We evaluated 15 stair lift companies and found the five best choices. We carefully considered cost,
stair lift types, customer support and rankings from experts as well as current stair lift users in our evaluations.
The six companies that ranked highest are Handicare, Bruno, Stannah Stairlifts, Harmar, Acorn and AmeriGlide
Stairlifts. In this guide, you’ll see essential stair lift features and benefits, tips for choosing the best stair
lift for your mobility needs and you’ll see detailed evaluations of the top companies. You’ll also find helpful
frequently asked questions about stair lifts in this guide.
Top tips:
- Contact companies to get full estimates and compare prices
- Test different models to find features that are most important for your comfort and safety
- Read the company’s Terms and Conditions to note any hidden fees and watch out for scams
Tips for a Wise Buyer
Stairlifts are motorized seats attached to a fixed track close to the inner stair rail and are used to carry people
up and down stairs. Stairlifts mount directly to your staircase with an electrical (battery-charged) motor used to
gently lift a specially-designed chair up and down the stairs. A joystick, remote control or a power button is used
to control the movement of the seat.
The chances are that you are one of the nearly 16 million adults age 60 and older who, according to the Population
Reference Bureau, live alone in the United States, often staying in their family home. Many of these people need to
make some adjustments to their homes to remain independent, and a stairlift is a popular addition. The Joint Center
of Housing Studies at Harvard University reports that the aging
population is growing for a number of reasons and in 2011:
“60 percent of households aged 80 and older and 47 percent of those aged 65-79 had lived in the same residence
for 20 or more years.”
There are many types of stairlifts available
There are plenty of choices to consider when selecting the perfect stairlift. Straight stairlifts are usually the
least expensive alternative, running directly along the side of a staircase. Curved stairlifts cost more because
they require customization to create a track that follows the curve of your staircase. Many companies also make
outdoor stairlifts which can operate in the elements and are helpful for moving people from porch to driveway or
down to a boat dock, detached garage or shed.
Our Stair Lift Expert
Eric Rubel is a marketing manager for Lifeway Mobility, an accessibility solutions company that provides a
variety of stair lifts, wheelchair ramps and lifts, home elevators, transfer aids, and bath safety
solutions. Lifeway Mobility proudly serves California, the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Southern
New England.
Eric manages all the content on the Lifeway Mobility website and consistently posts new articles
about senior living and home safety on the Lifeway blog. He has also written several articles that have been
featured on other senior living websites and blogs.
Eric Rubel, Marketing Manager, Lifeway Mobility
In-home stair lift estimates
Most stairlift companies offer free in-home surveys to help individuals choose the best stairlift for their needs,
spot possible problems, recommend features for your stairlift location and to measure the staircase. The survey will
include an assessment of electrical power availability as well.
Although there are self-install stairlifts on the market, it’s best to have a skilled
professional handle the installation. Installing a stairlift is a complex project with safety concerns and an
experienced technician can help ensure years of trouble-free operation.
Have a stairlift installed professionally
After the completion of the home survey, you will receive information for contacting an installer or installation
will be arranged for you. Be sure to get a quote that includes the cost of installation, and understand that if you
live in a less populated area installation cost could be higher.
Types of stairlifts
Ask yourself these questions when deciding which type of stairlift is right for your home:
- Will the stairlift be temporary or permanent? If you have a short-term need for assistance
getting up and down stairs, a rental is better than buying. - What size stairlift is required? The seat should fit you well and provide optimal safety.
Standard stairlifts 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. - Do you prefer that the stairlift blend in with home decor or have the best appearance possible?
You may want to spend more for a premium chair, upgraded upholstery or add other options. - Is your staircase straight or curved? Does it cover multiple levels in your home? Companies
make standard-fit and customizable, modular stair lifts to fit any home. - Do 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 stairlift from crowding the door.
Try out a variety of stairlifts in showrooms whenever possible, and get an idea for the seat width you require by
sitting in a kitchen chair or another firm chair and measuring. Call your local municipality such as a city hall to
ask about building permit requirements, and ask installers about local licensing and liability insurance.
