The Best Stair Lift Companies

Fact checked by: Lynda Menegotti, Editor | Last Updated: June 2024

How We Found The Best Stairlifts:

7 Experts Consulted

280+ Hours of Research

39 Products Considered

10 Products Selected

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The Best Stair Lift Companies

Fact checked by: Lynda Menegotti, Editor | Last Updated: June 2024

Caring Village may receive commissions for purchases or leads made through links in this article.

The Top 10 Stair Lift Companies
The stair lift companies organized below are a starting point for you to review and analyze each one to find the best option for you. The various stair lift manufacturers will provide different types to meet your needs. Not sure where to start?

Best Overall

Best Stair Lifts - Bruno

Best Dealer

Best Stair Lifts - Lifeway Mobility

Best Options

Best Stair Lifts - Handicare

Best Warranty

Best Stair Lifts - Stannah

Best Stair Lift Brands for Seniors

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 its position as an 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 manufactures 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 provides 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.

Bruno Stairlift Models Available:

What We Like:

  • Great customer service (virtually and in-person)!
  • A great warranty brings peace of mind with a limited lifetime warranty (indoor straight stair lifts) and another with a 5-year limited warranty.
  • Strong support and comfortable to use.
  • A high weight capacity for all models.
  • All stairlifts are made in the U.S.
  • A range of prices makes Bruno stairlifts affordable to most.
  • You will find all lift types available (curved, straight, etc.).
  • Very comfortable seating with padded seats, backrest, and adjustable seat height.
  • Long-lasting battery power that supports the stairlift even in a power outage.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • Both the Elan and Elite seat options are extremely comfortable, but it would be even better if they had additional options available.

Handicare

Handicare is committed to making everyday life easier for disabled and elderly people and 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.

Handicare Stairlift Models Available:

What We Like:

  • A variety of seat and color options to choose from.
  • Lifetime warranty on motors and gearboxes of indoor straight lifts and most curved models; 5 years on all other models.
  • Access to a 3D rendering of how the stairlift will look and fit within your home prior to installation.
  • Access to 8-different models of indoor and outdoor stairlifts.
  • Some of the stairlifts have a rental program you can use instead of a permanent purchase.
  • The virtual resource center is available online to answer most of your questions.
  • Make an appointment online with a mobility expert.
  • Safe and reliably mounted to your staircase.
  • Installation with professional dealers takes about 4-hours.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • Faster access to replacement parts.

Stannah

Stannah is recognized around the world as the company that brings freedom, independence, and a strong sense of safety back to anyone who has difficulty overcoming the challenges posed by the stairs in their home. The Stannah stair lift is fully customizable, and the company will do a free assessment with no obligation to purchase. Stannah stair lifts are offered by more than 200 dealers nationwide.

Stannah Stairlift Models Available:

What We Like:

  • You can purchase used models for less cost.
  • A 10-year warranty.
  • Perch-style seating is available.
  • The stairlift battery will last between 3 to 5 years before it needs to be replaced.
  • The curved stairlifts are very capable of getting around tight curves.
  • Comfortable and innovative seats for ease of use.
  • High marks on safety.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • Increased weight limit (currently does not exceed 350 pounds).
  • Faster customer service response times.

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. The focus of the company is on two primary areas: lifts for your vehicle and lifts for your home.

Harmar partners with a variety of car manufacturers and offers you suggestions on how to find financial assistance should you need it for your car. For your home, Harmar is determined to create a comfortable living space for your aging loved one.

Harmar Stairlift Models Available:

What We Like:

  • A higher weight limit of up to 600 lbs.
  • An extremely quiet model and design.
  • The stairlifts are not mounted to the wall.
  • Great 3-year warranty on components and 10-year warranty on the patented gear rack system.
  • The backrest is equipped with 3-different settings.
  • A lubrication-free system keeping your home clean.
  • Easy to operate and remote features.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • A broader selection for curved stair lifts.

Lifeway Mobility

Lifeway Mobility is an accessibility solutions company that helps people with limited mobility regain their independence and stay safe in the home they love. They are a Bruno Diamond Stair Lift Dealer with showrooms in Chicagoland, Connecticut, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Massachusetts, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, & San Francisco Bay Area. Some of the other products offered by Lifeway are wheelchair ramps and lifts, bathroom safety solutions, and home elevators. Lifeway Mobility provides accessible solutions to those living in California, the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southern New England, and Pennsylvania.

What We Like:

  • Multiple stair lift options are available in one location.
  • Quick access to a quote and installation costs with a free consultation.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • Wider access to services (availability depends on your state).

AmeriGlide

AmeriGlide offers nationwide measuring and installation. In addition, you have the option to do it yourself, which could potentially save hundreds of dollars. AmeriGlide offers a variety of accessibility solutions from bath lifts, elevators, vertical platform lifts to stair lifts. The variety of stair lifts you can find include: straight, curved, indoor, outdoor, heavy-duty, certified used, and more. You can find several service repair options should you need one. AmeriGlide has an estimated 50,000 units sold and with an average 4-hour homeowner installation.

