Stairlift Cost Guide (U.S.) — 2026

If you’re shopping for a stairlift, the honest answer is: pricing varies a lot by staircase shape. A straight staircase can often use “off‑the‑shelf” rails, while curved or multi‑landing staircases typically require a custom rail—and that’s what drives up costs. [1]

Last reviewed: January 2026

What’s included in “installed” price?

Most stairlift quotes combine equipment + installation. For planning purposes, it helps to separate them:

Category	Straight (typical)	Curved (typical)	Outdoor (typical)
Equipment	$2,000–$3,500	$7,000–$10,000	$3,000–$6,000
Installation	$500–$1,500	$1,000–$2,000	$1,000–$2,000
Total estimate	$2,500–$5,000	$8,000–$12,000	$4,000–$8,000

These example ranges align with NCOA’s cost breakdown for U.S. residential stairlifts. [1]

Why curved stairlifts cost so much more

Curved stairlifts usually require a custom rail built to match your staircase’s turns and landings. That customization adds manufacturing time, measurement requirements, and installation complexity. [1]

If your staircase has:

• A turn (even one)
• Intermediate landings
• Multiple flights

…you’re generally in curved/custom pricing territory, even if the stairlift seat looks similar to a straight model. [1]

The biggest factors that affect stairlift cost

1) Staircase layout (straight vs curved vs multi‑landing)

This is the #1 price driver. Straight runs tend to be the least expensive; landings and turns can significantly increase costs. [1]

2) Rail length and layout details

Longer runs typically need more rail. Landings/turns can require additional rail segments and custom fabrication. [1]

3) Indoor vs outdoor

Outdoor stairlifts are built to withstand the elements (weatherproofing) and may require outdoor electrical considerations, which can add cost. [1]

4) Options and accessibility features

Common add-ons that can affect price include:

• Power swivel seat (often helpful for people with arthritis or limited trunk rotation) [2]
• Folding rail (useful if a rail would block a doorway or walkway)
• Heavy‑duty capacity models

5) Installation conditions

Installers usually mount a stairlift to the stair treads (not the wall), but homes can vary. Narrow stairs, unusual geometry, or electrical work can influence total cost and timeline. [1]

Ongoing costs: maintenance and battery replacement

Most stairlifts require periodic service. NCOA notes that annual or bi‑annual servicing is commonly recommended, and service plans can cost about $100–$300 per year depending on the unit and circumstances. NCOA also notes that batteries may need replacement every 1–3 years, sometimes costing about $200–$300 per replacement. [1]

Renting, refurbished, or buying new: what’s best?

There’s no universal answer—this is about your timeline and staircase type.

Renting

Renting can make sense if you need a stairlift temporarily (for recovery, short-term mobility changes, or a bridge between care transitions). NCOA notes monthly rental fees can range about $175–$500 per month depending on the dealer and terms. [1]

Refurbished / reconditioned

Reconditioned units can reduce up-front costs, but availability depends on models and rail compatibility. Many curved rails are custom and therefore harder to “reuse” than straight systems. [1]

Buying new

Buying new may be a better fit when you expect long-term use and want the widest choice of models, features, warranty options, and service coverage.

Does Medicare cover stairlifts?

In most cases, Original Medicare doesn’t pay for stairlifts as a home modification, even if the device is medically helpful. Medicare Part B covers certain durable medical equipment (DME) when it’s medically necessary and prescribed for use in the home. Medicare’s DME definition focuses on equipment used for a medical reason, in the home, and expected to last at least 3 years. [3]

Other ways people help pay for stairlifts (U.S.)

VA housing adaptation grants (eligible Veterans/service members)

If you’re an eligible Veteran or service member with certain service-connected disabilities, VA housing adaptation programs may help you buy or change a home to meet your needs (for example, installing ramps or widening doorways). [4]

This isn’t “stairlift insurance coverage,” but it’s an important category of home adaptation assistance to check if you qualify. [4]

Tax deduction possibilities (medical expense rules)

The IRS allows certain medical expenses and may allow a portion of medically necessary home improvements to be treated as medical expenses in some cases. IRS Publication 502 discusses capital expenses and specifically lists examples like constructing entrance/exit ramps and installing porch lifts and other forms of lifts (with notes about value added to the home). It also includes a worksheet concept to determine the deductible medical portion of a home improvement. [5]

How to get an accurate quote (and avoid surprises)

For real pricing, you’ll need an installer to measure your staircase and talk through the user’s mobility needs. Before you book, it helps to be ready with:

• The staircase type (straight vs turns/landings)
• Whether it’s indoor or outdoor
• The user’s key needs (transfer safety, seat height, swivel/power needs)
• Any space constraints (doorways, narrow stairs)

When comparing quotes, ask:

• What’s included (equipment, installation, electrical work, warranty, service plan)?
• Is the rail custom? What’s the lead time?
• What’s the ongoing maintenance recommendation and cost?
• What happens if the user’s needs change (heavier duty, mobility progression)?

FAQ

How long does installation take?

Straight stairlifts are often installed the same day once scheduled, while curved models may take longer due to the custom rail process. NCOA provides guidance on installation cost ranges and notes that staircase complexity and outdoor requirements can increase labor and total project scope. [1]

How long do stairlifts last?

Lifespan depends on usage, maintenance, and model quality. Plan for ongoing service, and expect periodic battery replacement for battery-powered units. [1]

Are stairlifts safe?

When professionally installed and used as intended, stairlifts are designed to improve safety for people who have difficulty managing stairs. For fall-risk and mobility concerns, a clinician or physical/occupational therapist can help assess whether a stairlift is the right tool for the user’s specific needs.

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Ready to estimate your range in under a minute? Try the free stairlift cost calculator.

Sources

1. NCOA — “How Much Do Stair Lifts Cost in 2025?” (cost breakdown, estimates, maintenance, rentals): https://www.ncoa.org/article/stair-lift-costs-a-complete-guide/
2. NCOA — “Compare the Best Stair Lift Brands of 2026” (cost context and feature notes): https://www.ncoa.org/product-resources/mobility/best-stair-lifts/
3. Medicare.gov — Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage (definition and coverage framing): https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage
4. VA.gov — Disability housing grants for Veterans (home adaptation assistance overview): https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
5. IRS — Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses (capital expenses; ramps/lifts examples; worksheet): https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502