The Most Affordable Stairlift Brands of 2023

Shopping for a stairlift can be a time-consuming and difficult process that involves dealing with many salespeople. Many brands refuse to make prices for their most expensive models publicly available online. And some brands will not even expose the base prices of their least expensive stairlifts until an installation specialist can visit a shopper’s home for a private consultation. For these reasons, comparison shopping for a stairlift can be highly impractical.

To make stairlift purchasing a simpler and less mysterious process, we took a look at the eight top stairlift manufacturers in the U.S. to determine which of them offers the best buying experience and most affordable stairlifts for straight stairwells as well as curved or spiral stairs. Most of these brands also offer outdoor stairlift models. But because pricing information for outdoor models is typically unavailable, in this guide, we focus on indoor models only.

Of the seven stairlift brands we assessed, AmeriGlide, Handicare, Harmar, and Bruno emerged as the four most affordable stairlift brands to shop with in 2019. According to our assessment, while AmeriGlide offers the most affordable straight stairlift and industry-best cost transparency, Handicare, Bruno, and Harmar also offer some of the lowest-cost stairlifts available, as well as some of the most comprehensive warranties. Handicare, Bruno, and Harmar are also the most frequently carried by mobility equipment retailers across the country, making them both geographically and financially accessible by people of most income brackets.

What You Should Know:

• As they age, many seniors develop mobility challenges that can make going up and down stairs difficult.
• Falls are a common problem among older adults and can cause serious injuries or even death.
• Stairlifts can help seniors safely navigate the different floors of their residence.
• Priced at multiple thousands of dollars with additional installation fees, stairlifts may not be affordable for many seniors.
• Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid programs, and additional national and state resources can help fund stairlift purchases.

An Overview of Our Ranking Methodology

Our guide to the most affordable stairlifts covers straight-track and curved stairlift models from seven of the top manufacturers in the country. This guide will rank the most affordable stairlifts by cost. But we will also go more in-depth by ranking the companies based on cost transparency, warranty coverage, financing options, and price ranges for all of the brands’ available straight and curved models.

Most Affordable Stairlift Brand Metrics

Our rankings for the most affordable stairlift manufacturer brands are based on the following core metrics, all of which make up a percentage of each company’s final score:

• Straight Stairlifts Price Range (30%): What is the price range for all models of straight stairlifts from each brand, and are shipping and installation fees included?
• Curved Stairlifts Price Range (30%): What is the price range for all models of curving stairlifts from each brand, and are shipping and installation fees included?
• Cost Transparency (10%): Is it difficult to get a brand’s prices without inviting a salesperson into your home? Are in-home consultations free?
• Warranty Coverage (20%): How long are parts covered under each company’s warranties? For how long do manufacturer warranties cover fees associated with service visits?
• Financing (10%): Does the manufacturer offer financing for stairlift purchases?
  

Most Affordable Stairlift Model Metrics

Our rankings for individual curved and straight stairlifts were calculated separately from our overall rankings for the most affordable brands. This way, prices for the most affordable stairlift models can be compared across all top U.S. brands. As curved lifts must be custom-made and are generally far more expensive than straight stairlifts, we have ranked the prices for curved and straight models in separate categories.

• Straight-Rail Stairlifts: Our rankings include straight lifts that cost $3,000 or less. Straight models from five of seven major U.S. brands fell within this range.
• Curved-Rail Stairlifts: Our rankings include curved lifts that cost less than $12,000. Curved models from four of seven major U.S. brands fell within this range.
  

The Most Affordable Stairlift Brands

AmeriGlide

AmeriGlide is our overall most affordable stairlift manufacturer. They are also our winner for the most affordable straight-track stairlift and our second place winner for most affordable curved lift. Being both a stairlift manufacturer and a major retailer of other mobility brands, AmeriGlide offers new stairlifts and the low-cost alternatives of rentals and factory refurbished models, as well as AmeriGlide-brand demo stairlifts that have been used solely for display and demonstration purposes.

Where most of the stairlift manufacturers covered in this guide are lacking in cost transparency and financing options, AmeriGlide offers up-front pricing for all available features with financing through FirstBank and PayPal. Comparison shopping with this brand can be done completely online without the need to invite a salesman into your home for a consultation. And AmeriGlide stairlifts may be the easiest brand for people with a low-income to buy.

AmeriGlide buyers have the option to self-install their straight stairlift or pay a fee of $575 to $725 for an AmeriGlide technician to perform their installation. Curved AmeriGlide lifts include the cost of installation in the base purchase price.

