Lifta stairlifts – prices, costs and experience

Lifta stairlifts are known through advertising on television and in magazines. The company has existed for more than 40 years and is one of the leading suppliers in Germany. Features are a wide range of products and good service. Lifta offers stairlifts of various types, which help people with limited mobility to overcome stairs and remain independent. In the following article, we introduce the company.

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The first stairlifts already existed in the 19th century. In Germany, however, the spread began only at the end of the 70s. Lifta was thereby a company of the first hour. The Cologne company was able to quickly take the lead and is now one of the leading suppliers in Germany.

Who is the Lifta company?

The Lifta company was founded in Cologne in 1977. However, the history of the company is much older. The original elevator construction company “L. Hopmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH” had been around since 1883, and today Lifta is the market leader in stair lifts in Germany. Every month, the company sells several thousand lifts, and a total of more than 150,000 Lifta stairlifts have already been installed.

Image: copyright © lifta.de

Lifta is best known for its TV commercials and its striking logo with the swallow. This is intended to symbolize movement and lightness – both characteristics of Lifta stairlifts and, at the same time, goals of people with limited mobility. Lifta stairlifts are suitable for almost any staircase. The company claims to have the largest model selection of stairlifts in Germany. The range includes both 1-rail and 2-rail systems.

Stairlifts from Lifta

The stairlifts offered by Lifta are divided into three product lines: classic, avant-garde and esprit. The Klassik stairlift is the most popular Lifta stairlift. It is available for both straight and curved stairs. The solid workmanship and sturdy construction ensure long and trouble-free operation. Thanks to the double rail system, the Lifta Klassik stairlift is particularly quiet during travel. There are 2 models of Klassik (one for straight stairs and one for curved stairs).

PhotosPhoto: Flickr.com | Press image from Lifta

A technical and visual advancement is the stairlift Avantgarde. Modern design and advanced technology provide a pleasant feeling of comfort. The Lifta Avantgarde stairlift adapts well to your living environment, is space-saving and can be folded when not in use. There are 4 different models of the Avantgarde (both for straight and curved stairs).

Esprit series stairlifts are particularly discreet and have only one rail. The Esprit stairlift is also available in different colors and can thus be adapted to the respective home design. There is one model of the Esprit (exclusively for curved stairs). There is also the GTL 320 outdoor lift as another model.

Since stairlifts are always individually designed and custom-made, general price information is not possible. Lifta itself states that the price for a straight stairlift is from € 4,900 to € 9,800 and for a curved stairlift from € 10,000 to € 15,000. For outdoor use, Lifta offers the all-weather lift (GTL 320). It is designed entirely for harsh outdoor weather conditions.

Prices of Lifta stairlifts

A stair lift enables older people to enjoy a whole new way of life – but due to the high prices, many are reluctant to make a purchase. With a subsidy from the care insurance fund, however, you can almost halve the cost. We explain how this works further down in the article. So it pays to find out a little more about the funding options and get financial support. The cost of a stair lift depends on many different factors, and with a grant from the care insurance can be significantly cheaper than previously thought.

Photo: © JesusManuel1 / Pixabay

Lifta’s consultants will help you make your choice, advise you on your individual situation and explain various financing options. As mentioned at the beginning, the cost of a Lifta stairlift is made up of many different factors. Here it depends, for example, on which model you choose, which rail system is required and what additional equipment the stairlift should have.

Furthermore, the price is also calculated according to the course of the stairs, the number of steps and the running rail meter. In many cases, the rail course must be adapted to the structural conditions. Basically, a stairlift is in most cases a custom-made product. Only straight stairlifts are an exception here and do not have to be adapted to the structural situation on site, which is why it is easier to buy these lifts second-hand. However, used lifts are available for both straight and curved staircases. Lifta itself does not offer used stairlifts, but can refer interested parties to its subsidiary company “Der Treppenlift“. What is strongly discouraged is to buy a used lift even on Ebay and co. and then try to install it on your own stairs.

