The Best Stair Lift Companies for Seniors
Researched by: Dan Fogarty, M.A., FACHE &
Fact checked by: Lynda Menegotti, Editor | Last Updated: June 2024
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In This Article: Top 10 Stair Lifts | Brand Comparison | FAQ | Request Quote
The Top 10 Stair Lift Companies Compared
Finding the best stair lift brands for seniors can make home living safer and more comfortable. Whether you need a chair lift for stairs, a standing stairlift, or a compact stair lift for narrow spaces, this guide compares the top-rated options trusted by thousands of families. Below, we review the best stair lift companies to help you make an informed choice. The various stair lift manufacturers will provide different types to meet your needs.
Best Stair Lift Brands for Seniors
Bruno Straight and Curved Stair Lifts
Bruno Independent Living Aids is an industry-leading manufacturer of straight and curved stair lifts. Award-winning Bruno manufactures indoor and outdoor stair lifts in Wisconsin and takes pride in its position as an industry innovation leader. With a strong focus on quality and safety, family-owned Bruno offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty on their indoor straight stair lifts.
In addition to stair lifts, Bruno manufactures vertical platform lifts and wheelchair lifts for vehicles. They are also an ISO-certified manufacturer that offers independent lifestyle solutions to mobility-challenged individuals and elders.
Bruno provides a range of budget-wise stair lifts that helps seniors and mobility-challenged individuals restore safety and gain peace of mind in their own homes.
Bruno Stairlift Models Available:
Bruno's most popular straight indoor stair lift, the Elan, is a mix of stylish design, high-quality functionality and ease-of-use-operation. With a narrow vertical rail design, Bruno's Elan stair lift leaves plenty of open space on the steps for family members.
The Bruno Elite Curved stair lift delivers an unmatched smooth, quiet ride from start to finish. With Bruno's signature stair lift, the quality and comfort are second to none. Add power options to further customize your Elite curved chairlift to fit your lifestyle.
The Bruno Elite stair lift offers worry-free access and a premium design that seamlessly blends into your home’s environment. With options such as power swivel seat and power folding footrest to customize the Elite stair lift can be designed to match your unique environment and offers added comfort.
Bruno's outdoor stair lifts are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and are available for extra-long staircases. Access your outdoor living spaces with an Elite Outdoor Curved stair lift. Custom-made for your stairs, the Bruno Elite Outdoor Curved stair lift precisely matches the distance, elevation and angles of your stairway. Relax outdoors with an easy-to-use Elite Outdoor Curved stair lift - built specifically for your home.
Specifically designed to withstand harsh environments, Bruno’s Outdoor Elite stair lift gives you the ability to enjoy the outside of your home safely. Whether you need help getting up porch stairs or down steps to the pier, the Outdoor Elite reliably takes you there with a smooth, safe ride.What We Like:
- Great customer service (virtually and in-person)!
- A great warranty brings peace of mind with a limited lifetime warranty (indoor straight stair lifts) and another with a 5-year limited warranty.
- Strong support and comfortable to use.
- A high weight capacity for all models.
- All stairlifts are made in the U.S.
- A range of prices makes Bruno stairlifts affordable to most.
- You will find all lift types available (curved, straight, etc.).
- Very comfortable seating with padded seats, backrest, and adjustable seat height.
- Long-lasting battery power that supports the stairlift even in a power outage.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- Both the Elan and Elite seat options are extremely comfortable, but it would be even better if they had additional options available.
Handicare Stairlifts
Handicare is committed to making everyday life easier for disabled and elderly people and empowering them to live an active life – on their terms. At the same time, they want to support those who assist them. This is why they provide well-designed solutions that help increase independence and are easy and safe to use for both healthcare professionals and family members.
Handicare Stairlift Models Available:
The Xclusive affordably combines contemporary design with leading-edge technology. The Xclusive boasts modern lines, gentle curves and muted tones. The compact lift has a slim waistline and diamond-shaped backrest, an aesthetic all its own.
The Handicare 1100 Straight Stairlift features next-generation technology with an ultra-streamlined design that takes up less space on your stairs. The Patented Multi-Drive System will ensure your stairlift is operating at peak levels at all times with no reduction in performance ever.