Overview of AmeriGlide’s Most Affordable Stairlift Models

The Horizon Straight Stairlift

At $1,689, The Horizon is the only stairlift we could find that costs less than $2,000 when purchased new. This stairlift is AmeriGlide’s base model, though it comes with a complete profile of industry standard features and options such as safety sensors and space-saving upgrades like folding rails and manual seat fold-away. The Horizon can carry up to 300 pounds. It may be installed on straight stairways up to 55 feet in length with a cost of $50 per foot added beyond AmeriGlide’s standard straight-track length of 14.75 feet.

Unlike most stairlift dealers, AmeriGlide offers the option to self-install their straight-track models. However, for those who choose to have an AmeriGlide technician install their stairlift, which is usually recommended, a $575 to $775 fee will be added to the total cost of their purchase. This effectively brings AmeriGlide’s prices for straight stairlifts on par with our second and third place winners for affordability in the straight-track category.

The Platinum Curved Stairlift

AmeriGlide’s Platinum Curved model is our second place winner in the curved stairlifts category with a base price of $8,114. It comes standard with a suite of premium options that add seating comfort, aesthetic appeal, and a more comprehensive safety profile. AmeriGlide does not allow sales of curved stairlifts for self-installation. But installation costs are included in the base purchase price. The Platinum Curved can be installed on stairs up to a maximum length of 19 feet. It comes in three color options with an additional option to upgrade to a more ergonomic saddle seat.

AmeriGlide’s Cost Report

Handicare

Handicare is our second most affordable stairlift brand overall. While its straight track model, the 950, tied for third place in our most affordable straight stairlifts category, its curved model, the Handicare 2000 Curved, is the most affordable curved stairlift available from top US manufacturers.

Though Handicare’s most affordable straight-track option only scores 3 out of 10 points for its overall affordability, a low price range for curved lifts wins Handicare a perfect score in that category, solidifying this brand’s overall second-place position. Handicare also excels in the warranty category. While both straight and curved Handicare stairlifts only come with two years of general parts coverage, both have 10 years of coverage for their drivetrains and motors.

Overview of Handicare’s Most Affordable Stairlift Models

The 950 Straight Stairlift

At $2,580, the Handicare 950 straight lift is tied for third place with Savaria’s base model in our most affordable straight lift category. The 950 offers a color-contrasted set of user controls. This makes them easy to operate for those who have reduced eyesight or early signs of dementia. Some premium upgrade options are available with the 950, such as automatic space-saving features like the Slide Track rail. The 950 comes with industry standard features, including a manual swivel seat and an array of safety sensors that stop the lift upon meeting obstructions.

The 2000 Curved Stairlift
At $6,190, the Handicare 2000 curved lift is fitted with all of Handicare’s standard features. It also offers more potential for upgrades than their least expensive straight-track model, including the option to choose the rail’s color from three factory standard options or the buyer’s choice of custom colors. The 2000 comes with a Simplicity seat, which has basic sand-colored, vinyl upholstery. For an additional fee, seats can be upgraded to either a Style seat, which offers an automatic swivel function, or the Smart seat, which features a more ergonomic design.

Handicare’s Cost Report

Harmar

This American stairlift manufacturer tied with Bruno as our number three most affordable stairlift brand overall. Harmar stands out for its low-cost SL350-AC model. And for a high-quality brand, Harmar’s range of prices for straight stairlifts stays relatively low. Their most expensive straight lift, the Pinnacle Premium, scores a 7 out of 10 for affordability. Harmar’s cost transparency and financing options both received industry average scores. And in terms of warranty coverage, only two of the seven brands ranked here offer the same or more extensive warranties.

Though Harmar’s curved-track offering did not make our list due to its high base cost, Harmar is our second place winner in the most affordable straight stairlifts category. This manufacturer does not offer direct sales. Instead, it utilizes a network of authorized dealers where Harmar models can be found in new, used, factory refurbished and rental options.

Overview of Harmar’s Most Affordable Stairlift Models

At $2,195, the SL350-AC is our second-most affordable straight-track stairlift. The low price of this model stems from its exclusive use of household electricity. Most stairlifts use a battery that is continuously charged while the stairlift is powered on. This provides stored power for use in electrical outages to protect stairlift users from becoming stranded on their stairs.

While electrical outages do present a risk of being stranded for buyers of AC stairlifts, and while the SL350-AC does come with a somewhat outdated cable drive system rather than a modern rack and pinion drivetrain, this model offers a comprehensive profile of standard features, making its low price an attractive option for thrifty shoppers. The SL350-AC is suitable for stairs up to 25 feet long and inclines of up to 45 degrees.