AmeriGlide Stair Lift Models Available:

 What We Like:

  • Access to a digital diagnostic display.
  • A key lock feature to ensure maximum safety.
  • Wide range of customization features for the seat style and color, as well as power swivel options.
  • A 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year drivetrain warranty.
  • Long-lasting maintenance and trust in the stair lift.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • A greater duration of the warranties could help with potential parts and system malfunctions.

101 Mobility

101 Mobility provides a variety of stair lifts and mobility solutions from its personally manufactured equipment and known brands nationwide. The company offers products such as auto lifts, incline platform lifts, vertical platform lifts, stair lifts, scooters, wheelchair ramp maintenance, and limited use elevators.

Stairlift Models Available:

What We Like:

  • Ability to quickly access a network of locally owned dealers for stairlifts.
  • Extended service warranty is available to help cover annual maintenance and service.
  • Easy to order and work with expert staff.
  • A one-stop-shop.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • Faster customer service response times.

Ascent Mobility

Ascent Mobility was established in 2008, after many years of experience in the accessibility industry. In the beginning, Ascent had the simple yet ambitious idea of providing the best mobility products and services at affordable prices. The goal of Ascent has always been to help customers feel safe in their homes and regain the confidence and independence that is so deserved by all.

What We Like:

  • Access to various multiple manufacturers and models.
  • Reconditioned stairlifts available (subject to availability).
  • Free shipping on all stairlifts in the lower 48 states (Alaska and Hawaii residents will incur a $400 shipping fee) installed via independent contractors throughout the United States.
  • 24/7 tech support available.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • A sales team outside of Colorado could help minimize miscommunication between sales and installation teams.

Acorn Stair Lifts

Acorn Stair Lifts is an international, family-owned company that employs thousands worldwide. Their core business is the manufacture, sale, and service of stair lifts. Acorn prides itself with creating the most contemporary design, using the latest innovations, and manufacturing top-quality components. Acorn Stair Lifts has pioneered the use of direct current (DC) batteries, the FastTrack system, and Smart-Level technology.

Acorn Stairlift Models Available:

What We Like:

  • Fast installation.
  • Designed to be attached to the staircase and not the wall.
  • 12-month comprehensive warranty.
  • Installation is done by company employees and not dealers.
  • Financial assistance is available.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • Increased weight limit.
  • Access to broad price ranges without a consultation.

Savaria

Founded in 1979, Savaria is a Canadian company all about products that help improve mobility. Whether that's for your home, in a vehicle, or in public spaces, they design and build products to make life more accessible. With manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and China, they can more efficiently reach global markets and build to meet the needs of specific customer requirements.

Savaria Stairlift Models Available:

What We Like:

  • A 36-month of coverage for all stairlift parts
  • Two purchase options (through dealer or direct from Savaria if in the Direct Group Location).
  • Excellent safety control features including obstacle sensors.
  • Battery charging is built-in at the top and bottom of the rail for continued charging.

What Could Make Them Even Better:

  • Additional color options for seats and rails.
  • Access to broad price ranges without a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stair Lifts

In our research, we found that questions about cost, safety, the installation process are often asked by those considering adding a stair lift to their home.

How Much Does a Stair Lift Cost?

The price of stair lifts can vary depending on the staircase design, with prices in the $2000 to $4000 range being common for a simple stair lift for straight stairs. For more elaborate stairways and chairs, the price can be as much as $15,000 (or even more, in some cases) including professional installation.

The chart below provides a quick look at the types of stair lifts offered by each brand along with an estimated price range (accurate at the time of publication).

Company

Types of Stairlifts Available

Base Price Range for Straight Stairlifts

Base Price Range for Curved Stairlifts

Straight, Curved & Outdoor

$3,500 to $5,500

$11,000

Straight, Curved & Outdoor

$2,600 to $3,700

$6,200 to $8,600

Straight, Curved & Outdoor

$3,000 to $5,700

$12,000 to $15,000

Straight, Curved & Outdoor

$2,200 to $4,000

$14,000

Straight, Curved & Outdoor

$2,200 to $6,000

$10,500

Straight, Curved & Outdoor

$1,700 to $2,100

$8,200

Straight

$3,400 to $3,500

Not Available

Straight, Curved & Outdoor

$2,200 to $4,000

$6,2000 to $14,000

Straight, Curved & Outdoor

In-home consultation required for pricing

In-home consultation required for pricing

Straight & Curved

$2,500 to $3,000

$8,800

Keep in mind that stair lift installation can be expensive. However, many companies offer financing. The options to finance will always depend on the cost of the lift, your credit history and if you put any money down upfront. Explore the financing details to ensure you are not being charged a high-interest rate.

You should also explore if your insurance covers any portion of purchase or installation. Insurance options are often limited, but it never hurts to double-check. Medicare does not currently pay for stair lifts but there may be some options through Medicare Advantage plans for reimbursement. If you have Medicaid, you will need to check with your state-specific benefits to determine if you are eligible for any reimbursement.