With a wide range of features and options to select from, the 1000 stairlift provides you with a fully tailored chairlift while still remaining sleek and stylish. The 1000 features a slim, anodized aluminum track. With no gearing exposed, the 1000 provides a polished aesthetic while providing minimal obstructions on your staircase to ensure other users can safely get by.
The Handicraft 950+ stairlift is an affordable and powerful solution for straight staircases. The 950+
The entry level 950 is Handicraft's high-quality, budget-friendly solution designed for straight staircases. The 950 includes a manual swivel seat, manual folding footrest and a surprisingly slim profile of only 11¼ inches from the wall when folded. The ergonomic toggle control, designed in collaboration with occupational therapists, can be easily used by anyone, even those with joint problems such as arthritis or rheumatism.
A curved stairlift is the optimal choice for spiral staircases or ones with a landing or bend. The 2000 features the tightest track bends in the industry today. Each 2000 is custom built based on your home’s architecture to ensure it fits snugly against your wall and maximizing your staircase’s remaining capacity.
The Handicare Freecurve Curved Stairlift features a revolutionary design that takes up less space on stairs with custom
The 1000 outdoor model is manufactured from durable and weather-resistant materials allowing it to withstand external conditions and be installed on most outdoor staircases. The 1000 outdoor stairlift can be customized with many of the same features as the indoor model, such as adjustable seat height and width.
The 2000 curved outdoor model is manufactured from durable and weather-resistant materials allowing it to withstand external conditions and be installed on most outdoor staircases. The 2000 outdoor stairlift can be customized with many of the same features as the indoor model, such as adjustable seat height and width.What We Like:
- A variety of seat and color options to choose from.
- Lifetime warranty on motors and gearboxes of indoor straight lifts and most curved models; 5 years on all other models.
- Access to a 3D rendering of how the stairlift will look and fit within your home prior to installation.
- Access to 8-different models of indoor and outdoor stairlifts.
- Some of the stairlifts have a rental program you can use instead of a permanent purchase.
- The virtual resource center is available online to answer most of your questions.
- Make an appointment online with a mobility expert.
- Safe and reliably mounted to your staircase.
- Installation with professional dealers takes about 4-hours.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- Faster access to replacement parts.
Stannah Stair Lifts
Stannah is recognized around the world as the company that brings freedom, independence, and a strong sense of safety back to anyone who has difficulty overcoming the challenges posed by the stairs in their home. The Stannah stair lift is fully customizable, and the company will do a free assessment with no obligation to purchase. Stannah stair lifts are offered by more than 200 dealers nationwide.
Stannah Stairlift Models Available:
The Starla is perhaps the finest example of Stannah’s exceptionally engineering and design. Its elegant features and safety solutions make it not only a suitable accessibility device, but also an attractive centerpiece for your home. Whatever your tastes may be, you are sure to find what you’re looking for in a Starla.
The Siena stairlift combines fresh, contemporary styling with the
Designed for efficiency and reliability, the Scout from Stannah will help you enjoy the full use of your home. The Scout meets all the quality and safety standards that set Stannah apart but with less customization than the more expensive models, suitable only for those with low-level mobility issues.
The Sadler stairlift offers an alternative to traditional and perch-style stairlifts, helping users maintain a more upright posture at the same time taking as much of the weight through the seat, minimising the weight supported by the legs.
The Outdoor is Stannah's rugged, weather resistant version of the indoor models, it keeps all the security features you've come to expect from a Stannah model. While it's not as customization as the indoor variants, The Outdoor is still one of the best choices for an outdoor stairlift.What We Like:
- You can purchase used models for less cost.
- A 10-year warranty.
- Perch-style seating is available.
- The stairlift battery will last between 3 to 5 years before it needs to be replaced.
- The curved stairlifts are very capable of getting around tight curves.
- Comfortable and innovative seats for ease of use.
- High marks on safety.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- Increased weight limit (currently does not exceed 350 pounds).
- Faster customer service response times.
Harmar Power Stair Lifts
Harmar has the largest variety of wheelchair, scooter, and power stair lifts and offers innovative solutions to enhance home accessibility for the mobility-challenged. Harmar provides people with a way to gain more freedom to go where they want, when they want.
