Stairlift Cost | Key Factors

Written by Jody Fisk

At EZ Able, we get asked about stairlift cost every day. Often people miss the big picture. We understand that the decline of mobility and how it can impact safety when climbing the stairs in your home.

Once simple tasks, such as carrying clothing up the stairs, all of a sudden become troublesome and risky. If you are experiencing difficulty with your stairs and want to stay in your home, then a stairlift may be a great option for you. We’ve assembled the stairlift information to help you understand what impacts stairlift cost with the goal of helping you find best stairlift for your needs.

Consider the User’s Specific Mobility Needs

Often People Focus on Stairlift Price when looking for a stairlift.

Never forget that the NUMBER ONE reason that you purchase a stairlift is for the safety, security and health of the user.

The first and most important tip is to review the mobility and specific needs of the person who will potentially need a stair lift to get up and down the stairs safely. When someone calls to ask about a stair lift, we will ask about the mobility and needs of the person that will be using the lift. It helps both you and our sales consultant to determine whether or not a stair lift is, in fact, the best solution. Once that is determined, it will then be much easier to look into the different types of lifts available and consider any options that may be needed. Providing the user’s height and weight will also help narrow down your options as the weight capacity for a lift can range between 250 – 400 lbs. Another solution such as a wheelchair lift or through the elevator may be considered if a stair lift is not a viable option.

Expert Tip: There may be times when two straight stair lifts can fit a staircase with an immediate landing. This is most common in tri-level homes. Something you may want to consider especially if you have a limited budget.

Stairlift Cost

Why Stairway Style Impact Price

The type of staircase you have in your home will determine the type of rail that will be needed for the lift. If the staircase is straight with no intermediate landings, then you will need a standardized straight rail stairlift.

However, if there are curves, turns, or intermediate landings, then the rail is going to need to be customized to fit the exact specifications of your staircase. Each manufacturer has its own photo measurement system, which ensures that the rail will be designed to fit your staircase like a glove. That is also why a curved rail stair lift costs more than a standard straight rail stair lift.

Straight Stairways

CLICK to View Prices.

EZ Able® offers many affordable choices for your needs.

Do you need help finding the right lift?

EZ Able® offers many affordable, safe and reliable choices for your needs. All of our lifts meet tough safety standards.

For Home or Business.

Curve or Radius Stairways

CLICK HERE to view Curved Stairlifts for Home or Business.

Not all stairways are straight runs. A curved stairlift accommodates stairways were there are turns.

We carry both Inside & Outside Curved Stairlifts.

Straight Stairlifts

CLICK to view prices. EZ Able® offers many affordable choices for your needs. Call 877-392-2531 for details. Need help finding the right lift? EZ Able® offers many affordable, safe and reliable choices for your needs. All of our lifts meet tough safety standards.

Curves or Radius Stairways

CLICK TO VIEW Curved Stairlifts for Home or Business

Not all stairways are straight runs. A curved stairlift accommodates stairways were there are turns.

Schedule In-Home Visit

Other Factors Impacting Cost

Stairlifts & Weight Capacity

The weight limit for a stairlift tends to vary depending on a few different factors, such as

whether the rail is straight or curved
the bends and angles of the rail
the type of chair that is chosen

As a general guideline, the upper weight limit for a straight stairlift is approximately 600 pounds, while the upper weight limit for a curved staircase stairlift is approximately 400 pounds. However, it’s important to note that specific and accurate weight limits for stairlifts are dependent on a thorough site survey.

Up to 300 pound wt capacity

CLICK to View Stairlift Cost for models up to 300-pound weight capacity

Up to 400 pound wt capacity

CLICK to View Stairlift Cost for models up to 400-pound weight capacity

Professional vs. Self-Install

Most stairlifts are sold via a dealer network. Purchasing your lift from a dealer may cost more upfront. However, since the goal is to have a functional, safe operating stairlift, it is wise to put your safety into the hands of professionals. Also, this also means that someone will be available to help if your stairlift ever requires service.

It is possible to save money & buy a straight stair lift as a do-it-yourself installation, but like many DIY projects, it is important to know what is involved before you choose this option.

