All stairlift prices at a glance. Compare now!

We receive many calls from customers asking, “How much does a stairlift cost?” While we strive to be as transparent as possible, the reality is that there is no blanket answer to this question. A stairlift is a highly technical piece of equipment and there are no universal prices. The price will depend on the course of the staircase, the length of the rail and the structural situation.

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If your house has a straight staircase with about 12-14 steps, you should factor in a cost of between €3,800 to €5,000 to purchase a new stairlift. The average cost is usually in the middle of this range at around €4,500. All prices include the installation of the lift, as well as at least a one-year warranty and two-year guarantee.

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Part of the difference in prices is due to the variety of stairlift models and manufacturers offered. Just like buying a car, different stairlifts have different base prices and optional features. A stairlift in the €4,000 range is a basic model sold with the goal of transporting a user up and down a stairwell. This model has few options and features.

A stairlift that starts in the 7,000 euro range is a higher-end model and has standard features such as a slim profile and high weight capacity. It is usually sold with additional customization options, such as a folding rail, customizable seat cushions and color options to better match your home.

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While these costs may seem high at first, it’s important to consider the cost of alternatives. You could move out of your multi-story home in favor of a single-story unit. This comes with realtor fees and moving costs, not to mention the emotional costs of losing your home and neighborhood. If you were to move to an assisted living home, you would face an average cost of €1,500 per month. A stair lift would have paid for itself after just two months. The cost of a nursing home is even higher, averaging 3,500 € per month for a single room. In comparison, the cost of a stair lift is trivial and has the added benefit of allowing you to feel comfortable and independent in your home.

Checklist for comparing offers

• At least 2 years warranty
• 24 hours after-sales service in case of malfunction
• 0% financing or low-interest installment
• Free on-site appointment
• Free hotline
• Free measurement of the stairs
• Free estimate
• Good references, TÜV seal for service and GS test seal for stairlift
• Market prices, see table below
• Low costs for maintenance contracts after the warranty period

From the table it can be seen that the purchase cost varies greatly depending on the type of lift, staircase shape and installation area.

Some homes have complex staircases with curves or intermediate levels where a straight rail stairlift just won’t fit or be installed. If this sounds like your home, don’t worry – custom curved stairlifts are also available. These are specifically designed to fit your home’s staircase. Because of the custom features of these models, they often cost more than traditional straight rail stairlifts.

Prices usually start at around 8,000 € and can increase depending on the complexity of the staircase, such as total length and number of landings, as well as additional features that meet your requirements. Despite the higher cost, it’s important to keep in mind that a stair lift will pay for itself in just a few months compared to the cost of an assisted living facility. For someone using a stairlift for just five years, the average cost is under €200 per month – a small fee for the ability to remain living in your own home.

For outdoor stairs, such as patio stairs, patio decks and docks, manufacturers offer a variety of outdoor stair lifts. Just like their indoor counterparts, outdoor elevators are available with standard straight rails or custom curved rails. They are specifically designed to withstand weather conditions such as cold, rain and salty air, and come with seat covers to protect both the chair and the operator from sun and rain. Prices vary, but straight outdoor stairlifts typically cost between 4,500 € and 7,500 €. Curved outdoor stair lift prices start at 12,000 € and can increase depending on the length and complexity of the staircase.

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Indoor or outdoor, straight or curved, we’ll match you with a stairlift that fits your staircase. Contact us to speak with an expert and schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and evaluate the staircase and environment to help you find the best stairlift for your home.

Prices by lift type

Stairlift prices are highly variable. This is partly due to different designs, and partly due to the different construction conditions of different staircases. The biggest determining factor in stair lift pricing is whether or not your staircase has a curve. For straight stairs, standardized rails are used that are cut to the appropriate length.

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Stairs that take a curve require a custom curved rail to accommodate the various bends and shapes of these stairs. The price also depends on whether the manufacturer needs to disguise a window sill or move a radiator. Curved lifts for complex staircases are much more expensive. The amount of the purchase cost also depends on different equipment and comfort functions.

We give you an overview of the prices you should expect when buying a new stairlift and explain the differences between different types of lifts. Indoor or outdoor, straight or curved, we’ll match you with the right stairlift for your stairs. Contact us to speak with an expert and schedule a free consultation, where we’ll talk about your needs and assess the staircase to help you find the best stairlift for your home.

