Home Stairlift vs Elevator vs Vertical Platform Lift: Pros, Cons, & Costs
When deciding between a stairlift, home elevator, or vertical platform lift, it's important to identify the solution that would work best for your home. Having a stairlift or home elevator installed sometimes involves structural changes as well as a significant financial commitment. Therefore, it's important to take the time to choose the solution that is best for your circumstances in the short and long term.
You might be asking, “What are these pieces of equipment exactly?” and that’s understandable.
A stairlift (or “chair lift”) is a motorized chair mounted onto a track fitted to your existing staircase.
Home elevators are a compact version of elevators found in public buildings. They carry one or two people (and any walking aids) vertically from one floor to another.
Vertical platform lifts follow the same idea as elevators in function, but consist of a platform without a shaft or enclosure.
Maintaining mobility and independence is a top priority for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. Luckily, stairlifts, home elevators, and vertical platform lifts assist people with limited mobility to stay active and independent at home.
Stairlifts: Are They Right for You?
Stairlifts provide the perfect solution for some homes and individuals. However, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consider whether their features suit your home and requirements.
A Stairlift Might Be the Right Fit for You if:
You have a straight staircase, or are open to getting a custom chair lift made for a curved staircase.
You have a smaller budget (the industry average is around $3,900 for a new straight stairlift and upwards of $11,000 for a custom curved stairlift).
You don’t want the hassle of home modifications.
You want the installation process to take only a matter of hours.
You or your loved one is able to get in and out of the seat safely.
You would benefit from assistance getting up and down the stairs, but don’t rely on another mobility device to get around, as you can’t take it up in the chairlift with you.
You have any required walking aids on each floor (such as a four-wheel walker), so you’re still able to get around at both ends.
You want the option to remove the stairlift at a later date, without having to do any work to your staircase.
A Stairlift May Not Be the Right Fit for You if:
Your staircases are too narrow, stopping others from being able to walk up them if a stairlift were installed.
Your home has multiple levels or curved staircases, and you don’t want multiple stairlifts or a combination of curved and straight stairlifts.
You struggle to transfer out of your mobility device and into a chair lift.
You need to take your walking aid with you from floor to floor.
You need a higher weight capacity than the stairlift provides.
Further Information
Safety features: All stairlifts have integrated safety features that ensure secure movement up and down the stairs.
Ideal candidates: A stairlift is a great option for elderly people or those with conditions that impede their mobility, like arthritis. These people often need a boost to get up or down the stairs, but aren't necessarily reliant on mobility devices. Some people choose to use stairlifts simply because they're a safer option than climbing the stairs themselves.
Option to remove: It’s possible to remove a stairlift from your home when you relocate or no longer need the machine. Sometimes removal is even free of charge. Learn more in our guide about the cost of stairlift removal.
Staircase width: Stairlifts reduce the width of your stairway, though they do fold up and out of the way if need be. Check our stairlift installation requirements guide to see if your stairs are wide enough for a regular model.
Other applications: Stairlifts are also an option on steps, not just staircases between floors. If you have a few steps you need more assistance getting up or down, a shorter stairlift is an option for those, too.
Home Elevators: Are They Right for You?
Home elevators are generally ideal for those who need to take their mobility aids with them between floors, or if it’s not practical to transfer out of their wheelchair to move between floors. An elevator big enough for two people is also worth looking into if you require a loved one or support person with you at all times.
A Stairlift Might Be the Right Fit for You if:
You have the means to afford this option and any associated structural changes to your home.
Your mobility challenges are more significant. I.e., you’re still able to move around your home independently with an elevator but not a chair lift.
You are wheelchair or scooter-bound, or need to take your walking aid with you to have at the other end.
Your home has multiple levels, and an elevator would be quicker and easier to take to the correct floor.
You’re looking to increase your home's value for potential buyers through accessibility.
You need to transport more than one person at a time.
An Elevator May Not Be the Right Fit for You if:
You are on a lower budget. A residential elevator averages around $35,000 or more, once installation is factored in.
Your home would require extensive structural modification.
Your home does not have the space required for an elevator shaft.
You need a faster option and cannot accommodate the longer preparation and installation time.
Further Information
Safety features: Home elevators are built with the same safety features as regular elevators. Please note that elevators and vertical platform lifts (described below) must conform to the safety standards stipulated in the ADA if installed in a facility that is open to the public.
Choice of location: Depending on your home, you will be able to choose where you want it to be installed. For example, your home elevator could give you direct access to your bedroom.
Compact elevators: Some companies offer compact home lifts. These are installed in a matter of days and with minimal disruption to the home, as they do not require a lift shaft or structural modifications. Compact elevators also take up less space. This gives you more options in terms of where you’re able to install them, even in a closet!
If you’re considering a compact home elevator, make sure you discuss your needs with the provider. This ensures they’re supplying you with a model that’s still big enough for a wheelchair and perhaps a second person, as well as meeting specific weight requirements.
Vertical Platform Lift
If neither of the previous options is suitable, a vertical platform lift could be the right choice for you. These lifts require fewer safety measures, as the user is only moved a few feet (to a maximum of 14 feet).
Vertical platform lifts offer a similar service to an elevator but with a lower price tag.
A Vertical Lift Might Be the Right Fit for You if:
You require a no-transfer option or need to take your walking aid with you.
You have sufficient space for a wheelchair lift.
You don’t have the strength to transfer to a chair lift. With a vertical platform lift, you stay in your device, and the lift operates with the press of a button.
You can’t use a stairlift without assistance, but you can use a vertical platform lift independently.
You want the additional safety of walking or rolling onto a platform rather than transferring.
You need a lift option outdoors. These are suitable for both indoors and outdoors, whereas home elevators are only for indoor use.
You need a more cost-effective solution than a home elevator. The average cost of a vertical platform lift comes in at around seven times less than the average home elevator.
A Vertical Lift Might Not Be the Right Fit for You if:
A stairlift would suit your needs, as it’s the more cost-effective option.
Structural change is required for your home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solution for Your Home
There are several factors to take into account when choosing a solution for your home. Each device will also differ depending on the brand, model, and the company you choose to work with.
|
Stairlift |
Home Elevator |
Platform Lift |
|
|
Description |
A motorized chair that carries you up and down the stairs |
A compact elevator for home use |
A platform that carries you up and down stairs or from one floor to another vertically |
|
Suitable for wheelchair users? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
How many people does it transport? |
1 |
More than one |
Depends on the model |
|
Suitable for Heavy Cargo? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Structural Home Modifications Required? |
No |
Yes |
Sometimes required, depending on the location and design of the lift |
|
Flexible Installation Locations? |
No |
Yes, depending on your home |
Indoor and outdoor options |
|
Indoor and Outdoor Options? |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
How Long Does Installation Take? |
Hours |
Several days to two weeks |
Between one and two days |
|
Economical to Run? |
Yes |
Quite economical |
Only requires electricity when in use |
Choose the Best Solution for Your Short and Long-Term Needs
Mobility devices for navigating stairs make a huge difference to people's quality of life when this task becomes more challenging. Choosing the right device for your specific needs is critical. When considering the best option for you and your family, keep your long-term needs in mind as well as your immediate requirements.
If you're still unsure about which option would best suit you, our experienced and knowledgeable staff will help. We will assess your situation and home to guide you with respect to the most appropriate option.