Stair Lifts can vary in price based on many factors, such as: The model, the location of the installation in the home as well as geographically, the type of staircase, the user's unique needs, the rise of cost in natural materials like aluminum, and others. A stair lift can be a wise investment and financing may be available.
Be Mindful of The Following
The price of stair lifts online are not always accurate. Website vendors don't always update their pricing and this may lead to an inaccurate quote that is full of surprise price hikes later. I addition, installation is hardly ever included, so while you may save on a stair lift by ordering online, you must also find a capable technician to install it.
Is the Staircase Straight or Curved?
A stairlift for a straight staircase starts between $3400 to $4900 and should include installation and a long term warranty that covers mechanical parts for at least 5 years. That price should cover 16 feet of rail, the chair and chassis, and 2 remote controls. Check the weight limit and motor size as well as the quality of the chair to compare pricing. Many times, the cheaper chair lift price will contain a very small motor that will struggle at high speed. The weight limit may be 300 pounds but the motor is only 1/8 horsepower. A larger motor will make your chair lift more reliable, last longer, and smoother to ride.
A curved stair lift is custom built for your staircase and includes a chair that needs to self adjust to be level at every angle of your stairs and platforms. Also the custom-made rail will only fit on your particular staircase. The correct curved lift price will vary based on the number of curves and the type of curves on your stairs. A simple curved stairlift may start at $13,500 with a single curve or landing. Additional landings or curves will add to your final price if your staircase needs them. If your staircase curves at each stair it is called a large radius curved chair lift. A large radius curved stairlift is the most expensive stair lift will start at $18,000 in cost. This is much less expensive than an home elevator or other types of lift.
As always, the quality of the lift is important, as many of the curved stair lifts will require a service. Service calls can range from $225 to 700 based on labor hours and distance. We have seen some stairlift only last 1 to 2 years before needing to be replaced. The best stairlifts are built to last 10 to 20 years and provide reliable use without service calls and charges.
Would you consider a new or used or reconditioned chair lift?
A used or reconditioned lift can save you money if it is reliable. Used stair lifts are only available for a straight stair case. A reconditioned stair lift should be about $1000 less than a new straight stair lift including the installation and warranty. You cannot buy a used stair lift for a curved staircase or a staircase with a landing in the middle because the rail will not fit your staircase. Most of the price of a curved stairlift is in the custom rail, and to get another rail made would cost as much as a new lift.
Used chair lifts usually include a 30 day labor warranty vs. the new lift that has a 1 year labor warranty. A used stair lift may not have a parts warranty, so consider the costs of replacement parts in the future. These parts can be hundreds of dollars. A used chair lift should be less than 5 year old and checked by a reputable dealer. Many stair lift are sold on Craigslist.com or other website but you have to be careful. First, The rail for your chair lift is usually cut to fit your staircase, however, a used stair lift has been cut to fit another staircase. If your stairs are longer or taller than the other staircase, this chair lift rail will not fit on your stairs. You can always cut a rail shorter, however, it can be expensive and sometime impossible to order a new rail for a used stairlift. Again, DO NOT BUY a curved stair lift used as it will not fit your stairs and a new rail will cost more than a new curved stairlift.
We offer a free expert opinion on any used chair lift so that you will not find that you have purchased an expensive boat anchor. The other consideration is will your used lift be reliable. The older the lift, the more service it requires. Also, there are some lifts that are designed for 2-3 years of operation and sold on the internet that are not suitable for a used stairlift. Watch out for Ameriglide, Summitt, Acorn, TK Access, Meditek, Easy Climber, Also, most stairlift will only fit on 1 side of the stairs. If you want to install the lift on the other side of stairs, you are out of luck.