Stair lift prices

The most affordable option is a seat lift for straight stairs. Prices here start at about 3,800 €. The actual price depends on the length of the staircase and the cost of installation. Additional cost factors are comfort and equipment elements such as an electric swivel seat or a folding rail. If one decides on this, the price can rise to up to 7,000 €. The installation of a curved staircase is considerably more complex. Just under 9,000 € should be budgeted for this. If the lift is to serve more than one floor, however, prices of over 15,000 € are possible. Comfort functions are calculated separately.

Most stairlifts come standard with a manual swivel seat and a 4.5m rail. If your stairs are longer, the price will increase for each additional half meter of rail. If you have a door at the bottom of the stairs, you may need a folding or retractable rail, which also increases the price. A power swivel seat or footrests will also make the seat lift more expensive. Some of the manufacturers may have your rail painted in a different color, which is another optional extra that will make your lift more expensive.

Prices for platform lifts

Platform lifts are suitable for wheelchair users. The wheelchair is moved onto a platform and transported up or down with it. The installation of a platform lift is more complex than that of a stair lift. This also has to do with the fact that a platform lift must transport the weight and size of the wheelchair in addition to the person. Platform lifts are available at prices starting at about 9,000 €. A platform lift can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Since different materials must be used outdoors, prices in this case increase by at least 1,000 to 2,000 €. If the staircase is curved, you must expect a price increase of 3,000 to 5,000 €.

Prices for lift

Lifts are also suitable for wheelchair users and can also be used to transport loads, such as crates of drinks, baby carriages or shopping. An advantage of lift is that usually no structural changes are necessary, because it is installed outdoors. A disadvantage is that a Lifting Platform can only be used for relatively small height differences of maximum 2.40 meters. Lifting Platforms are often used outdoors. Prices start at around 8,000 €. Somewhat cheaper is the installation indoors, although this is rarely the case for space reasons. A special form are Lifting Stairs, these can be used both as stairs and as Lifting Platforms. Prices for Lifting Platforms depend on the lifting height and the load capacity, i.e. the maximum possible weight that can be transported. For example, doubling the height from 1.5 to nearly 3 meters results in a price increase of about 80%.

What other costs should be considered?

The prices for stairlifts always include installation, as self-assembly is not considered for safety reasons. Attention should also be paid to possible additional costs. Incidental costs can arise, for example, if structural changes to the staircase are necessary and this conversion work must be carried out in advance of the installation.

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Checklist for single-family homes and apartment buildings

• The steps should be at least 1 meter wide
• The wall next to the stairs should be at least 1 meter high
• There should be at least 1 meter between the stairs and the door
• The landlord or the community of owners must agree to the installation of a stair lift
• Tenants can sue for consent (§ 554a para. 1 BGB) but must also bear the costs of dismantling
• The handrail of the stairs must be usable despite the stair lift
• The stairlift must have a child safety lock
• The stairlift must be able to be moved manually in the event of a defect

A straight stairlift costs on average between €3,800 and €5,000. Many customers choose an option in the €4,000 to €4,500 range, while others opt for a refurbished used model or take advantage of short-term rental programs. Some potentially important features that can affect the price of your stair lift include a retractable rail for stairs with a door, or a power swivel seat to make it easier to exit at the top of the stairs.

During the service life of the stairlift, regular maintenance and services are necessary to ensure safe operation and long life. Before buying a stairlift, you should also compare different suppliers in terms of follow-up costs (e.g. cost of maintenance per year). Ideally, you should buy your stairlift from a supplier who is regionally available and who also accompanies the care after the purchase.

Prices of used stairlifts

Many manufacturers offer refurbished used stairlifts at a reduced price. These stairlifts are typically units that have been previously rented and are in like-new condition. The cost varies by manufacturer and model, but is often between €500 to €1,000 less than the actual retail price. Refurbished models also come with a two-year warranty and professional installation, guaranteeing safe and reliable operation. However, this only applies to commercial dealers and not to private sellers via classified ad portals such as eBay, Quoka or Markt.de.

Tips for used stairlift

• Used lifts should be reconditioned and technically checked
• They should have a warranty of 24 months
• The lift should ideally be a previous rental lift
• You also receive a subsidy of up to € 4,000 for used stairlifts

When buying a used stairlift, you can save up to 50% of the new price. How big the savings potential in each case depends on many factors. If it is a straight staircase, where the stairlift can be installed without major adjustments, very favorable prices are possible. In the case of used curved lifts, the existing rail cannot be reused. It must be individually remanufactured and adapted to the course of the stairs, which significantly increases the price.

