Best Stair Lifts of 2024: Companies and Their Costs
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March 7, 2024
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For people with mobility issues, climbing stairs can be a painful or even impossible endeavor. Luckily, stair lifts address the issue. Rather than move to a one-story home or assisted living community, you can install a stair lift and restore your freedom throughout your house.
Stair lifts typically cost a couple thousand dollars, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and safety. The best stair lift manufacturers can work with any home environment, providing you the customized solution you need to navigate staircases safely.
After months of research, we’ve come up with a list of our favorite stair lift providers.
FYI: New to the world of stair lifts? Check out my guide to stair lifts for seniors.
How We Chose the Best Stair Lift Companies for Seniors
We evaluated 13 manufacturers and narrowed them down to our five favorites. When examining each company, we 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. We looked for stair lift companies that offer more than just mobility.
- Curved options: Nearly every company provides straight stair lifts, but we included only providers that offer options for curved staircases.
- 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. We included only companies that offer at least a one-year warranty on all parts of their lifts. Several offer lifetime warranties though.
- Pre-owned stair lifts: Stair lifts come with hefty price tags, so we looked for providers that offer the option of purchasing a used or refurbished model for extra savings.
Pro Tip: Curious about pricing? Check out my guide to stair lift costs.
The Best Stair Lifts for Seniors
- AmeriGlide : Most Affordable Stair Lifts
- Bruno : Best Overall Stair Lifts
- Acorn : Quickest Installation
- Harmar : Support for Larger People
- Stannah : Tailor-Made Stair Lifts
Stair Lift Prices Compared
| Company | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bruno: Best Overall Stair Lifts | $3,200 to $6,000 |
| Acorn: Quickest Installation | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| AmeriGlide: Most Affordable | $1,894 to $3,995 |
| Harmar: Support for Larger People | $2,000 to $6,995 |
| Stannah: Tailor-Made Stair Lifts | $3,200 to $5,000 |
1. AmeriGlide - Most Affordable Stair Lifts
What We Like Most:
- Lifts for under $2,000
- Wide range of lift types
- Optional DIY installation
- Pre-owned lifts available
Overview
Manufactured in America and offering a wide array of stair lifts, AmeriGlide is one of our favorite companies because of its flexible and highly affordable pricing. The company unfortunately charges extra for installation, but it’s one of the only companies that offers the option to install the lift yourself — perfect for handy buyers.
Safety Features
AmeriGlide’s wide range of devices have different features, but the following features are standard on each of its lifts:
- Locking seats: AmeriGlide’s lift chairs lock into place, preventing spinning during transfer and allowing you to turn only when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- Obstruction sensors: All AmeriGlide lifts detect obstructions in your path and automatically stop until the issue is cleared.
Cost
AmeriGlide stair lifts start as low as $1,894 for the most basic model, and it offers used and refurbished models that may cost even less. Keep in mind that these prices include neither shipping nor installation, however, so be sure to budget for those additional costs.
Since AmeriGlide stair lifts can be purchased directly from the company’s stores or from third-party retailers, the best way to figure out your total price is to pay them a visit.
Warranty
AmeriGlide’s warranty policies vary with each of its many models, but none of its warranties exceed 10 years. In most cases, the drivetrain will be covered for five years for indoor models, while outdoor lifts typically have shorter warranties.
Pros
- Stair lifts for less than $2,000
- New and pre-owned options
- Tax-free stair lifts
- DIY installation available
- Wide range of devices
- ANSI compliant
Cons
- Installation charged separately
2. Bruno - Best Overall Stair Lifts
What We Like Most:
- Indoor and outdoor options
- Limited lifetime warranties
- Installation included in price
- Advanced safety features
Overview
Bruno, the largest residential stair lift manufacturer in North America, is a veteran-founded and family-owned company you can trust to restore mobility in and around your home. It offers an entry-level stair lift for indoors, outdoors, and even curved environments.
Safety Features
- Constant pressure controls: An ergonomic joystick is embedded in the armrest of Bruno stair lifts that allows you to easily control upward and downward movement without jerking.
- Spatial sensors: Bruno stair lifts sense obstructions on your travel path and stop if needed.
- Swivel seat: Bruno stair lift seats can swivel, allowing for easy entry and exit. They also lock in place to keep you safe while in motion. An optional upgrade enables you to power your swivel with a remote control.
- Audio status updates: Bruno stair lifts will prompt you when their battery is low, giving you adequate time to make adjustments.
Cost
Bruno stair lifts can cost as little as $3,000 with installation, and higher-end models can cost upward of $6,000. We appreciate that Bruno often includes installation in its costs, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of the purchasing process.
Since Bruno stair lifts are not sold directly from the manufacturer, financing options vary depending on where you purchase your lift. The upside is many local dealers offer sales and promotions.
Warranty
Bruno warranties vary by model, but all models come with between five years and a lifetime of coverage for major components such as the drivetrain, motor, gearbox, and rail system.
