What You Need to Know about Buying a Stairlift
SAFETY
A stairlift is an investment with the added consideration and cost of installation, so the more you know before you buy, the better.
The First Step in Buying a Stairlift Is...
knowing how to think about buying a stairlift. Buying a stairlift is like buying a car – there are many makes, models, and features to explore. Routine maintenance is recommended, and depending on where you purchase the stairlift, get ready for calls about the extended warranty. Stairlifts also come with the added cost of installation and, if the time comes, removal, so the more you know before you buy, the better.
How Much Do Stairlifts Cost?
Stairlift costs depend on several factors, including the make and model, desired features, condition (new or used), and the complexity of the installation. The least expensive quote I received for a stairlift and installation was $2800. The model that I purchased was approximately $4200. For reference, this was at the end of 2022.
Can You Negotiate?
I didn't try to negotiate, but some will say the worst the seller can say is "no," so why not ask? Supply and demand can also play a factor.
Temporary Fix or Long-Term Investment?
Depending on availability in your area, you can:
Buy a stairlift new or used
Rent a stairlift month-to-month or on a rent-to-own basis
If you have the time, weigh your goals and options with the associated costs, including other home modifications such as a bathroom renovation or converting a downstairs room into a bedroom. At the same time, acknowledge that you can't predict the future. Give yourself grace if life doesn't go as planned. We love our stairlift, but my mother doesn't go upstair as often any longer.
Basic Stairlift Installation
For a straight stair installation, a track is bolted to your stairs, and the chair that runs along the track is attached. The stairlift is then plugged in at two points.
How Stairlifts Work
My mother's stairlift required two standard voltage power outlets, one for the stairlift chair and one for a wireless receiver, a modem-like device that sends and receives signals to the stairlift. We discreetly ran the stairlift cord behind a dresser in the room that shares a wall with the stairs. The receiver was plugged in downstairs, as close as possible to the stairlift.
While buying a stairlift is similar to buying a car, operating one is like riding a single-passenger train. As a passenger, you hop on, buckle yourself in, and press the buttons on the chair to ride up and down the stairs. When not in use, the stairlift is "parked" in a charging area on the track.
Stairlifts with Remote Controls
I stopped looking at stairlift options when I discovered a model with a remote control (not all models are equipped with that feature). My mother had just had a stroke, and I knew she couldn't operate the stairlift independently. With a remote, I could easily manage the stairlift rides on her behalf. The "drive-out" price for a stairlift, two remote controls, and a straightforward installation on a wide, straight staircase was approximately $4,200.
Warranties, Repair, Maintenance, and Support
If you have time, investigate and compare the following additional criteria before you buy:
Support: Ask about the types of support available (e.g., phone, email, chat) and their respective days and hours of operation. Ask if there is a cost associated with support. Why do you need stairlift support? Like other electronic devices, a stairlift can sometimes display an error code and fail to operate. Typically, this happens at an inopportune time. Knowing your support options is helpful, to say the least.
Maintenance: Ask about the proper maintenance procedures. My mother's stairlift needs to be sent up and down the stairs at least twice a week, even when not in use. I also have a technician come out once a year through the extended warranty. More on that below.
Manufacturer Warranty: If a manufacturer warranty is in place, ask what it covers and how long it lasts. As I mentioned, our stairlift came with a one-year warranty.
Cost of Repairs: If something happens that isn't covered under the warranty, ask about the hourly rate for a repair. The last time I checked, the repair costs were $250 per hour.
Extended Warranty: Ask about extended warranty options before making a purchase. Explore coverage, costs, duration, and repair costs if you don't buy the extended warranty.
At the time of my mother's stroke, I was trying to survive from one moment to the next, so I didn't research the costs of stairlift extended warranties. I decided to let the future worry about itself, so I wasn't prepared for the sticker shock when the time came...Several months into owning a stairlift, I received calls from the stairlift company's extended warranty department. Like car warranties, you must invest in an extended warranty for a stairlift before the manufacturer's warranty period ends. A stairlift extended warranty can cost 10% or more of the stairlift's purchase price annually.
I shouldn't have been surprised. The stairlift maintenance warranties for my model ranged from $ 350 to $600+, depending on the level of coverage. If you don't purchase the warranty, the hourly repair rate is $250 per hour. Please note this is pricing from 2023. I purchased the warranty, which includes an annual service visit (approximately $450).
By the way, check the warranty details before you or a handy family member maintains or modifies a stairlift. If anyone other than a certified technician performs maintenance or repairs, you may void the warranty.
Ratings & Reviews
There is much debate about the authenticity of ratings and reviews, but I still recommend scanning them and looking for verified ones.
I've created a comparison chart that you can use when researching stairlifts. Download now or download by clicking on the image or the button below.
Please note that the file is in PDF format. To download it, you will need an Adobe PDF reader. If you don't have one, you can download one from this site: https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
Where Do You Buy a Stairlift?
Time for a new analogy... You can buy a stairlift from the same company that manufactures it, similar to buying a GE dishwasher from the GE website, or you can buy one from a reseller, like buying a GE dishwasher from Best Buy. I did not go into a store; the companies I contacted all made house calls. A representative came out to evaluate the staircase and access to electrical outlets and provide an estimate. Depending on your service area, you can have local mom-and-pop shops and national or even global stairlift providers.
What Stairlift Company is the Best?
I had to make a quick decision, so I didn't vet an assortment of stairlift companies. I recommend reading online reviews and determining what makes you feel more comfortable. For some, that's a local company with a sales and support staff they can be familiar with; for others, that's a global, well-known company with an established customer service team.
Does Insurance Cover Stairlifts?
My mother's insurance plan did not cover her stairlift, and I have not heard of an insurance plan that does; another reason to do your due diligence, if you have the time.
Are Stairlifts Tax-Deductible?
The year we purchased the stairlift, the sales rep for my mom's stairlift told me that only the sales tax is deductible if you itemize the same year. What is deductible, though, changes from year to year.