefit of industry-leading functionality. 

Stannah Stairlift Models

All Stannah stairlifts come with a set of standard features that promote independence for the user, including two remote controls that can send or call the chair to your preferred position. The remotes can be locked with the use of a key and come with wall mounts so they can be positioned at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Other standard controls and safety features include:

• Can fit any length stairs
• Ergonomic slimline control built into armrests where hands lay naturally 
• A comprehensive suite of safety features
• Option to add supplemental safety features
• Power outlet charging battery system that enables stairlift use in power outages
• Manual and automatic seat swivel functions available
• Easy fold-away mechanisms
• Multiple style choices
• Anti-slip footrests
• Automatic hinged rail option for straight rail models
• Chair position lock and fold-away come in either manual or power configurations
• Options for people with limited manual dexterity or joint immobility

Stannah Stairlift Safety Features

Stannah stairlifts are designed for optimal user safety. Below are some of the many safety features that are often included in Stannah’s seven stairlift models.

Pros and Cons of Stannah Stairlifts

Acorn Stairlifts Reviews

Best for Fast Delivery and Installation

Acorn Stairlifts is a United Kingdom-based manufacturer that has been in business since 1992 and is one of the largest stairlift companies in the world. Acorn may be the only company of its kind to exclusively sell directly to consumers rather than employing licensed dealers or third-party installation engineers. Its dedication to service and design has led Acorn to innovate new ways to fabricate and install stairlifts.

Acorn’s curved stairlift models — intended for more complex staircases — are constructed using a unique modular design called FastTrack. The FastTrack rail system removes the long waiting period many stairlift buyers must endure while their curved stairlift rails are custom built in a factory. Acorn also emphasizes features that give its lifts unusually fast and easy installations, such as the stair-mounted (rather than wall-mounted) design, which alleviates the need to make alterations to your home’s construction before your installation can begin.

Acorn Stairlift Models

Acorn’s stairlifts come in three models, with options for larger people, indoor or outdoor use, and straight or curved stairs. All models are shipped from Acorn’s factories complete with a comprehensive suite of features intended to promote convenience, safety, and long-term satisfaction.

Features common to all Acorn Stairlift models include:

• Uses 24V DC (battery) that charges on home power 
• Consumes very little power and is quiet
• Fast installation due to innovative design
• Extruded aluminum rails
• Light, neutral rail and seat colors
• Folding footrests
• Remote control to send the chair where it is needed
• Slimline designs for narrow stairwells
• Optional hinged power rails fold away for even more space-saving
• Seat modifications for greater accessibility (availability may vary by location, model, or other factors)

Acorn Stairlift Safety Features

Acorn Stairlift Pros and Cons

Savaria Review

Best Standard Package

Savaria is a Canadian mobility equipment company that makes everything from home elevators to wheelchair lifts. 400 dealers and affiliates throughout North America distribute and install its many products. One of the things Savaria is most well-known for is the high practicality of its stairlifts’ basic features. 

Savaria includes a set of standard features in the price of all of their models that should soundly accommodate most buyers’ needs. Not all manufacturers include adjustable armrests or a 350-pound weight capacity as standard, but Savaria stairlifts are all made to comfortably hold people of most sizes.

Savaria Stairlift Models

Savaria provides a highly pragmatic set of features as standard on all of their stairlifts, including large, 24-volt batteries, adjustable armrests, and weight capacities of 350 or more pounds. Savaria models also come with safety features and upgrade options that make them a solid contender in the stairlift manufacturing space.

Savaria’s standard features and options include:

• Two infrared remote controls that send signals through obstructions
• Retractable seat belts
• 24-volt batteries 
• Non-slip footrests
• Swivel lock seats for safer dismount
• Stair and rail system obstruction sensors and auto-stop
• Soft start and smooth stop operation
• Mounts to either side of your stairs
• Option to add flip-up rail, emergency stop button, and continuous-charge system 

Savaria Stairlift Safety Features

Savaria values the safety of its customers and has fitted all of its stairlifts with a comprehensive set of safety features. Many of these are detailed in the chart below.