Pros
- Compact design
- Unique vertical rail system
- Family owned
- ANSI certified
- 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. To learn more, check out my guides to the best walk-in tubs and best walk-in showers.
3. Acorn - Quickest Installation
What We Like Most:
- Next-day installation
- 14-day trial period
- Dedicated customer support
- Sold directly to consumers
Overview
Acorn, one of the few stair lift manufacturers that sells directly to consumers, excels in customer service and installation. Its indoor, outdoor, and curved stairlifts can be installed in a matter of days, and the company will send a technician to complete an in-home assessment in just a couple hours.
Safety Features
- Battery power: All Acorn stair lifts use a 24-volt DC battery that continually charges through your house’s electricity, so your lift can continue to function even during a power outage.
- Obstruction sensors: Acorn stair lifts automatically detect objects in their path and stop the chairs accordingly.
- Speed governing: This feature prevents your stair lift from gaining excessive speed in the event of a mechanical failure.
- Locking seat: Acorn seats lock into place at 45 and 90 degrees, allowing you to safely ride and comfortably dismount the lift.
- Arm rest lock: Acorn stair lifts will not travel until the arm rests are lowered, adding another layer of protection during transport.
Cost
The only way to know the cost of an Acorn stair lift is to get a free in-home estimate, but, in our experience, they cost between $2,500 and $5,500 for straight indoor lifts, including installation. The costs may vary greatly depending on home environments though. Acorn offers financing options to help you lower the up-front costs.
Warranty
Every Acorn stair lift comes with a 12-month warranty that covers one scheduled service in addition to any damage or faults in the installation or manufacturing processes. It’s a bit less than other companies on this list, but Acorn offers extended warranties for a negotiable price.
Pros
- Sold directly to consumers
- Great customer service
- Next-day installation available
- Free quoting process
- 14-day trial period
Cons
- Extended warranties require additional payments
4. Harmar - Support for Larger People
What We Like Most:
- Support for up to 600 lbs
- Made in America
- Quick lift speeds
- Safety sensors
Overview
Based in the United States, Harmar is known widely for its excellent customer service and superior engineering. It’s one of the only manufacturers to offer residential lifts that can support up to 600 pounds.
Safety Features
- Swivel cut-off switch: All Harmar stair lifts have a kill switch that engages any time the chair is swiveled to the side, making for safe transfer and dismounts.
- Obstruction sensors: If your Harmar lift encounters an obstruction in its path, it will automatically stop moving.
- Constant pressure control: Harmar stair lifts move only when you apply pressure to the joystick, making for easy stops and control.
- Auto brakes: If your Harmar lift moves too quickly — due to a power outage, for example — its brakes will automatically slow your speed.
Cost
The most basic Harmar models start around $2,000, and custom upgrades are available for an additional price. Contact an authorized dealer to determine the exact price for a device that fits your home. You may also be able to find pre-owned models for lower costs. Installation costs extra, and the cost will vary depending on the third-party retailer.
Warranty
Only the Pinnacle Premium, Harmar’s most advanced model, comes with a lifetime warranty. Most other models are covered for three years.
Pros
- 600-pound weight capacity
- Manufactured in America
- Compact design
- Faster-than-average speeds of 20 feet per minute
- Long-lasting batteries
Cons
- Limited seat fabric options
5. Stannah - Tailor-Made Stair Lifts
What We Like Most:
- Custom-made lifts
- Highly durable design
- Free quote process
- Compact storage options
Overview
What separates Stannah from other stair lift companies is its ability to create custom lifts for nearly any environment — indoors or outdoors. Its lifts can fit any length of staircase, and its team of advisers can walk you through the upgrades and safety features that best suit your needs.
Safety Features
- Obstruction sensors: Never worry about running over objects in your path since Stannah lifts automatically detect obstructions and stop accordingly.
- Custom seat belts: Stannah offers several seat belt options — from standard lap belts to harness fits — allowing you to choose the best one for your needs.
- Parking kits: This optional upgrade allows you to park the chair in an upward position, decreasing obstruction by your lift.
- Footrests: As with most aspects of Stannah lifts, you can customize your footrests for narrow or steep stairways.
Cost
Stannah stair lift prices are harder to pin down than other providers’ because of their high level of customization. In our experience, most models start around $3,000 and increase in price with additional features. Curved and outdoor models tend to cost more, as do models with greater support for heavier loads. Stannah does not offer financing, but many of its third-party dealers do.
Another option available from some dealers is to rent a Stannah stair lift. This could be a great way to save money for people in need of a short-term solution.
Warranty
Stannah offers extensive manufacturer’s warranties on its lifts. New stair lifts come with a 10-year warranty that covers all parts and components for normal wear and tear.
Pros
- Highly customizable options
- Tolerance for salt, heat, and cold
- Free quotes
- Woven-fabric seat options
Cons
- Higher cost
How to Choose a Stair Lift
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 our helpful guides.
Stair Lift Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the best kind of stair lift?
Bruno, Acorn, and AmeriGlide are our 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 $2,500 and $5,000 for a stair lift 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 by 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 second-hand 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.