Harmar’s Cost Report

Bruno

Bruno Independent Living Aids is tied with Harmar as our fourth most affordable stairlift manufacturer overall. However, just as Harmar did not rank as affordable in the curved lifts category, Bruno Independent Living Aids did not rank as affordable in the straight stairlifts category. Bruno’s most affordable curved stairlift, the Elite Curve, wins fourth place out of four contenders in our list of most affordable curved stairlifts.

Aside from its relatively inexpensive curved stairlift, what helps raise Bruno’s affordability rank is its solid warranty coverage. Bruno’s straight stairlifts come with a limited lifetime drivetrain warranty. Whereas curved Bruno stairlifts, like the Elite Curve, offer five years of both general parts and drivetrain coverage.

Overview of Bruno’s Most Affordable Stairlift Models

The Elite Curve

Many dealers note that Bruno stairlifts have a very solid build quality. This is evidenced by the higher-than-average weight capacity of the Elite Curve, capable of handling up to 400 pounds. At $10,500, the Elite Curve is the curved-rack version of Bruno’s more premium-level straight lift, the Elite. The Elite Curve comes with many of Bruno’s most high-end options, like a well-padded and highly adjustable seat. The Elite Curve also offers available upgrades for powered swivel seats and folding rails, as well as an upgrade to a wider seat.

Bruno’s Cost Report

Savaria

Savaria — a Canadian mobility company making everything from home elevators to wheelchair lifts — ranks as our fourth most affordable stairlift manufacturer overall. While its specialty seems to be the production of elevators, Savaria’s stairlifts are all affordable options for frugal buyers. Out of the three lifts it offers, Savaria’s least expensive straight-track stairlift and its curved option both secured 3rd place for our most affordable straight- and curved-track categories.

What knocks Savaria down to its fourth-place overall affordability rank is relatively short-term warranty coverage. The warranties offered for this brand’s straight and curved models cover parts for three years. And while this is an industry average for general stairlift parts, Savaria also provides only three years of coverage for its stairlifts’ most vital components — the drivetrain and motor. Most other manufacturers provide more extensive warranties for these parts.

Overview of Savaria’s Most Affordable Stairlift Models

The K2

The Savaria K2 is tied with Handicare’s 950 model as our third most affordable straight stairlift. While these lifts do share a lot in common, such as their standard safety profile and manually operated chairs, at $2,750, Savaria’s K2 stairlift is more expensive by $130. However, the K2 offers a slightly slimmer, 10.75” profile than the Handicare 950 when stowed.

The Stairfriend

The Savaria Stairfriend is our third most affordable curved stairlift at $8,800. It is a relatively standard curved lift but for its potential for commercial applications and upgradeable seat. The Stairfriend is suited to longer stairs than some other curved stairlifts as it can accommodate lengths of up to 45 feet. Buyers have the option to buy a larger seat that measures 21.5 inches wide and has a larger seat back than Savaria’s standard 20.5-inch seat.

Savaria’s Cost Report

Stannah

Stannah is a family-owned stairlift manufacturer specializing in high-quality lifts that can be customized to fit with any home’s decor. Stannah stairlifts come with a high degree of customizability as well as a relatively high price tag, ranking this company in fifth place on our list of the seven most affordable stairlift manufacturers.

Stannah’s curved lifts did not rank as affordable due to its lowest-cost curved model, the Siena, being priced beyond our $12,000 affordability threshold. Its most inexpensive straight model, the $2,995 Stannah Scout, has a base cost that nearly exceeds our highest qualifying straight lift price of $3,000. The Scout won fifth place among four other contenders for our most affordable straight models.

The Scout Straight

Stannah’s economy option, the Scout, offers industry-standard features such as safety sensors and a manual swivel seat, with options to upgrade to space-saving features like a folding rail. The Scout has an unobtrusive profile when stowed, making it well-suited to narrow staircases such as you might find in a basement.

The Scout is not intended for users with high-level accessibility needs and does not offer a premium user experience. Though Stannah ensures that even its least expensive stairlift comes with industry-leading mechanical functionality and high-quality parts.

Stannah’s Cost Report

Stairlift Brands that Did Not Rank as Affordable

Acorn

Acorn is one of the largest stairlift manufacturers and dealers in the world. Although we could not include it in our affordability rankings as Acorn does not provide prices except via in-home consultation. Unlike most other stairlift brands, new Acorn stairlifts are sold only directly through the manufacturer. They are not carried in stores.

