Which stairlift

The Handicare Sterling is a straight-track stairlift that comes with seating options for those who have mobility issues in their hips, backs or legs. The perch seat option is particularly suited to those who find it difficult to get comfortable in a fully seated position and instead prefer to maintain an upright posture.

The Handicare Sterling straight track stairlift is a relatively new addition to the Handicare catalog. Its slim design is great for narrow stairs. Seniors will also enjoy the fact that this stairlift is quieter than most since its drive system uses friction instead of a toothed track.

The Freecurve is one of the few single-rail curved stairlifts on the market, lending it a less obtrusive profile. It features weather-resistant surfaces and can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees.

Each stairlift comes with two volt batteries, and these typically last an average user about three years before they need replacing. Handicare has engineered their stairlifts to make changing the batteries as simple as possible.

The major safety benefit of battery power is that in a power outage, Handicare stairlifts can keep functioning for up to 40 trips, or an average of 20 minutes, up and down the stairs so that riders will never be stranded. The design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of Handicare stairlifts are assessed and certified by multiple independent agencies.

Handicare stairlifts are tested extensively for their load-bearing capacities and long-term durability. Straight track prices can be higher if upgrades are selected, however. For all kinds of Handicare models, you should be aware that upgrades or extensions of track length could add hundreds or thousands of dollars to your total. Some older models may actually become permanently less expensive as newer models are released. Seasonal price drops are also possible at some dealers.

For seniors on a tight budget, financing for Handicare stairlifts might be available through any major dealer of the brand. Terms of financing may differ significantly depending on which authorized dealer you choose to shop with. While consumers cannot purchase a Handicare stairlift directly through the manufacturer, many authorized dealers are available online, over the phone and in stores.

A link to help you find showrooms is also available there. The specifics of your Handicare stairlift delivery and installation will also vary depending on what installation engineers your retail dealer contracts with. As mentioned earlier, the cost of installation is often included in Handicare listed costs, but not always.

In some cases, the cost of installation may increase if an evaluation of your home reveals that your situation will be particularly challenging for the installers. Always ask your dealer about how installation costs are calculated, how upgrades may affect installation costs, and whether or not shipping is included free of charge. Two years of coverage on parts other than the gearbox is common for Handicare models.

Seniors should be aware that in some cases, labor, travel expenses, and other changes could fall outside of the warranty coverage. Always read the warranty fine print prior to making a purchase or a claim. From its humble beginnings as a crane and hoist manufacturer in England in the s, family-owned Stannah Stairlifts has become an award-winning accessibility equipment manufacturer with locations all over the world. Stannah now has three U. Both can be ordered with such a broad range of options that nearly every part of these devices, from its cushions to its rail systems, may be made with custom colorways, even including an option to add wood trim in one of two finishes.

Buyers can initiate a simple, three-part design and installation process to create a stairlift that is unique to their needs and blends with their home decor, all with the benefit of industry-leading functionality. All Stannah stairlifts come with a set of standard features that promote independence for the user, including two remote controls that can send or call the chair to your preferred position. The remotes can be locked with the use of a key and come with wall mounts so they can be positioned at the top and bottom of the stairs.

The Starla comes in the version, which has a straight track, and the version, which has a curved configuration and features a tilted seat for added comfort and security. What makes both versions of this model stand out is its potential for customizability. With multiple upholstery, trim, and color options for nearly every part of the Starla, including six colors for the rail, this model is made to blend into the decor of your home.

Like the Starla, however, this model is offered with a curved track the model and a straight track the model. Added safety features and a powered tilting seat make the Sadler an exceptionally supportive stairlift. Despite having few frills, this model retains the high-quality functionality and safety features that come with all Stannah stairlifts. Stannah does not currently offer this unit in a curved track version, but in some cases stairlift users can install more than one straight rail model to navigate complex stairways.

The straight tracks can be made to fit any length of stairway. Stannah gives consumers the option to purchase a Heavy Usage Kit, which provides an even larger battery terminal to accommodate more power, keeping your lift running for twice as long as the standard battery. In addition to the safety that its battery-powered designs provide, Stannah also provides numerous other safety features for its stairlifts, which you can explore below.

Stannah stairlift carriages are tested over the equivalent of 10 years of average use and motors are tested with over , journeys. Any prices that you find online for Stannah stairlifts are unlikely to convey the full picture of your costs.