Veterans are often eligible for some or full payment for stairl ifts. It is well worth the time and effort to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs caregiver support line for more details.

You should also consider what the cost of removal is as well for the long-term viability of your home or should you move.

You will need to ensure your stair lift has fundamental safety features to keep your aging loved one safe.

Stair lifts are required to undergo thorough analysis and testing prior to being available on the market per the FDA. (Source: FDA.gov)

Some of the core features include: safety belts/harnesses, obstruction detection, and keylocks. The safety of your aging loved one is a top priority and each item below should be tested prior to using it fully.

Safetybelts: You are used to a seatbelt in a car but when using a stair lift they are essential for safety. The safety belt may look more like a harness in some cases.
Keylocks: An essential safety feature is the keylock. This is something that if removed, the stairlift cannot operate. Using this will prevent children or others that shouldn’t be occupying the lift from using it.
Obstruction Detection: When a stairlift is in motion it is critical it has obstruction detection to prevent it from running over an object on the track.

A stairlift may fit nicely into your home but the hardware required to function may surprise you. Some of the core components to the functional operation of a stairlift include:

  • Battery: This is what will keep your stairlift moving. The batteries will be larger and more expensive then what you typically buy for your appliances. You will find them typically at the base of the seat, near the motor. The battery will likely need to be replaced but this will be a few years after purchase.
  • Battery Charger: The battery replacement as mentioned above is every few years so charging your battery will keep it alive. The charger will typically be found under the track or near the beginning or end of the track. The charger will likely work automatically with no action on your part.
  • Motor: The stairlift needs to be moved up and down with a small but powerful motor. The main driver of the stairlift chair can be found at the base of the seat and controls the movement and speed of the lift.
  • Transmission: Like a vehicle, the motor is moving at a high speed to safely more the stair lift up and down the track. The transmission is used to reduce the speed of the lift while increasing the power.

Consider the following when evaluating each company and ensuring it is the high-quality product you want:

  1. What is the price range you are willing to spend on the stair lift?
  2. Does the company offer a payment plan?
  3. How many different types of stair lifts does the company manufacture?
  4. Do you need an indoor or outdoor stair lift?
  5. How many years of warranty will the company offer?
  6. What are the safety features incorporated into the product?
  7. Is the stairlift self-installed or does it require professional installation?
  8. How does the stairlift handle a power outage?
  9. Is the stairlift battery-operated or electrical?
  10. Do you want to buy or rent the stairlift?

When you answer the questions above, consider both the present and future needs of your aging loved one. Be intentional with your research and review of each of the companies. Being a knowledgeable consumer will put you in the best position possible.

Summary

When purchasing a stair lift, make sure you do your research and discuss your options with a physician. If you feel like you can install yourself take the right safety measures and ensure you have the needed tools. If you are unable to or would like to use professionals, look into what local professionals are available to help you with your installation.

What To Do Now

Now that you have a thorough summary of what stair lifts are, how they work, the best companies, manufacturers and vendors available – take the time to explore the best available option for you. You will see the tremendous benefits of having a stair lift and how it gives freedom and independence to your aging loved one.

To learn more and request a free quote, simply fill out the quick contact form below:

Expert Contributors

Brooke Lounsbury, RN  Linkin - Click to view this contributor's LinkedIn profile.

Brooke Lounsbury Registered Nurse

Brooke Lounsbury, RN, has over 26 years of nursing experience, with a primary focus on Home Health and Hospice. During her time working with patients and families, she saw the pressures and strains caregivers go through while caring for loved ones. The noticeable lack of resources to help caregivers prompted her to start a support group for caregivers in her area.

Brooke is passionate about holistic healing, which led her to create courses for nurses and other healthcare professionals on digestive health, sleep hygiene, and the effects of technology on health for PedagogyEducation.com, a nationally accredited provider of continuing nurse education.

Brooke has written articles for several health-related websites, including Jase Medical and The Wellness Company.

In her free time, Brooke enjoys spending time with family, her dog, and traveling.

Dan Fogarty, M.A., FACHE. Linkin - Click to view contributor's LinkedIn profile.

Caring Village Expert Contributor - Dan Fogarty

Dan Fogarty has more than 12 years experience in healthcare management and strategic communication. Dan earned his Master’s in Health Communication from Johns Hopkins University in 2012. Dan has served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the NIH Clinical Center and Chief Intramural AO for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for 12 years. At present, Dan is the Senior Advisor for Strategic Operations, Management and Technology for SAMHSA.

In 2021, Dan earned the distinct credential of board certification in healthcare management as a Fellow of the ACHE (FACHE). Dan is also an Adjunct Faculty member of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS).

Dan is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned his Fellow of the ACHE credential in 2021. Dan contributes to his community as an appointed member of the Commission on Disabilities and Cultural Council. He has consulted for a variety of healthcare organizations in strategic communication and operational initiatives.