Stairlifts today come equipped with multiple built-in safety features to give you complete peace of mind. Standard seat-belt or safety-arm restraints lock you securely in place, while overspeed governors automatically regulate travel speed. Advanced obstacle-detection sensors will bring the lift to an immediate stop if anything—person or object—enters the rail path or as the lift approaches a curve. All components meet UL and ADA safety standards to ensure reliable, accident-free operation.

1. Calling the Lift
   Use the wall-mounted call/send switch or the handheld remote to summon the lift to the top or bottom landing.

2. Seating & Controls
   Once the lift arrives, unfold the armrests and footrest, sit down, and buckle the safety belt (if equipped).

3. Direction & Motion
   On most models, a simple rocker or toggle switch on the armrest lets you move up or down the staircase—just press and hold.

4. Parking & Folding
   When you reach your destination, release the switch to stop. Then fold up the footrest (and seat, if desired) with the touch of a button to clear the stairs for others.

No physical exertion is required—just sit, press, and ride.

1. A standard stairlift system (excluding vertical platform lifts) consists of three core components: the guide rail, the carriage unit, and the drive mechanism.

   • Guide Rail:
     Custom-manufactured to your staircase’s layout—straight or curved—the rail is securely mounted to the wall or directly to the stair treads. Overhead (hanging) rails are suspended from the ceiling for special applications.

   • Carriage Unit:
     The “heart” of the system, this motorized module carries either a seat or a walk-on platform. Armrests and footrests (or safety bars on platform models) are built into the carriage for user comfort and security.

   • Drive & Power:
     An electric motor propels the carriage along the rail. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery pack—typically 12 V/7.2 Ah standard batteries, with heavier-duty 12 V/12 Ah batteries available for rail lengths over 26 ft. Charging contacts at each end of the rail keep the battery topped off whenever the lift is parked.

   With all components meeting UL and ADA requirements, installation takes just a few hours and delivers smooth, reliable operation—even during brief power outages.

• Straight-Rail Chair Lifts: Starting around $4,500 (including installation).

• Curved-Rail Chair Lifts: Typically $8,000–$15,000, depending on your staircase’s complexity and rail length.

• Incline Platform & Wheelchair Lifts: From $8,000 for simple straight applications; up to $20,000+ for custom curved or multi-landing installations (installation included).

• Outdoor Models: Generally 10–20% higher than comparable indoor units due to weatherproofing and heavier-duty components.

Major cost drivers are custom rail fabrication (especially curved stairs) and any structural modifications required for mounting. Installation usually takes 3–4 hours, and there’s no extra charge for your initial consultation or matching with a local licensed installer.

While traditional Medicare does not cover stairlifts, several U.S. programs and tax incentives can help offset costs:

1. Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
   Many states offer waiver programs that fund home modifications, including stairlifts, for eligible beneficiaries. Check with your state’s Medicaid office for application details.

2. Veterans Affairs (VA) Grants

   • Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant & Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant can cover home modifications for qualifying veterans and service members.

   • Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit may be used toward mobility aids.

3. IRS Medical Expense Deduction
   If you itemize deductions, you can include stairlift costs (installation + equipment) as a “medical expense” on your federal tax return, subject to the 7.5% of AGI threshold.

4. FHA Title I Home Improvement Loan
   Federally insured loans of up to $25,000 for eligible senior homeowners for health- and safety-related home improvements, repaid over 5–20 years.

5. State & Local Programs
   Many city and county agencies, non-profits (e.g., Easterseals, United Way affiliates), and Area Agencies on Aging offer grants or low-interest loans for accessibility modifications.

6. Manufacturer & Non-Profit Discounts
   Some stairlift companies provide financing plans, loyalty discounts, or charitable programs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Next Steps:

1. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.

2. We’ll help identify which assistance programs you qualify for.

3. Your local certified installer will handle everything from measurement through installation—often within a single day!