Are Stairlifts Worth It? Pros, Cons, Alternatives, and How to Decide
For people with limited mobility, a stairlift can provide safety, independence, and peace of mind. But before buying, it’s also important to weigh the potential drawbacks, including cost, maintenance, and space considerations.
Benefits of a Stairlift
Stairlifts promote freedom and independence at a reasonable cost. These devices are easy to install, they provide a smooth ride, and they work during a power outage thanks to the battery backup.
Stairlifts Allow for Increased Independence
For someone with mobility challenges, a stairlift provides the ability to remain fully independent in a multi-level home. Less lifting and supervision are required from caregivers.
Stairlifts Promote Greater Safety
About a million Americans per year are treated for injuries sustained on stairways. Mobility challenges increase a person’s risk significantly. A stairlift eliminates the need for manual climbing, thereby ensuring a safer experience. And because they’re equipped with seat belts and sensors, there’s minimal risk of injury.
Stairlifts Promote Overall Health
In addition to helping prevent injury, a stairlift supports the user’s overall health by eliminating the need for vigorous, weight-bearing climbs that might exacerbate a heart condition, arthritis, or other health issue.
Installing a Stairlift Is Easy
Most stairlifts are installed directly onto the stair treads, so there’s no need to drill into the wall or make structural changes to the property.
Stairlifts Are Dependable
Stairlifts are battery-powered, so they can function even during a power outage. The user won’t be left stranded in an emergency.
Disadvantages of a Stairlift Purchase
Though a stairlift is an asset for the right user, it isn’t the ideal solution for every home or every mobility-challenged individual. They do require the user to have some existing mobility, and their longevity depends on ongoing maintenance.
Stairlifts Aren’t Suitable for Everyone
In order to benefit from a stairlift, the user must be able to transfer themselves into the seat and sit upright. They will also usually require the use of their hands. A stairlift would not be optimal for people with more advanced mobility issues.
Stairlifts Take Up Space
Sleek modern stairlift designs seek to minimize the amount of obstruction they cause. However, the rail and chair do take up space on the stairs. Other residents and guests will need to maneuver around them. However, the amount of obstruction and inconvenience to other people in the home is minimal if a foldable chair is installed.
Stairlifts Come With an Upfront Cost
The cost of a stairlift can be significant, at least upfront. A simple model may cost around $3,900 (including installation), while custom curved stairlifts and specialty models with additional features can cost up to $30,000, particularly for extra-long or complex stair designs.
However, when compared to alternatives like home elevators and mobility-focused home renovations, most stairlift chairs are an extremely cost-effective solution.
Stairlifts Require Periodic Maintenance
In addition to a simple weekly care routine, stairlifts require periodic professional maintenance to ensure optimal function. For example, most chair lifts will require at least an annual professional stairlift servicing. A technician inspects the safety features, replaces worn components, lubricates any moving parts, and inspects the braking system.
There is a cost associated with stairlift servicing. However, this negligible fee can save you from thousands of dollars in repairs down the line.
Stairlifts Are Designed for One User at a Time
If more than one user requires the stairlift, allow for a slight time delay in getting both users up and down the stairs. A stairlift can only accommodate one person at a time.
The inconvenience should be minimal, though, as a typical stairlift only takes about 60 seconds to transfer one individual.
Stairlift Alternatives
Stairlifts offer distinct benefits and also cost-savings (in some cases) compared to alternative solutions.
Ramp: For shorter stairways, such as on a porch or deck, a ramp may be suitable for allowing wheelchair access. However, this won’t work for full-sized stairways.
Portable stairlift: A portable stairlift is a battery-operated device that assists wheelchair users up and down stairs. However, they generally require assistance from an attendant, so they’re not the ideal solution for maintaining independence.
Platform lift: Platform lifts are flat, vertically moving lifts that are commonly used to raise wheelchairs to a higher surface, like the top of a small stairway. Though more commonly used in vehicles, these types of wheelchair lifts are often suitable for porches, desks, and other raised surfaces with only a few steps.
Home elevator: Your own home elevator or through-floor lift provides many of the same benefits as a stairlift and can serve multiple users simultaneously. However, the upfront cost is often extremely high, as it requires a major home renovation.
Home remodel: A new downstairs bedroom may be constructed as an add-on to the house for the person with mobility difficulties to use. This requires a significant upfront investment.
Assisted living facility: Assisted living includes residences and services tailored to the needs of seniors with varying physical and mental needs. However, it gets expensive. The average cost of assisted living in Colorado is $6,235 per month in 2026, according to Senior Living (compared to a one-off average cost of $3,900 for a straight stairlift or up to $30,000 for a custom curved stairlift).
Who a Stairlift Is Best for
A stairlift is an excellent investment if you meet the following conditions:
You’re concerned about maintaining your independence.
Your health and mobility make climbing stairs safely a challenge.
You have the strength and mobility to transfer independently from one seat to another.
You have a simple (straight) stairway, or are comfortable paying extra for a custom build.
You’re unable to move your bedroom to the main floor, or you prefer not to.
If any of the above conditions do not apply to you, try one of the stairlift alternatives listed above.
Stairlift FAQ
Do the pros of a stairlift outweigh the cons?
Yes, assuming you’re a good candidate for a stairlift. The cost, ease of use, and dependability of a stairlift make it the ideal solution for navigating stairways.
Is financial assistance available for stairlifts?
Yes. There are government grants, veteran benefits, and other programs available to assist with the cost of a stairlift. Medicaid may also cover some of the costs under certain circumstances.
Is a stairlift rental worth it?
A stairlift rental is an excellent solution if you have only short-term needs. For long-term use, buying is more cost-effective.
What is the annual maintenance cost for a stairlift?
The annual maintenance cost usually ranges between $400 and $1,000.
Find Out if a Stairlift Is Right for You
If you think you might benefit from a stairlift installation, or if you’re curious about the alternatives, speak to a qualified expert in your area right away. Don’t put your freedom and independence on hold any longer.
Mobility Plus Colorado offers stairlift installations, rentals, and popular alternatives, and our skilled technicians are available to serve you throughout Colorado. Reach out today.