PhotosPhoto: © Lifta GmbH | Press image from Lifta.de

The above-mentioned influencing factors lead to the fact that manufacturers and suppliers generally can not give blanket price information. The average price range for a stairlift over one floor is around 4,000 to 15,000 €. Used models can be had for under 3,000 €, but in most cases the rail system can no longer be used. A stairlift company can only give a concrete cost estimate after an on-site inspection. Once the installer has measured your staircase, the manufacturer can provide a quote tailored to your situation.

Lifta offers a very long warranty period for all lifts in its range. This amounts to 3 to 5 years. The long warranty period is a clear quality feature that distinguishes Lifta from other stairlift companies. When you compare price offers from several manufacturers, you should include this point in your considerations. From our point of view, a long warranty period is recommended and sensible, also to avoid follow-up costs and expensive maintenance contracts.

Price range for stairlifts

The cost of a Lifta stairlift is significantly influenced by the following factors: the model and the direction of travel. A normal commercial stairlift (independent of Lifta) with a straight running direction costs between 4,000 and 7,000 €. With a curved running direction, on the other hand, the price is around 11,000 to 15,000 €. If the stairlift is to be installed outdoors, you can expect about 1,000 € in additional costs. These prices are customary in the market and do not refer to a single manufacturer. So, in summary, the following factors drive the total price up further:

Many providers, such as Lifta, offer your customers a stairlift for rent or to pay off monthly via installment payments. It is recommended to compare the prices of different providers in detail and in peace with each other – this saves money. Furthermore, it makes sense to also talk to your bank advisor about a financing model. In some cases, a bank loan may have lower interest rates than a loan from a stairlift company. When comparing providers, also make sure that on-site appointments and estimates are not only non-binding but also free of charge. This is, of course, the case with Lifta.

Lifta Klassik stairlift for straight and curved stairs

The Lifta Klassik stairlift has been in the program for decades and is a real perennial favorite. It is the best-selling model in the entire range and is characterized by high quality and solid construction. A robust double rail system is used for curved stairs.

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There are 2 different models: classic 2000 for straight stairs and classic 5000 for curved stairs. Both models can be installed on both sides of the stairs. The maximum load capacity is 160 kg for straight stairs or 135 kg for curved stairs. Operation is via an operating lever integrated in the armrests or via two wall-mounted remote controls. The swivel seat is operated either manually or automatically. In the latter case, a 1- or 2-way swivel seat is also possible.

Lifta models 6000, 6100, 5000, 3000, 3100, 2000, 200 and 500 have the safety seal “GS-tested safety”. Various sensors (including weight sensors and contact sensors) and harness systems ensure maximum safety. Safety features of Lifta stairlifts include contact sensors on the drive unit and footboard, a safety catch, child safety lock and lap belt.

Lifta Esprit curved stairlift

In the Esprit stairlift, Lifta has slightly adapted the concept of the Klassik lift. Thus, the double rail has given way to a single, very discreet rail that is mounted inconspicuously near the floor. The curved stair lift thus integrates seamlessly into the living environment and has a visually restrained effect. Colors and materials can be individually adapted to the design of the apartment.

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The maximum load capacity of the Esprit 4500 model is 125 kg. It is operated by a control lever integrated into the armrests or by a radio remote control. Optionally, the Esprit stairlift has a manual or electric swivel seat. A microprocessor automatically detects changes in gradient and adjusts the seat accordingly.

Reverse travel is also possible. The Esprit lift is equipped with several safety sensors and offers other safety systems, such as a rotating footboard, a safety catch or a lap belt. Lifta provides a three-year warranty on this stair lift.

Lifta Avantgarde stair lift for straight and curved stairs

The Lifta Avantgarde stairlift is the premium class among stairlifts. It combines sophisticated design with many innovations. For example, the stairlift can be folded with just one hand to save space when not in use. A safety sensor ensures a smooth ride that only begins when the passenger has safely taken his seat.

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Avantgarde 3000 / 3100 models are designed for straight stairs (1-rail system), Avantgarde 6000 / 6100 models are designed for curved stairs (2-rail system). The maximum load capacity is up to 135 kg for straight and curved stairs. It is operated by a control lever integrated in the armrests or by two remote controls mounted on the wall.