You will also need the physical strength to lift the rail, chair, and chassis, and you will need to carefully follow installation instructions including proper and safe securement to the stairs. Also, bear in mind that if you install the unit yourself, it may be difficult to find a dealer willing to service it should something go wrong. Many manufacturers may also void your warranty if you do not have it installed by an authorized dealer.

Stairlift Brand, Quality, Warranty & Service Availability

Bruno

Bruno Independent Living Aids is an industry leading manufacturer of straight and curved stair lifts. Award-winning Bruno manufactures indoor and outdoor stair lifts in Wisconsin and takes pride in their position as industry innovation leader. With a strong focus on quality and safety, family-owned Bruno offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty on their indoor straight stair lifts. In addition to stair lifts, Bruno manufacturer’s vertical platform lifts and wheelchair lifts for vehicles. They are also an ISO certified manufacturer that offers independent lifestyle solutions to mobility-challenged individuals and elders. Bruno offers a range of budget-wise stair lifts that helps seniors and mobility-challenged individuals restore safety and gain peace of mind in their own homes.

Harmar

Harmar has the largest variety of wheelchair, scooter, and power stair lifts and offers innovative solutions to enhance home accessibility for the mobility-challenged. Harmar provides people with a way to gain more freedom to go where they want, when they want. Harmar offers ergonomically designed seats and a 2-year warranty on standard lifts.

Handicare

Handicare is committed to making everyday life easier for disabled and elderly people and to empowering them to live an active life – on their terms. At the same time, they want to support those who assist them. This is why they provide well-designed solutions that help increase independence, and are easy and safe to use for both healthcare professionals and family members.

More Things to Know…

Stairway Width

A stairlift can usually be fitted to even the narrowest of staircases without obstructing access to the stairs themselves. Stairlifts have foldaway footrests, armrests and seats to ensure optimal space-saving. The best way to check if you have enough room for a stairlift is by arranging a free, no-obligation home assessment with one of EZ Able’s expert consultants. They can then take the necessary measurements of your staircase to check whether there is enough space and advise on the most appropriate stairlift for you.

How are Stairlifts Powered?

The carriage part of the stairlift that sits on the rails contains a motor which drives the unit electronically. The battery-powered motor ensures a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride. All EZ Able® stairlifts are powered by rechargeable batteries, meaning you don’t have to worry in the event of a power cut; your stairlift will be able to run on battery power for a number of return journeys. Depending on the frequency of use, the battery life should last between 2 to 4 years

Are Stairlifts Covered by Insurance?

Unfortunately, insurance and Medicare typically do not pay for stairlifts.

However, many states do offer Medicaid waivers that will pay for stairlifts for qualifying individuals. For veterans, many VA facilities can provide either partial or full funding for the cost of home improvements related to accessibility.

Additionally, if your doctor writes you a prescription for a stair lift, many states allow the seller to waive sales tax which can save you hundreds of dollars.

Lastly, check with your tax advisor. Stairlifts may be considered a medical device purchase. If your lift qualifies, then you may be able to write off the cost of your lift on your Federal Tax Return (U.S.A.).

Check out this cool video that shows how stairlifts are installed

Stairlifts & Weight Capacity

The weight limit for a stairlift tends to vary depending on a few different factors, such as

whether the rail is straight or curved
the bends and angles of the rail
the type of chair that is chosen

As a general guideline, the upper weight limit for a straight stairlift is approximately 600 pounds, while the upper weight limit for a curved staircase stairlift is approximately 400 pounds. However, it’s important to note that specific and accurate weight limits for stairlifts are dependent on a thorough site survey.

Stairway Width

A stairlift can usually be fitted to even the narrowest of staircases without obstructing access to the stairs themselves. Stairlifts have foldaway footrests, armrests and seats to ensure optimal space-saving. The best way to check if you have enough room for a stairlift is by arranging a free, no-obligation home assessment with one of EZ Able’s expert consultants. They can then take the necessary measurements of your staircase to check whether there is enough space and advise on the most appropriate stairlift for you.

How are Stairlifts Powered?

The carriage part of the stairlift that sits on the rails contains a motor which drives the unit electronically. The battery-powered motor ensures a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride. All EZ Able® stairlifts are powered by rechargeable batteries, meaning you don’t have to worry in the event of a power cut; your stairlift will be able to run on battery power for a number of return journeys. Depending on the frequency of use, the battery life should last between 2 to 4 years.