By Katie Flannery | Updated Apr 7, 2022 2:50 PM

If you or a family member are having difficulty navigating up and down stairs due to an injury, illness, or mobility issues, a stair lift may be the solution. A stair chair lift is a motor-operated device that follows a track up and down the stairs to assist someone who is unable to navigate the stairs in their home. According to HomeAdvisor, stair lift costs range between $2,000 and $15,000, with the national average at $6,000. The price can vary because of the style and length of the lift; a curved or extended lift can cost between $9,000 and $15,000, but a standard straight lift shorter than 15 feet might only cost between $2,000 and $6,000. The benefits of installing a stairlift outweigh the price for many homeowners. Having a stairlift ensures independence and safety for those who need it.

Many factors impact stair lift cost. Prices differ from the national average due to staircase type, shape, length, installation and labor costs, lift and seat type, power source, and brand.

Stairs come in different shapes, and there are varying stair lift types to accommodate, including straight, curved, platform, and outdoor. Straight stairs generally cost the least to fit with a lift, and curved staircases cost the most. If the staircase has landings, the lift will require a longer track, and the overall cost will be higher.

Installation costs can run between $1,000 and $5,000 for many stair lift models. Prices can be higher if the stairs are steeper than average or if the lift is installed on outdoor steps made of natural materials like earth or stone. On occasion, additional work needs to be completed to install a stair lift, which can drive up the installation price. For example, installing wiring can cost between $600 and $2,200, building a new wall can run from $1,000 to $2,700, repairing drywall is $300 to $800, and replacing or upgrading an electrical panel ranges from $600 to $1,800.

Labor costs are typically included with the installation price since stair lifts need to be installed by a professional from either the company you purchased the lift from or someone from the manufacturer. If you decide to hire a third party to install the lift, labor costs usually run between $75 to $100 per hour.

Stair chair lifts are available with different types of seats. The seat affects how much space the lift takes up on the stairway and how comfortable it is to ride. Here are some available seat options and the average prices.

Stairlifts can be battery powered or connected to an electrical outlet. Battery-operated lifts can work during a power outage, and the electric-powered ones need a battery backup if the power goes out. Electric stairlifts will cost more up front because they require more electrical wiring work, and they also cost more money to run. Electric stair lifts don’t require as much maintenance as a battery-operated lift; however, a battery-operated lift needs regular battery health checks.

When deciding on a stair lift for your home, there are several options to choose from. Most manufacturers make both straight and curved lifts, but it’s essential to check and ensure that the brand you choose creates a lift that will work for your needs. Here are a few trusted brands of home stair lifts and their average prices.

When budgeting for stair lift costs, it’s helpful to know any additional price factors and considerations that can increase the total cost. These can include pricing differences with renting or buying, buying a new or pre-owned lift, customizations and add-ons, outdoor lifts, and maintenance costs.

If you or a family member need a stair lift for a short period while recovering from surgery or an injury, renting a lift is an option. The cost to rent a lift runs from $300 to $500 per month, not including installation or removal fees. Many stair lift companies require a minimum 3-month rental agreement. Keep in mind that the installation fee can run from $400 to $700, removal can cost between $300 and $600, a refundable deposit ranges from $500 to $1,000, and the 3-month rental averages between $900 and $1,500.

Pre-owned stairlifts are available to buy for a reduced price. These lifts have been previously rented and are in excellent condition. The lifts are subjected to rigorous inspections to ensure they’re safe and in good working order. The overall price can vary depending on the brand, model, and type, but average savings can range from $500 to $1,500 off the cost of a new lift. It may be challenging to find a pre-owned stair lift for a curved staircase, however, since the lift track needs to be custom-made.

Custom add-ons to a stair chair lift will increase the overall price. Some of these customizations may be necessary, such as a custom track for a curved staircase or a staircase with multiple landings. These customizations can add between $1,000 and $10,000 to the installation price, depending on the complexity of the stairs. Some straight stair lift tracks can accommodate up to 70 feet, but anything longer can add $50 to $75 per linear foot. Stair lifts can typically handle users up to 250 pounds, but a heavy-duty lift may be needed for those who use wheelchairs or weigh over 250 pounds. Purchasing a heavy-duty stair lift can start at $5,000 and range up to $20,000 for lifts that can support over 400 pounds.

Depending on the length, installing a stair lift outside can range from $2,000 to $10,000. Different materials are required for an outdoor lift to withstand extreme temperatures, rain, snow, dirt, and grime and still work correctly.

It’s recommended that a stair lift be professionally inspected once a year to ensure it’s in safe working order. Stair lift companies usually offer yearly maintenance inspections for between $100 and $200, and some retailers provide 24-hour emergency service. Be sure to ask the installer what services are offered.

There are various types of stair lifts, and they vary by the kind of stairs they’re designed for and how they’re powered.

The cost of a battery-powered lift ranges between $3,000 and $5,000. The price reflects the ease of installation because the lift doesn’t need additional wiring. A battery-operated lift will charge when it’s not in use at the charging station at the bottom of the stairs. While a battery-operated lift will save more money in electricity costs in the long run, this type of lift requires regular battery checks and maintenance.