Used models from this brand are some of the most commonly found in the used/rental stairlift market, signaling that Acorn may be among the most frequently purchased stairlift brands. Acorn currently offers three stairlifts for straight, curved and straight outdoor stairs. They boast fast delivery and installation as well as a 14-day, no obligation return policy that is all but unheard-of in stairlift sales.

Currently, the only way to find prices for Acorn brand stairlifts is either to set an appointment for an installation engineer to come to your home or otherwise to search for used Acorn models at reduced prices and quality. Acorn stairlifts come with some of the shortest warranty coverage terms of any manufacturer discussed here, at just one year of coverage for all parts.

A Complete Explanation of Our Metrics

Our ranking system for individual straight and curved stairlift models is relatively straightforward. We simply found models in either category from seven top U.S. manufacturers that cost less than a set maximum dollar amount. We then ranked each model from least to most expensive in either the curved or straight category.

For the straight rail category, we chose only stairlift models that carry a base price of $3,000 or less. For the curved rail category, we selected models that cost no more than $12,000 before added costs for things like feature upgrades and custom-curved rails.

However, our ranking system for the overall most affordable brands required a more detailed look at up-front and long-term costs associated with stairlift purchases from the selected manufacturers. Below are factors that affected each brand’s affordability score and rank.

Straight Stairlifts Price Range

This metric assesses average prices that buyers can expect to pay for a straight stairlift from each brand, regardless of which model they ultimately choose. The price range for straight stairlifts accounts for 30% of a stairlift brand’s overall affordability score and its rank for affordability amongst other brands. Thus, this metric carries more weight in overall scores than most others that we used as it is one of the most important factors in purchasing a stairlift.

• Least Expensive Model Price: This metric gives each brand a score of one to ten for the relative affordability of its least expensive straight stairlift. The brand offering the least expensive straight-rail stairlift was awarded a rank of 10 for this metric. And the brand offering the most costly base model received a rank of zero.
• Most Expensive Model Price: This metric gives each brand a score of one to ten for the relative affordability of its most expensive straight stairlift. The brand offering the most affordable premium straight-rail stairlift was awarded a rank of 10 for this metric. And the brand offering the most costly premium model received a rank of zero.
• Installation Fees: Here, we asked the question of whether installation fees are included in the base cost of a straight-rail stairlift or if installation requires an additional fee.
• Shipping Fees: Like the Installation Fees metric, this metric addresses whether each stairlift brand includes shipping fees in base costs for straight stairlifts or if this represents an added cost.
  

Curved Stairlifts Price Range

This metric assesses average prices that buyers can expect to pay for a curved stairlift from each brand, regardless of which model they ultimately choose. The price range for curved stairlifts accounts for 30% of a stairlift brand’s overall affordability score and its rank for affordability among other brands.

• Least Expensive Model Price: This metric gives each brand a score of one to ten for the relative affordability of its least expensive curved stairlift. The brand offering the least expensive curved-rail stairlift was awarded a rank of 10 for this metric. And the brand offering the most costly entry-level curved model received a rank of zero.
• Most Expensive Model Price: This metric gives each brand a score of one to ten for the relative affordability of its most expensive curved stairlift. The brand offering the most affordable premium curved-rail stairlift was awarded a rank of 10 for this metric. And the brand offering the most costly premium model received a rank of zero.
• Installation Fees: Here, we asked the question of whether installation fees were included in the base cost of a curved-rail stairlift or if installation requires an additional fee.
• Shipping Fees: Like the Installation Fees metric, this metric addresses whether each stairlift brand includes shipping fees in base costs for curved stairlifts or if this represents an added cost.
  

Warranty Coverage

Each manufacturer’s overall affordability score is partly determined by the length and inclusivity of its stairlift warranties. Because this metric can have a significant impact on long-term costs of stairlift ownership, it counts as 20% of each stairlift brand’s overall affordability score and its rank for affordability among other manufacturers.