Finally, beware of scams and compare prices across several providers. Unusually low prices, pre-owned stair lifts and
deceptive branding can be a red flag. For example, a common occurrence of deceptive branding in the stairlift
industry is when businesses put their name on manufacturer’s low-quality equipment. Keep in mind, the sellers don’t
make, install or support the equipment.
Consider these stair lift features
More options raise the price
Convenience features might be standard or optional and may affect the final price. Nearly all stairlifts on the
market offer swivel seats to make it easier to get in and out of the chair and also come with safety belts. You need
to be able to use the stairs in power outages safely, so most models have a battery backup that supports multiple
trips up and down the stairs. Verify that the model you will buy has a battery backup.
- Swivel seats
- Safety belts
- Battery backup
- Lift-up footrest
- Folding rails
Features that may be optional include lift-up foot or armrests, tilt or perch seat positions to make it easier to
enter and exit the stairlift and speed control. Some companies offer rails that fold up manually or automatically to
reduce tripping hazards. There are stairlift models that curve at the bottom to park the seat off of the staircase.
Ask for comprehensive estimates that include a breakdown cost of the stairlift, optional features you might want,
installation and warranty.
Stair lift warranty
Know how to stay within warranty
Stairlift warranties can vary quite a bit across companies. Most cover parts and labor for a few years while some
companies offer lifetime warranties on the motor and gearbox. Ask about monthly, weekly and other maintenance you
need to do to keep the stairlift running well to maintain the warranty terms. Ask about the availability and cost of
service and support in your area. A reputable company should offer 24/7 customer service for questions or
troubleshooting.
Visit a stair lift showroom
There are a number of stairlift companies throughout the U.S. that have fully operational showrooms. If there is a
company in your local area that has a showroom, it is highly recommended that you consider visiting it. Pictures,
videos, and content are all extremely helpful and can make the process of buying a stairlift much easier. However,
for some, a visit to a stairlift showroom may be necessary as it can provide the following benefits:
- See the lift in-person and feel the comfort of the seats of the lifts in the showroom
- Learn how to operate the lift and how to safely get on and off of it
- Gain a better understanding of whether or not you’ll need to add one or more of the available options of the
lift you’re interested in – ex: power folding footrest or power swivel seat - Get questions answered by a stairlift consultant
- Compare the comfort and ride of a number of different stairlifts, assuming the showroom has more than one lift
on display - Confirm that adding a stair lift to your home is/is not the best solution for your specific needs and situation
By doing a quick Google search for “local stair lift showrooms”, you’ll be able to see if there are any showrooms in
your local area. Many find the visit to the showroom to be very helpful as it allows them to feel more confident in
their decision to purchase a stair lift.
Our search for the best stair lift companies
1. We searched for an extensive list of stairlift companies
2. We evaluated stairlift companies based on our expert-guided buying criteria: customer support,
affordability, and mobility options
3. We provided you the best stairlift companies for consideration
Stair Lift Reviews
After our evaluation, we chose the five best stairlift manufacturers: Bruno, Handicare, Stannah Stairlifts,
Harmar, Acorn and AmeriGlide Stairlifts. Each of these companies stood out above and beyond the competition.
Bruno Review
Great Products
Bruno Stairlifts is an independent living aid company based in Wisconsin. Bruno is a third-generation
family-owned business, started by a US Veteran. Straight and customizable curved rain stairlifts, for both
interior and exterior environments, are available from Bruno. Bruno is an industry-leading stairlift
manufacturer know for quality, performance, and customizable features. In addition to stairlifts, Bruno also
manufactures wheelchair lifts for residential and commercial locations.
Bruno straight stairlifts come with a limited lifetime warranty, while the exterior and curved models have a
five-year component warranty and a two-year parts warranty.
We were impressed with the various models and configurations available from interiors straight stairlifts to
exterior commercial wheelchair lifts.
