Best Stair Lifts

To identify the best stair lifts for seniors, the Retirement Living editorial team analyzed data on top stair lift manufacturers in the U.S. and the various models they offer. Here are our picks for the seven best stair lift manufacturers: Bruno, Handicare, Stannah, Harmar, Lifeway Mobility, Acorn, and AmeriGlide.

Bruno stair lifts are highly regarded by both dealers and customers alike for quality, performance, and innovation. The company has the largest dealer network in the country and only partners with independent dealers who have completed their training program. This means that it’s easy to find a showroom to view and test Bruno products and ask questions to determine which lift is best for you.

• Price: $4,000 – $11,000
• Types: Straight, curved, seated
• Environment: Indoor, outdoor
• Financing: Yes, varies by dealer
• Weight capacity: 300 – 400 pounds
• Warranty: 2-year, 5-year, or limited lifetime

According to Retirement Living customer review data, people who bought Bruno stair lifts are most satisfied with the service they received from dealer representatives. Several reviewers mentioned how helpful it was to visit a showroom and ride on a real stair lift before purchasing, while others appreciated the features and configurations available at an affordable price point. One reviewer from Magnolia, Delaware, says that his favorite feature is the rotator seat that moves your body away from the stairs before getting off the seat.

Bruno straight stair lifts come with a limited lifetime warranty, while the outdoor and curved models have a five-year component warranty and a two-year parts warranty.

To learn more about Bruno stair lifts, read our full Bruno review.

Lifeway Mobility has showrooms in 27 states. As a dealer, Lifeway Mobility sells lifts from reputable manufacturers featured on this list, but with the added benefit of trained and certified technicians and service after installation.

In addition to new lifts, Lifeway offers used and rental options for Bruno straight lifts only (a minimum rental period of three months is required). Financing is available to those who qualify, starting at $60 per month. 

• Price: Starting from $2,500 – $10,000+
• Types: Straight, curved, seated
• Environment: Indoor, outdoor
• Financing: Yes
• Weight capacity: Varies by brand
• Warranty: Varies by brand

Lifeway Mobility provides a 1-year warranty on labor for all new stair lifts and a three- or six-month warranty for used stair lifts. The company also recommends leveraging its yearly maintenance plan to help ensure the lift stays in working condition. 

Read our comprehensive Lifeway Mobility Stair Lift review to learn more.

Though Arrow Lift is only currently available in the Midwest and California, all 15 showroom locations have stair lift models you can try before you buy, ensuring you buy the right stair lift for you. Experts can recommend a lift for you, and professional installation is included.

• Price: $2,500 – $6,000 (straight)
• Types: Straight, curved, seated
• Environment: Indoor, outdoor
• Financing: Yes
• Weight capacity: 300 – 400 pounds
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Arrow Lift provides a warranty on every stair lift they install, including reconditioned stair lifts. Most new lifts come with a limited lifetime warranty covering the drive system, and they all have a 1-year labor warranty. Arrow Lift also offers several service plan options, including an extended warranty option.

Lifeway Mobility provides a 1-year warranty on labor for all new stair lifts and a three- or six-month warranty for used stair lifts. The company also recommends leveraging its yearly maintenance plan to help ensure the lift stays in working condition. 

To learn more, read our comprehensive Arrow Lift review.

Harmar has several options for straight and curved stairlifts, including the HD Pinnacle model, which is the only lift that can accommodate any body shape up to 600 pounds. This model has high back support and an extra-wide rechargeable swivel chair. When folded up, the Pinnacle SL600 is the lightest and narrowest model available, requiring only 10.5 inches of space. In the event of a power outage, all Harmar rechargeable lifts can last up to 60 rides.

• Price: $4,000 – $9,000+
• Types: Straight, curved, seated
• Environment: Indoor, outdoor
• Financing: Yes, varies by dealer
• Weight capacity: 300 – 600 pounds
• Warranty: 2-year, 3-year, or limited lifetime

The Helix model can fit curved stairways with a 90- or 180-degree turn, a spiral staircase, and multi-story staircases. Again, these models have higher back support than other brands, which makes for a more stable and comfortable ride. However, our editorial team noticed that some Harmar stair lifts use 40-foot tracks, shorter than other brands offering 60 or 70 feet of travel.