You will achieve the greatest potential savings if you buy a used stairlift from a private individual via a classifieds portal. In such a case, savings of up to 300% in relation to the new price are common. However, you have to plan for high follow-up costs, because you need a new rail, you have to disassemble the stairlift at the previous owner and you have to sign a new maintenance contract for annual maintenance.

Install stairlift by yourself or rent it?

Can you save money by installing the stairlift yourself? Many online retailers offer promising bargain prices for stairlifts or individual stairlift components sold over the Internet. However, the customer must do the installation here himself. Stairlifts are complex machines and cannot be compared to a toaster or a coffee maker.

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We often get calls from people who were lured in by low prices, but now find that the lift won’t fit in their stairwell or the unit doesn’t work properly. Even worse, the seller offers no help or stops responding altogether. Since this is a private sale, exchanges are usually out of the question. Sometimes you only need a stair lift for a short period of time, whether you are recovering from surgery or need to accommodate your mother while on vacation. For this reason, all manufacturers offer rental programs, often with a term of three years. Rental prices vary depending on the model and customer requirements, but often range from 100 to 200 € per month.

Advantages of rental stairlifts

• Lower capital commitment and free return
• You remain flexible if you only need the lift for a short time
• You also receive a subsidy from the care insurance fund for rental models.
• The rent is on average between 100 and 200 € per month
• Maintenance and repair are included

Disadvantages of rental stairlifts.

• You have to make a one-time down payment of up to 50% of the purchase price
• The down payment covers installation costs and is often non-refundable
• You can expect higher rental costs for a curved stair lift
• The minimum term is usually 36 months
• If the rental period is long, the costs are higher than if you buy
• Costs for adjustments and conversions are additional

Seat lifts are very easy to use for most users. To use a stair lift, sit on the seat, fasten the seat belt, press and hold the rocker switch located on the chair’s armrest, and you’re on your way up/down the stairs. To stop the stairlift, release the switch and the lift will stop. The rocker switch is usually located on the armrest. There are usually two remote controls included, which is helpful if more than one person needs to use the lift. If you are at the top landing of the stairs and the lift is down, press the “up” arrow button on the remote to send the chair to the top floor.

Renting a stair lift gives you flexibility and security. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to buy a lift outright. You may only need it for a short period of time or have a limited budget. You can also rent a stairlift for a limited period of time to check if it is really useful for you before buying. If you suffer from an illness or disability you do not have to commit financially. All maintenance and repairs on a rental stairlift are covered as part of your rental agreement. Rental agreements have full maintenance services included in your monthly rental premium at no additional cost.

Each rental stairlift installed comes with a continuing warranty that is free of charge and starts from the day of installation. The warranty covers parts, breakdowns and failures. You don’t have to worry about maintenance or costs. When you no longer need the lift, the stairlift company will come and remove it. So it’s an excellent option for customers who don’t want to worry about maintenance and upkeep costs of a stairlift.

What about optional extras?

Other factors that affect the cost of a stairlift are optional extras. When you make an appointment with a surveyor, they can discuss all the options with you.

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Optional extras that may be worth paying more for include …

• Electric swivel seat – this can make it easier for someone with limited mobility to get in and out of the car safely
• Electric swivel rail – this makes it easier to fold the rail away when the stairlift is not in use. This is especially useful when the rail runs in front of a doorway or can be a tripping hazard
• Standing seat – this is an alternative to a chair seat for people who have difficulty sitting down or bending their knees.
• Slim design – A perch seat can also be used to make a stair lift slimmer, so it can be fitted to a narrow staircase where there is not enough room for a standard model.

Based on your individual circumstances and requirements, a stairlift consultant can recommend which additional features may be right for you.

What funding options are available to lower the price?

If a care degree exists, a subsidy can be applied for from the care insurance. Here the care insurance participates with up to 4,000 euro in the purchase of a stair lift. Further subsidies from other cost units are also possible.

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A loan-based financing of a stairlift is possible, among others, through the KfW-Bank (Reconstruction Loan Corporation). The KfW grants low-interest loans to people who want to convert their own home to meet the needs of the elderly, which includes a stair lift.