Seniors should note that Stannah itself does not offer financing options, but some authorized dealers may. Be clear with sales representatives about the limitations of your budget so that you can get help finding your best option. For people who may only need their stairlift for a short time, perhaps while recovering from a hospital stay or during a visit from a relative who has mobility issues, Stannah stairlifts are available to rent from authorized dealers.

After an average of three years of use, most people must buy a replacement battery for their stairlift. Other long-term costs of ownership may include occasional repairs or service calls. After the initial conversation, you can set an appointment for a technician to come measure and evaluate your home. At that time, you can ask more questions you may have regarding price, warranties, or installation, and the technician can recommend a particular model.

Stannah stairlifts are also available through authorized dealers, who will likely have a similar process for helping you find the right stairlift. For information on the cost of Stannah stairlift, contact them at to initiate an in-home evaluation, or visit Stannah-Stairlifts. Stannah custom-makes all stairlift purchases for the customer, whether you buy a straight rail model or a curved, and thus more complex, stairlift. While composing chairlifts with custom fabrics and rail lengths take time, the process is unlikely to take more than a week or two.

Stannah emphasizes the after-purchase customer support they offer, noting that all buyers of their products receive free consultations, call-out servicing, and clean, fast installations. Installation of Stannah stairlifts generally takes no longer than half a day. Installation engineers are personally trained by Stannah representatives and have access to proprietary technology which allows them to measure your stairway to within a tenth of an inch.

Before they leave your home, your engineers will help you find the right height adjustment for your needs, make sure you are comfortable using your new stairlift and clean up any mess left by the installation process.

It includes the following terms:. After purchasing your Stannah stairlift, the company asks buyers to complete a product registration form online or by mail within 30 days.

Once the period of use that is covered by your warranty expires, you will be given the option to enter into a service agreement. Most service agreements cost a few hundred dollars per year and offer less inclusive coverage than the original warranty, as the machine being covered has aged. Depending on whether you buy through Stannah or through a dealer not included in their authorized dealer network, your warranty and financing options can vary significantly.

Otherwise, consider contacting Stannah online or by phone and let them refer your query to an authorized dealer nearest you. Acorn Stairlifts is a United Kingdom-based manufacturer that has been in business since and is one of the largest stairlift companies in the world. Acorn may be the only company of its kind to exclusively sell directly to consumers rather than employing licensed dealers or third-party installation engineers.

Its dedication to service and design has led Acorn to innovate new ways to fabricate and install stairlifts.

The FastTrack rail system removes the long waiting period many stairlift buyers must endure while their curved stairlift rails are custom built in a factory. It features most of the same functions and style as the Acorn and Outdoor.

However, the official user manual lists its capacity as pounds. It is nearly identical to the standard model, but it complies with all industry standards set for outdoor stairlift models. Since this model outdoor model is only available in the straight track style, people who require a stairlift on curved or multi-tiered outdoor stairs will often have multiple straight lifts installed on the same stairwell. Some Acorn Stairlift models may be eligible for a seat upgrade that will improve safety and comfort for those with hip, back, or other joint issues.

However, very little information on the sit-stand upgrade is available online for customers in the USA. Enquire further with Acorn sales associates if you are interested in this option. Battery power is another key component of Acorn stairlift safety. All Acorn stairlifts are powered by a battery which continually charges via your main electricity supply. This means that the chair will continue to function for an average of six to twenty minutes if your power goes out.

Even if your home power fails, you should be able to finish your trip up or down the staircase. Acorn puts its stairlifts through a rigorous testing process before they are approved for use. This involves operating the lift through the average equivalent of 11 years of use with 25, return journeys. Before each stairlift leaves an Acorn factory, its carriage is checked 29 times by a large quality assurance team. Installation engineers follow a fully standardized, point installation process.

This range of prices can help you know roughly what to expect, but your costs from Acorn could be considerably different, depending on your situation. Acorn stairlift cost will be impacted by the kind of model that you select. Curved and outdoor models, on the other hand, almost always cost the most. Furthermore, upgrades like custom rail length or power features on footrests or folding rails tend to add at least a few hundred dollars to your total with most brands.