Harmer partners with dealers nationwide, though the purchase process varied among dealers we spoke to, so be sure to ask about installation timeframes and financing options with your local dealer. Each lift comes with a two- or three-year warranty on parts and a one-year warranty on the battery. Curved lifts have a limited lifetime warranty on the drive system and structure.

To learn more, read our comprehensive Harmar review.

Stannah has been a family-run business for over 150 years, and its nationwide distributors have sold over 850,000 units. Stannah boasts an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau. Stannah technicians offer a free in-home “stair survey” to determine your options and quote a price, including installation. Stannah lifts also include features our editorial team deems “industry standard” for a slightly more affordable price, including seat belts, swivel seats, backup battery operation, obstruction detectors, and remote controls.

• Price: $3,400 – $15,000
• Types: Straight, curved, seated
• Environment: Indoor, outdoor
• Financing: Yes
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Warranty: 2-year, 5-year, or limited lifetime

The Stannah Sadler has a perched seat to help those with limited mobility get safely in and out of the chair. While other manufacturers advertise perched seat options, our editorial team found that Stannah is the only retailer to offer a chair that positions riders in a half-sitting, half-standing setup, which can be extremely beneficial for people with hip issues and limited flexibility.

Stannah stair lift models can fit narrow staircases between 28 and 30 inches. The outdoor models and the Sadler lift can be installed in stairways 26 inches wide, the tightest configuration on our list. 

If you need a temporary solution, Stannah has a rental program for short-term use. And many of its dealers sell refurbished stair lifts at a reduced cost. All new Stannah models come with a lifetime warranty on the motor and gearbox and a two-year limited warranty on all other parts. Refurbished lifts have a five-year warranty.

Read our comprehensive Stannah Stair Lift review to learn more.

Acorn is currently the only manufacturer to have earned the Ease of Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. To gain this distinction, Acorn submitted scientific studies and evaluations of the products they sell for testing by the Arthritis Foundation. 

What makes Acorn stand out, however, is their FastTrack^® rail system that makes installation on curved stairs fast and easy to customize on the spot. Unlike Harmar or Bruno, Acorn is a direct manufacturer and doesn’t subcontract its sales or installations. Professionals represented by Acorn can install a stairlift in your home in just one hour. And it only takes a few days for the parts to be assembled—this is compared to multi-week-long lead times from other manufacturers.

• Price: $3,200 – $10,000
• Types: Straight, curved, seated
• Environment: Indoor, outdoor
• Financing: No
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Warranty: 1-year

At just over 12 inches wide when folded, the Acorn 130 is one of the narrowest indoor stair lifts on our list, making it a good option for small spaces or those who want enough room to maneuver around the track when not in use. That said, Acorn seats are smaller than other stair lift configurations, so taller or larger folks should take this into consideration.

Acorn offers a one-year comprehensive warranty on its stair lifts. Still, it’s worth noting that this is much more limited than other manufacturers offering 2-year, 5-year, and limited lifetime warranties.

To learn more, read our comprehensive Acorn review.

Handicare manufactures a variety of affordable to premium straight and curved stair lifts, including ones built to be installed where stairs end at a door (like a basement). The Handicare 1100 is one of the industry’s most compact lifts because the rail can be installed close to the wall. The armrests and seats also fold up using an electronic sensor to minimize intrusion for others who use the stairs. When folded, the lift profile, including the seat, is just 12.6 inches. 

While such setups are more aesthetically pleasing, it also means that the seats are smaller. Larger riders will need to add customization features, which could increase the cost.

• Price: $3,100 – $5,000 (straight)
• Types: Straight, curved, seated
• Environment: Indoor, outdoor
• Financing: Yes, varies by dealer
• Weight capacity: 275 – 440 pounds
• Warranty: 2-year, limited lifetime

Handicare does not publish costs on its website, but several Handicare reviews reference costs between $3,100 and $5,000, not including installation. All models come with two remote controls and a manual emergency stop switch. Handicare offers a two-year manufacturer’s parts warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on the rail and powertrain.

To learn more, read our comprehensive Handicare review.

As a major disability and mobility equipment manufacturer in the United States, AmeriGlide makes and sells several models of stair lifts. Of the companies we reviewed, AmeriGlide had the most budget-friendly prices, thanks in part to being able to buy reconditioned stair lifts.