Savaria Stairlift Pros and Cons

What You Should Know About Stairlifts

Stairlifts are battery powered chairs that glide on a track to help people with limited mobility maintain easy access to every level of their home. Whether your stairs are indoors or outdoors, short or long, and whether they are straight, curved or multi-tiered, there’s probably a stairlift for you. Below you’ll find some basic information on the different types of stairlifts that are available to help you find the best option to suit your needs.

Types of Stairlifts

Straight Stairlifts

A basic, straight stairlift is the most inexpensive form of the machine, though it is only suitable for people who have average, straight stairs. In homes that have straight staircases with multiple tiers and landings, installing more than one straight lift is an option. This may still be less expensive than purchasing a single curved stairlift since these can cost up to ten times more apiece. However, navigating a multi-tiered stairwell using more than one straight lift requires transferring from one chair to another at each landing.

Curved Stairlifts

Curved lifts must be custom-made after purchase, as curved stairways are not a well-standardized feature of home design. A curved lift can be engineered to fit with nearly any stairway, including spiral stairs or uneven, outdoor terrain. However, a highly curved stair may present stairlift design challenges, such as reduced carrying capacity or rail length.

Wheelchair (Platform) Lifts

For those who require the use of a wheelchair, wheelchair lifts are designed to bear a much heavier load than average stairlifts. These lifts either have a large platform topped by a high-walled, roll-in box that limits movement of the chair while the lift is in motion, or un-walled platforms that lock in place between the wheels, supporting a chair by its frame.

Vertical Lifts

In homes where stairs are bordered by a wall over which a person can be vertically lifted to an upper landing or floor, use of the stairs can be avoided altogether. Vertical lifts attach to the wall beside your stairs, and will sometimes require home alterations to reinforce the weight-bearing capacity of the wall itself. Vertical lifts can be found in multiple styles to accommodate a seated or wheelchair-bound rider.

Portable Stairlifts

A portable lift is ideal for wheelchair users who frequent less easily accessible buildings or who may not be able to self-evacuate in an emergency. It is essentially a large-platformed dolly on a motorized, caterpillar track, and it moves freely, unattached to any surface. While a friend or caregiver who can lift at least 60 pounds must be available to help maneuver a portable stairlift, this style of lift has proven an invaluable tool in emergency situations and day-to-day travel outside the home.

A Stairlift’s Main Components

User Controls

• Hand controls: A key feature of any stairlift is an ergonomically positioned hand control mounted in either the right or left armrest. A user moves their stairlift by applying a small amount of constant pressure to a paddle-shaped switch or joystick. The constant-pressure feature allows a rider to quickly stop or reverse their stairlift by releasing the control or applying pressure in the reverse direction.
• Power buttons: Power buttons are positioned either within reach of a rider on the armrest or on the pedestal of their chair. Users are advised to keep their stairlift powered on so that the batteries can continue charging while the chair is in a parked position.
• Fold-away levers: Levers for fold-away are usually mounted near a stairlift’s seat, so these often do not require much bending at the waist to engage. A fold-away lever can be used to fold the seat, armrests and footrest so that the chair becomes flattened to the wall, making the stairlift less obtrusive while it is parked. Fold-away systems can often be upgraded to function automatically with the push of a button.
• Swivel-seat levers: Swivel-seat levers can usually be found on either side of the seat. Swivel seats allow riders to safely turn their stairlift seat toward the top or bottom landing of their stairs and then lock the seat in position, providing stability as the user sits or stands. Swivel-seats can often be upgraded to function automatically with the push of a button.
• Diagnostic displays: A diagnostic window may be found on a stairlift’s pedestal, armrest or remote control. If there is ever a functional issue, such as a low battery or malfunctioning mechanical component, diagnostic windows will display an error code. This code will have a corresponding explanation in the user’s manual, clarifying what the error code means.
• Remote call systems: Most stairlifts come with a set of two remote controls that can be carried by the rider or set into wall-mounted cradles, though some may be wall-mounted only. Remotes will bring the stairlift to your position, either at the top or bottom of the stairs. Most modern remotes offer infrared functionality that sends a signal over a long distance and through any obstructions. Some remote controls have the capacity to control automatic fold-away or swivel-seat functions.
• Seat adjustments: All stairlift chairs are height-adjustable, allowing for more legroom between the footrest and the seat base. Part of the stairlift installation process should involve your installer helping you select the right height adjustment for you. Other adjustments may also be possible, depending on the brand and model of your stairlift. Many lifts come with adjustable armrests for additional room and some feature adjustable backrests to accommodate taller people.
• Folding rails: Most stairlifts offer the option to upgrade to a folding rail in either a manual or remote-controlled configuration. To make sure the railing isn’t blocking foot traffic or doors near the top or bottom of the stairs, the ending section of the rail will fold away on a hinge to save space. Some manufacturers may offer slimline rail options as well, or other innovations like Handicare’s Slide Track rail, which travels a short distance as the chair moves, sliding it along the wall away from the final few steps and toward the rider’s destination.