• For How Long are Parts Covered — Straight Lifts: General parts coverage for straight stairlifts generally includes mechanical (non-cosmetic) parts. The brand offering the longest term of coverage was awarded a perfect score of 10 for this metric. The brand offering the shortest term of coverage received a zero, ensuring that all scores are relative to industry averages.
• For How Long are Parts Covered — Curved Lifts: General parts coverage for curved stairlifts insures mechanical, non-cosmetic parts in cases of manufacturer error. The brand offering the longest term of coverage was awarded a perfect score of 10 for this metric. The brand offering the shortest term of coverage received a zero, ensuring that all scores are relative to industry averages.
• For How Long are Drivetrains Covered — Straight Lifts: Drivetrain coverage usually refers to both the drivetrain and motor. These parts are exposed to the most friction and movement throughout a stairlift’s use, so are often covered for a longer period than other parts. The brand offering the longest term of coverage was awarded a perfect score of 10 for this metric. The brand offering the shortest term of coverage received a zero, ensuring that all scores are relative to industry averages.
• For How Long are Drivetrains Covered — Curved Lifts: Drivetrain coverage usually refers to both the drivetrain and motor. These parts are exposed to the most friction and movement throughout a stairlift’s use, so are often covered for a longer period than other parts. The brand offering the longest term of coverage was awarded a perfect score of 10 for this metric. The brand offering the shortest term of coverage received a zero, ensuring that all scores are relative to industry averages.
• For How Long are Service Visits Covered: Even with warranty coverage, stairlift owners who require any repairs are usually billed for the repairman’s labor and travel fees. Some manufacturers and dealers provide a term of reimbursement of these fees. While most brands provide no service coverage, earning them a score of zero for this metric, some dealers and stairlift brands offer up to 12 months of coverage. We based scores on the number of months within the first year of ownership for which each brand would provide service fee reimbursement, with our highest score of 12 months being equal to a perfect score of 10.
  

Cost Transparency

Our cost transparency metric demonstrates whether a stairlift manufacturer provides pricing information to the public without the need to engage a salesperson or to invite specialists into the home for exact stairway measurements. This metric accounts for only 10% of each brand’s overall affordability score as cost transparency only affects a consumer’s ability to comparison shop for their best price. This metric consists only of yes/no questions, rendering scores of either 10 or zero, or in cases of partial affirmatives, a five.

• Base Prices Available Online: Can sticker prices be found on the manufacturer’s website or on any dealers’ sites?
• Feature Upgrade Prices Available Online: Can prices for any feature upgrades or custom rail options be found online through the manufacturer or dealers?
• Base Prices Available Over the Phone: Are dealers and manufacturers forthcoming about their prices over the phone? Or do they only use phone contact as an opportunity to pressure potential buyers into hosting in-home consultations?
• Free In-Home Consultations: Buyers may choose to have a sales representative come into their home to take measurements and advise the buyer of their actual costs to fit a sufficient mobility device to their particular space. With this metric, we ask: Is it free?
  

Financing

The financing metric was used as an indicator of how accessible a manufacturer’s stairlifts may be to lower-income buyers. As multiple avenues of financial assistance exist for those who cannot afford a large, up-front purchase of a mobility aid, this metric only accounts for 10% of each brand’s overall affordability score. This metric consists of yes/no questions only, rendering scores of either 10 for a ‘yes’ or zero for a ‘no’.

• Is Financing Offered by Manufacturers: Does the manufacturer offer financing on stairlift purchases?
• Is Financing Offered by Some Retailers: Do any retailers of the stairlift brand offer financing for purchases?
  

How to Find an Affordable Stairlift

In addition to looking at our rankings and scores, we recommend using the following strategies to find an affordable straight or curved stairlift.

Understand the Pricing Structure

When purchasing a stairlift, there are three main factors that contribute to a buyer’s total cost. They are the base cost, or sticker price that dealers advertise for each model, feature upgrade expenses, and final costs for stairlift rails.

Base Prices

The advertised price of any stairlift model, whether straight or curved, can easily prove unrepresentative of its final cost to the buyer due to elective upgrades and added incidental fees. Curved stairlifts are more likely to come with added fees for additional lengths of stairlift track and customized bends. However, base costs are still a good tool to help potential buyers get an idea of what range their final costs will fall into.

Feature Upgrades

Both curved and straight stairlifts can usually be upgraded to include features for greater seat comfort, a higher degree of accessibility or push-button functionality for things like seat folding and swiveling. While many brands offer limited upgrades for their most affordable models, there is a short list of upgradeable features that can be found with most top-brand stairlifts.