Harmar offers ergonomically designed seats and a 2-year warranty on standard lifts. The focus of the company is on two primary areas: lifts for your vehicle and lifts for your home.
Harmar partners with a variety of car manufacturers and offers you suggestions on how to find financial assistance should you need it for your car. For your home, Harmar is determined to create a comfortable living space for your aging loved one.
Harmar Stairlift Models Available:
The Pinnacle Stair Lift has an established reputation as an industry leader for its innovative design, solid performance and reliability. It’s patented drive system serves as the cornerstone that makes this stair lift different from all others on the market.
SL350AC Stair Lift is engineered with a carriage that is pre-installed on a short section of the durable extruded aluminum track. The backrest has three different settings, and the fold-up footrest adjusts to two different heights for the utmost in custom comfort. The spacious, wide seat features thick padding and attractive upholstery.
The SL350OD Outdoor Stair Lift is engineered with a durable extruded aluminum track and marine-grade vinyl seating to handle rain, wind, snow, and temperatures from 0° to 125°. Includes header, internal chassis, and large weatherproof cover for protection of outside elements.
The Pinnacle Premium is the world's most compact stair lift. The innovative Helical Worm Gear and reinforced Nylon Polymer Gear Rack system eliminates maintenance, provides you savings with lower energy bills and delivers a smooth, stable ride you can rely on.
The Pinnacle Heavy Duty Stairlift is engineered to the highest industry standards and designed for optimal comfort, convenience and aesthetics. With sturdy, stationary armrests and reinforced footrest this model offers added stability for safer transfers. The Pinnacle’s patented Worm Drive ensures a premium ride, little to no maintenance, comfortable seating, and ease of access with a 85° swivel – now with extraordinary lifting capacity.What We Like:
- A higher weight limit of up to 600 lbs.
- An extremely quiet model and design.
- The stairlifts are not mounted to the wall.
- Great 3-year warranty on components and 10-year warranty on the patented gear rack system.
- The backrest is equipped with 3-different settings.
- A lubrication-free system keeping your home clean.
- Easy to operate and remote features.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- A broader selection for curved stair lifts.
Lifeway Mobility Stairlift Solutions
Lifeway Mobility is an accessibility solutions company that helps people with limited mobility regain their independence and stay safe in the home they love. They are a Bruno Diamond Stair Lift Dealer with showrooms in Chicagoland, Connecticut, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Massachusetts, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, & San Francisco Bay Area. Some of the other products offered by Lifeway are wheelchair ramps and lifts, bathroom safety solutions, and home elevators. Lifeway Mobility provides accessible solutions to those living in California, the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, Southern New England, and Pennsylvania.
What We Like:
- Multiple stair lift options are available in one location.
- Quick access to a quote and installation costs with a free consultation.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- Wider access to services (availability depends on your state).
AmeriGlide Stair Lift Company
AmeriGlide offers nationwide measuring and installation. In addition, you have the option to do it yourself, which could potentially save hundreds of dollars. AmeriGlide offers a variety of accessibility solutions from bath lifts, elevators, vertical platform lifts to stair lifts. The variety of stair lifts you can find include: straight, curved, indoor, outdoor, heavy-duty, certified used, and more. You can find several service repair options should you need one. AmeriGlide has an estimated 50,000 units sold and with an average 4-hour homeowner installation.
AmeriGlide Stair Lift Models Available:
The Horizon Plus Stair Lift is AmeriGlide's premium stair lift and has been specifically designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Every detail is intentionally crafted to create a safe and comfortable stair lift that will allow you to enjoy increased freedom and mobility and regain easy access to all levels of your home.
The Rubex Stair Lift is AmeriGlide's longest-standing product designed with safety in mind. AmeriGlide offers new and used models of the Rubex, giving you the option to choose the package that best suits your long-term needs and budget.
The Rave is AmeriGlide's ultra-compact stair lift designed for even exceptionally narrow stair cases. Built for durability and comfort, the seat swivels at the top, away from the steps at the top landing, so the rider can safely exit or enter the stair lift.