Rail Systems

Stairlift chairs house motors that pull the rider along a rail mounted to the homeowner’s stairs by bolted-down, metal brackets. Some rails, such as those used with vertical lifts or wheelchair platforms, may be bolted to a wall instead.

Stairlift rails come in many brand-specific shapes and sizes, though they are usually made of extruded aluminum and can be mounted to either side of your stairs. Straight-track stairlifts commonly run on one rail while curved lifts glide almost exclusively on a double-rail system for extra stability. Curved rail systems must be custom-made, and due to the high variability of curved stairs, additional costs for things like extra lengths of rail and other hardware can add up quickly.

Motors and Power Supplies

If your stairlift uses battery power, it will come with either two 12-volt batteries or one 24-volt battery. While the lift is powered on and in a parked position, batteries will continuously charge via charge strips or charge points along the rail.

Some stairlift models operate exclusively on your home’s electricity. These stairlifts, usually called AC models, carry a slightly lower price tag than battery-powered options. However, an AC model can leave you stranded on the stairs if there’s a power outage. Batteries store power and can support up to 20 minutes of continued stairlift use without household electricity.

Drivetrains that motorize stairlifts are housed within the seat’s base and are most commonly found in the “rack and pinion” configuration. The average speed of a stairlift motor is 15 to 20 feet per minute (FPM).

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Stairlift for Your Home

Determine Your Price Range

When thinking over your budget for a stairlift purchase, it can be difficult to plan for additional costs for things like accessibility upgrades or extra hardware for longer stairs. However, stairlift manufacturers tend to stock their standard models with specs and features that are suitable for the majority of users, and most brands offer many of the same upgrades. However, each brand will have their own prices for these added features.

As stairlifts are single-function machines, there is little variation between the features offered by most top brands. If Harmar or Bruno has it, AmeriGlide and the other companies we’ve listed here probably offer it too. However, each brand will have their own prices for added features.

Even if you know you will need to add extra features and upgrades, to get an idea of each brand’s relative costs, start your search by looking at brand-specific price ranges for standard models. Keep in mind that curved stairlifts must be custom-made, so their listed prices can vary significantly depending on your stairway design. 

Compare Costs for Renting or Buying Used

Renting is a good short-term option for people who need a straight lift for only about six months or less. Stairlift rental can be a great option for those who are recovering from an injury or surgery, or who will have a family member with limited mobility in their home for a time.

However, continuing a rental beyond three to six months can easily result in expenses beyond the average cost of buying a new stairlift. For stairlift users who desire a long-term option that is cheaper than purchasing new, used and factory refurbished stairlifts can cost hundreds less.

Renting a Stairlift

Renting a stairlift comes with startup fees as well as recurring monthly costs that vary depending on the average price of the model you choose. Startup fees are likely to include installation, uninstallation, service visit coverage and a security deposit. Average costs for each of these items frequently fall into the following ranges.

