How Much Does a Wheelchair Lift Cost?
The average cost of a wheelchair lift in 2025 is $14,500.
Updated: June 27, 2025
AT A GLANCE:
- The average cost of a wheelchair lift is $14,500, ranging from $4,000 for a simple vehicle lift attachment to over $25,000 for a fully enclosed vertical lift.
- The average installation costs range from 15% to 25% of the total project, meaning the complexity of the project and type of lift will increase the price to install.
- Arrow Lift offers high-quality wheelchair lifts tailored to your needs, and prices range from $20,000 to $40,000, making it one of the more expensive brands.
Wheelchair lifts can cost anywhere from $4,000 to over $25,000 in 2025. While residential wheelchair lifts can be expensive, they are a worthwhile investment for people with mobility issues or those aging in place.
Many homes and vehicles are not wheelchair accessible; installing a lift in your home or vehicle provides accessibility solutions, increased safety, and enhanced quality of life. Wheelchair lifts enable individuals to travel between levels by raising or lowering them, providing access to areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach. They can be used in-home, commercially, or in vehicles
However, cost can be a major complication for people. To better understand the average cost of a wheelchair lift, let’s take a deeper look at the factors influencing the overall price.
Wheelchair Platform Lift Cost Breakdown
Wheelchair lifts cost anywhere from $4,000 for a simple vehicle lift attachment to over $25,000 for a fully enclosed vertical lift. However, if you choose a lift without major customizations and have a shorter travel distance, you can expect to pay $14,500 for a residential wheelchair lift on average.
- Vertical Platform Lifts: $8,000 – $25,000+
- Inclined Platform Lifts: $4,200 – $15,700+
- Vehicle Lifts: $10,000 to $20,000+
Similar to wheelchair vehicle lifts are wheelchair vans. These are vehicles specially designed for wheelchair users, and prices range from $35,000 to over $67,000, depending on the provider.
Cost of Different Types of Wheelchair Lifts
Wheelchair lifts typically fall into one of three categories: vertical platform lifts (VPL), inclined platform lifts (IPL), and vehicle lifts.
| Vertical Platform Lifts | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Unenclosed | $5,000 – $7,000+ |
| Enclosed | $10,000 – $14,000+ |
| Hybrid | $14,000 – $20,000+ |
| Inclined Platform Lifts | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Two-Landing Lifts | $5,000 – $20,000+ |
| Outdoor Lifts | $15,000 – $20,000+ |
| Portable Lifts | $1,000 and $4,000+ |
| Vehicle Lifts | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Hitch-Mounted Lifts | $2,000 – $4,600+ |
| Interior Lifts | $2,000 – $6,000+ |
These price ranges are based on the Retirement Living editorial team’s research and third-party pricing data. The actual cost will depend on how far the lift needs to travel, the weight capacity, platform size, your specific needs, and any necessary home alterations.
Other factors, such as installation and maintenance, the type of lift, and the provider, will influence final costs. When shopping for a wheelchair or scooter lift, be sure to research multiple brands and providers to find the one that best suits your needs.
Wheelchair Lift Prices By Brand
Compare the top wheelchair lift brands, top features, and average price range to find one that meets your requirements.
| Brand | Top Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Arrow Lift | – Weight limit of 750 pounds – Travel distance: 14 ft – Inclined platform lifts available | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Lifeway Mobility | – Weight limit 750 lbs to 1050 lbs – Travel distance: 4 to 10 ft (some reach 14 ft) – Outside, inside, inclined platform lifts, & commercial wheelchair lifts available | $12,000 – $35,000 |
| Bruno (scooter lifts) | – ISO 9001-certified – Travel distance: 14 ft – Vertical wheelchair lifts and scooter lifts | $3,500 – $6,000+ |
*Prices based on no additional home modifications. The age of your home may also impact these prices.
Wheelchair Lift Installation and Maintenance Costs
Exact pricing for installing a wheelchair lift varies, but normally ranges from 15% to 25% of the total project cost. Due to the versatility of wheelchair lifts, it’s difficult to provide exact pricing for labor. Keep in mind that where you live may affect the contractors’ hourly rate. Additionally, the complexity of the installation will increase final costs.
Annual maintenance can range between $100 and $500. Parts of the lift that should receive regular maintenance include the platform, folding arms, handrails, wiring, fuses and relays, switches, hydraulic components, and general safety features.