The AmeriGlide Imperial Stair Lift is a new, unique and patented 4 wheel drive system based on friction drive. Compared to all other straight stair lifts, there is no greasy gear rack on the rail plus it is quieter and gives a smoother ride. The Imperial is compact and will deliver a robust, long lasting solution to your lift needs.
A curved stair lift is an optimal choice for spiral staircases or ones with a landing or bend. The Imperial Curved Commercial Stair Lift features the tightest track bends in the industry today. Each Imperial Curved Commercial is custom built based on your home's architecture to ensure it fits snugly against your wall and maximizing your staircase's remaining capacity. If space at the bottom of the staircase is a concern, the seat can be parked upstairs by adding a Powered Hinge Rail that lifts and folds the track away when not in use.
The new AmeriGlide Platinum Curved Stair Lift can be custom designed to fit virtually any type of staircase. Now, all multi-level home owners can make their stairs handicap accessible without the use of elevators or vertical platform lifts. Whether you have multiple landings, a spiral staircase, 90-degree corners, 180-degree turns, or any other design challenges, AmeriGlide can craft the perfect solution to address your specific needs.
Now you can enjoy all the same great features of the peerless Horizon stair lift in an outdoor version that is built to be weather and waterproof and is the perfect option to help you overcome outdoor obstacles. Whether you are looking for help climbing the porch stairs to your home or want a safe way to gain access to your yard and other outdoor spaces, the Horizon Plus Outdoor Stair Lift solve your outdoor mobility problems.
The Deluxe Outdoor Stair Lift by AmeriGlide can heft up to 350 pounds of user weight and is designed to withstand inclement weather and keep operating smoothly!
A curved stair lift is the optimal choice for outdoor spiral staircases or ones with a landing or bend. The Imperial Curved Outdoor Commercial Stair Lift features the tightest track bends in the industry today. Each Imperial Curved Outdoor Commercial is custom built based on your home's architecture to ensure it fits snugly against your wall and maximizing your staircase's remaining capacity.What We Like:
- Access to a digital diagnostic display.
- A key lock feature to ensure maximum safety.
- Wide range of customization features for the seat style and color, as well as power swivel options.
- A 2-year parts warranty and a 5-year drivetrain warranty.
- Long-lasting maintenance and trust in the stair lift.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- A greater duration of the warranties could help with potential parts and system malfunctions.
101 Mobility
101 Mobility provides a variety of stair lifts and mobility solutions from its personally manufactured equipment and known brands nationwide. The company offers products such as auto lifts, incline platform lifts, vertical platform lifts, stair lifts, scooters, wheelchair ramp maintenance, and limited use elevators.
Stairlift Models Available:
Engineered for 101 Mobility by Bruno, The 101 Mobility by Bruno is one of the dealer’s top-selling brands. It's built with all the features you can expect from Bruno and has a suite of features for those with poor eyesight for additional autonomy. This stairlift comes in brown upholstered leather and is covered by Bruno’s manufacturer warranty.
What We Like:
- Ability to quickly access a network of locally owned dealers for stairlifts.
- Extended service warranty is available to help cover annual maintenance and service.
- Easy to order and work with expert staff.
- A one-stop-shop.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- Faster customer service response times.
Acorn Stair Lifts
Acorn Stair Lifts is an international, family-owned company that employs thousands worldwide. Their core business is the manufacture, sale, and service of stair lifts. Acorn prides itself with creating the most contemporary design, using the latest innovations, and manufacturing top-quality components. Acorn Stair Lifts has pioneered the use of direct current (DC) batteries, the FastTrack system, and Smart-Level technology.
Acorn Stairlift Models Available:
The Acorn 130 is the standard straight stairlift by Acorn Stairlifts. Continually developed, improved and refined over many years, the Acorn 130 is the direct descendant of Acorn Stairlift's very first straight stairlift, the Acorn Superglide.
Designed from the ground-up for any curved staircase, this curved stairlift offers a comfortable and reliable ride. The advanced self-levelling carriage moves along the modular rail system, coming to a soft stop with ease. Its FastTrack rail system makes it one of the fastest curved Stairlifts to install, done in a matter of days, instead of weeks.