The Lifta Avantgarde stairlift is available with a manual or automatic swivel seat, depending on your preference. The stairlift has the safety mark “GS-tested safety” and a warranty of 5 years. Safety features include a weight sensor, contact sensors on the drive unit and footboard, a safety catch, and a lap belt and 5-point safety harness.

Lifton – Practical home lift for wheelchair users

Wheelchair bound individuals can access the upper floor of their home via the Lifton floor elevator. The elevator does this by going through the ceiling of the first floor to a room above. In most cases, this is the user’s bedroom. The indoor elevator carries the user and their wheelchair upstairs without barriers using a pulley system in the car roof. It is ideal when a simple stair lift is not sufficient or cannot be installed due to space limitations.

Photo: © Lifton GmbH | Press image from Lifton.de

The floor elevator is also called home lift or vertical lift. When the elevator is on the first floor, the trap door in the ceiling remains in the closed position and blends in with the rest of the room’s decor.

The surface of the trap door will have the same carpet pattern or wood flooring as used in the rest of the room. This makes the lift unobtrusive and the upper room can be used as usual. The cabin that transports the user between the two floors is partially enclosed. Electronic interlocks prevent the home lift from moving if the door is not fully closed.

Wheelchair users are the main target group for this type of floor elevator, although there is also a smaller version for standing occupants. For disabled occupants of a house, this type of lift is the best and easiest way to overcome a stair obstacle. One also solves the technical problem of having to carry the wheelchair upstairs separately – something that would be required if using a standard stair lift.

Care allowance and subsidies with Lifta stairlifts

Many elderly people rely on a stair lift. Not all can afford the high initial cost. Therefore, various regional and federal funding programs are available to you, through which you can apply for grants of up to 4,000 €. In addition to low-interest loans from the KfW Bank, you will also be supported by your care insurance. What do you need to consider if you want to apply for such a grant?

Photo: © Cineberg / Shutterstock

A prerequisite to benefit from the care cost subsidy is the classification into a care degree. Already from care degree 1, living space adaptations – and this includes a stair lift – are subsidized once per individual with up to 4,000 € from the care insurance.

PhotosPhoto: © Lifta GmbH | Press image from Lifta.de

The subsidy can multiply if there are other people in need of care living in the affected household, who are also dependent on a stairlift. A married couple, for example, could be granted up to 8,000 € for the purchase of a Lifta stairlift. In addition, many states offer subsidies for the purchase of stairlifts e.g. Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and Schleswig-Holstein.

In addition to the care cost subsidy, there are a few other ways to receive a subsidy for the purchase of a Lifta stairlift. Those who are entitled to a care degree due to an accident at work or an occupational disease can contact the Employer’s Liability Insurance Association. In addition, the pension office also grants a financial subsidy in some cases. You can obtain further information from your care insurance company. Lifta’s customer advisors can also provide you with advice and assistance here and help you apply for all subsidies.

Tax deductible costs at the tax office

What many people don’t know is that a stair lift can be deductible for tax purposes as a so-called “extraordinary burden”. The amount of tax savings is different for each person and is influenced by personal income and family circumstances. If you want the acquisition cost to be tax deductible, you will need to contact your tax office or tax advisor directly. Also important to know: The stair lift can also be deducted from the tax even if the care insurance has approved a subsidy.

Photo: © one photo / Shutterstock

If the purchase of a stair lift is realized through a loan, you can claim the interest costs from the tax office. The Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW for short) offers a special support program for people who are dependent on a stair lift. With the KfW program “159 – Altersgerecht Umbauen”, those affected receive a loan with an interest rate of less than 1%. You can then claim the interest costs from the tax office. For more information, please contact KfW Bank directly.

The bottom line

You should not save at the wrong end when buying a stairlift. With Lifta, you get a lift with a very long warranty period of up to 5 years. Therefore, you do not have to worry about expensive repairs or maintenance contracts. Think about which equipment details you really need and which might be relevant in a few years, for example, if an existing illness worsens over time. Of course it is also possible to retrofit a stairlift. You should obtain quotes from several stairlift companies and compare them at your leisure. Talk to several experts about your individual situation.

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