Should I Rent or Buy a Stairlift?

Stairlifts can be very expensive, so it makes sense that you’d want to trim the price down. If you can’t decide if buying or renting a stairlift is right for you, keep reading.

Why Would I Want to Rent A Stairlift?

The first reason you might want to consider renting a stairlift rather than buying one is budget. As previously mentioned, stairlifts are not cheap. The average straight stairlift costs $2,000-$3,000, so if this is too far outside of your budget you should consider renting.

You should also consider renting if you know you won’t need a stairlift for a very long time. For example, you might be needing to host an elderly parent with mobility problems, or maybe you have a health problem from which you will recover relatively quickly.

All that being said, keep in mind that most stairlift companies only rent out straight stairlifts. This is because, most of the time curved stairlifts must be made custom to fit the customer’s staircase. It is highly unlikely that two curved stairlifts will have identical designs and measurements. 

How Much Does Renting Cost? 

Most stairlift companies will rent out stairlifts for a minimum of 3 months. This is due to the labor-intensive nature of the installation and removal process. 

The cost of renting a stairlift usually ranges from $250 to $300 a month, so for three months you are looking at around $750 to $900. This is much cheaper than buying if you only need a stairlift for a limited time. 

Why Would I Want to Buy a Stairlift?

If your budget allows for it, it is always advisable to buy a new stairlift. That’s because this is a long-term investment that can be used by different family members at different stages in their lives. When you know you won’t be using it for a while, you can even uninstall it and store it away.

Buying a stairlift also allows you a greater selection since most stairlifts are only available new, but you could try to find a refurbished one to save a little bit of money. Additionally, remember that some stairlift companies will offer lifetime warranties on high-end models of stairlifts.

Lastly, buying a stairlift allows for more customization options, some of which are listed below.

  • A seat that swivels for ease of movement on and off of the stairlift
  • A backup battery
  • A higher Maximum weight capacity that can carry overweight passengers
  • Enhanced safety features, such as child protection, object sensors, overload detection, overspeed governors, and safety belts
  • A maintenance plan that saves you money on regular maintenance

Final Thoughts

Whether or not you should buy or rent a stairlift is completely predicated on your needs. If you must pay out of pocket, you should do the math and find out which option is more budget friendly.

If the cost of monthly installments exceeds that of renting, then it is better to rent a stairlift. On the other hand, if the monthly payments are affordable and you’re confident you won’t need a stairlift in the long-term, consider buying. 

Also, consider your living situation. If you know you aren’t going to want to move out of your home for a long time, if ever, then buy. If you’re only renting your space, then you should rent.

Regardless of how you choose to shop, here are some reputable stairlift brands to consider

  • Bruno
  • 101 Mobility
  • Stannah
  • Savaria
  • Handicare