Acorn Stairlifts does not advertise its financing terms online, but the company does offer in-house financing. If asked, a sales person will send an Acorn engineer to your home to inform you of your financing options as they measure your stairs for potential installation. Acorn is one of the few, if not the only stairlift manufacturer that exclusively sells directly to consumers rather than through dealers.

Pre-owned Acorn products can be found by visiting local retailers, but new units must be purchased directly from the company. To request pricing information or to schedule a home assessment by a technician, contact Acorn online at AcornStairlifts.

There is also one physical location in the US where people who happen to live near Orlando, Florida may be able to see and sit in a chair before initiating a purchase. Before purchasing your stairlift, an Acorn installation representative will make an appointment to come to your home and assess the space, determining which track configuration would offer the most appropriate fit and providing exact estimates.

Once that is done, if you decide to place an order, next-day installation may be available in some areas, though this is usually only offered for straight stairlift orders. Most stairlifts can be delivered and installed by licensed Acorn engineers within just a few days after measurements are taken, rather than weeks. These tracks are constructed from premade, modular sections of high-strength aluminum that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be interlocked to create multiple rail configurations.

Acorn states that engineers will always ensure that you are comfortable using your stairlift and will clean up any debris before they leave your home. Installation costs will only be provided after the initial assessment of your home. A month, non-transferrable warranty is issued upon the installment of your lift. This warranty will cover one month, scheduled service plus any damage or failure of the device, as long as an Acorn representative can assess that the cause was faulty parts, manufacturing or installment.

Acorn representatives will disassemble and collect your stairlift at no cost to you and refund your purchase price within about two weeks. When your warranty period is up, you can opt for an extended warranty or a service agreement sold by Acorn.

Though these contracts can cost hundreds of dollars, they can provide greater peace of mind and may especially be worth it if you foresee that you may need to leave the lift unused for extended periods, which can raise the risk of malfunction. If it is assessed that you have improperly used your stairlift — according to the definitions of improper use laid out in your user manual — then you will be held responsible for any repair costs you incur.

It may also void your warranty if you do not perform routine maintenance on your stairlift, which includes basic cleanings and checking for full functionality of certain components once every few months. Savaria is a Canadian mobility equipment company that makes everything from home elevators to wheelchair lifts.

Not all manufacturers include adjustable armrests or a pound weight capacity as standard, but Savaria stairlifts are all made to comfortably hold people of most sizes. Savaria provides a highly pragmatic set of features as standard on all of their stairlifts, including large, volt batteries, adjustable armrests, and weight capacities of pounds. Savaria models also come with safety features and upgrade options that make them a solid contender in stairlift manufacturing space.

It is a straight-track model lift appropriate for single-flight, straight stairwells, and offers the option to add a fold-away rail for a less intrusive profile. The Savaria K2 also comes with the option to upgrade to an outdoor stairlift. The K2 outdoor package will come at an increased cost. It is suitable for moderate climates and includes:.

This model is similar in most respects to the K2 above , but it boasts an unusually high weight capacity. Whereas virtually all other stairlifts max out between and pounds, this one maxes out between and pounds. Exact capacity is determined by which seat option you select. Made to fit any stairway configuration, the Stairfriend can be adapted to multiple tiers, hard turns and spiral staircases. Best stairlift brands Best stairlift brands December Stairlift brands reviewed by real-life customers: find out which stairlift provider scores highestAcorn, Handicare and Stannah stairlifts all rated — plus advice on getting a stairlift from the councilOur tables reve.

In this guide 6 articles Best stairlift brands Acorn stairlifts review Handicare stairlift review Stannah stairlifts review Where to buy your stairlift Smaller stairlift brand reviews. Stair lifts are a common solution for people with mobility or energy challenges. These devices allow people to ride in a seated position up and down a flight of stairs, inside or outside.

Much of the demand will come from the United States. Anyone who wants to go from one level of their home to another more easily could benefit from a stair lift. Medical issues like congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , obesity, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease and liver failure can tire someone easily, says Ayoub. People with heart conditions especially have to make deliberate choices about how to spend their energy, she adds.

Many times, simply considering a stair lift might require clearing a mental hurdle. Some people might feel like a chair lift is an admission of getting old or being frail. But much like other mobility devices, such as canes and walkers, stair lifts offer a way to maintain independence, Ayoub says. A chair with a motorized gear or wheels at its base and a secure seat travels up and down this track at a slow speed.

