Best StairLifts for Elderly. Are you or a loved one in need of a stairlift? If so, you’re probably not sure where to start when it comes to choosing the right model. With so many different makes and models on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve created this guide – to help make your decision easier. In this post, we’ll recommend five of the best stairlifts on the market today, as well as offer a buying guide to help you choose the perfect model for your needs. So whether you’re just starting your research or are ready to buy, read on for our top picks! Here are the 5 best stairlifts for the elderly!
What is the Stair Lift
A stairlift is a mechanical device for lifting people up and downstairs. For wide stairs, a rail is mounted to the treads of the stairs. A chair or lifting platform is attached to the rail. A person gets onto the chair or platform and is lifted up or down the stairs by the chair which moves along the rail. Modern stairlifts can be found with a wide variety of features such as adjustable seat height, battery isolation switches, call stations, ‘flip-up’ rail, key switch, folding step, speed governor, seat belt, soft start, and soft stop.
Stair Lift Comparisons At A Glance
| Nautilus | Ameriglide | Universal | Harmar | Harmar/Arms | |
| Swivel Seat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Easy Of Operation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Foot Print | Small | Small | Small | Small | Small |
| Battery Backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Belt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Start | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Stop | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Seat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MountIngs | Stairs | Stairs | Stairs | Stairs | Stairs |
| Price | $3869 | $1899 | $1988 | $2619 | $2395 |
| See a Detailed Review | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
General Features:
- Worm drive stairlift
- Never needs grease
- Battery operated
- Mounts to the steps – not the wall
- Plugs into a standard wall outlet
- The unit charges when parked at the top or bottom
- This product will be custom cut to fit your staircase
- Because this is a “Custom Made” product – it is NOT returnable
- Lifetime Warranty on Motor & Circuit Board
- Folds to just 10.5 inches
- This product will be custom cut to fit your staircase
- Adjustable seat height
- battery isolation switches,
- Call stations
- Flip-up’ rail
- Key switch
- Folding step
- Speed governor
- Seat belt
- Soft start and soft stop
Different Types of Stair Lifts
Thre are different sizes and different shapes. You need to measure your space before purchasing. Here are a few of the different types of stairlifts.
Straight-rail stairlifts
- These are the most common type of stairlifts used in private dwellings with straight stairs and have a straight rail (track) that is attached to the steps of the staircase. Straight-rail stairlifts can usually be installed within days of being ordered and, having a rail that is simply cut to length from a stock part, they are the least expensive stairlifts.
Curved-rail stairlifts
- Curved stairlifts are made to follow the shape of an individual staircase (curved stairs). On staircases with intermediate flat landings, they eliminate the need for multiple straight stairlifts by providing a continuous ride up the entire length of the staircase. Because the rail is custom-made to follow the staircase, and because the chair is more complex than a straight-rail stairlift (it has to be able to remain level while traveling along a track that changes direction and angle), curved-rail stairlifts are more costly than stairlifts for straight stairs. Specifying curved-rail stairlifts usually involves careful measurement, design, and manufacturing, and the installation process usually takes longer than for a straight domestic stairlift. One manufacturer can provide a curved-rail stairlift made from modular parts. This has the advantage of quick delivery time, even the next day. The installer brings many parts and picks from them. They are usually similar in price to a custom-made curved-rail stairlift.
Wheelchair vertical platform stairlifts
- Vertical platform lifts come under the general definition of a stairlift and are usually of much heavier construction than a domestic stairlift due to the fact they are going to transport a wheelchair or scooter and the person.
- Most platform stairlifts are used in public access buildings and/or inside and outside private homes.
- The platform is large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or scooter and its user and may have folding edge flaps that drop down and act as ramps to allow for variations in floor levels. These flaps also prevent the wheelchair from going over the edge of the platform.
- The rails are, necessarily, of heavy construction to support the load and the drive system is usually accommodated within a tubular section rail or aluminum extrusion. Some models have steel cables inside the tube, others have chains, yet others may use a rack and pinion system.
- Many wheelchair platform stairlifts are designed and built to order. Others may comprise a standard platform and carriage, with the only special requirement being the length of rails or tracks.
- Some stairlift chairs can also be moved and used as indoor wheelchairs.
Outdoor stairlifts
- Outdoor Stairlifts come with seats, perches, footplates or platforms and are sold worldwide. They are similar to indoor stairlifts but with improved weatherproofing.
What Are The Major Considerations For Stair Lifts?
- Mounting: Mount to the wall or the stairs. Stair mountings is preferable and the least destructive to the house.
- Controls: Having a remote control unit nake it easier to operate the staircase.
