The best stair lifts

Constructed with durable materials and sensible comfort features, The Harmar is a great option that checks all the most important boxes. It operates on standard 115-volt AC current, and separate controls at the top and bottom of the stairs allow for simple, hassle-free operation. The custom-made aluminum track supports weights of up to 350 lbs (Harmar offers additional options rated for 500 and 600 lbs), and the seat and footrest fold up to save space in your stairwell.

The carriage is pre-installed on a section of the track, so installation is relatively straightforward. With that said, buyers will need to accurately measure their staircases, making appropriate adjustments for orientation and obstacles (see our buying guide for other considerations to keep in mind when carrying out a DIY stair lift installation).

Key Features

• Custom fit for your staircase
• Collapsible seat and footrest
• Separate controls for both the top and bottom of stairs
• Upholstery colors include Light Almond, Evergreen, and Mocha

<strong>Brand</strong>: Harmar | <strong>Average shipping weight</strong>: 187 lbs | <strong>Weight capacity</strong>: Up to 600 lbs, depending on model

Nautilus stair lifts are known for being well equipped with practical features.

This lift features a worm drive gear arrangement, which never requires greasing. It’s controlled via a simple rocker hand unit, which allows the user to switch directions or stop ascending/descending when necessary. There’s also a remote control, which can be useful for using the lift as a sort of dumbwaiter (for instance, sending baskets of clothes up and down a staircase).

A battery provides the necessary power for the motor to operate; the battery recharges at either end of the staircase, and the lift plugs into a standard wall outlet.

Key Features

• Plugs into a standard wall outlet
• Collapsible seat and footrest
• Grease-free mechanism

<strong>Brand</strong>: Nautilus | <strong>Average shipping weight</strong>: 165 lbs | <strong>Weight capacity</strong>: 350 lbs

A folding stair lift gives users the choice of taking the stairs on foot or in the powered seat, making it an ideal choice for families whose members have different mobility-related needs. The Universal Stair Lift provides a great combination of capacity, ease of use, and design seeing as it folds flat to the wall.

The full 15 ft of track it comes with is generally enough for single-flight stairs, and a rechargeable battery allows for consistent operation even during power outages.

Key Features

• Runs on 115-volt AC power; simply plug into an outlet for power
• Rechargeable emergency battery provides 20 two-way trips per charge
• Safety seatbelt and folding footrest facilitate safe travel
• No rewiring required at installation
• Safe for use from 25 to 35 degrees of incline

<strong>Brand</strong>: Wiltek Elevators | <strong>Average shipping weight</strong>: 150 lbs | <strong>Weight capacity</strong>: 350 lbs

For seniors, fall risk mitigation is incredibly important, and stair lifts can provide older adults and their family members with peace of mind.

With that said, a stair lift is a major acquisition, as it’s intended to be a permanent part of your home. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before ordering.

How is the lift controlled?

Most lifts operate primarily with rocker controls, which require constant pressure to function. If the user takes their hand off of the control, the lift stops moving. This can be a crucial safety feature, but if you’re planning on using the lift to move laundry baskets or other objects, you’ll want to find a solution that will also operate remotely, for example, a remote control.

How is the lift powered?

Check to see whether the controls will require additional electrical wiring for proper installation. Hiring an electrician can quickly add to the overall cost, but it’s a necessary step for some lift systems. The good news is that many home stair lifts simply plug into the wall, which is convenient if you have outlets near your staircase.

You also need to determine whether the lift requires constant power for operation. If you’re buying for an older adult who is physically incapable of climbing the stairs, you’ll want a unit with a battery to ensure that the system won’t stop functioning during an electrical outage.

Is my home’s stairwell capable of accommodating a lift?

Measure your stairwell carefully before comparing options, taking obstructions and grade into consideration. If you’re uncomfortable with making the measurements, hire a handyman or contact one of the lift manufacturers for guidance.

The products on this list are generally intended for simple, straight staircases. Some lifts can be installed on winding stairs, but unless you’re a skilled mechanical engineer, you’ll want to hire professional installers to handle the task.

Will I be able to install a stair lift myself?

A stair lift rail is a load-bearing structure, and improper installation can lead to serious safety hazards. If you’re at all uncomfortable with this sort of job, look for a local company that advertises lift installation services.

That said, plenty of handy purchasers have safely added a stair lift to their home as a DIY project. It’s best to work with a minimum of two reasonably strong installers since the track will need to be supported at either end of the staircase.

What stair lift safety features are the most important?

Safety is a top priority for manufacturers of stair lifts, but not all users have the same requirements. For instance, every stair lift we looked at includes a seatbelt. For users who have difficulty sitting upright, a simple lap belt won’t be sufficient, so look for harness restraints in these situations.

Another common safety feature is a proximity sensor. These devices automatically arrest the chair’s motion when they detect obstructions. For users with pets or small children in the house, this is an essential safeguard.

Speaking of children in the household, look for a lift with a lockable on/off switch. Many models feature a key lock that prevents power in the absence of the key. While this is a good way to prevent unauthorized use, make sure that the key control isn’t too difficult for users with limited joint mobility.