• Stairlift installation: $350 to $600
• Stairlift uninstallation: $200 to $500
• Service visit coverage: $100 to $300
• Security deposit: $200 to $800, depending on chosen equipment
• Monthly rental costs: $180 to $300 per month depending on chosen equipment

Curved stairlifts are almost never offered as rentals due to their customized curvatures, and straight stairlift rentals may be difficult to find for unusually long or short stairs.

Buying a Used Stairlift

Prices for used stairlifts vary broadly depending on things like brand, stairlift age and the dealers who sell them. Used stairlifts can often be found at significant discounts and are usually less expensive than lifts that have been factory reconditioned. An exact price range for used stairlifts is impossible to quantify, though it is not uncommon to find one with a $300 to $800 discount.

Buying used can come with certain risks as the stairlift you choose may have a short remaining lifespan. Costs for service calls and replacement parts may also become an issue with a well-used lift, and for people who are highly dependent on their stairlift, an unreliable product can present a major problem.

Buying a Refurbished Stairlift

Some manufacturers sell used stairlifts of their own brand after refurbishing them at the same factories where new stairlifts are made. In factory refurbishing, parts showing signs of wear are replaced with new, proprietary parts, including torn or stained upholstery and mechanical components. Reconditioned lifts usually come with manufacturer warranty coverage. Buyers of factory reconditioned stairlifts can expect discounts of about $100 to $500 off.

Consider Upgrading for Comfort and Accessibility

Finding the right stairlift brand for your needs should involve a review of both the standard and upgradable options each vendor offers. Even if you’re on a tight budget or aren’t the type to pay for extra bells and whistles, most stairlift upgrades are engineered for practicality and can make life much easier for people who have joint pain or limited mobility.

Upgrade options can support physical comfort, blend a stairlift into your home’s decor, save space in narrow places, and provide support as your or your loved one’s care needs increase. The following are commonly offered stairlift upgrades.

• Automatic seat swiveling: While all stairlifts come with a swivel-seat function that allows the user to turn their chair toward the stair landing to safely get up or sit down, it’s common to find powered versions for an added fee. Manual swivel seats must be engaged either by manipulating a lever mounted next to the seated rider or by planting one’s feet on a stairlift’s footrest and pushing the chair to swivel toward the landing. Powered swivel seats turn at the push of a button and are a welcome addition for people who have pain or weakness in their hands, hips or legs.
• Automatic folding rails: Manual folding rails are a common upgrade that provides more space toward the end of a stairway for foot traffic and doorways. Automatically folding rails, however, may be much easier to operate, as the segment of rail that must be lifted with a manual configuration can be awkward to maneuver.
• Cosmetic upgrades: Though most stairlift manufacturers stick with a relatively basic set of color and design choices, some offer upgrades to upholstery color, rail color and seating fabrics. Stannah, Bruno and Handicare offer a particularly broad range of color and upholstery options.
• Comfort seats: Most stairlift manufacturers carry a premium option that comes with a more ergonomic or thickly padded seat. There are also options to add high-accessibility functions to seating, such as a perch design that maintains upright posture, or assistive seats that gently aid the user in standing and sitting.
• Extended rails: Both straight- and curved-track stairlift rails can be extended or cut down to suit the length of your stairway. Most manufacturers have specific footage that they consider “standard” for their stairlift rails and will add charges for rail installations of greater length. When building a curved stairlift, the tightness of your stairs’ turns and how many turns there are will also factor into how much you ultimately pay. Note that extending either a curved or straight rail or adding a folding rail option can potentially reduce the lift’s carrying capacity.

Find a Reputable Dealer

Authorized Dealer Networks

Once you’ve found a few stairlift brands to consider, search their websites to find store locations for their authorized dealer network. These are stairlift retail stores that have contracts with manufacturers. They can usually guarantee a manufacturer’s warranties and installation standards, and have their installation engineers factory trained to install the stairlifts of their preferred brands. Some stairlift brands will also sell directly to the public online or by phone, but buying through an authorized dealer can add some advantages such as additional warranty coverage and nearby locations.

