Getting up and down stairs can be difficult for older adults and those with mobility issues. But for the roughly 40 million Americans who face this struggle, stair lifts can help. Stair lifts “improve independence by allowing easy access to different floors in a home, reducing the risk of falls and lessening the physical strain from climbing stairs,” says geriatric nurse practitioner and holistic nurse Christopher Norman.
Brittany Ferri, an occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging, agrees, saying, "Many people limit themselves to the first floor of their home as they age simply because of an inability to safely and confidently navigate stairs, so lifts allow people to resume their life despite having certain health concerns.”
Most older adults also want to age in place, and stair lifts are a tool that can help make that possible. Not only can they help older adults navigate their home, they can also boost the ability to maintain established social connections by staying at home — and that ultimately can support good health.
To select the best stair lifts we consulted with nurses, occupational therapists and a physical therapist for guidance on what to look for in these home-based mobility tools. From there, we identified leading models and narrowed the field to showcase lifts that offer safety, convenience and value.
Some stair lifts are better suited to your needs than others. These are the major categories you should consider as you search.
Straight stairlifts: These mobility aids are made for staircases that run in a straight line without any curves, bends or landings. This is the most common — and affordable — type you'll find.
Curved stair lifts: These lifts are custom-made to work on staircases that have curves, bends or intermediate landings. Because of the high level of customization, these are typically more expensive.
Standing stair lifts: Also known as perch stair lifts, these are designed for people who have difficulty sitting down or prefer to stand while using them. They offer a small platform that allows you to lean on or perch while traveling up or down the stairs.
Outdoor stair lifts: These stair lifts feature weather-resistant materials to stand up to life in the elements. They also come with protective covers for added protection.
A stair lift is a big investment, making it important to choose wisely. Consider these factors during your search.
Type of staircase; straight or curved
Desired weight capacity
Safety features
Brand reputation
Installation timing and cost
Safety is the "most important feature" in a stair lift, says John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy. Norman agrees. "Look for features such as swivel seats for getting in and out of the seat safely at landings," he says. "Safety belts and obstacle sensors that stop the lift if something blocks its path are also beneficial. Choosing one with a battery backup system to make sure it works even when the power goes out is also very helpful for feeling safe at all times."
Other things to look out for include locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized use of the stair lift by children, an emergency stop button to immediately halt the stair lift and foldable footrests and armrests to get rid of potential tripping hazards when the lift is not in use.
Beyond that, there are some additional elements to consider.
Check the lift's weight capacity to make sure it can safely support you. If you often carry items up and down the stairs, you'll want to factor in approximate weight for those added items as well.
Padded seats, adjustable armrests and footrests can help to enhance comfort.
Make sure that the controls are easy to use, especially if you have limited dexterity.
Determine the shape of your staircase
Consider if the installation process is doable for you or loved ones (if not, installation by a reputable company will be necessary)
Check the width of your staircase to ensure the stair lift will fit comfortably while still offering space to walk on the steps
Consider a foldable design to save space when the lift is not in use
Make sure that outdoor stair lifts have durable elements, like weather-resistant seat covers and housing for any electrical or mechanical parts
Read about the manufacturer's warranty, as well as what it covers
Look for a company with reliable customer support and service in case issues arise.
Consider all costs associated with the lift, including the price of the stair lift, installation and any ongoing maintenance
Compare prices from different suppliers and consider financing options, if available
When available, read reviews from other customers for more detail about experiences with the lift and company
Focus on companies with a reputation for quality, reliability and good customer service
Selecting the best stair lifts involved a detailed and systematic review process, incorporating the following:
Expert consultations: We sought the expertise of industry professionals, including occupational therapists, a physical therapist and a geriatric nurse practitioner to understand the key features and technologies that matter most. They emphasized crucial factors such as safety, weight capacity, space requirements and ease of installation.
Comprehensive research: We researched various stair lift models from multiple brands, analyzing technical specifications and comparing unique features.
Feature evaluation: Each lift was evaluated for essential safety features, along with weight capacity and suitability for different staircases. Comfort and convenience were also considered.
Cost analysis: We examined the total cost of ownership, including initial purchase price, installation costs and estimated ongoing maintenance expenses, with the goal of only recommending lifts that are an excellent value.
Manufacturer reputation: Each brand featured is well-regarded for its build quality, customer service and reliability. Those with a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction were prioritized.
It depends. Costs can vary due to factors like features, the type of stair lift you choose and what is involved in the installation process.
A basic straight stair usually lift costs between $2,000 and $5,000, while a more complex curved stair lift can range from $8,000 to $15,000 or more. Customization increases the price, along with additional features and professional installation.
Still, it's important to think about the relative cost of a stair lift. "Investing in a stair lift can be less expensive and less disruptive than moving to a single-floor home or a care facility," says Ferri. "The independence and safety it offers can outweigh the cost."
Again, it depends. It's generally advised that professional technicians install stairlifts to ensure they work safely and correctly. Installation usually involves the following steps:
A technician assesses your staircase and takes precise measurements.
A track is securely mounted to the stairs to support the stair lift.
The stair lift is attached to the track.
The technician thoroughly tests the unit to ensure it operates smoothly and safely.
You'll be shown how to use the stair lift.
Yes, stair lifts are considered safe when they're installed correctly by experienced technicians and are maintained on a regular basis. Many come with additional features to enhance safety like seat belts, swivel seats to help with safe dismounting and sensors to stop the lift if there's an obstruction in its path.
Other safety features may include battery backup to ensure continued operation during a power outage and a slow start and stop mechanism to provide a smooth and gentle ride. "If you live in an area that loses electricity often due to natural disasters or surges, or you simply want the added peace of mind, you may also want to purchase and install a generator to ensure you can use your stair lift even in the event of an emergency," Ferri says.
This varies by model. Most standard stair lifts have a weight capacity around 300 to 400 lbs., but heavy-duty models may accommodate users up to 600 lbs.
Choosing a stair lift that meets your weight requirements — and anything you may be carrying on the stairs with you — is essential for safe and effective operation.
Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L, occupational therapist with the National Council on Aging
Christopher Norman, MSN, APRN, APHN-BC, GNP-BC, geriatric nurse practitioner and holistic nurse with the National Council on Aging
John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG Physical Therapy
