How Much Does a Chair Lift For Stairs Cost?

When purchasing a chair lift for stairs, price is an important factor to consider. Stair lifts are generally an out-of-pocket expense for most buyers, as insurance and Medicare typically do not cover their costs.

However, there are some options to help reduce the overall cost. For instance, many companies offer special financing programs for qualified buyers. Additionally, certain Medicaid policies may pay for stair lifts through their waiver programs to help seniors and disabled individuals live in their homes independently.

Ultimately, the amount you will pay for your stair lift depends on its type, size and features. For example, a basic straight stair lift with no additional bells and whistles can start at around $2,500, while a curved model that accommodates a series of turns may cost as much as $20,000. In addition to the specific type of staircase, the number of additional accessories such as a powered swivel seat and backup battery will also affect price.

To determine the best stair lift for your home, an expert will visit to take measurements and assess your unique needs. This allows the expert to provide a detailed estimate of the total cost for your system, including installation.

Once the details are finalized, the manufacturer will build and ship the unit to your home for installation. Depending on the model and complexity of your staircase, this process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

For example, a basic stair lift for a short flight of straight stairs with no additional features will be able to be installed in less than a day. However, a curved track with extra features will require more time to fabricate and install.

Some stair lifts are designed to fit onto the rail of your staircase and are relatively easy to install, while others are more complicated and may require professional assistance. A curved stair lift that accommodates a series of turns can be the most difficult to install and could take up to a week for a certified professional.

Stair lift manufacturers offer a variety of warranty plans for their products. For example, the Bruno Elan stair lift features a limited lifetime warranty that covers major components of the device and includes labor for repairs during this period. However, the warranty does not cover the cost of additional features such as a swivel seat or a standing stair lift option.

The Flow X and HomeGlide models from Access BDD feature a hinged rail design that can fold out of the way when not in use. These models are slightly more expensive than other stair lifts, but they can safely support up to 600 pounds and include a powered swivel seat that repositions for step-out on the top or bottom landing.

Most stair lifts are made to be sturdy and durable, but they will require regular maintenance in order to keep working properly. The maintenance schedule varies by model, but most will include cleaning and lubricating the tracks and moving the seat to clean underneath it. In addition to these tasks, a stair lift may need to be tuned up from time to time to ensure smooth operation and prevent damage from wear and tear.