Ameriglide Stairlift Review
Best in Affordability
Ameriglide offers more options than most of the competition when it comes to selection and price points. Not only does this trusted stairlift manufacturer also offer less expensive pre-owned and refurbished models, but they also allow customers to install the lifts themselves, or work with their own installation contractor. This can add up to big savings for consumers.
Pros:
- Most straight stairlift and outdoor stairlift models are self-installable
- Curved stairlifts fit even the most complex staircases
- Transparent pricing that includes prices for every model, option, and upgrade
- Optional payment plans, occasional sales, and used, refurbished, and rental stairlifts available
Cons:
- If you want several upgrades, it may result in a total that's thousands more than the listed starting costs
- Shipping and installation fees are not included in the list price of most models
Overview of Ameriglide Stairlifts
The Ameriglide family of stairlifts accommodates straight or curved stairways for just about any budget. Offering a way to navigate stairs to those with diminished mobility or balance, Ameriglide stairlifts restore safety to anyone who wishes to stay in their multi-level home.
Rubex AC
Rave 2
Rave Curved HD
Platinum Curved
Horizon Plus
Horizon Plus Outdoor
Outdoor Deluxe
UP Stairlift
Estimated Costs*
$2,545+
$2,425+
$11,495+
$8,614+
$3,499+
$2,850+
$3,895+
$8,995+
Stairlift Rail Type
Straight
Straight
Curved
Curved
Straight
Straight
Straight
Straight and Curved
Maximum Weight Capacity
350 pounds*
350 pounds
350 pounds
264 pounds
308 pounds
308 pounds
350 pounds*
275 pounds
Key Feature
Economy option built for easy installation
Ultra-narrow design for small spaces
Can be used for indoor or outdoor curving stairs
Fits multi-tiered and more complicated stairs
Upgraded seat with Ergo option and color choices
Outdoor capabilities and numerous upgrades
Built for larger people
Innovative technology such as Wi-Fi connection and intercom
Upholstery Options
Vinyl
Vinyl
Vinyl
Pleather
Pleather
Vinyl
Weather-resistant vinyl
Textured pleather
Warranty
-5 years for drive train, gear rack, pinion gear
-2 years for components
-30 days for batteries
-5 years for drive train, gear rack, pinion gear
-3 years for components
-1 year for batteries
-5 years for drive train, gear rack, pinion gear
-3 years for components
-1 year for batteries
-5 years for drive train, gear rack, pinion gear
-2 years for components
-30 days for batteries
-5 years for drive train, gear rack, pinion gear
-2 years for components
-30 days for batteries
-5 years for drive train, gear rack, pinion gear
-1 year for components
-30 days for batteries
-1 year for material, workmanship
-1 year for components
-1 year for batteries
-5 years for drive train, gear rack, pinion gear
-2 years for components
-30 days for batteries
How Much Does an Ameriglide Stairlift Cost?
Ameriglide stairlift models address different kinds of buyers with varying price points. Basic straight rail indoor or outdoor models begin at around $2,000. Curved stairway models start at $7,500 and rise to a high end of $12,000 or more.
Although Ameriglide’s basic home stairlift typically costs between $2,000 and $8,000, prices can go up with customization, certified installation or special modifications. Happily, Ameriglide also offers plenty of ways to save money, on pre-owned or refurbished models, or self-install models for DIYers.
Full Review of Ameriglide’s Features
Ameriglide is a trusted manufacturer and retailer of accessibility products that can make life better and safer for a wide range of consumers. They were one of the first companies to offer curved wall stairlifts, and they continue to innovate with this important mobility technology. They are also known for a diversity of products in the stairlift niche. Most consumers, regardless of their specific circumstances, can find a battery-operated stairlift that suits their budget and other requirements. Ameriglide’s most popular models include:
Rave 2
Ameriglide’s ultra-compact economy option is for straight stairways, for indoor use only and is built for easy installation by homeowners with some carpentry or machine installation experience.
Design Features
- Seat swivels at the top stop
- Seat and armrests flip-up
Safety Features
- Footrest safety sensor
- Seatbelt is standard
- Locks automatically when in motion
Dimensions and Materials
The maximum track length is 15.5′ (plus a 6″ overrun), but aluminum tracks can be cut to a custom length. The soft vinyl seat in taupe is 19.5″ wide. The weight capacity for this model is 350 lbs.
Custom Options
The size and look of the stairlift can be customized to a certain extent. An optional key lock is available as an upgrade.
Cost
$2,090+ not including installation or shipping
Platinum Curved
A curved stairway model, the Platinum can be installed to fit multiple landings, a spiral staircase, 90-degree corners, 180-degree turns or almost any other stairway configuration. However, the unit must be professionally installed by a certified Ameriglide technician.