To learn more about Bruno Stairlifts read our full Bruno review.
If you are interested in learning more about a stairlift from Bruno, visit their website.
Handicare Review
Great Warranty
Handicare has a rich history starting with being founded by three young men who were paralyzed and looked for
options to be more independent at home. Founded in 1990 in Norway, Handicare has offices in the U.S, Scandinavia
and Europe. The company’s mission is simple: Making everyday life easier. Core values include commitment,
integrity and respect.
Handicare manufactures a variety of affordable to premium straight and curved stairlifts, including outdoor
models. The Van Gogh model has the distinction of running against the interior wall on a staircase instead of
along the handrail. Prices quoted for budget models with no options start out at around $2,500 on up to $10,000
or more for a top curved model with all options added. Options include folding rails, power footrest, chair
swivel and folding functions, harness and a color selection for the seat, chair and rail.
We were impressed with Handicare’s Vision, a unique 3D computer application used for showing customers exactly
how a stairlift looks installed in their own home with the color and options they choose. The warranty on
straight stairlifts includes a lifetime warranty on the motor and gearbox and curved stairlifts come with a
five-year warranty. Verified consumer reviews rate Handicare highly.
Harmar Review
Most Customizable
Harmar was founded in 1998 with manufacturing facilities in Sarasota, Florida. Harmar added the popular Pinnacle
stairlift to the line of stairlifts in 2008 and today the company sells stairlifts across North America, South
America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Harmar manufactures over eight straight and curved stairlift models, including heavy-duty and outdoor models. The
Helix model is customizable for use with stairways with a 90- or 180-degree turn, a spiral staircase and
multi-story staircases. When folded up, the Pinnacle SL600 is the lightest and narrowest model available,
requiring only 11 inches of space.
The base price for the Pinnacle SL600 starts off at around $4,000 and the Helix runs close to $10,000. Both
models feature a unique drive system that requires no grease or lubricants, which reduces maintenance. Harmar
dealers partner with some financing programs to let you know within a few minutes at a dealership if you are
eligible for payment options. Harmar offers a two-year warranty on components.
Stannah Review
Great Value
Stannah has been in business for over 150 years and remains a family business today. Stairlift distributors are
located in the U.S., Canada and Europe, and have sold over 750,000 units. Stannah boasts an “A+” rating with the
Better Business Bureau.
Stannah manufactures straight stairlifts, customizable curved stairlifts for any staircase and an outdoor model.
The Sadler model is designed for people with limited flexibility. The seat is fully supported in near-standing
position and with calibration to the customer’s height, so the seat tilt makes getting into and out of the chair
effortless. Prices run from $2,800 to around $8,500. All stairlift models are rated for narrow staircases,
except for the Scout which is designed for stairs with a door at the top such as a basement staircase. All new
Stannah models come with a lifetime warranty on the motor and gearbox.
Stannah has a rental program for short-term use, and dealers often have manufacturer refurbished stairlifts
available at a reduced cost. Most models are available in a more varied assortment of colors compared to
competitors, and verified customer reviews rate Stannah very highly.
Read our comprehensive Stannah Stair Lift
review.
Acorn Review
Great Installation
Founded in 1992 and based in Orlando, Florida, Acorn has served customers in more than 600,000 homes around the
world. It covers nearly every major metropolitan area in the United States with their dealers or partnerships
with other stairlift retailers. 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, then the products were tested by the Arthritis Foundation. What makes
Acorn stand out, however, is their FastTrack modular rail system that makes installation on curved stairs fast
and easy to customize on-the-spot.
The Acorn 130 is a budget-friendly option for straight stairways with pricing starting at around $3,000. The
level of customization possible with the 130 makes pricing impossible to quote without speaking to a dealer.
The 180 model is sold for any staircase whether it’s curved, has multiple landings, or requires
customization. The company also has an outdoor model. Acorn offers a one-year comprehensive warranty on its
stairlifts.