Common base-model prices include:

• Manual swivel seats that allow the rider to turn toward their landing to dismount
• Manual fold-away levers to stow the seat
• Safety sensors to stop the chair on meeting obstructions
• Diagnostic windows to display error codes
  

Common feature upgrades include:

• Manual or automatic folding rails to save space
• Push-button swivel seats that turn the rider for easy dismount
• Automatic seat folding for easy storage
• Upgraded seatbelts in retractable or harness configurations
• More padded seats with more ergonomic designs
• Color and upholstery options
• Rail color options
• Perch seats for people with poor joint mobility in hips and knees
  

Rail Costs

Though manufacturers offer standardized lengths of stairlift rail thought to fit the requirements of most homes, even straight rails must often be customized to a certain degree by cutting them down slightly or adding length. This process will incur extra costs. And curved-rail stairlifts come with higher added fees for the customization of a rail’s curvature. Most styles of curved stairs can be fitted with a custom curved rail, even including spiral staircases. But expenses can mount up quickly for people who have multiple stairwell curves and greater lengths to accommodate.

Account for Incidental Costs and Fees

It can be difficult to find exact cost information for incidentals until buyers agree to an in-home consultation. A brand-certified engineer can assess the individual circumstances of installing a stairlift in a specific space. For this reason, it is important for stairlift shoppers to use their in-home consultation to ask questions and ensure that their installation engineer understands their space completely.

Circumstances that may have the potential to add to the overall cost of a stairlift include:

• Installation on tiles
• Installation on cement
• Home in a remote location that is difficult to access
• Extra rail footage is needed on top of what the brand considers the standard length
• Extra hardware needed to install added rail footage
• Steep angles and tight curves
• Uneven terrain (outdoors)
• Load-bearing wall reinforcements for wall-mounted lifts

Consider the Long-Term Costs for Renting or Buying Used

Prices for rental stairlifts and used or refurbished units have not been included here thus far due to the broad variations in price among different dealers, brands, and geographical areas. And, the age of used and rental stairlifts adds yet another layer of unpredictability to costs.

Based on industry averages for rental fees, renting a stairlift is only likely to save money for those who will require a stairlift for no more than about six to seven months. For people who believe they will need a stairlift for more than six months but for less than five years, buying used carries less risk of breakdown and repair expenses than it would for longer-term users, who would be well-advised to buy new.

Buying a Used Stairlift

A used stairlift can cost anywhere from $100 up to about $800 less than buying new. However, purchasing a used stairlift at a significant discount of $400 or more usually indicates that the unit has not been factory reconditioned to replace old or malfunctioning parts. Very heavily discounted stairlifts are likely to have been used for years, and may even have been damaged by a previous user. On the other hand, factory refurbished stairlifts often come at a discount of just $100 to $300. But with prices for new stairlifts being what they are, every little bit can help.

Stairlift refurbishing consists of manufacturers buying back used stairlifts of their own brand for about 5% to 15% of the original purchaser’s cost and then reconditioning them in the same factories where they were originally made. Parts that are worn out, damaged, or nearing the end of their viable lifecycle are replaced. Refurbished models are then put through product testing to ensure they are in acceptable condition. Then they are certified as factory reconditioned and sent out to authorized dealers for resale.

Warranties for used or refurbished stairlifts may be offered by manufacturers and retailers. Though buyers of non-refurbished units should still be cautious. Depending on the dealer of a used, non-refurbished lift, it may not come with a very comprehensive warranty, or any warranty at all.

Regardless, prospective buyers of non-refurbished stairlifts should first be certain that their machine will not be needed for any longer than five years. Among top manufacturers, the average ‘lifespan’ of a stairlift is often considered to be about ten years. And when purchasing a used lift, the dealer may be unable to provide an exact age of the stairlift in question. With refurbished stairlifts, age has much less impact on quality.

Renting a Stairlift

Stairlift rentals are usually only offered for straight-rail stairlift installations, and come with a host of startup costs as well as a monthly payment obligation based on which brand and model the renter chooses. Calculating the long-term total of these expenses usually demonstrates that stairlift rentals will cost the same as owning a new stairlift within an average timeframe of six to seven months.

Average Fees for Stairlift Rental

• Installation: $350 to $600
• Uninstallation: $200 to $400
• Service and repair coverage: $100 to $300
• Refundable security deposit: $200 to $800 depending on chosen model
• Monthly rental fees: $180 to $300

For an example of the long-term costs associated with an average stairlift rental, take a look at the following comparison of renting vs. buying new:

Example A: A dealer of multiple stairlift brands offers the rental of a mid-level, straight stairlift such as Handicare’s 950 Straight, which carries a base retail cost of $2,580. This dealer does not charge for service call coverage, but renters must pay other one-time fees that correspond to the mid-level price of the 950, including installation ($475), eventual uninstallation ($250) and a refundable security deposit ($500), which comes to a total of $1,225 in startup fees alone.

