Everything You Need to Know About Chair Lifts for Stairs (in 2025)

straight stair lift in use

Does walking up or down the stairs feel like a hike? If stairs are becoming too difficult to navigate or you’d like to make your life easier while staying in your home, a stair lift could be a great solution. 

Today, we’ll explore everything you should know about chair lifts for stairs, including types, safety features, cost, and more. 

What Are Chair Lifts for Stairs?

Chair lifts for stairs, also known as stair lifts and stair chair lifts, are a tool that helps those with mobility issues travel up and down the stairs safely. Stair lifts are motorized chairs that sit on a rail and glide up and down a staircase after pushing a button. 

They’re designed to be easy to use and include safety features to prevent injuries when going up and down the stairs. 

Types of Stair Lifts

Indoor Stairlifts: Straight vs. Curved

Straight Stairlifts

Elan Straight Stair Lift 2

The most popular stair lift model is a straight stair lift for a standard indoor staircase. Straight stairlifts have a standardized rail suitable for most American-built homes and are easy to cut to fit a traditional staircase. 

There are various brands and models to choose from, and Bruno stands out. They offer the best quality and value and have a stellar stairlift warranty. 

The average weight limit for straight stair lifts is 300 to 600 lbs. They also have optional upgrades to improve comfortability or safety. Straight stair lifts are also the easiest and fastest to install, making them a top choice for most. 

Curved Stairlifts 

curved stair lift

Staircases with turns, curves, or intermediate landings typically require a curved stair lift. Most curved stairlift units are custom-made to the measurements of a curved staircase. They offer the same features as a straight stair lift but must be able to make large turns. 

Those with an intermediate landing may be able to use two straight stair lifts instead of a curved one. This may save money and speed up the installation process. 

Outdoor Stair Lifts: Straight & Curved

Elite Straight Outdoor Stair Lift 14

Have a love for the great outdoors but unable to safely navigate stairs? Different stair lift options can help you safely navigate your front porch or backyard. Straight and curved stair lifts can be installed on different types of outdoor stairs. 

Outdoor stair lifts are manufactured to withstand the elements, protect against rain, snow, and wind, and come with a protective cover. 

Are Stair Lifts Safe to Use? 

Yes, stair lifts are safe if installed by a professional from a licensed company. They’re a mobility device that offers a safer way to get up and down the stairs. Although stair lifts may not be right for everyone, they’re an excellent option for anyone with limited mobility who can stand or sit without assistance. 

At Independent Home Solutions, our stair lift experts can help you determine if a stair lift is right for you or a loved one. Stair lifts come with built-in safety features like seatbelts and obstruction safety sensors.  

Stair Lift Features & Components 

Two popular Bruno stair lift models are Bruno Elan and Bruno Elite

Components

Stair lifts have three components: a rail, a chair, and a power source. 

  • Rail: This is the main hardware installed on the staircase. It looks like a long rail, which is how the chair glides up and down. The shape and design can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but Bruno’s rails are slim, allowing homeowners to keep most of the space on their stairs. Rails are mounted onto the tread of the stairs and require no wall support. 
  • Chair: The chair is the seat a person uses to safely move up and down the stairs. Chairs also come in different sizes and shapes from different manufacturers. Most chairs have folding components, a seat, armrests, and footrests and house the motor and batteries. 
  • Power source: The power source may vary between brands, but Bruno stair lifts use  12v batteries with a “smart” battery charger that can be charged using any standard power outlet. Chair lifts should recharge themselves when the seat is docked at the top or bottom of the rail. Bruno stairlifts will also continue working during power outages for several trips.  

Features 

  • Swivel seat: Stairlifts have a swivel seat, so once a person travels to the top of the stairs, they can turn for a safe exit or entry. The chair rotates up to 90°, and swiveling is possible by manually pushing down on a level near the seat, which locks into place after fully swiveling. 
  • Seat, footrest, & arms: Stairs lifts have a seat, footrest, and two armrests for a comfortable transition up or down the stairs. Most models can be manually folded up when parked at the top or bottom of the stairs so homeowners can maximize space. 
  • Remote controls: Stairlifts have one or two remote controls that can “call and send” the mobility device up or down the rail. Remote controls are ideal in households where more than one person uses the stair lift. 
  • Safety features: Stair lifts come with safety features like a seat belt, which ensures a safe ride. Other features like obstruction sensors stop the stair lift if there is an obstacle. 

Stair Lift Pricing

How Much Do Chair Lifts for Stairs Cost?

It’s hard to say an exact price without first assessing, as stair lift types, configurations, and upgrades exist. The best thing to do is get an exact quote, so please contact us for your free home consultation. 

On average, straight stair lifts cost between $3,400 and $10,000 (new or used). Curved stair lifts cost between $10,000 and $27,000, and outdoor stairlifts (curved or straight) cost from $5,000 to $30,000. 

How to Find a Reliable Stair Lift Company 

To find a great stairlift company, do your research. Research different stairlift products, read reviews, and ensure you find a licensed and insured company. Ensure that installation is provided by a professional. 

Look to review platforms such as Google and Trust Pilot to ensure good service and quality from a company. 

At Independent Home Solutions, we offer stair lift installation from professional teams, and our number one priority is a safe installation with a satisfied customer. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does health insurance or Medicare cover stairlifts? 

Medicare and health insurance plans typically don’t cover stair lifts. However, some specific plans may have extra coverage, so calling your insurance provider is recommended. Some Medicaid plans may cover the cost of a stair lift. 

What are alternatives to stair lifts? 

Alternatives to stair lifts can include stair climbers, wheelchair lifts, wheelchair ramps, or residential elevators. Each product has a unique design and can assist those with mobility issues in going up and down different levels of a home.