Controls are mounted on the chair, though many stair lifts have remote controls as well. Although they all serve the same purpose, stair lifts have a surprising number of features.

Some may be helpful depending on your physical and space limitations while others are designed for safety and convenience.

Common features include:. There are three main types of stair lifts: straight, curved and outdoor. This type is the easiest to install and therefore the least expensive. A straight stair lift features a flat, standardized track to help you go from one level of your home to another. A curved stairway requires a customized track, according to Fortunato. You may also need a custom solution if you have a multi-level stairway with a landing between the levels.

Custom tracks are individually manufactured, assembled, tested and disassembled before in-home installation, adding to the cost. Like it sounds, an outdoor stair lift is designed to withstand weather elements as it lifts you from one level of your home to another.

The track is made of anodized aluminum and the seat is constructed from weather-resistant material—typically a marine-grade vinyl. Outdoor stair lifts are often used for transportation to a porch, patio, pier or deck. Stair lift costs vary depending on features and type. If you have a curved stairway, customization and complexity increase costs—sometimes significantly. For people who need a stair lift for a short time, such as while recovering from surgery, renting is an option.

Curved stair lifts are often not available for rent. If you have short-term needs, another option is a buyback program, says Fortunato, which involves buying a new unit and keeping up with manufacturer-recommended maintenance.

This option works best if you plan to have the stair lift for just a few years, Fortunato adds. After 10 years, the manufacturer may no longer offer replacement parts. Grants and assistance programs may help pay some stair lift costs, Ayoub says. Most of these are either based on your specific condition or generally focused on helping you stay in your home. Contact your local Department of Housing and Urban Development office or your local area agency on aging for help connecting with such programs.

Stair lift manufacturers and dealers may also have information on funding resources. Home medical equipment and mobility companies offer stair lifts from a variety of manufacturers. They may offer installation services as well or be able to recommend an experienced installer. You can also contact stair lift manufacturers directly, who often will connect you with a local member of their dealer network. Many mobility equipment providers are certified by stairlift manufacturers to install and maintain stairlifts themselves.

Other times, manufacturers or providers know experienced contractors, says Fortunato. Often, they have a list of professionals who have completed multiple installations and know the building codes in your area. When it comes to using your stair lift, Ayoub recommends taking some time to get used to your new device. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads.

Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist.

James Lacy, MLS, is a fact-checker and researcher. If you find yourself dreading every time you need to climb or descend a staircase in your home, it may be time to consider the benefits of installing a stair lift.

For people who have mobility issues due to an aging body or a chronic condition, using the stairs can become so exhausting that it saps their energy to have a productive day, at a minimum.

In more serious conditions, it can be dangerous because of their increased risk of falling. In other cases, using the stairs is simply no longer possible. In any of these scenarios, you do not necessarily need to move to an assisted living facility. There are much less expensive ways to retain your independence and continue living, and moving, in your own home.

Stair lifts are one of the most affordable and safest ways to do so. There are many companies making not just one, but several stair lift models; here are our top picks. AmeriGlide is a manufacturer and an online distributor and its pricing is very transparent and budget-friendly. The company is driven to make stair lifts more affordable for more people.

It gives consumers the option to install their stair lift themselves, or AmeriGlide can coordinate an installation company for you.

The average time it takes to install one of the models is four hours. The unit is battery-powered and comes with a footrest safety sensor to detect obstacles. Worn or damaged parts are replaced by factory technicians to bring the quality up to factory standards before it's sold. This reconditioned lift chair comes with a retractable seat belt, a swivel seat, and foldable foot and armrests. Additionally, the Horizon Plus Stair-Lift comes with two remote control call and send units, a key lock, and a digital diagnostic display.

With AmeriGlide, you can get a lot of features for a fraction of the price of a newer model from the other manufacturers in our list. There are a few reasons why you may want a space-saving design for your stair lift. You may have a home with a narrow staircase and therefore need a chair and rail system that mounts snug to the wall.

Either way, Elan is a good fit. The chair and rail hug the wall using only a small footprint. The rail installs within 5 inches to the wall. The seat extends out about 17 inches. To further create space, the arms, seat, and footrest all fold up flat.