The basic rental fee for this mid-level straight model is $240 per month. Our hypothetical renter’s startup fees, including their first month’s rental obligation, amount to $1,465. This number already approaches the retail cost of our most affordable stairlift from AmeriGlide, which sells at $1,689 for the rare buyers who are able to avoid installation costs by self-installing their lift.

To clarify things a bit in the graph below, we have subtracted the $500 security deposit from our hypothetical renter’s expenses, as that amount will (ideally) be refunded to them after returning their rental. This brings the renter’s total first-month costs to $965, with ongoing fees of $240 every month thereafter.

Example B: A dealer sells a new Handicare 950 Straight at the branded retail price of $2,580. All initial consultation, shipping and installation costs for this stairlift are included in that base price.

The buyer opts to buy this lift for a staircase that is equal in length to Handicare’s standard straight rail length, avoiding any potential fees for a longer or shorter-than-average rail that would need to be cut down or lengthened. The buyer requires no upgrades for added comfort or special features. This makes their total cost equal to the $2,580 base price of the Handicare 950 straight. This person owns their stairlift for a full year without any need for service visits that could impose fees for labor or parts.

Here is what the renter from Example A and the buyer from Example B will pay within one full year of stairlift use.

As you can see, renting a straight-rail stairlift can cost as much as buying the same base model brand-new within about 6.5 months. Rental is a great option for people who have a family member with low mobility visiting their home or who are recovering from a hospital stay. However, keeping a stairlift rental for longer than six or seven months is likely to cost as much as buying, even with the potential addition of uninstallation fees ($250) for a new stairlift that is no longer wanted.

Financial Assistance for Seniors Buying Stairlifts

If you are a senior who struggles with mobility, you may be worried about going up and down the stairs of your home safely. Stairlifts are a great way to securely navigate the different floors of your residence; however, they can be quite expensive. According to HomeAdvisor, the typical price range for a stairlift is between $2,000 and $15,000 depending on factors such as the length and staircase complexity and installation is, on average, an additional $6,000. This may be beyond what many seniors on a budget can afford to pay.

Fortunately, there are financial assistance options available, such as Medicare Advantage plans and Medicaid programs that can provide seniors with free or low-cost stairlifts. Further, the VA may cover medically required stairlifts in addition to offering several house grants to fund home modifications for those with service-related disabilities. Other national and state programs also offer assistance to low-income seniors or seniors with disabilities and improve stairlift affordability for these populations.

This guide provides eligibility and application details for all stairlift financial assistance options, with the goal of helping seniors with mobility challenges afford to age in place safely.

Medicare Coverage of Stairlifts

Original Medicare is currently unlikely to contribute to stairlift purchases, as it considers stairlifts home modifications, not durable medical equipment that would otherwise be covered under Medicare Part B (Medicare’s medical insurance). Stairlift coverage is similarly unlikely through a MediGap policy. However, enrollees in Medicare Advantage may be able to receive at least partial assistance with the purchase and installation of a stairlift. 

As of 2019, Medicare Advantage plans are able to offer supplemental healthcare benefits beyond those traditionally offered for dental, vision, and hearing. Coverage can now include services that promote health and wellbeing, custom-tailored benefits for chronically-ill enrollees, and more depending on the exact Advantage plan. What this means is that if a stairlift is a medical necessity and prescribed by a Medicare Advantage beneficiary’s physician, a Medicare Advantage plan may be able to assist with costs. 

For more information on what Medicare Advantage can offer, use the compare tool on the Medicare website to view costs and benefits for different plan options. Alternatively, you can talk with an informed counselor from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to discuss your options.

Medicaid Coverage of Stairlifts

Medicaid is a federally mandated program administered by state governments, under which low-income people can receive partial reimbursement for healthcare services. In most states, Medicaid provides funding for stairlifts through special programs called waivers. These waiver programs reimburse expenses for Medicaid recipients who wish to age in place at home with the benefit of home- and community-based services to provide their personal and medical care, allowing them to avoid residence in a skilled care facility. To qualify, people are assessed by a physician as nursing-home eligible based on their health profile and mobility needs.

Medicaid beneficiaries who are approved to receive benefits via a Medicaid waiver program can usually get at least partial coverage for a stairlift as long as a stairlift is designated as medically necessary by a physician. However, it is important to know that Medicaid waiver programs are capped in most states, meaning they receive a limited amount of funding and thus can only accept a certain number of recipients. Applicants may therefore be placed on a waiting list.

If you or a loved one qualifies for nursing home care, you may be able to receive Medicaid assistance with a stairlift purchase. Waivers and other Medicaid programs that may offer stairlift coverage are provided in the table below. While the included waivers are all relevant for seniors, additional waivers designed for other populations may also be available.