KfW Bank (Reconstruction Loan Corporation)

• Funding program 159 “Age-appropriate remodeling”
• Funded are technical aids that reduce barriers to housing access
• You must submit the application before the start of construction
• Loan up to € 50,000 per housing unit

Liability or professional indemnity.

• Cost absorption in case of third-party fault or occupational accident
• Cost absorption up to 100%

If the applications to the care insurance and KfW Bank are rejected, is under certain conditions a the assumption of costs by the social welfare office possible. Conditions for cost absorption are:

Social welfare office

• only the most favorable offer is subsidized
• the applicant is not creditworthy
• financing or installment payments have been rejected
• no income is being earned
• there is a social need

Other institutions that can cover costs are the employment agency, pension insurance and the integration office. There are also special funding programs of some federal states and the war victims welfare, if the stairlift is needed because of military or war injuries. Would you like to learn more? Submit an online inquiry or request more information, and we’ll schedule you for a free consultation. You’ll receive an accurate estimate and answers to all your questions.

FAQ – Questions and Answers

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How much do straight stairlifts cost?

The average price of a straight stairlift for a standard 13-step staircase is about 4,000 €. Narrow stairs, longer stairs and choice of manufacturer can increase the price. There are many optional extras for stairlifts that can affect the price. The price varies by manufacturer and increases with the following features: electric swivel seat and footrests, seat that swivels in two directions, and a five-point harness. The price of a stair lift can depend on many factors, such as: are your stairs straight or curved? How far does the lift need to travel? How wide is your stairwell? If there is a low ceiling, how much headroom is available? Do you need any special features or options?

How much do curved stairlifts cost?

Curved stairlift prices are based on the length of the staircase and the number of curves the staircase has. If you have a very narrow staircase, it will cost you more because many standard models will not fit your staircase. Spiral staircases can also make the lift more expensive. The average price for a standard curved stair lift with a curve is about €6,000. Narrow curved staircases, longer staircases and staircases with more than one curve are more expensive, as well as the choice of manufacturer can affect the price.

Why are curved stairlifts more expensive?

Curved stairlifts are more expensive to manufacture because the rail is curved and must be custom made. They are custom made specifically for the dimensions of a staircase. The cost of curved stairlifts varies between €8,500 – €14,000. It is important to note that these are custom models and the price depends on your staircase. While pricing for straight stairlifts is fairly standard, stairs that have a curve can be more complicated. Each stair lift must be custom made for the unique staircase it will be installed on. The price of a curved stair lift depends on the shape and length of your staircase. You will need to schedule an on-site appointment with a stairlift consultant for an accurate estimate.

What are the running costs for the operation?

If you have a warranty that includes a maintenance and annual service plan (which most do), there are no ongoing costs other than electricity to operate the stairlift.

What does a maintenance contract cost?

Maintenance contracts or extended warranties, as they are often called, usually start at 300 € per year, but are often cheaper if purchased for a longer period of time e.g. 3 years or 5 years. A brand new or refurbished stairlift includes a one-year warranty and a two-year guarantee. While a low price is an important buying criterion, you should also consider the after-sales service and support offered by the supplier, as well as ongoing maintenance and service costs after the warranty period has expired. Many stairlift owners also purchase an extended warranty or maintenance contract. The average price for an extended warranty is €150, which typically covers repairs after the one-year manufacturer’s warranty expires. The average cost of a maintenance contract is 150 € for a multi-year term.

What does it cost to repair a stairlift?

Costs for repairs are usually covered by a maintenance contract, which is usually included with the purchase of a new stairlift. Be sure that “all costs” are covered in your maintenance contract. Extended warranties are available upon request from stairlift manufacturers.

How much does stairlift insurance cost?

Normally, you do not need stairlift insurance if your stairlift is within the warranty period. However, if you are out of warranty, you may choose to extend your warranty with the manufacturer.

What is the resale value?

Unfortunately, very low. Straight stairlifts are easier to sell compared to curved stairlifts. New lifts are also obviously easier to sell and achieve the highest resale price. However, you will get a few hundred € at most, and this depends very much on the brand and model.

How much does it cost to rent a stairlift?

Renting a stairlift usually starts at 30 € per week for straight stairlifts and 40 € per week for a curved lift. In addition, there is a high installation fee, which usually starts at 400 € for a straight stairlift and 1,000 € for a curved stairlift.

Can I get a subsidy?

Possibly, yes! You must apply to your local council for a mobility grant. If you have a care degree, you will receive a grant of up to 4,000 € from your care insurance.