AmeriGlide Review
Most Budget Friendly
As a major disability and mobility equipment manufacturer in the United States, AmeriGlide makes and sells over
20 models of stairlifts. Fourteen of those models are designed for straight staircases, five are for curved
staircases and two are for outdoor use.
Of the companies we reviewed, AmeriGlide had the most budget-friendly prices thanks, in part to being able to buy
reconditioned stairlifts. You can find a new straight AmeriGlide stairlift for around $1,799 and a reconditioned
one for around $1,649. Likewise, you can find a new curved stairlift for around $8,000 to $10,000 and a
reconditioned one starting at around $6,293.
Read our comprehensive AmeriGlide
review.
Related Stair Lift Resources
Readers of this stairlift guide also found these related articles helpful.
Stair Lift Types and
Configurations
Whether you have a conventional straight staircase or a multi-level staircase with a landing,
stairlifts can be configured to fit almost any design.
How to
Pay for a Stair Lift
Don’t let the cost of a stairlift deter you from aging in place and maintaining mobility throughout
your house. Check out all the ways you can get help paying for a stairlift.
How
Much Do Stair Lifts Cost?
The cost of a stairlift depends on the base model you need and what features come with that base
model. Check out stairlift base model pricing and how much you can expect to pay for stairlift
installation and maintenance.
More Related Articles
Stairlift Companies Near Me
Frequently Asked Questions about Stair Lifts
How do I know the stairlift will fit?
An authorized dealer for the stairlift company should survey the staircase in your home and make sure the chosen
lift will fit properly. A dealer representative will likely ask you questions to make sure the model you prefer
will work based on your size and mobility needs.
What is the average price of a stairlift?
Getting a stairlift installed on a straight stairway will cost around $2,500 to $5,000 on average. If you have a
curved or multi-level stairway, you’ll need to budget for around $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the model you
choose.
How do I get help paying for a stairlift?
Medicare does not cover the cost of a stairlift at this time although in rare cases you may get some help with an
accessibility feature. Many states have programs to help people pay for assistive technology. See the Center for
Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance website to find a financial assistance program in your state. Veterans
should check to see if they qualify for VA assistance to help pay for a stairlift, especially if one is needed
to accommodate a disability with a referral from a VA provider. Many stairlift companies offer financing terms,
but be sure to get full disclosure of interest rates and fees before applying.
How do I know a stairlift is safe?
Buy a reputable brand and you should feel completely safe as long as you use the stairlift as directed. Some have
safety features such as sensors to keep the stairlift from moving until you’re securely in the chair. Although
you can buy refurbished models, a new stairlift is likely to be more reliable and covered by a warranty.
Finally, pay for professional installation and make sure installers are licensed and bonded.
What are the electrical requirements for owning a stairlift?
Almost all stairlifts sold today are low-voltage, DC units, meaning you just need a standard electrical socket
where you can plug it in. Your stairlift should be sold with around 25 feet of cord to reach the outlet nearest
your staircase.
What is the rail attached to?
Stair lift rails are attached to the treads of the stairs on your staircase.
Concluding Thoughts on Stair Lifts
Bottom Line:
No matter which company you choose for your stairlift purchase, don’t
hesitate to ask plenty of questions about price, installation, service, and reliability.
Maintaining your mobility and being able to live in the comfort of your own home is a big goal as you age. Stair
lifts help you navigate multiple levels of your home safely. Whether your staircase is straight or custom-made,
you can work with a stair lift company to find a lift that fits your needs.
The best three stair lift companies we recommended stand out for different reasons and meet our selection
criteria. We came to our conclusions after reviewing market research and expert analysis, resulting in
recommendations designed to help you choose the ideal stair lift based on your individual needs.
The Best Stair Lifts
| Company | Expert Review | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruno | Great Products |
| 2 | Stannah | Great Value |
| 3 | Handicare | Great Warranty |
| 4 | Harmar Mobility | Most Customizable |
| 5 | Acorn | Great Installation |
| 6 | AmeriGlide | Most Budget Friendly |