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Best Used Stairlifts of 2026
Our top used stairlift picks help you regain mobility at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
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When it comes to used stairlifts, our research indicates that the best options are certified used, reconditioned, or through a rental program, all directly by a reputable brand, rather than through a network of independent dealers. Two brands that stood out to us: Stannah and AmeriGlide.
Stannah makes several stair lift types, including straight, curved, and outdoor models. Its lift designs can accommodate those with back and hip pain and limited mobility.
- Ample customizations
- Cost-conscious options
- Rental options available
4.3
AmeriGlide makes straight, curved, and outdoor stair lifts. They can be customized to fit almost any staircase. You can choose from new, used, or refurbished stair lifts. Self-install options are available.
- Most budget-friendly
- Financing options
- Buy new, used, or refurbished
How We Chose the Best Used Stairlifts
We started with the manufacturers in our full guide to the best stair lift companies, then checked each brand’s own website for a dedicated used, reconditioned, or rental program. We excluded options only available through third-party resellers, since pricing, condition, and warranty terms vary too much from dealer to dealer to compare fairly. That left two brands with verified, direct programs: Stannah’s reconditioned and rental offerings, and AmeriGlide’s factory-direct reconditioned and used inventory.
Used Stairlifts Reviews
Stannah Stairlifts Review
Ample customizations
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Stannah has manufactured stair lifts for more than 150 years and sells straight, curved, outdoor, and standing models through a nationwide network of dealers. That same network is what makes its used-stair-lift program possible: dealers routinely take in, inspect, and recondition pre-owned units before reselling them.
Reconditioned Stannah lifts are cleaned, safety-tested, and restored to the manufacturer’s original standards, and typically cost around 20% less than a new unit. They also come with a warranty, including a 10-year motor and gearbox warranty and a one-year parts and labor warranty, so buyers get some of the same peace of mind as with a new purchase.
If you only need a lift temporarily, Stannah also offers a rental program for both straight and curved staircases. Rentals are billed monthly and are a good option for anyone recovering from surgery or supporting a short-term move. Availability of reconditioned and rental units depends on your local dealer’s current inventory, so it’s worth calling ahead to confirm what’s in stock in your area.
For more information, read our full Stannah Stair Lift review.
AmeriGlide Review
Most budget-friendly
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AmeriGlide manufactures a full line of mobility equipment, including stair lifts, platform lifts, and scooters, and sells everything factory-direct through its own website rather than a dealer network.
That direct-to-consumer model is also what makes it the most accessible way to buy used: AmeriGlide is the only brand in our research that lists reconditioned and used stair lifts for sale online, with prices and specs shown up front.
For example, its factory reconditioned Rave 2 straight stair lift lists for $1,999 plus shipping, well below the cost of a comparable new unit. Reconditioned and used lifts carry shorter warranty terms than new models, so confirm exact coverage with AmeriGlide before you buy.
AmeriGlide’s straight lifts are also self-installable, which can help buyers in rural areas without a local dealer. Professional installation is available too, starting at around $199 for a straight lift.
For more information, read our full AmeriGlide review.
The Best Used Stairlifts Compared
The following is a quick reference on how our top two used stairlifts stack up.
| Brand | Pricing | Types Available | Warranty | Rental Option | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stannah | ~20% less than new | Straight, curved, varies | 10-year motor and gearbox, 1-year parts and labor | Yes | Dealer installed |
| AmeriGlide | Starting at $1,999 | Straight | Dependent on the unit | No | Self-install or professional |
Reconditioned vs. Used Stairlifts
When buying a pre-owned stairlift (not new), know that the terms “reconditioned” and “used” are not the same. A reconditioned (or refurbished) stair lift has been inspected, cleaned, repaired, and tested by the manufacturer or an authorized dealer before resale and usually comes with some warranty coverage.
A used stair lift, by contrast, may just be resold as-is by a previous owner, with no guarantee of its condition. If you’re buying pre-owned, we recommend sticking with a certified reconditioned program, like the ones Stannah and AmeriGlide offer, rather than an uncertified listing from a marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
Types of Used Stairlifts
If you’re in the market to buy used stair lifts, straight stairlifts are by far the easiest type to find used or refurbished, since their standardized rails can be resized and reinstalled in a new home.
Curved and outdoor lifts are custom-built for the original staircase, so pre-owned units are rare and may require significant rework to fit a different home.
Should You Rent Instead of Buy Used?
Renting a stairlift makes sense if you only need it for a few months, such as after surgery.
Stannah is one of the few manufacturers that rents directly, with monthly plans for both straight and curved stairlifts. If your home accessibility needs are permanent, buying reconditioned or used will save you more money over time than an ongoing rental fee.
How Much Do Used Stairlifts Cost?
Used and refurbished stair lifts cost $1,000 to $3,000 on average, compared to $2,900 to $14,000 for a new stair lift. Reconditioned models tend to fall on the higher end of that range because they come with more testing and a stronger warranty, while as-is used units bought outside a manufacturer’s program are usually the cheapest but riskiest option. See our full breakdown of refurbished stairlift costs for more details.
Installing a Used Stairlift
Even a used or reconditioned stair lift needs to be professionally measured and installed, since it was originally built for a different staircase. A technician will confirm the unit fits your stairs, cut the track if needed, and test all safety features, including sensors, the seat belt, and the swivel seat, before handing it over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Used Stairlifts
Yes, as long as they’ve been properly reconditioned. A certified program will test the motor, replace worn parts, and confirm that all safety sensors and features are working before reselling the lift. Buying an uncertified used lift directly from a previous owner carries more risk, since there’s no guarantee of its condition or maintenance history.
Most buyers save more than 50% compared to the cost of a new stair lift. Savings vary by brand and stair lift type: straight lifts see the biggest discounts, while curved and outdoor models are harder to find used and may cost more.
In most cases, no. Used and reconditioned inventory typically comes from a manufacturer’s local dealer network rather than directly from the company. AmeriGlide is an exception: it sells reconditioned and used units directly on its own website, without needing a dealer visit.
Concluding Thoughts on Used Stairlifts
Bottom Line: A used or reconditioned stairlift cuts your costs without sacrificing safety, as long as you buy through a certified program.
Stannah and AmeriGlide both back their pre-owned units with manufacturer-standard testing and a warranty, giving you a safer alternative to an uncertified listing. Stannah is the better fit if you want a local dealer to handle everything, including a short-term rental, while AmeriGlide is the better fit if you’d rather buy direct online at the lowest price. Before you buy, confirm the unit’s warranty terms, ask whether it fits your specific staircase, and always have it professionally installed.