Electric stair lifts can average between $4,000 and $7,000. An electric lift plugs into an outlet to power it up and down the stairs. If there is no outlet in the stairwell, one will have to be installed, which will raise the overall installation cost. This type of stair lift typically comes with a backup battery in the event of a power outage.

Straight lifts are the most common type of stair lift. They’re fitted to a straight staircase that doesn’t bend or curve. These lifts are the easiest to install and typically run between $2,000 and $8,000.

Curved stair lifts are the most expensive type of lifts. They are custom-designed to fit the contours of the staircase. These can run between $8,000 to $20,000. For homes that have a staircase with one or more landings, an alternative to a curved lift would be two straight stairlifts, which could save thousands of dollars.

A platform stair lift is designed for wheelchair users to maneuver up and down the stairs. A wheelchair can be placed on a size-appropriate platform to transport users to different floors. Platform lifts can be used with both straight and curved lifts, with the price dependent on the length and type of staircase. These can cost between $5,000 and $20,000.

Outdoor stair lifts can range between $4,000 and $12,000. These lifts must withstand harsh weather conditions and still work properly, so the price is generally higher than for straight indoor lifts.

As we age, stairs become more challenging to navigate. If you or a family member is recovering from an injury or surgery, have mobility issues, are frightened to navigate the stairs, or don’t have the strength to go up and down the staircase anymore, a stair lift may be the solution.

A stair lift is a safe way for those with health and safety concerns to navigate stairs. Going up and down the stairs can be dangerous and result in serious injury for those with mobility and balance issues. A motorized lift is the safest option for accessing different levels of the home.

Joint pain can make climbing the stairs difficult. Suppose you or a family member are experiencing knee or hip pain, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, reduced lung capacity, or are recovering from surgery. In that case, a stair lift can help regain independence.

Many seniors prefer to remain in their own homes rather than move into a senior living community. A stair lift provides the option to stay at home and utilize all levels of the living space instead of just one floor. A stair lift is also a more affordable option than selling a home and finding a new one-story place to live in.

Joint pain, stability issues, lack of strength, and limited mobility can accompany aging and make stairs difficult. A stair lift is a worthwhile investment and has many benefits.

A stair lift can help prevent an injury due to falling while navigating up or down the stairs. Those with balance issues may have trouble judging the distance between steps and trip and fall. A stair lift has a built-in safety belt that will keep the user safe and avoid injury while transporting them to different levels of the home.

Most users find a stair lift easy to use: sit in the seat, fasten the safety belt, and hold the switch to go up or down the stairs. To stop the lift, simply release the switch. Some stair lifts come with a remote, which is especially helpful if more than one person uses the lift. If you’re at the top of the stairs and the lift is at the bottom, the remote will power the stair lift up to you. The seat is padded and comes with adjustable padded armrests and footrests to ensure a comfortable experience.

Sometimes stairs can prevent someone from using all the levels of their home, limiting them to living on one level. A stair lift can help restore a feeling of independence, as it allows the user access to all stories of the home since stairs will no longer be a hindrance.

A stair lift is a brilliant solution for those who prefer to age at home instead of moving to an assisted living facility or a senior living community. Although the expense of installing a stair lift can quickly add up, it is less expensive than moving to a single-floor home.

While it may be tempting to buy a DIY stair lift to save some money, installing a stair lift as a DIY project is not recommended. Even though it’s easy to use and operate, a stair lift is a complex piece of assistive technology. It needs to be professionally installed to ensure the user’s safety. Professional installers undergo rigorous training, and they’re qualified and experienced to install the lift in as little as 4 to 5 hours. It may take a bit longer to install a lift on an extra-long set of stairs. Since a staircase rarely has an electrical outlet nearby, new wiring may need to be installed before the stair lift. It’s always recommended that a professional handle new wiring and outlet installation.

Stair lift costs can be high, and the additional fees associated with the installation can quickly add up. One way to save money on stair lift costs is to buy the cheapest lift, but there are other ways to save without giving up the options you want.

Asking the right questions about stair lift costs can minimize miscommunication and save money. Here are some questions to ask when pricing installation for a stair lift.

Deciding on stair lift installation while staying within your budget can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about stair lift costs to help guide you in your decisions.

Original Medicare does not pay for stair lifts, although some Medicare Advantage plans may assist. This coverage changes from year to year, so check with your state’s program to see what is covered.

Insurance typically does not cover stair lifts, although some types of disability or auto insurance may pay some of the cost due to injury or disability. Always double-check to see what your insurance plan says about stair lifts.

Some alternatives to a stair lift include moving to a one-story home or a senior living community, relying on others to help go up and down the stairs, living in one level of your home, remodeling your home, or installing an elevator or stair climbing aid.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, research to see if it will cover part or all of the cost for a stair lift. The coverage changes from year to year, so check often. Medicaid, VA Health Care benefits, and grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development offer assistance for stair lift installation costs.

Stair lifts can be installed on just about any staircase, although some may be more expensive because the lift needs to be custom-built to accommodate the curves and turns.

A straight stair lift can be installed in about 2 to 3 hours, and a curved lift can take between 4 and 5 hours or more, depending on the difficulty or length of the staircase.

Sources: HomeAdvisor , Fixr , Bruno, HomeServe,

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