A new stair lift can be a liberating investment, giving people with mobility issues back the security of continuing to live in their own homes. However, a key question is always, “How much does it cost to install a stairlift?”
In order to realistically estimate the cost of a seat lift, several factors must be considered. These include the actual purchase price of the device, as well as whether it is a new or refurbished model, the quality and duration of the warranty and maintenance contract and what the resale value of the stairlift is.
Photo: © Lifta GmbH | Press image from Lifta.deStandard stairlift prices do not necessarily include additional service and maintenance costs that give consumers a true picture of the total price. For example, experts recommend that an expert call at least once a year to perform safety checks and perform routine maintenance tasks. Are these services already included in the purchase price? Is there a service agreement with the manufacturer at the time of purchase. You should clarify all these questions before making a purchase.
Even if a reconditioned used stairlift has been purchased, reputable dealers will still offer a warranty for the first year of use. This covers the cost of replacement parts should the lift fail, providing an important buying criterion for anyone considering a refurbished model. Consumers should also consider the size and shape of their staircase. If the stair is curved, the resale price is irrelevant because the stairlift can rarely be successfully installed in another property without significant modification. You must make an economical choice.
In Germany, Lifta, ThyssenKrupp, Handicare and HiroLift are the leaders. In the UK, on the other hand, Stannah, Acorn and Companion are the leading manufacturers. All produce excellent, high-quality seat lifts that are safe and reliable.
Lift type | Stair form | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stairlift | straight stairs | Inside | 3,800 to 9,700 € |
| Stairlift | curved stairs | Inside | 8,000 to 15,000 € |
| Stairlift | straight stairs | Outside | 4,000 to 7,500 € |
| Platformlift | Straight stairs | Inside | 9,000 to 15,000 € |
| Platformlift | curved stairs | inside | 12,000 to 25,000 € |
| Platformlift | Straight stairs | Outside | 9,000 to 15,000 € |
| Platformlift | Curved stairs | Outside | 15,000 to 25,000 € |
| Lifting Platform | Height up to 1.79m | Outside | 8,000 to 15,000 € |
| Lifting Platform | Height up to 3m | Exterior | from 17,500 € |
Before making a decision, they should get several quotes and ask many questions about the actual cost of the stairlift under consideration. It is important not to confuse a low price with value for money. A refurbished seat lift may cost as little as 1000 €, but it has no joystick for motion control, for example. It therefore offers little practical benefit to people suffering from arthritis. The quality of maintenance contracts and warranties offered by various suppliers must also be carefully considered before making a purchase.
All major stairlift companies in Germany offer several models for straight and curved staircases. Curved stairlifts are always more expensive because it takes longer to manufacture and install them. Since there are big price differences, we have written a special article about the average price of Curved stair lifts, that will help you if you have a curved staircase.
Regardless of the staircase design, all models vary in price depending on what features are included. Some models are cheaper, but may not fit your home or family’s needs – for example, extra extras such as remote controls at the top and bottom of the stairs are required if there is more than one stairlift user. All good stairlifts have an automatic safety shutoff, as well as a swiveling seat for easy access and a nearly silent DC power supply. Some models also include special seats for people who have difficulty bending their knees to sit down. Whatever features you choose, it’s important to check with the dealer or manufacturer for actual costs and time-related incidentals before making a purchase decision.
Stairlifts for tall and overweight people
Regardless of the staircase design, all models vary in price depending on what features are included. Some models are cheaper, but may not fit your home or family’s needs – for example, extra extras such as remote controls at the top and bottom of the stairs are required if there is more than one stairlift user. All good stairlifts have an automatic safety shutoff, as well as a swiveling seat for easy access and a nearly silent DC power supply. Some models also include special seats for people who have difficulty bending their knees to sit down. Whatever features you choose, it’s important to check with the dealer or manufacturer for actual costs and time-related incidentals before making a purchase decision.
Photo: © Ingo Bartussek / ShutterstockA significant percentage of overweight people also suffer from vertigo, putting them at risk on long flights of stairs. But here’s the problem; stairlifts have a maximum weight limit. In Germany, the maximum weight limit for a standard stairlift is 160kg.
However, the Handicare Group offers the 1000 XXL, a model that can support a weight of up to 197 kg, about 40kg more than competing lifts. The XXL has a variety of features designed for large and overweight people: A wider seat, a seat depth of 425mm, extended armrests (spaced 637mm apart) and an extra-long seat belt. If your next question is, “How much does it cost?” we can help you answer that question by clicking here, where we compare a range of stairlift models and their prices.
Stairlift or seat lift. What is the difference?
“Seat lift” and “stairlift” are interchangeable terms that refer to the same object. They are mobility products that attach to the treads of a staircase to allow people with limited mobility to ascend and descend the stairs with ease. There are many different types of stairlifts on the market and many different stairlift manufacturers. Throughout the year, mobility exhibitions -and trade shows are held in Germany so buyers can see the latest developments.
Photo: © Ingo Bartussek / ShutterstockA stair lift is essential for many people, especially the elderly, as they have access to upper floors of their home that are inaccessible without a lift. A stair lift or seat lift provides peace of mind to users and loved ones, eliminating the likelihood of accidents on the stairs and eliminating the need for helpers to assist in climbing the stairs.
There are stair lifts for curved and straight stairs, as well as lifts for outdoor use, for example on steps leading to the main entrance of a house or to the garden. Seat lifts are very cheap to use, as they consume a minimal amount of electrical energy from the mains or via a battery, roughly comparable to boiling a kettle. Seat lifts or stair lifts – whatever you want to call it, change the quality of life of many people with mobility problems, especially the elderly or disabled.