- Foot Rest: The footrest folds and is out of the way once folded.
- Seat Belt: Seat belts are required for safety when you are moving up or downstairs.
- Battery backup: If the power fails when you are in transit it is good to have a battery backup.
- Safety: Floor slip-resistant floor so you don’t slip and grab bars to hold on to.
Below Is A Summary For Each Stair Lift.
Also, You Can Link To A Detail Review Of Each Stair Lift.
#1 The Nautilus Stair Lift, You Can Remain In The Home You Love
What is the Nautilus Stair Lift
A stairlift is a mechanical device for lifting people up and downstairs. For sufficiently wide stairs, a rail is mounted to the treads of the stairs. A chair or lifting platform is attached to the rail. A person gets onto the chair or platform and is lifted up or down the stairs by the chair which moves along the rail. Modern stairlifts can be found with a wide variety of features such as adjustable seat height, battery isolation switches, call stations, ‘flip-up’ rail, key switch, folding step, speed governor, seat belt, soft start, and soft stop.
Features:
- TOP of the Line!
- Worm drive stairlift
- Lifetime warranty on motor AND circuit board
- Never needs grease
- Battery operated
- Mounts to the steps – not the wall
- Plugs into a standard wall outlet
- The unit charges when parked at top or bottom
- This product will be custom cut to fit your staircase
- Because this is a “Custom Made” product – it is NOT returnable
- Lifetime Warranty on Motor & Circuit Board
- Folds to just 10.5 inches
- Free Shipping to 48 States
- This product will be custom cut to fit your staircase
- Because this is a “Custom Made” product – it is NOT returnable
See A Detailed Review Of Nautilus Stair Lift
#2 The AmeriGuide Horizon Stair Lift, You Can Remain In The Home You Love
Features:
- Grease Free – Worm Drive
- Lifetime Warranty on Motor & Circuit Board
- Folds to just 10.5 inches
- Free Shipping to 48 States
- **This product will be custom cut to fit your staircase. Because this is a “Custom Made” product – it is NOT returnable. **Please provide the following Information – length of the staircase (see images), mounted on the left or right as you look UP the steps, any obstructions at the top or bottom, landing, hallway, or door at the top of the steps?
See A Detailed Review Of AmeriGlide Horizon Stair Lift
#3 The Universal Stair Lift, You Can Remain In The Home You Love
- Made in America!
- 3 Safety Mechanisms
- Wireless Remote
- 350lb Capacity
- Warranty
- Folds up flat to wall – easy to still use the stairs
- Installs on either side of the stairs
- Comes with 15 Feet of Track – Plenty for typical one-floor installations
- Power Cord plugs directly into your regular AC outlet
- NO Wiring required
- Internal Rechargeable Battery Backup- runs up/down 20+ times if power is out
See A Detailed Review Of Universal Stair Lift
#4 The Harmar Stair Lift, You Can Remain In The Home You Love
Features:
- Rocker controls with constant-pressure functionality stop the lift immediately if the control is released
- Mounts to the stairs (not the wall) on either side of the staircase
- Operates on standard 115 VAC household current
- The extruded aluminum track is available in custom lengths
- Seat and footrest fold to save space –
- Free Lifetime Warranty on Motor and Drivetrain.
- Separate controls at the top and bottom of stairs
- Upholstery Colors: Light Almond, Evergreen, Mocha
- Made in the USA
- **This product will be custom cut to fit your staircase. Because this is a “Custom Made” product – it is NOT returnable.
See A Detailed Review Of Harmar Stair Lift
#5 Harmar Stair Lift With Flip Up Arms, You Can Remain In The Home You Love
Features:
- Rocker controls with constant-pressure functionality stop the lift immediately if the control is released
- . Mounts to the stairs (not the wall) on either side of the staircase
- Operates on standard 115 VAC household current.
- The extruded aluminum track is available in custom lengths
- The seat and footrest fold to save space.
- Separate controls at the top and bottom of stairs
- Upholstery Colors: Light Almond, Evergreen, Mocha — Made in the USA
- **This product will be custom cut to fit your staircase. Because this is a “Custom Made” product – it is NOT returnable. **Please provide the following Information – length of the staircase (see images), mounted on the left or right as you look UP the steps, any obstructions at top or bottom, landing, hallway, or door at the top of the steps?
See A Detailed Review Of Harmar Stair Lift With Flip-Up Arms
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Here Are Other Reviews That Can Help Keep Seniors Safe:
Best StairLifts for Elderly: Conclusion
So there you have it! The above stairlift units will help you make the right choice when it comes to finding the right product for you. Our top recommendation is the universal stair lift