Acorn Stairlifts do not need to be limited to your indoor stairs; their outdoor stairlifts are the perfect mobility aid to give you access to those outdoor spaces you love or have limited access to. The Acorn 130 outdoor stairlift comes with all the features that can be found on the indoor variant of the Acorn 130. For extra protection, it comes with a weather-resistant outdoor cover.What We Like:
- Fast installation.
- Designed to be attached to the staircase and not the wall.
- 12-month comprehensive warranty.
- Installation is done by company employees and not dealers.
- Financial assistance is available.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- Increased weight limit.
- Access to broad price ranges without a consultation.
Savaria Mobility
Founded in 1979, Savaria is a Canadian company all about products that help improve mobility. Whether that's for your home, in a vehicle, or in public spaces, they design and build products to make life more accessible. With manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and China, they can more efficiently reach global markets and build to meet the needs of specific customer requirements.
Savaria Stairlift Models Available:
The Savaria K2 Plus gives you the freedom of mobility that a
The Savaria K2 stairlift is one of the easiest ways to stay in your
Many people dread the thought of moving just to avoid climbing stairs. After all, this is the home you’ve enjoyed for many years with family and friends. The Savaria Stairfriend can give you the freedom to stay in your home and enjoy it without the worry of navigating stairs. Ride in comfort around curves, landings or changes in direction with the Stairfriend, specifically designed for your home.What We Like:
- A 36-month of coverage for all stairlift parts
- Two purchase options (through dealer or direct from Savaria if in the Direct Group Location).
- Excellent safety control features including obstacle sensors.
- Battery charging is built-in at the top and bottom of the rail for continued charging.
What Could Make Them Even Better:
- Additional color options for seats and rails.
- Access to broad price ranges without a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stair Lifts
In our research, we found that questions about cost, safety, the installation process are often asked by those considering adding a stair lift to their home.
How Much Does a Stair Lift Cost?
The price of stair lifts can vary depending on the staircase design, with prices in the $2000 to $4000 range being common for a simple stair lift for straight stairs. For more elaborate stairways and chairs, the price can be as much as $15,000 (or even more, in some cases) including professional installation.
The comparison chart below provides a quick look at the types of stair lifts offered by each brand along with an estimated price range (accurate at the time of publication).
Company | Types of Stairlifts Available | Base Price Range for Straight Stairlifts | Base Price Range for Curved Stairlifts |
 | Straight, Curved & Outdoor | $3,895 | $11,000 |
 | Straight, Curved & Outdoor | $2,200 to $6,000 | $10,500 |
 | Straight, Curved & Outdoor | $2,600 to $3,700 | $6,200 to $8,600 |
 | Straight, Curved & Outdoor | $3,000 to $5,700 | $12,000 to $15,000 |
 | Straight, Curved & Outdoor | $2,200 to $4,000 | $14,000 |
 | Straight, Curved & Outdoor | $1,700 to $2,100 | $8,200 |
 | Straight | $3,400 to $3,500 | Not Available |
 | Straight, Curved & Outdoor | In-home consultation required for pricing | In-home consultation required for pricing |
 | Straight & Curved | $2,500 to $3,000 | $8,800 |
Keep in mind that stair lift installation can be expensive. However, many companies offer financing. The options to finance will always depend on the cost of the lift, your credit history and if you put any money down upfront. Explore the financing details to ensure you are not being charged a high-interest rate.
You should also explore if your insurance covers any portion of purchase or installation. Insurance options are often limited, but it never hurts to double-check. Medicare does not currently pay for stair lifts but there may be some options through Medicare Advantage plans for reimbursement. If you have Medicaid, you will need to check with your state-specific benefits to determine if you are eligible for any reimbursement.
Veterans are often eligible for some or full payment for stairl ifts. It is well worth the time and effort to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs caregiver support line for more details.
You should also consider what the cost of removal is as well for the long-term viability of your home or should you move.
You will need to ensure your stair lift has fundamental safety features to keep your aging loved one safe.
Stair lifts are required to undergo thorough analysis and testing prior to being available on the market per the FDA. (Source: FDA.gov)
Some of the core features include: safety belts/harnesses, obstruction detection, and keylocks. The safety of your aging loved one is a top priority and each item below should be tested prior to using it fully.