Researching Dealers and Manufacturers

Learning more about a brand or dealer before you buy is also an important part of the process. As a first step, check a company’s consumer reviews with the Better Business Bureau. There, users can find reviews that cite specific product and customer service grievances, so it may be helpful to write these down as you read through the reviews section. Submitting a review with the BBB can be a detailed and time-consuming process, which makes it likely that consumers who complete BBB reviews are more committed to the process than those using other product review outlets, like Yelp or Facebook.

Look for Strong Warranties

There are many warranty features to look out for when making a stairlift purchase. While nothing is as useful as going through a specific warranty with the help of a knowledgeable dealer, below you’ll find some common aspects of stairlift warranties that are of particular importance.

• Installation guarantees: Find out if a manufacturer and/or dealer’s warranty will cover you in the event of an improper installation.
• Drivetrain coverage: A drivetrain contains the mechanical components of a stairlift that are subjected to the most friction and movement, making it a high priority for warranty coverage.
• Lifetime parts coverage: While outdoor and curved-rail stairlifts are less likely to come with lifetime parts warranties, some manufacturers do offer lifetime warranties for parts not included in the drivetrain. Note that parts coverage does not include wear and tear caused by average use.
• Non-transferable warranties: If you’re buying used, while original manufacturer warranties for stairlifts are almost always non-transferrable to second-hand owners, your dealer may provide their own coverage. Sometimes, the term “non-transferrable” also applies to stairlifts that have been moved from one home to another by the same owner.
• Authorized dealers: If buying your stairlift from a dealer rather than directly from the manufacturer, ensure that the retailer is included in the manufacturer’s authorized dealer network, as unauthorized sales can void a warranty.
• Extended warranties: If you are ever offered an extended warranty after your original warranty expires, make sure the dealer or guarantor is affiliated with the manufacturer of your stairlift. Extended warranty sales have become a large industry, so it’s not uncommon for salespeople to offer unnecessary or unhelpful coverage in pursuit of a commission.

Financial Assistance for Low-Income Stairlift Buyers

Paying for a stairlift can be tough for many seniors, but there are plenty of financing options available to offset the cost. Certain insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid can help take care of part of the cost, and  veterans can apply for assistance through the VA. Private insurance and loans can also be viable sources of financing for a stairlift.

Below, we review the many financing options available to those who wish to install a stairlift in their home.

Medicare Coverage for Stairlifts

Even though a stairlift can be considered durable medical equipment (DME), Medicare does not typically cover its cost.  However, there are a few Medicare-related options for those who need financial assistance: 

• The elevating seat of a stairlift can be considered DME because it helps a person to sit and stand more easily. Medicare plus Medigap can be used to cover the cost of the seat on its own, lowering the overall cost of installing a stairlift.

• Medicare recipients can also look into Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) for additional coverage. These plans are required to match a standard set by Medicare, but they are also allowed to add extras. Some plans will offer coverage for DME and could pay part or all of the cost of a stairlift.

If a patient wants to obtain durable medical equipment of any kind through Medicare, they may need prior authorization. A Medicare-enrolled doctor will determine that a patient needs the equipment and will provide the supplier with documentation to submit to Medicare for approval. The patient does not have to do anything more than discuss their needs with their doctor and choose a Medicare-enrolled supplier.

Medicare may be difficult to use for installing a stairlift, but there are many other options that are more likely to provide the funds you need for the project.

Medicaid Waivers and State Entitlements

It is difficult to say for sure whether a stairlift purchase can be covered by Medicaid, as each state decides the terms of their own coverage for stairlifts. However, it’s not uncommon for people receiving their Medicaid benefits through a waiver program to get some coverage for a stairlift purchase.

Medicaid Waiver program facts:

• Available for people whose health status makes them eligible for nursing home care
• Available for those who wish to receive home or community-based services at home instead
• Accept a limited number of applicants on a yearly basis
• Capped in most states due to receiving limited funding annually

If you or a loved one may qualify for nursing home care, find out if your state’s waiver program can cover a stairlift purchase by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging.

