In many cases, when you start looking at home stair lifts, you’re hoping to address a need. With a stair lift, you can support the mobility of yourself or a loved one, ensuring everyone can reach different parts of your home with ease. But the potential price of a stair lift might give you pause. If you’re considering installing a stair lift, here’s what you need to know.
What Are the Benefits of Home Stair Lifts?
The primary benefits of home stair lifts are the improved mobility and enhanced safety they provide. A stair lift makes it easier for someone with limited mobility to reach other floors of their home. Instead of climbing the stairs, the lift brings them up or down similarly to an elevator, all while the person remains securely seated.
With a stair lift, it’s easier to maintain or restore independence. Plus, it can make aging in place an option, which is a preferred choice for many older adults.
Finally, home stair lifts are pretty easy to use and are reasonably comfortable, too. The controls are straightforward and intuitive. Plus, most stair lifts are designed to ensure that many types of unsafe operations can’t take place, safeguarding users against potential mistakes in the process.
How Much Do Electric Stair Lifts Cost?
The costs of electric stair lifts can vary significantly, as there are multiple factors that influence pricing. However, some averages can give you a general idea of what to expect.
On average, electric stair lifts cost $6,000, usually falling in the range between $200 and $20,000. Overall, straight stair lifts tend to cost less than curved models. You may need to spend $2,000 to $8,000 on a typical straight stair lift, while a curved one of a similar length may run $9,500 to $20,000.
Generally, the longer the stair lift is, the more it costs. Similarly, paths with more complexity come with bigger price tags. Other design elements — such as whether it’s a seated or standing stair lift or the material on the seat, handrails and more — can push the price up or down, too.
Even weight capacity can make a difference when it comes to cost. Lifts with higher weight capacities are built using more robust materials and stronger motors. As a result, they can shift the price tag upward because the components cost more to integrate into the lift.
How Much Do Wheelchair Stair Lifts Cost?
Also known as platform stair lifts, wheelchair stair lifts allow someone who uses a wheelchair to board a platform that carries them and their mobility equipment between floors. Structurally, these are different from chair-based stair lifts. For example, the platform itself is typically larger and heavier than the chair option, as it needs to accommodate the size and weight of a wheelchair.
Generally, wheelchair stair lifts run between $5,000 and $20,000, with the exact price varying depending on length, materials, weight capacity, whether it’s straight or curved, and similar points. However, the higher price can be worthwhile for wheelchair users. It allows them to access multiple floors without needing a separate chair on each one. Plus, it doesn’t require transitioning between the wheelchair and a stair lift seat, which can improve convenience and safety.