If you live in a rural area without access to a reputable dealer, AmeriGlide’s option to buy online and self-install the lift may be a selling point. However, you’ll need to measure your stairway to ensure you buy the right lift. We downloaded the company’s stair lift measurement guide and the installation manual. While we feel DIY installation is possible, we recommend having a professional handle this process if possible. The rail delivery box weighs 115 pounds, and maneuvering the parts could be tough for some.

• Price: $1,499 – $12,440
• Types: Straight, curved, seated
• Environment: Indoor, outdoor
• Financing: Yes
• Weight capacity: 275 – 350 pounds
• Warranty: 2-year, 5-year

New AmeriGlide Stair Lifts come with a 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year warranty on the drive train. Reconditioned lifts have a 1-year parts warranty and a 3-year warranty on the drivetrain, while used lifts come with a 1-year parts-only warranty. 

To learn more, read our comprehensive AmeriGlide review.

Additional Stairlift Companies Considered

Savaria offers home elevators as well as three stairlift models. The three models include the K2 stairlift, which is for residential use on a single flight of straight stairs, has a fold-up width of only 10 ¾”, and has a weight capacity of 350 lbs. The K2 Plus is Savaria’s heavy-duty unit that can be used residentially or commercially. It has two seat options and a max weight of 400 lbs. Savaria’s Stairfriend 23 is for curved staircases and has a 300 lb weight capacity (optional 350 lb capacity available).

Savaria has only a few direct offices in the United States, which are in Maryland, Colorado, and Florida, making it less accessible for U.S. buyers to test.

Options HME is a family-owned company that serves the southern Illinois and St. Louis areas. They offer stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, patient lifts, and more. They offer free in-home estimates and a one-year labor warranty on every lift that they install. Options HME provides stairlifts for outdoor and indoor use, straight and curved staircases, and used stairlifts. You can also look into their rental options if you only need a lift temporarily.

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What to Consider When Buying a Stair Lift

When buying a stair lift, ask yourself these questions when deciding which type of stair lift is right for your home:

1. Will the stair lift be temporary, permanent, or a bridge to a more permanent option? If you have a short-term need for assistance getting up and down stairs, or you are waiting until you can make more significant first-floor upgrades, you may consider renting a stair lift instead of buying one.
2. What size stair lift is required? The seat should fit you well and provide optimal safety. Standard stair lifts typically carry individuals weighing up to 300 pounds. Models that accommodate more weight are wider and can take up more space. If you are tall or tiny, be sure you can fit and ride comfortably in a standard chair and that all controls and features are within easy reach while seated. Get an idea of the seat width you require by sitting in a kitchen chair or another firm chair and measuring.
3. How important is appearance? Admittedly, stair lifts aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing mobility aid device on the market. Some brands allow you to pay more for a premium chair, upgraded upholstery, or add other options.
4. Is your staircase straight or curved? Though stair lifts can fit almost any home configuration, the product you choose will need to follow the line of your existing staircase. Curved stair lifts take longer to install.
5. How much space do you have at the top and bottom of your stairs? The rail and the chair itself take up a reasonable amount of space when parked. Your existing layout might be more conducive to certain models. For example, if you have a door near the top or bottom of the stairs, you should consider a flip-up seat or rail option that keeps the stair lift from crowding the door and impeding your entry-exit process.

Try out a variety of stair lifts in showrooms whenever possible. During our visit to a showroom, we tested the Harmar SL300, which has a hinged rail system that helps keep walkways clear and accessible.

In-Home Stair Lift Estimates and Consultations

Most stair lift companies, including the manufacturers on our list, offer free in-home consultations to help you choose the best stair lift for your needs. During their visit, the specialist will measure your stair lift, recommend certain safety features, and provide an installation quote. 

Your quote will depend on your current home setup, the type of stair lift you choose, and your electrical wiring (you’ll need to plug the lift into a nearby outlet, for example).

Although there are self-install stair lifts on the market, it’s best to have a skilled professional handle the installation. Installing a stair lift is a complex project with safety concerns, and an experienced technician can help ensure peace of mind and years of trouble-free operation. The company specialist will also provide installer contact information, and they can also arrange the installation.

Important: If you’re unsure whether a stair lift is your best option, it can be helpful to have a professional, like a healthcare provider or a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, to help. They’ll assess your needs and your home setup to provide a list of all your options.