Medicaid Waivers and Programs that May Cover Stairlifts for Seniors

*This program is not exclusively a Medicaid program, but is funded by both the state and Medicaid.

**While these states don’t offer waivers with possible stairlift coverage that can be used by the general senior population, coverage may be available for seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or brain injuries.

Veterans Resources for Stairlifts

Veterans can receive stairlift coverage and/or funding as part of their VA health care benefits, through a VA pension, or with any of several VA grants for home modifications that accommodate a veteran’s service-related disabilities. Assistance is also available through Habitat for Humanity’s Repair Corps program, which provides home modifications to veterans with disabilities. 

VA Health Care Benefits

Veterans who were honorably discharged from the active military, naval, or air service and meet other service requirements may qualify for VA health care benefits. Benefits may include coverage of stairlifts as part of medical and/or prosthetic services, so long as they are medically necessary. Those interested in receiving health care through the VA should visit its application page to check their eligibility, learn what information they’ll need to apply, and complete an online application. 

VA Pensions

The VA’s Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension give veterans or their surviving spouses extra monthly income. For those who qualify, Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits can provide additional cash on top of these pensions. Income from these VA programs is tax-free and can be used towards home modifications, such as stairlifts.

VA Housing Grants

The VA offers several housing grants for qualifying veterans and service members to fund a new home or modify a current home so that they can live as independently as possible. These include the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant, and the Temporary Residence Adaption (TRA) grant, which consider stairlifts reasonably necessary special equipment. The following table provides further information on each VA housing grant option.

To receive a SAH or SHA housing grant, qualifying veterans and other service members can apply online via the VA website, mail VA Form 26-45555 to their nearest regional loan center, or apply in person at a nearby VA regional center. Contact staff through email or call 877-827-3702 for further information on these programs and for information on how to apply to the TRA grant program.

Habitat for Humanity Repair Corps Program

Military veterans with an honorable discharge can receive critical and standard home repairs as part of the Repair Corps Program, including modifications for accessibility. To qualify, a home must be the primary residence of a veteran and, though it need not be owned by the veteran, the home cannot be rented. Contact your local Habitat or email [email protected] for additional information.

State and National Assistance Programs

For low-income earners and people with disabilities, there are nationally available funding sources from various nonprofits and other organizations which make it their mission to pay for home modifications and accessibility aids. These include Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps and Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants. HUD reverse mortgages managed through the Department of Housing and Urban Development are an additional funding option.

Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps

Rebuilding Together has partnerships with 100+ affiliates in 38 states and the District of Columbia and provides services to individuals with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and others who qualify based on income limits. The organization works year-round with home owners and/or renters to perform various home repairs such as bathroom modifications, wheelchair ramp installations, and more. To become one of the thousands of Rebuild projects completed annually, contact your local affiliate.

Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants

The Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program is intended for very low-income homeowners (earning below 50 percent of area median income) in rural dwellings who need financial assistance with repairing, improving, or modernizing their homes and/or removing various hazards. Loans are offered at maximum amounts of $20,000 for up to 20 years at 1 percent interest, and homeowners who are 62 or older can receive a grant for up to $7,500. Combined loan/grant assistance is also available at amounts of up to $27,000. 

Apply online or contact a program representative at 1-202-720-2791. 

HUD Reverse Mortgages

Traditional reverse mortgages, otherwise called Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), are structured and insured by the federal government for the benefit of people 62 and older as a way to borrow against the equity in a home once its mortgage is paid in full. 

For those who own their home outright or have only a small remaining balance on their mortgage, a federally insured reverse mortgage note can be a low-risk means of covering a high-dollar purchase, such as a stairlift. Reverse mortgages’ maximum cash amounts are determined partly by a borrower’s age, with older homeowners being qualified to receive a greater percentage of their home’s equity. 

To qualify, applicants must have sufficient resources to pay ongoing property costs, like taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, but are not charged interest during the term of the loan and will never be charged a total amount that exceeds their home’s value. Reverse mortgages are typically repaid once a homeowner sells their home, moves or passes away.

The application process for reverse mortgages begins by meeting with a HUD-approved reverse mortgage (HECM) counselor. To determine if you qualify or to find more information on HECMs, find your local HUD office at HUD.gov or call (800) 225-5342.

Additional Financial Assistance Resources for Stairlifts

Other sources for stairlift funding are also available, including some that operate in each state as well as others with more limited services. These include the foundations, charities, and nonprofits included in the table below.