Ameriglide and Harmar are two of the biggest stairlift manufacturers in North America and they sell a variety of straight and curved stairlifts, as well as outdoor models, platform lifts, and more.
In this guide, we'll highlight the differences between the two, telling you what you can expect to pay, how they will meet your mobility needs, and how they compare in terms of quality, options, service, and warranties.
Product Range and Installation = Equal
Ameriglide and Harmar offer a selection of home mobility products, including home elevators, platform lifts, and more. All are designed to help you or your loved one with independent living and there are many different products to choose from.
Ameriglide has the edge overall, as it offers lift chairs, walk-in tubs, and more, but Harmar has something known as the Pinnacle Heavy Duty, a stairlift that can carry up to 600 lbs. It's an impressive feature if you're obese and need something a little more substantial than the usual limit of 300 pounds.
Quality = Equal
It's very hard to separate these two stairlift manufacturers in terms of quality and features. With both of them you will find safety sensors, a swivel seat, and a high maximum weight limit for all curved stairlifts and straight stairlifts.
Warranties = Ameriglide
Harmar offers a limited lifetime warranty on many of its products, but the battery warranty is limited to only 1 year.
The Ameriglide warranty extends for 2 years on all components of the stairlift and 5 years for the motor and gears. With professional installation and proper maintenance, stairlifts from both Ameriglide and Harmar should last for many years, although it's always good to have a warranty as a backup.
Cost = Ameriglide
Both Ameriglide and Harmar have reasonably priced stairlifts, but at the most basic level, Ameriglide seems to be a little cheaper. Not only do its straight stairlifts begin at less than $1,800, but they also sell refurbishing options. These offer many of the same benefits for an even cheaper priced tag.
Ameriglide might not be the least expensive option if you're looking for an advanced curved stairlift or another top-of-the-range model. However, because of these basic costs, and the fact that Ameriglide is very open with its prices (Harmar only provides these when you call for a quote), it's our winner here.
As far as we can tell, Harmar doesn't offer financing. It does have information on several schemes provided by other companies, allowing you to get discounts for making purchases and installing modifications, but it doesn't advertise an actual financing scheme for its stairlifts and other products. Ameriglide does offer financing, though, which is another huge benefit.
Ameriglide vs. Harmar Overall = Ameriglide
Ameriglide offers a variety of affordable indoor and outdoor stairlifts and other accessibility products. They're made to a high standard and this, in combination with the company's transparent and affordable pricing, is why it comes out on top.
However, both of these stairlift companies offer a wealth of accessibility solutions and are great for people with limited mobility. With professional installation, a variety of safety features, several different models, and indoor and outdoor options, they should both be included in your comparison search.
Ameriglide certainly seems to have the edge, but everyone's mobility needs are different and there may be some areas in which Harmar appeals to you more than Ameriglide. Just remember to include other top stairlift companies in your search, including Stannah Stairlifts, Acorn Stairlifts, and Bruno Stairlifts.