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How Much Does a Stairlift Cost in 2026?

Tags: Residential Accessibility | Stairlifts

If you’re considering a stairlift for yourself or a family member, cost is likely one of your first questions. In 2026, a new stairlift — also called a stair lift or stair chair lift — typically costs between $3,300 and $25,000 USD, including installation, depending largely on whether you need a straight or curved stairlift.

A straight stairlift is the most affordable option, typically costing about $3,300 to $5,000 installed. A curved stairlift generally costs $10,000 to $25,000 installed because the rail must be custom made to fit the staircase. Here’s what determines where your stairlift will fall within that range.

How Much Does a Straight Stairlift Cost?

For a single, straight flight of stairs, you can expect to pay approximately $3,300 to $5,000 USD for a new straight stair lift, including professional installation.

Straight stairlifts are less expensive because they use a standardized straight rail that can be cut to the length of your staircase. Installation is generally straightforward, and in most cases, no structural modifications to your home are required. The stairlift rail is attached directly to the stair treads rather than the wall, so a stairlift can be installed on most staircases regardless of the wall construction.

How Much Does a Curved Stairlift Cost?

If your staircase changes direction, has pie-shaped stairs or includes an intermediate landing, you will generally need a curved stairlift. A new curved stairlift typically costs between $10,000 and $25,000 USD, including installation.

Why the significant difference in price? Unlike a straight stairlift rail, a curved rail is manufactured specifically for your staircase. The stairs must first be carefully measured or digitally surveyed, and the rail is then fabricated to follow the exact turns and angles of the staircase.

The complexity and length of the staircase can have a significant impact on the final price. A staircase with one simple 90-degree turn, for example, will generally cost less than a long staircase with multiple turns and landings.

What Features Can Increase the Cost of a Stairlift?

Beyond the shape of your staircase, the features you select can affect the final price.

Power swivel feature icon

A powered swivel seat automatically turns the seat at the upper landing, making it easier to get on and off without manually rotating the chair.

stairlift icon displaying power folding footrest feature

A powered folding footrest allows the footrest to fold with the seat, eliminating the need to bend down to raise or lower it.

icon showing parking feature on a stairlift

A 90° or 180° bend so the chair turns away from the stairs at the top, bottom, or both, giving you more room to get on and off

icon showing custom finishing options

Other factors such as rail length, higher weight capacities, upholstery choices and an outdoor stair lift can also affect the price.

Can You Buy a Used or Refurbished Stairlift?
A used or factory-refurbished stairlift can sometimes reduce the cost, particularly if you have a straight staircase. Because straight rails can be cut to different lengths, a professionally refurbished straight stairlift may be adapted for another home. When considering a used lift, check its age, condition, warranty and whether replacement parts and service will be readily available. Some dealers sell refurbished stairlifts with installation included, along with a warranty. You should never attempt to install a stairlift yourself. Always have a trained stairlift technician install your stairlift.

Used curved stairlifts are more complicated. Because the rail was manufactured for a specific staircase, it usually cannot simply be moved to another home. A new custom rail will be required even if some components of the stairlift can be reused.

Does Medicare Pay for a Stairlift?
Original Medicare generally does not cover the cost of a stairlift. Medicare Part B covers qualifying durable medical equipment (DME), such as walkers, wheelchairs and certain other equipment prescribed for use in the home, but stairlifts are generally considered home modifications rather than covered DME.

Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid programs, state or local assistance programs, long-term care insurance policies or veterans' benefits may provide assistance in certain circumstances. Coverage and eligibility vary, so it is worth checking your individual plan and available programs before purchasing.

Is Installation Included in the Price?

When comparing stairlift prices and installation cost, make sure you know exactly what is included in the quote. A professionally installed stairlift should include the stairlift, rail, delivery, installation and initial setup.

Also ask about the warranty and local service. A stairlift is a piece of mobility equipment that you may depend on every day, so access to qualified service technicians and replacement parts can be just as important as the initial purchase price. New Savaria stairlifts, including Handicare models, include a warranty against defective parts for either 36 or 24 months depending on the model.

How Can I Get an Accurate Stairlift Price?

The best way to determine the cost of a stairlift for your home is to have your staircase assessed by an experienced stairlift dealer.

For a straight staircase, measurements may be relatively simple. Curved staircases require a more detailed survey so the rail can be designed specifically for the space. Savaria dealers have access to the Savaria PS4D photo measuring system that provides an accurate survey of your stairs, and can also provide you a 3D visualization of what the stairlift will look like on your stairs before you place an order.

Once the staircase and your mobility needs have been assessed, your dealer can recommend an appropriate stairlift and provide an exact installed price.

If you use a wheelchair and cannot transfer to a seat, a stairlift is usually the wrong product. A wheelchair lift, through-floor lift, or home elevator fits that need better. The Ultimate Guide to Home Accessibility walks through that choice, and its pricing table is the single place we publish installed ranges for stairlifts, lifts, and home elevators.

For turns, landings, and what pushes a curved stairlift toward the top of the range, see how much a curved stairlift costs.

Which Stairlift Is Right for You?

Your local Savaria dealer is a great resource to help you choose the best stairlift with a free home assessment.

Savaria Dealer
Person standing in a showroom-style space featuring multiple accessibility lifts, including stairlifts mounted on demonstration rails and a vertical platform lift beside a short staircase, with equipment and displays arranged throughout the room.
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