Below is a list of Medicaid waiver programs specifically designed to cover durable medical equipment, or DME. These programs are the most likely Medicaid options to provide coverage for part or all of a stairlift’s cost:

Financial Assistance From The Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Affairs provides healthcare coverage options for military veterans and their families. Below is a table detailing the types of financial support available to veterans and their family members who may need a stairlift:

Though determining if you qualify can be a long and challenging process, for low-income seniors and people who require the assistance of a caregiver at home, the effort can be well worth it. For more information on Veterans Affairs financial assistance programs and to find out if you may qualify, call (877) 222-VETS.

The Federal Housing Administration

The FHA is a department within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It helps low-income people finance qualifying purchases by insuring mortgages and loan refinances so that lenders can give with confidence. Title I Insured Loans offer financing for a variety of projects, including those that improve the livability of the home, such as adding a stairlift. To find out if you qualify or for more information, find your local HUD office at HUD.gov or call (800) 225-5342.

Non-Medicaid State Assistance Programs

In every state, there is likely to be a list of nonprofits and other organizations that provide a safety net for local elders and people with disabilities who require home modifications and accessibility aids. 

For example, low-income people with disabilities in the state of Georgia can turn to the Center for Financial Independence and Information for help, or to a number of their affiliates, such as First $tep, Credit-Able, and Tools for Life. 

To find assistance programs in your state and local area, contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging.

Additional Payment Assistance for Stairlift Purchases

Many people cannot make large, out-of-pocket purchases for a big-ticket item like a stairlift. Financing is sometimes available for people who buy through manufacturers or dealers, but depending on the brand you’re buying and what region you live in, this is not always the case. 

If you do find financing, it’s common for financial institutions to charge stairlift buyers sales tax just to simplify the financing process, even though the purchase is supposed to be sales-tax exempt. 

Fortunately, there are multiple sources of coverage to support mobility equipment purchases for both middle-class and low-income consumers. The following outlets offer grants, low-interest loans, and lines of credit that may help you keep your home safe and accessible with a new stairlift. 

Low-Interest Home Improvement Loans

Home improvement loans are usually offered for repairs needed after an emergency situation, such as interior flooding or a natural disaster, but they are also available to pay for accessibility upgrades such as the installation of a stairlift. These loans may be offered by state and local government agencies or unaffiliated banks, and usually involve deferred interest.

Some home improvement loan options include:

Zero-Interest Credit Cards

For people with fair to excellent credit, a zero-interest card may be an option for making a stairlift purchase. These cards offer zero interest for a set period of time, and some offer people with fair credit the opportunity to transfer a balance from an existing credit card to take advantage of a long, interest-free term with a new card.

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of a zero-interest credit card when making a large purchase, such as a stairlift:

• Be aware that you will still need to make a minimum monthly payment on the card.
• Be sure to know the ending month of your interest-free period.
• Allocate funds for paying off the card in full during the interest-free period so you can pay off the card one month before interest is charged.

Private and Long-Term Care Insurance

Many people don’t realize that some personal insurance and long-term care insurance plans will help pay for the purchase of a stairlift. To find a plan that could qualify you for this coverage, you may need to spend some time comparison shopping. 

If you happen to have an accountant or financial advisor, he or she can help you select the best insurance policy. The insurance shopping process becomes far simpler and more productive when you have a knowledgeable guide — and someone who can help you figure out if your stairlift is tax deductible.

The Area Agencies on Aging

The Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is a national organization that works with the federal government to deliver resources and information to America’s aging population. The AAA is able to distribute funding allocated by the Older Americans Act Title III to help low-income seniors install stairlifts. 

The Older Americans Act Title III:

• Was enacted in 1965 to help protect the most vulnerable Americans.
• Allocates funds to each state based on the state’s percentage of older Americans (age 60+).
• Provides about 3 million people with a variety of services, including home care, transportation, and meals.

The Area Agencies on Aging have readily available locations throughout every state. To learn more about them or to find an office near you, contact your nearest Area Agency on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

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