What type of staircase do you have?

Straight stairlifts cost $2,500–$5,000 installed. Curved stairlifts cost $8,000–$15,000+ because the rail must be custom-manufactured to fit your staircase. Outdoor stairlifts run $3,500–$6,000 for straight configurations. Rental options start around $100–$200/month.

Medicare does not cover stairlifts — they’re classified as home modifications, not durable medical equipment. Some Medicaid waiver programs, VA benefits, and nonprofit grants (like Rebuilding Together) may help. Some states offer tax deductions for medically necessary home modifications.

Straight stairlifts install in 2–4 hours. The rail mounts to the stairs (not the wall), so no structural modifications are needed. Curved stairlifts take 4–8 hours to install but require 4–6 weeks of lead time for custom rail manufacturing.

Almost any staircase can accommodate a stairlift. Straight stairs are simplest. Curved, spiral, and multi-landing staircases need custom rails at higher cost. Minimum stairway width is typically 26–28 inches. The chair folds up when not in use to keep the stairway passable.