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Consider These Stair Lift Features

When buying a stair lift, your top priorities should be price and safety. Though the exact configuration will differ, all stair lifts come with a seat, a control device, a track, and a rechargeable battery. Beyond the basics, you can select various convenience features, such as power swivel seats, fold-up footrests and rails, and electronic sensors.

Stairlift Battery

All stair lifts run on batteries that receive a constant charge from the main power supply. Some batteries last longer than others—Stannah’s batteries last 15 to 20 rides up and down your stairs, while Harmar batteries can power up to 60 rides. 

Consult the manufacturer for recommendations on battery sizing to ensure you can use the lift during outages. Most rechargeable batteries for stair lifts last between three and five years and cost $30 to $50 to replace.

Chair Configurations

You won’t use an uncomfortable stair lift, so it’s important to choose a lift that has chair options for increased comfort and style. Consider wide or narrow seats and upholstery texture for comfort. 

If mobility is a concern, prioritize brands that have tilted or perched seats that make transitioning in and out of the lift easier. Stannah, for example, offers a “standing lift” option, and several brands have swivel seats that will pivot toward the walkway as you prepare to dismount. 

Note that swivel seats can be manually pulled using a lever or automatically moved using a control on the armrest.

Most stair lift chairs swivel 45 degrees to 90 degrees to help with transitions. Typically, the rider will use a lever to turn the chair so that exiting and entering the lift is safer.

Control Options

If you have reduced dexterity, control options on stair lifts are an important consideration. For example, you might opt for a joystick instead of small buttons. Calling systems, the technology that moves a stairlift from one end of the rail to another, can be mounted to the wall or controlled remotely. 

Acorn stair lifts have several convenient control configurations, such as switches on both arms instead of just one and two remotes for the control system, allowing you to place one at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom.

Safety Features

Retractable safety belts are a vital part of any stair lift, and they come standard on most modern lifts. However, you should also consider electronic sensors that detect items on the stairs that could interfere with the lift’s function. Some more advanced lifts have weight sensors to ensure the user is fully on the lift before moving.

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Types of Stair Lifts

There are three main types of stair lifts: straight, curved, and outdoor. The one you choose will mostly depend on your stairs’ configuration and budget.

• Straight stair lifts work best for stairs that don’t turn, bend, or have a landing. Here, the flat, standardized rail runs along the side of the staircase to move you from one level to another. These stair lifts are the most affordable because they require the least amount of work to install the rail.
• Curved stair lifts are best for spiral stairways, landings, and “fanned” staircases. An installer will manufacture and assemble curved lifts individually, which adds to the overall cost.
• Outdoor stair lifts can operate in the elements and use more durable seats, tracks, and electrical mechanisms to move you across various levels. You may purchase an outdoor lift to access porches, patios, decks, docks, and garages. If budget permits, consider purchasing a cover for the lift to prolong its lifespan and protect it from the elements.

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Cost of Stairlifts

The cost of a stair lift ranges from $1,500 to $15,000, based on our analysis of the leading stair lift companies. However, costs vary widely depending on the type of stair lift you choose, the features and customizations you add to the lift, and any installation requirements. The cost to install a stair lift can add between 10% and 20% to your overall bill.

Straight	$1,500 – $8,000
Curved	$7,400 – $15,000+
Outdoor	$3,000 – $10,000
Refurbished	$2,000 – $3,000+

Wheelchair Lift Costs

Wheelchair lifts can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $25,000, depending on the manufacturer. If you currently use a wheelchair, you’ll need to look for a wheelchair lift or platform lift, as standard stair lifts cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Stairlift manufacturers like AmeriGlide and Bruno sell wheelchair lifts in addition to stair lifts. 

Pay attention to the various weight restrictions, as power wheelchairs could push you over the stair lift’s weight limit—most platform lifts that can carry wheelchairs have weight limits of 500 to 1,000 pounds. Installation fees will add a significant cost to the price of a wheelchair lift.

New vs. Refurbished Stair Lifts

Refurbished or used stair lifts can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a new lift. Lifeway Mobility lists used stair lifts between $2,000 and $3,000, although this price may increase for curved lifts. The only caveat is that availability depends on each brand’s used lift inventory.

When buying a used lift, it’s important to ensure the used lift can be modified to fit your space, as it was likely built for a different home setup originally. 

