How to Choose the Best Stairlifts for Seniors

September 8, 2026

Tags: Residential Accessibility | Stairlifts

Elderly lady next to her curved stairlift — Curved Stairlift Starfriend 23

There are many stairlift options available, but choosing the right one becomes much easier when you start with a few key questions about your staircase, mobility needs, and personal preferences. These are the questions that matter most for seniors and older adults looking at stair lifts for the first time.

Savaria offers seven stairlift models, with options ranging from simple, practical straight stairlifts to highly customizable curved stairlifts. Many models can also be configured with additional features to make the stairlift easier to use or better suited to your home.

While stairlifts vary in design and features, they all work in a similar way. A motor moves the chair along a rail mounted to the stairs. Stairlifts use continuous-pressure controls: press and hold the control to travel, and the stairlift stops when you release it.

Stairlift prices can vary considerably depending on the type of staircase, model, and options selected. As a general guideline, an installed stairlift can range from approximately $3,000 for a basic straight stairlift to $25,000 or more for a customized curved stairlift.

Do You Need a Straight or Curved Stairlift?

The shape of your staircase is the first consideration when choosing a stairlift.

If you have a single, straight flight of stairs with no turns or intermediate landings, a straight stairlift will usually be the simplest and most economical choice.

If your staircase changes direction, includes a landing, has pie-shaped or winding steps, or incorporates one or more turns, you will generally need a curved stairlift. Unlike a straight stairlift rail, a curved rail is made to follow the specific shape of your staircase.

Straight Stairlifts

Curved Stairlifts

Savaria Stairfriend 23

Handicare 4000

Handicare Freecurve

Do You Need an Indoor or Outdoor Stairlift?

If you plan to use your stairlift outdoors, you'll need a model specifically designed for exterior use. Outdoor stairlifts incorporate additional weather protection features to help protect the lift from exposure to the elements.

Climate is also an important consideration. In regions that experience extreme cold, snow and ice, an outdoor stairlift may not always be practical. Depending on the home, installing a stairlift inside a garage may be an alternative way to provide access while protecting the equipment from severe weather.

Outdoor versions require an outdoor package with additional weather protection features.

A Handicare 4000 stairlift installed outdoors on a stone staircase.

Stairlifts Available for Outdoor Use

Your local stairlift dealer can help determine whether an outdoor installation is appropriate for your climate and location.

How Much Help Do You Need From Your Stairlift?

All stairlifts are designed to make getting up and down the stairs easier, but some models offer powered features that can make everyday operation even more convenient.

For example, if bending down to manually fold the footrest is difficult, a powered footrest option can do this for you. If you have difficulty turning the seat manually when you reach the top of the stairs, a powered swivel seat can make getting on and off the stairlift easier.

The Freecurve stairlift has an optional Active Seat that raises the seat to help you stand up.

These features can be particularly helpful for someone with limited strength, flexibility, or range of motion.

If you don't require powered convenience features, a simpler stairlift may provide everything you need at a lower cost. The Savaria K2, for example, is a straightforward option for a straight staircase.

A smiling elderly woman using her twin rail curved stairlift.

*Stairlift model shown on video may vary.

Do You Need a Higher Weight Capacity?

Weight capacity varies by stairlift model, so it is important to choose a stairlift that comfortably accommodates the person who will be using it.

Rather than selecting a model with a capacity very close to the user's current weight, it's a good idea to allow some additional capacity. This provides greater flexibility over the years and helps ensure the stairlift remains appropriate if the user's needs change.

Some stairlift models are specifically designed to provide higher weight capacities, so this should be discussed with your stairlift dealer when comparing models.

Image of K2 Plus Heavy Duty installed in a narrow staircase

High-capacity stairlifts

K2 Plus — 400 lb
Handicare 1000 — optional 440 lb
Stairfriend 23 curved — 300 lb
Handicare 4000 curved — 300 lb

Do You Want Your Stairlift to Complement Your Home Décor?

A stairlift doesn't necessarily have to look purely functional. Some models offer choices that allow you to coordinate the stairlift more closely with your home interior.

Depending on the model, you may be able to select different seat styles, upholstery colors or rail colours. This can be especially appealing when the stairlift is installed on a prominent staircase in a main living area.

If customization is important to you, consider this early in the selection process. Some stairlift models offer considerably more design flexibility than others.