If the lift is battery-powered, you’ll want to make sure that it remains in good condition and has a battery backup, in case of any long-term power outages. If your lift is made for outdoor use, you may require more frequent maintenance, as weather conditions can negatively affect the lift.
Check your contract with your provider to see what kind of maintenance plan is included in the warranty.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Wheelchair Lift
Various factors can affect the overall cost of a wheelchair lift.
- Location: Different areas have different requirements; for instance, commercial settings must be ADA-compliant, which increases costs.
- Size: The bigger the lift is, and the more stops it has, the higher the cost will be.
- Aesthetics: Some brands offer design options; the nicer and more sleek the design, the higher the cost will be.
- Type of lift: Platform lifts will cost more than vehicle lifts. Brand can also affect price.
- Customizations: Any added features will increase the cost of a wheelchair lift.
Exact prices for the above factors vary. However, we can determine the average cost for travel distance (or lift height) for a wheelchair platform lift.
| Travel Distance | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 feet | $6,500 |
| 10 feet | $14,500 |
| 15 feet | $17,600 |
Source: Angi.com
When considering types of wheelchair lifts, keep in mind how much distance you’ll need to travel. You may find that a home elevator or stair lifts may better suit your needs
The Cost of Wheelchair Lifts vs Home Elevators
Wheelchair lifts are designed specifically for moving users of wheelchairs or other mobility devices between floors. Home elevators, on the other hand, are a fully enclosed transport system that moves vertically and can accommodate multiple passengers.
Home elevators are more expensive than wheelchair lifts, costing anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000. Installation is also a more complex process, often taking months to complete. However, they typically allow users to travel further distances than wheelchair lifts and add value to a home.
Wheelchair lifts are generally more cost-effective and space-efficient. On top of that, they’re much easier to install and are more versatile than home elevators.
Ultimately, choosing between a wheelchair lift and a home elevator depends on your specific needs, where you want the lift, your budget, and design preferences.
Paying for a Wheelchair Lift
To help pay for a wheelchair lift, you should look into financial assistance programs and payment options. Many states have financial assistance programs for elderly or disabled people; some of these programs include home modifications, meaning they could partially cover the cost of a wheelchair platform lift. You can also look into your state’s Assistive Technology (AT) Program, which usually offers low-interest loans to families with elderly or disabled individuals.
While Medicare doesn’t cover wheelchair lifts, Medicaid may cover the cost of a wheelchair lift if it’s a medical necessity, depending on your state’s specific policies.
You can also ask your provider about payment plans, which will help spread the cost out over time, making it easier to pay for the lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare does not cover residential wheelchair lifts or ramps, as they aren’t considered a medical necessity. However, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are available through private insurance, might cover the cost of supplemental health care benefits, which could include wheelchair lifts for qualifying individuals.
Ramp wheelchairs are meant for gentle inclines like thresholds or short steps. They allow wheelchairs to be manually pushed up or down and are best for small elevation changes, improving home accessibility. However, step wheelchairs are designed to climb full staircases using mechanical systems such as powered tracks or lifting mechanisms. They are best for homes or buildings with multiple or steep staircases.
A wheelchair lift is a platform that lifts a wheelchair user between levels. However, a stair lift is a seat attached to a rail on a staircase. It’s designed for people who can still walk but may have trouble climbing stairs. Stair lifts also cannot transport wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Wheelchair platform lifts work by carrying a wheelchair and its user vertically between levels (usually one or two). They are similar to elevators, but they are usually smaller and travel shorter distances. People typically use them as porch lifts or in interior spaces with a few steps. The drive system can be hydraulic or electric and is usually operated by the user.
Start by assessing your needs and getting an evaluation from a qualified specialist through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists to determine what equipment works best for you.
Next, choose a vehicle that will fit your wheelchair or scooter, consider who will be driving it, and where you’ll park it. Once chosen, you may need to make modifications. Consult with a professional or your dealer to get accurate advice on how to alter your vehicle if needed.
Yes, you can rent wheelchair lifts temporarily for various events, residences, or other short-term situations. You can rent portable lifts and vans. For instance, BraunAbility offers wheelchair van rentals.
No, you should not install a wheelchair lift yourself. While some basic assembly is possible, wheelchair lifts are very complex, and improper installation could lead to safety hazards and damage. Additionally, most manufacturers will void a warranty if a lift isn’t installed by a certified technician.
Help us improve our cost data! Email your latest wheelchair lift quote to [email protected]. Rest assured, your personal details will remain completely confidential.