Always consult a certified dealer when installing a refurbished lift, as they can ensure it fits your space properly and may offer limited warranties to cover the installation.

Renting vs. Buying a Stair Lift

Rental pricing varies by the dealer, your location, and the type of stair lift, but Retirement Living sourced rental costs between $250 and $500 a month. If you’re unsure whether a stair lift is for you, consider renting a lift on a monthly basis before buying one outright; some brands will establish a six-month rental agreement.

Financing Options

When buying a stair lift, you’ll work with a local dealer who sells the brand of stair lift you want. As such, most dealers offer payment plan options that allow you to make small monthly payments over time. Financing options vary by dealer, so call your local dealer to learn more. 

The Typical Stair Lift Warranty

Most stair lift warranties cover parts and labor for a few years, while some companies offer lifetime warranties on the motor and gearbox. However, manufacturer warranties differ from the warranty you’ll get from your local dealer. Some companies, like Bruno, only warranty new lifts installed by one of their professional contractors. If you choose to install a stair lift yourself, you will likely void the warranty.

No warranty will cover damage by the user, so be sure to read your manual for care and maintenance instructions. 

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Buying a Stairlift

Stair lifts vary, so we recommend visiting a local dealer ​​to learn about your options and then having a professional measure and install your lift.

1. Visit a Stair Lift Showroom

The stairlift companies on our list deliver products to fully operational showrooms throughout the U.S. If there is a dealer in your area, we highly recommend visiting the showroom to test the product and see the features in person. Depending on the showroom setup, you can practice operating the list, test different seat types, and schedule an in-home consultation with installers. 

2. Get Professional Measurements 

Both straight and curved stair lifts require exact measurements to ensure fit and function. Several of the brands we spoke to gave us instructions for measuring our stairways ourselves, but we highly recommend letting a professional gather exact dimensions that take into account curves, rail placement, clearances, and more.

According to one review on Retirement Living, Bruno specialists feed their measurements into a computer, which then calculates the dimensions, accounting for the curvature and rise of the staircase.  

Starting with accurate measurements also helps ensure you get a more accurate price quote. For example, an in-home consultation allows professionals to determine whether you need to hire an electrician to hook up a charging station to a nearby outlet before the lift is installed.

3. Stair Lift Installation

Again, it’s best to have a professional install the stair lift, as DIY installations often void any accompanying warranty. Many states (California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Oklahoma, and Virginia, to name a few) require you to have a permit to install lifts. 

Retirement Living’s analysis of customer reviews for stair lift companies found that most installations take about a day to complete. Professional installers we spoke to said that most straight stair lifts can be installed in four hours or less, including adding additional electrical outlets to power the lift, if needed.

However, each brand builds its lifts according to your exact specifications before they can be installed. Customer reviews suggest typical manufacturer lead times are about two to four weeks for curved lifts. Straight tracks take less time to create.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Stair Lifts

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Stair Lift Companies Near Me

• Albuquerque, NM
• Atlanta, GA
• Austin, TX
• Baltimore, MD
• Boston, MA
• Charlotte, NC
• Chicago, IL
• Cleveland, OH
• Columbus, OH
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Detroit, MI
• El Paso, TX
• Fort Worth, TX
• Fresno, CA
• Houston, TX
• Indianapolis, IN
• Jacksonville, FL
• Kansas City, MO
• Las Vegas, NV
• Los Angeles, CA
• Memphis, TN
• Mesa, AZ
• Milwaukee, WI
• Nashville, TN
• New York, NY
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Portland, OR
• Sacramento, CA
• San Antonio, TX
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• San Jose, CA
• Seattle, WA
• St. Louis, MO
• Tucson, AZ

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Bottom Line

Stair lifts are a vital component of aging in place and maintaining your mobility. Whether your staircase is straight or custom-made, you can work with a stair lift company to find a lift that fits your needs. Retirement Living recommends the following brands as reputable stair lift manufacturers to consider.

The Best Stairlifts of 2025

• Great warranty – Bruno
• Broad product line – Lifeway Mobility Stair Lifts
• Knowledgeable technicians and representatives – Arrow Lift Stair Lifts
• Great chair options – Harmar Stair Lifts
• Ample customizations – Stannah
• Great installation process – Acorn Stair Lifts
• Great additional features – Handicare
• Most budget-friendly – AmeriGlide