How Much Does a Stairlift Cost?
The cost of having a stairlift installed in your home varies depending on a wide range of factors. A simple straight stairlift model starts at around $3,900, including installation. Custom curved stairlifts and outdoor stairlifts can go as high as $30,000 for very long or complex designs.
If you need a stairlift (also known as a chair lift) to help you or a loved one navigate the home due to age, illness, or injury, understanding the factors that affect pricing will help you choose the best stairlift for your needs.
Cost of a Straight Stairlift
Straight stairlifts are the cheapest to build and install. With professional installation included, prices start at about $3,900 to $8,000. Straight stairlifts are best for simple stairwells that don’t have any curves, twists, or turns. Two or more straight stairlifts can be combined as a solution for straight stairwells with landings, as long as the user is able to transfer between the chairs.
Cost of a Curved Stairlift
If your stairwell is curved, you will need to have a custom stairlift built to fit your stairs. Prices (including installation) start at around $11,000 and go up to $30,000, with an average of $13,000. The final curved stairlift cost depends on how intricate your stairwell is, how many landings there are, and any irregular curves.
Cost of an Outdoor Stairlift
Special stairlifts are available for outdoor use, such as for navigating the entrance to a beachfront or dock. Outdoor stairlift prices start at around $6,000 to $10,500 (including installation) and go up to $30,000.
Outdoor lifts cost more than indoor stairlifts because they are built from hardy, weatherproof materials to protect them from the elements. These stairlifts always need to be custom-designed and can’t generally be resold. You will also need to factor in the cost of a water-resistant cover for the stairlift chair.
Other Features That Affect the Cost of a Stairlift
Various factors will influence the cost and installation of a stairlift, such as seat weight capacity, whether the seat has enough padding, and whether or not it can be folded and stored out of the way when not in use.
Weight Capacity
When buying a stairlift for mobility, it's important to choose a make and model that is designed to withstand the user's weight and the intended usage of the lift. For example, a lightweight user who only needs to go up and down the stairs a couple of times a day could get by with a basic model. A heavy or frequent user might need a heavy-duty stairlift.
Type of Seat
The type of seat on the stairlift also makes a difference to the cost.
Swivel seat: Swivel seats allow the user to get out of the chair without twisting. This could be an advantage if the user suffers from problems with their back, hips, or spine, or will be transitioning to a mobility aid (such as a walker or rollator) after using the stairlift.
Collapsible seat: Collapsible seats fold up when the stairlift is not in use, making space for others to go up and down the stairs.
Perch seat: A perch seat allows the user to go up and down while remaining in a semi-standing position.
Angled seat: An angled seat allows the user to recline slightly in the seat, reducing the likelihood of falling out. Please note that stairlifts should always come with a seat belt to prevent falls.
Custom Features
Additional features, upgrades, and add-ons may be required for maximum safety. Each one carries an added cost. Custom features you may be offered include:
Additional safety sensors
A key lock
A power footrest
A power swivel seat
A folding rail (power or manual)
A remote control
Additional Factors to Consider
Other factors contribute to the final cost aside from the stairlift itself.
Brand: Top stairlift brands tend to cost more. However, it's easier to find replacement parts, and the stairlift is likely to be more durable overall.
Authorized retailer or online: Buying a stairlift online will invariably be more cost-effective than buying a stairlift from an authorized dealer. However, you'll need to consider the costs of delivery and installation. Keep in mind that the Accessibility Equipment Manufacturers Association strongly advises against DIY stairlift installation and instead recommends hiring installation professionals.
New or used: A used stairlift will typically cost less than a new stairlift. Used stairlifts sold by an authorized retailer will have been reconditioned before installation.
Length of the track: Extra-long stairwells may require additional track sections, increasing the total cost of the stairlift.
Railing removal: It's not usually necessary to remove the existing railing to install a stairlift. However, if it is, this could increase the installation cost.
Stairlift installation on complex stairways: Stairlift installation on a curved staircase takes longer than a standard straight rail stairlift on a straight staircase. Installing a stairlift on a staircase with a landing also takes longer because two stairlifts will need to be installed, leading to higher installation costs.
Ongoing maintenance: After the initial installation, you will need to pay for an annual inspection to make sure the stairlift is still safe. Many stairlift companies (including our Denver and Boulder teams) offer stairlift maintenance programs to keep your stairlift in top condition and prevent user injuries and falls.
Stairlifts Offset Other Costs
The cost of a commercial stairlift might seem high at the outset. However, having a stairlift installed at home is usually cheaper than paying for an assisted living facility. It's also cheaper than paying for hospitalization if you or your loved one should fall down the stairs!
Assistance With Paying for the Cost of a Stairlift
There are several ways to save money on a quality stairlift:
Rent rather than buy: It's generally more cost-effective to rent a stairlift instead of buying one if you will only need it for a few months. Our stairlift rental rate is $199/month, with an initial $699 fee covering delivery, installation, and removal.
Rent to buy: Some companies will allow you to credit back part of your rental costs should you decide to purchase the stairlift. Be sure to ask about this option before renting if it interests you.
Pre-owned stairlift: A pre-owned stairlift will usually cost less than a new stairlift and will have been reconditioned for safety.
Insurance: Your insurance provider may reimburse you for part of the cost of buying a stairlift and having it installed. It's best to talk with your insurance provider before going ahead with a purchase.
Alternative solutions: If the flight of stairs is especially short, consider a less-expensive wheelchair ramp or entry-level vertical platform lift instead. As an industry average, vertical platform lifts typically cost anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000.
FAQ
How much will a stairlift cost me?
A lot of factors affect the cost of a stairlift. Generally, a straight stairlift, including professional installation, will cost between $3,900-$8000. Curved stairlifts could cost anywhere from $11,000-$30,000 with an average of $13,000. Outdoor models typically cost between $6,000 and $10,500, and up to $30,000, depending on the length and shape of the stairs and additional features needed for weatherproofing.
Can I install a stairlift myself?
No. Unless you are a professional, do not try to install a stairlift yourself. The Accessibility Equipment Manufacturers Association strongly advises having a professional handle installation to make sure it’s safe and up to code.
Can you rent a stairlift instead of buying?
Absolutely! Many companies offer stairlift rentals. A standard stairlift rental from Mobility Plus Colorado costs $199/month, with an initial fee of $699 covering delivery, installation, and removal. It is generally more cost-effective to rent if you will need the stairlift for 13 months or less, and more cost-effective to purchase if you will need it for longer than 13 months. We will credit back half of the cost of the rental if you decide to eventually purchase the stairlift.
The Right Stairlift Is Well Worth the Cost
After answering the question “how much does a stairlift cost,” it’s essential to reiterate the value these machines bring to families’ lives, and the cost of living without one when it’s truly needed. Whichever make and model you choose, investing in a stairlift is a life-changing decision that could transform your or your loved one's life. These devices increase independence and mobility and prevent falls.
Consult with an experienced stairlift retailer to find the best stairlift for your needs, and research options for rental or credit. Over time, you should find that the cost of the right stairlift is money well spent and potentially even money saved.