Design Features
- Seat and footrest that can be manually or electronically folded out of the way
- Ergonomically designed padded seat cushion
- Wireless call stations are included
Safety Features
- Safety harness
- Pressure-sensitive carriage and footrest
- Swivel seat (full rotation at the top stop)
- Key lock
- 12 obstruction sensors
Dimensions and Materials
The Platinum has a maximum track length of 19 feet with the minimum seat width at a comfortable 17.7 inches. The weight capacity for this model is 264 lbs. Twin-tube steel rails make for an extra-smooth ride.
Custom Options
Some degree of customization is possible.
Cost
$7,495+ including installation, excluding shipping
Rave Curved HD
A heavy-duty version of the Rave 2 model that can perfectly fit almost any type or style of the stairway. The Rave Curved HD is a high-quality, precision-made accessibility device that cannot be self-installed. Rather, certified technicians use digital camera calibrated measurements to keep on-site installation time to a minimum.
Design Features
- Can be installed indoors or outdoors
- Works for spiral staircases
- Can accommodate 90 or 180-degree turns
Safety Features
- Footrest safety sensor
- Constant pressure controls
Dimensions
The standard maximum track length is 18 feet with the option of up to 164 feet. The minimum seat width is 21 inches. The weight capacity for this model is 350 lbs.
Custom Options
Custom color and fabric options are available to fit the existing decor. This model can also be upgraded for outdoor use. Optional key lock as an upgrade for added safety.
Cost
$8,995+ excluding shipping and installation.
Horizon Plus
A premium straight rail stairlift, the Horizon Plus offers a smooth ride, great reliability and great safety features.
Design Features
- Wireless call stations
- Flip-up arm and footrest
- Manual seat rotation (at top only)
- Digital diagnostics
Safety Features
- Footrest safety sensor
- Constant pressure controls
- Key lock
- Retractable seat belt
Dimensions
The standard maximum track length for the Horizon is 14.75 feet (up to 55.25 feet is optional). The seat width is between 17.7 and 22 inches. The weight capacity of this aluminum single rail model is 308 lbs.
Custom Options
Ameriglide also offers a fully outdoor Horizon Plus model that comes with an all-weather cover.
Cost
$2,000+ excluding installation and shipping.
UP
Ameriglide’s most advanced stairlift model, the UP has an award-winning modular design that allows for installation in the most complicated locations.
Design Features
- 4 seat color options/quilted backrest
- Fully automatic flip-up seat and armrests
- Fully automatic swivel seat rotation
- 2 wireless call stations
- An ergonomic joystick
- Smartphone app and remote control
- Wi-Fi connected
Safety Features
- Footrest safety sensor
- Constant pressure controls
- Intercom button to call for assistance
Dimensions and Materials
The standard maximum track length for the UP is 18 feet. The minimum seat width is 18.6 inches. The weight capacity for this model is 275 lbs. The fully recyclable modular rail is made from extruded and cast aluminum.
Custom Options
The UP model is only available in certain states.
Cost
$8,995 excluding installation and shipping.
Who Should Consider Ameriglide’s Stairlifts?
Consumers With Carpentry or Machine Installation Skills
Ameriglide is one of the few domestic stairlift companies that offers customers an opportunity to self-install certain models. This can result in savings in the thousands of dollars.
Consumers with Mobility Issues
Seniors or adults with limited mobility or balance issues can gain added security from a stairlift. They allow buyers to stay safely in the home they love and age in place, no matter how many levels their home has. Ameriglide helpfully offers lower-cost re-conditioned models and financing.
What Are People Saying About Ameriglide’s Stairlifts?
Reviewers of Ameriglide stairlifts mostly state that they are trouble-free and run reliably once installed. Consumers are encouraged to take on installation themselves to save money and very extensive step-by-step instructions are included with each self-install unit. One happy 87-year-old customer installed his own stairlift within 6 hours.
Some reviewers complained of delivery and service delays following the purchase and were concerned that incorrect self-installation might void the warranty on their stairlift. That warranty includes a 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year warranty on the drive train for new models and 1-year parts warranty and a 3-year warranty on the drive train for factory reconditioned units. Used AmeriGlide lifts come with a 1-year parts-only warranty.
FAQs
How Much Weight Does a Stairlift Hold?
Most stairlifts can safely carry a person of between 300 and 400 lbs. The weight capacity will be included in the operating manual for each model. Click here for our full answer to this question.
What’s the Average Cost of a Stairlift?
Straight stairlifts generally cost between $2,500 and $5,500 excluding installation. Prices are higher for curved stairlifts or any kind of special feature or custom specifications. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Are Stairlifts Easy to Use?
Most stairlifts are extremely easy to operate. The user sits, attaches their seatbelt or safety harness and uses a manual or remote switch to control the ascent or descent of the lift. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Does Medicare Pay for Stairlifts?
Medicare does not typically cover the cost of stairlifts. However, some Medicare Advantage or waiver plans may. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Can Stairlifts be Fitted to Any Stairs?
Yes, stairlifts can be manufactured or customized to fit almost any type of stairway. However, anything more complicated than a straight run will likely cost more. Click here for our full answer to this question.