The Best Stair Lifts of 2024: Companies and Their Costs
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July 9, 2024
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For those who live in two-story homes, a stair lift can be the difference between aging in place and transitioning to a senior care community. Through my decades of working with seniors, I’ve found that stair lifts from Acorn, Bruno, and AmeriGlide performed the best in terms of safety and affordable pricing. These were the criteria I used to evaluate the best stair lifts for seniors, along with warranties and client testimonials. Whether you need an indoor or outdoor stair lift for a straight or curved staircase, there are options for you.
FYI: New to the world of stair lifts? Check out my guide to stair lifts for seniors.
The Best Stair Lifts for Seniors
- Bruno : Best With Lifetime Warranty
- Acorn : Easiest Installation
- AmeriGlide : Most Affordable
Stair Lift Prices Compared
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Bruno
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Acorn
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AmeriGlide
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|---|---|---|---|
| Rating out of 5 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Price range | $3,200 to $11,000 |
$3,000 to $13,500 |
$1,499 to $3,295 |
1. Bruno - Best With Lifetime Warranty
What We Like Most:
- Lifetime limited warranty on indoor models
- Availability throughout the U.S.
- AC-powered and battery-powered stair lifts
- Safety features
Overview
It’s important that stair lifts can last a lifetime, or at least, the remainder of yours — be it 10, 20, or 30 more years. What drew me to the stair lifts from Bruno was the lifetime limited warranty on their indoor models. This gave my clients the peace of mind that their stair lifts would be functional as long as they were on this earth. Additionally, because the stair lift is powered both by a home’s electricity as well as batteries, they stayed on during power outages, giving my clients further peace of mind.
Another thing that stood out to me about the Bruno stair lifts was the amount of local offices throughout the country. As opposed to Acorn, which has a single office in Orlando, Florida, you can find local Bruno offices in:
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Denver
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Los Angeles
- Minneapolis
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- San Francisco
- Washington, D.C.
This makes it easy for potential customers to go into showrooms and see for themselves how the stair lifts work, which should inspire more confidence.
That being said, Bruno’s stair lifts aren’t the absolute cheapest on the market. They start at $3,800, while Acorn starts at $3,000, and AmeriGlide starts at only $1,499. Still, with a lifetime warranty and safety features like a folding rail, retractable seat belt, and swivel seat for easy sitting and standing, my clients have convinced me that Bruno is worth the money.
Pros
- Compact design
- Unique vertical rail system
- Nationwide availability
- Indoor and outdoor stair lifts
Cons
- Higher entry-level costs
FYI: Another great way to augment mobility is with walk-in bathing technology into your home. To learn more, check out my guides to the best walk-in tubs and best walk-in showers.
2. Acorn - Easiest Installation
What We Like Most:
- Installation could take as little as one hour
- No home modifications needed
- Professional installation
- Indoor and outdoor models
Overview
Installing a stair lift can be an arduous task, but that’s not the case with star lifts from Acorn, according to my clients. Typically, they got their stair lifts installed in one to two hours, or, for more complex curved staircases, four to five hours. Even better, they didn’t have to do any home modifications in order to get the stair lifts up and running. It was easy for them to just sit back, relax, and let the professionals do what they do best.
Acorn offers both indoor and outdoor models, as well as models for straight and curved staircases. Prices range from $3,000 to $13,500, which is average compared to Bruno and AmeriGlide, but unfortunately, most people won’t be able to try before they buy, as the company only has one U.S. office in Orlando, Florida.
One thing that may make you feel better about buying an Acorn stair lift without testing it is the company’s extensive compliance with U.S., European, and international safety standards. Acorn stair lifts are also certified by the Arthritis Foundation to be easy to use, which isn’t the case for any other stair lifts on the market. Acorn’s stair lifts are easy and safe to use, particularly for people with mobility issues.
Pros
- Curved and straight stair lifts
- Quick, professional installation
- No home modifications required
- Compliance with U.S., European, and international safety standards
Cons
- Not the lowest prices
- Only one U.S. location in Orlando, Florida
FYI: Curious about pricing? Check out my guide to stair lift costs.
3. AmeriGlide - Most Affordable
What We Like Most:
- Cheaper refurbished models available
- Prices start at $1,499
- Price-matching program with 10 percent discount
- DIY installation available
Overview
Buying a stair lift isn’t a light decision, pun intended. With costs of up to $13,500 from companies like Acorn, you may be wondering whether you can afford a stair lift. If budget is top of mind, I recommend buying a stair lift from AmeriGlide, which offers prices starting at only $1,499 — over $1,500 less than Acorn’s starting price. Better yet, my clients have taken advantage of AmeriGlide’s price-matching program. Here’s how it works: If you find a lower price, AmeriGlide matches it and gives you an additional 10 percent off. It’s also the only provider on this list to offer discounted, reconditioned models starting at $1,999. These low prices definitely make it stand out from the competition.
