Stair Lift FAQ: Every Question You've Been Too Polite to Ask

The price of a straight stair lift, an outdoor or standing lift, or a certified refurbished unit depends on your staircase length, model, and any optional features. We give you a firm, itemised quote with no hidden fees after a free home assessment.

Standard Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover stair lifts — they are classified as home modifications, not durable medical equipment. However, some Medicare Advantage plans, Pennsylvania's Medicaid waiver programmes (OBRA/COMMCARE), and VA benefits may offer partial assistance. We can advise you on what to ask your insurer when we meet.

For most people, yes. A lift typically costs a fraction of what moving home or adapting a property for single-floor living would cost. It allows you or a family member to stay in a familiar home safely and independently. Many customers tell us it was one of the best decisions they made.

In some cases. If a lift is recommended by a physician as a medical necessity, it may qualify as a deductible medical expense under IRS rules — but only the portion exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income counts. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

A certified refurbished lift is a great choice if budget is the priority and you're not particular about model or colour. It goes through a rigorous 25-point inspection and comes with a 1-year parts warranty. A new lift gives you a longer warranty, more choice, and the latest features. We'll give you an honest recommendation after seeing your staircase.

Most straight-stair-lift installations are completed in 2 to 4 hours on the same day. Our certified technician fits the rail to your stair treads, installs and tests the carriage, and walks you through every feature before leaving.

No. The rail attaches to the stair treads using small brackets — not the walls or banisters. When the lift is removed, only small screw holes remain, which are easily filled. Your staircase is left in essentially the same condition as before installation.

Usually not. Most units plug into a standard 120V household outlet near the top or bottom of the staircase. If no outlet is within reach, a qualified electrician would need to add one first — our specialist flags this during the free home assessment so you have time to arrange it.

As a general guide, 28 inches of clear staircase width is needed for a standard seated lift. Our specialist will measure your staircase precisely during the free home assessment and confirm the right model for your space.

We install on straight staircases and outdoor steps. Staircases with a mid-flight landing can often be served with two separate lifts. We do not currently offer curved or spiral stair lifts. Our specialist will assess your staircase at no charge and give you an honest answer.

All lifts we install include a built-in rechargeable battery backup. The battery charges automatically whenever the lift rests at the top or bottom of the rail. During a power cut it provides enough charge for several full journeys — so you are never stranded mid-stair.

Standard models support users up to 300 lbs. Heavy-duty models are available for users up to 400 lbs or more. Let us know the user's weight when you call and we will recommend the right model from our range.

Yes — they are specifically designed for older adults. Standard safety features include a seatbelt, obstruction sensors that stop the carriage automatically, easy paddle or joystick controls requiring minimal grip strength, and a swivel seat on many models for safe on/off boarding at the top of the stairs.

Yes. Every lift includes a key lockout switch so children cannot operate it unsupervised. When parked, the seat, footrest, and armrests fold flat, leaving most of the staircase free. Obstruction sensors stop the carriage the moment they detect a pet or object on the stairs below.

The most common cause is an obstruction sensor detecting something on the stairs below — removing the obstruction and pressing the control button again usually resolves it immediately. If the lift stops for another reason, you remain safely seated in the carriage, which locks in position. Call us at 800-527-4060 — our after-hours support line is available beyond business hours.

We recommend an annual service visit. Our technician cleans the rail, re-lubricates the drive gear, and tests all safety systems. Catching minor wear early prevents breakdowns and significantly extends the life of your lift. Ask about our service plan options.

Try these quick checks before calling: (1) confirm power is on at the socket; (2) make sure the lift is seated on the charging points at the top or bottom of the rail; (3) check that the key switch is inserted and turned on; (4) confirm the seatbelt is fully buckled. If none of these fix it, call us — we respond same or next day.

Yes. Our repair and service team works on all major brands regardless of who installed them — Acorn, Bruno, Harmar, Stannah, AmeriGlide, Handicare, Savaria, and more. Call us at 800-527-4060 to book a service visit.

A well-maintained unit typically lasts 10 to 15 years. The biggest factors are the quality of the original unit, usage frequency, and whether it receives annual servicing. Our annual service plan is designed specifically to maximise lifespan and reliability.

We'll give you an honest answer after inspecting the lift. If repair costs are approaching the value of a replacement, we'll tell you — and we can advise on whether a refurbished unit or a new lift makes more sense for your situation. We'd rather give you good advice than charge for an unnecessary repair.

Rental makes sense when you need a lift for a defined short period — post-surgery recovery, rehab, hospice care at home, or hosting an elderly relative. It's also the right choice if you plan to move soon, or if a large upfront purchase isn't the right financial decision right now.

We offer flexible terms with no long lock-in. Whether you need a lift for a few weeks or several months, we can accommodate your timeline. Call us to discuss your specific situation.

Yes — removal is free. When you no longer need the lift, call us and our technician will remove it completely at no charge, leaving your staircase exactly as it was. No mess, no patching required.

Yes. If you start with a rental and decide this is a permanent need, talk to us — we can discuss a purchase arrangement. In some cases, rental payments may be credited toward the purchase price.

Yes — all maintenance and repairs are fully included during the rental period. If anything goes wrong, we dispatch a technician at no extra cost. After-hours support is also available.

We serve homeowners across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Coverage includes Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Lehigh counties in PA, plus Hunterdon County, NJ (including Lambertville). Call us at 800-527-4060 to confirm coverage in your specific area.

The Stairlift Company has been installing, renting, and repairing lifts across Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 2004 — over 20 years of local experience and 500+ families served. Read more about us here.

Yes. We know a broken lift doesn't wait until Monday morning. Our support line is available beyond standard business hours for urgent repair calls. Call 800-527-4060 any time.

Our repair team services all major brands regardless of who installed them — including Acorn, Bruno, Harmar, Stannah, AmeriGlide, Handicare, and Savaria. Call us at 800-527-4060 to discuss your specific lift.

The easiest way is to book a free home assessment. A specialist visits your home, measures your staircase, answers every question, and gives you an itemised quote — with no pressure and no obligation. Or simply call us at 800-527-4060.