Safetybelts: You are used to a seatbelt in a car but when using a stair lift they are essential for safety. The safety belt may look more like a harness in some cases.
Keylocks: An essential safety feature is the keylock. This is something that if removed, the stairlift cannot operate. Using this will prevent children or others that shouldn’t be occupying the lift from using it.
Obstruction Detection: When a stairlift is in motion it is critical it has obstruction detection to prevent it from running over an object on the track.
A stairlift may fit nicely into your home but the hardware required to function may surprise you. Some of the core components to the functional operation of a stairlift include:
- Battery: This is what will keep your stairlift moving. The batteries will be larger and more expensive then what you typically buy for your appliances. You will find them typically at the base of the seat, near the motor. The battery will likely need to be replaced but this will be a few years after purchase.
- Battery Charger: The battery replacement as mentioned above is every few years so charging your battery will keep it alive. The charger will typically be found under the track or near the beginning or end of the track. The charger will likely work automatically with no action on your part.
- Motor: The stairlift needs to be moved up and down with a small but powerful motor. The main driver of the stairlift chair can be found at the base of the seat and controls the movement and speed of the lift.
- Transmission: Like a vehicle, the motor is moving at a high speed to safely more the stair lift up and down the track. The transmission is used to reduce the speed of the lift while increasing the power.
Consider the following when evaluating each company and ensuring it is the high-quality product you want:
- What is the price range you are willing to spend on the stair lift?
- Does the company offer a payment plan?
- How many different types of stair lifts does the company manufacture?
- Do you need an indoor or outdoor stair lift?
- How many years of warranty will the company offer?
- What are the safety features incorporated into the product?
- Is the stairlift self-installed or does it require professional installation?
- How does the stairlift handle a power outage?
- Is the stairlift battery-operated or electrical?
- Do you want to buy or rent the stairlift?
When you answer the questions above, consider both the present and future needs of your aging loved one. Be intentional with your research and review of each of the companies. Being a knowledgeable consumer will put you in the best position possible.
Summary
When purchasing a stair lift, make sure you do your research and discuss your options with a physician. If you feel like you can install yourself take the right safety measures and ensure you have the needed tools. If you are unable to or would like to use professionals, look into what local professionals are available to help you with your installation.
Next Steps to Choosing a Stair Lift
Now that you have a thorough summary of what stair lifts are, how they work, the best companies, manufacturers and vendors available – take the time to explore the best available option for you. You will see the tremendous benefits of having a stair lift and how it gives freedom and independence to your aging loved one.
To learn more and request a free quote, simply fill out the quick contact form below:
Expert Contributors
Brooke Lounsbury, RN 
Brooke Lounsbury, RN, has over 26 years of nursing experience, with a primary focus on Home Health and Hospice. During her time working with patients and families, she saw the pressures and strains caregivers go through while caring for loved ones. The noticeable lack of resources to help caregivers prompted her to start a support group for caregivers in her area.
Brooke is passionate about holistic healing, which led her to create courses for nurses and other healthcare professionals on digestive health, sleep hygiene, and the effects of technology on health for PedagogyEducation.com, a nationally accredited provider of continuing nurse education.
Brooke has written articles for several health-related websites, including Jase Medical and The Wellness Company.
In her free time, Brooke enjoys spending time with family, her dog, and traveling.
Dan Fogarty, M.A., FACHE.
Dan Fogarty has more than 12 years experience in healthcare management and strategic communication. Dan earned his Master’s in Health Communication from Johns Hopkins University in 2012. Dan has served as the Chief Administrative Officer of the NIH Clinical Center and Chief Intramural AO for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for 12 years. At present, Dan is the Senior Advisor for Strategic Operations, Management and Technology for SAMHSA.
In 2021, Dan earned the distinct credential of board certification in healthcare management as a Fellow of the ACHE (FACHE). Dan is also an Adjunct Faculty member of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS).
Dan is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned his Fellow of the ACHE credential in 2021. Dan contributes to his community as an appointed member of the Commission on Disabilities and Cultural Council. He has consulted for a variety of healthcare organizations in strategic communication and operational initiatives.