Another unique feature of AmeriGlide is the fact that, for clients who want to save even more money, the company offers DIY installation for most of its straight indoor and outdoor stair lift models. That’s a good option if you’re OK with doing a bit of handiwork, but there’s also a professional option for straight and curved staircases, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of choice.
Pros
- Stair lifts for less than $2,000
- New and pre-owned options
- DIY installation available
- Wide range of devices
Cons
- Must replace battery every three to five years
- Curved stair lifts require professional installation
My Methodology
I evaluated 13 manufacturers and narrowed them down to my three favorites. When examining each company, I looked for the following:
- Safety features: Stair lifts augment a person’s mobility, but they can also provide added safety with obstruction sensors, seat locks, and automatic brakes. I looked for stair lift companies that offer more than just mobility.
- Fair pricing: A quality stair lift is hard to find for less than $2,000, but we looked for companies with competitive pricing, free consultations, and lower installation costs.
- Reliable warranties: Stair lifts have a lot of parts, and each one usually comes with its own warranty. I included only companies that offer at least a one-year warranty on all parts of their lifts. Some even offer lifetime warranties.
- Customer satisfaction: I’ve taken testimonials from my clients to find out how their stair lifts worked in practice and not just on paper.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stair Lift
If you’re at the beginning of your stair lift purchasing journey, here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Indoor or outdoor: Most companies offer indoor stair lifts, as well as durable stair lifts that can be used outdoors.
- Straight or curved staircase: Additionally, most staircases require straight stair lifts, but curved and custom stair lifts are available as well.
- Safety features: From retractable seat belts to swivel seats and footrests, it’s important to make sure that you can safely get in and out of your chair without hurting yourself.
- Weight capacity: The majority of stair lifts have weight capacities of anywhere between 260 to 300 pounds, while heavy-duty options can support up to 600 pounds.
- Price: Stair lifts range from about $1,500 all the way up to $11,000 or more. Straight stair lifts tend to cost less, and you may be able to save money by buying a refurbished stair lift or installing it yourself.
- Warranty: You’ll want to make sure that your stair lift comes with a reasonable warranty, whether it’s five-year or lifetime.
- Power source: Most stair lifts are connected to the electricity of your home, but I recommend looking for one with a backup battery so that it works in a power outage.
- Installation process: Find out whether installation is DIY or professional, how long it takes, and whether or not it requires modifications to your home. Typically, companies offer professional installation that takes anywhere from one to five hours, but it may take longer for custom, curved options.
How Long Do Stair Lifts Last?
Ideally, stair lifts should last for the remainder of your life or longer — about 15 to 20 years. Some stair lifts, like indoor models from Bruno, come with limited lifetime warranties, while the company’s outdoor stair lifts only come with five-year limited warranties. This is why I recommend paying special attention to the warranty. Once the warranty runs out, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs, but that being said, from the companies I’ve recommended, the stair lifts are well-made and should last for years if they’re used properly. Just make sure not to overload a stair lift above its weight capacity, and don’t let your grandkids treat it like a playground. With normal usage, a stair lift should last as long as any appliance in your household, which is to say, for years to come.
Bottom Line
The best way to choose a stair lift that works for your needs is to visit a local showroom, where you’ll be able to ask questions about pricing and schedule an in-home consultation to learn about unique aspects pertaining to your house.
Many stair lift manufacturers also have teams with which you can schedule an in-home consultation via the phone or internet. These consultations are free, so have no fear about seeking additional information.
When priced well and installed properly, a stair lift is an ideal way to increase mobility in your home. To learn more about staying safe in your home, check out my helpful guides:
Stair Lift Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best kind of stair lift?
Bruno, Acorn, and AmeriGlide are my three favorite stair lift companies, but other companies offer devices ideal for larger people, outdoor use, and other special circumstances.
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Which stair lift brand is better: Bruno or Acorn?
Bruno stair lifts generally work better for most users — and they’re more affordable — but Acorn also offers quality devices.
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How much does an average stair lift cost?
It typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 for a stair lift to be installed on a straight staircase, but the price will be higher for curved or outdoor staircases.
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How much does an Acorn stair lift cost?
Acorn stair lifts typically cost between $3,000 and $5,000, but prices vary based on location and the specific device.
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Are stair lifts worth it?
Stair lifts are an ideal way to help people with mobility issues live freely and safely in their homes. The cost can be relatively high, but they certainly cost less than buying a one-story home or moving to a care facility.
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How much does a secondhand stair lift cost?
Used stair lifts can cost less than $2,000, but it’s best to purchase from a reputable dealer such as a stair lift manufacturer. AmeriGlide, for example, offers reconditioned stair lifts starting at $1,999.