According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.3 billion people, or about 16% of the population, currently live with a significant disability. This statistic also includes mobility issues. Individuals who live with mobility issues know just how prohibitive they can be, oftentimes turning a basic everyday task into a lengthy and difficult undertaking.
Fortunately, a lot of progress has been made when it comes to making our world a more equitable place regarding mobility. Equipment like wheelchairs and elevators has drastically improved the overall quality of life for those living with mobility limitations by offering solutions that allow for extended freedom of movement, while still prioritizing safety and well-being in the process.
Nowadays, those who live with disabilities have far more protections in place than ever before, helping them to move more seamlessly, comfortably, and confidently through public spaces and infrastructure. The same thing can be said for modern technologies that help those with mobility issues move around with significantly more freedom, both in and outside of the home. In this post, we’ll discuss two of these systems, the wheelchair lift and the stairlift. Two systems that can be installed both residentially and commercially with relative ease, and a high degree of customization depending on your specific needs.
It’s not uncommon for people to confuse these two systems. Afterall, they often help with similar tasks and are installed in similar ways. However, there are some key differences between the two, and they both appeal to prospective consumers for different reasons. Let’s break it down:
Who benefits from stairlifts and wheelchair lifts?
Stairlifts and wheelchair lifts provide valuable support for a wide range of individuals. While they are especially beneficial for those with mobility-related disabilities, they can also assist senior citizens, people recovering from injury or surgery, and those managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or COPD. These systems often help bring a level of independence to those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to safely navigate stairs. By virtue, they also help to prevent falls and allow individuals to stay in their homes longer by avoiding physical strain and risks associated with climbing upstairs.
While there are some key differences between stairlifts and wheelchair lifts, there are a handful of benefits that are associated with both systems. They include:
Independence: Individuals who live with mobility issues often cite a lack of independence as one of the most frustrating symptoms of their disability. Lifts can dramatically improve one’s quality of life by allowing for a much easier transition going up and down stairs. This often translates into less reliance on caregivers, which also promotes independence.
Home Accessibility: Not being able to have access to the entirety of your home, especially if you were able to do so previously, can be hard on one’s morale. It can also make it increasingly difficult to perform daily tasks. A stairlift or wheelchair lift makes it possible for homeowners to stay in their home, versus the alternative, which often has them spending time and money on relocating to a different property.
Safety: People who live with mobility issues are often at a much higher risk of injuring themselves, particularly through falling. Lifts not only allow for an increased level of movement, but their design makes it possible for movement to occur in a safe and controlled fashion. Stairs are one of the most common places where accidents occur, which is why installing a lift directly on a staircase can significantly decrease potential injury.
Energy Conservation: When you live with a mobility issue or a chronic health issue, it is not unusual to get fatigued quickly when physically exerting oneself. This makes tasks like climbing the stairs feel next to impossible.
Now that we’ve outlined some of the shared benefits, let’s talk about each system individually and how it operates.
What is a stairlift?
A stairlift is a motorized chair or platform that is attached to a staircase railing. Mechanically driven and designed, a stairlift helps assist those with mobility issues or other related ailments by allowing them to traverse sets of stairs with ease
Stairlifts are installed using a railing and a series of bolts. They can be customized depending on the type of staircase and railing you have in your home. For instance, stairlifts can operate on straight railings, curved railings, indoor railings, and outdoor railings.
Stairlifts are often a solid choice for individuals who can stand and bear weight, but are unable, or find it increasingly difficult to use the stairs in their home. Generally speaking, individuals in wheelchairs will gravitate towards wheelchair lifts; however, some wheelchair users with adequate upper body strength may prefer a stairlift, as they can transfer themselves between their wheelchair and the stairlift with relative ease. If you’re choosing a stairlift for home use, it’s important to understand your specific needs and how different stairlift features can improve your mobility.
Stairlifts get their power from two 12-volt batteries that are able to be continuously charged because they plug into wall outlets. The continuous charging is what makes it possible for stairlifts to still run in the event of a power outage. Different types of stairlifts allow for the experience to be customized to a degree. However, most stairlifts feature an offset swivel seat, two wireless remotes with call/send capabilities, and foldable seat, arm, and footrests.
How much does a stairlift cost?
Stairlifts vary widely in cost depending on the type and condition. A straight staircase tends to be the more affordable option, while custom-built curved systems are significantly more expensive, often several times the cost of a typical straight model. Factors such as installation complexity, rail length, additional features, and whether the unit is new or pre-owned all influence the final price.
Will insurance cover and/or pay for part of my stairlift?
The need for a stairlift often originates from living with a mobility disability and/or living with a chronic health issue. Unfortunately, insurance does not typically cover any portion of a stairlift. Despite often stemming from a health issue, stairlifts are seen as a home modification choice rather than a medical necessity. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay the entire cost of your system when purchasing.
How long does the installation process take?
When it comes to the installation process, your mileage may vary. Certain stairlifts may take a bit longer (outdoor, curved railing), but typically the process is pretty straightforward. Straight stairlifts can be installed within a matter of hours. Curved will usually take a little bit longer, but they can still be completed within a one-day period.
What is a wheelchair lift?
A wheelchair lift, similar to a stairlift, is a motorized platform system that raises a person and their wheelchair over vertical barriers such as steps, stairs, vehicle entrances, a porch, etc.
They are available for purchase in two basic variations: a vertical platform lift (VPL) and an inclined platform lift (IPL). VPLs or porch lifts move vertically up and down to transport a wheelchair user to and from a raised area, oftentimes a porch, stage, stairs, or landing.
By contrast, an IPL travels diagonally along an installed railing that sits next to a flight of stairs. To help preserve space, IPL’s can often be folded up when not in use.
Wheelchair lifts are powered by electricity. This can be in the form of a hydraulic system or a mechanical type of system. They often run on AC power, with a DC battery backup in the event of a power outage.
How much does a wheelchair lift cost?
Wheelchair lifts are popular in both residential and commercial settings, which ultimately affects the overall cost of the system. Several variables influence pricing, making it difficult to define a single cost range, and the final cost can vary widely based on these factors. Key variables include the lift’s weight capacity, travel height, platform size, power type, etc.
Will insurance cover and/or pay for part of my wheelchair lift?
Unlike stairlifts, wheelchair lifts actually do get covered by insurance from time to time. However, approval is still very hit or miss, and just like the stairlift, it is best to anticipate paying for the entirety of the system. Like stairlifts, they’re still technically considered home modifications and not medical necessities. This is why most insurance plans don’t cover them. On that note, some insurance plans do allow for exceptions relating to special equipment coverage. Nevertheless, the process for approval is often very lengthy and requires a lot of documentation, with no guarantee of securing coverage.
How long does the installation process take?
Wheelchair lifts, on average, do have installation processes that are a bit more involved than stairlifts. With that said, they’re generally easily turned over in a matter of hours. Simple residential models can be completed within roughly 3 to 4 hours. However, at most, for more complex and/or customized builds, you may be looking at closer to a few days’ time.
Key Differences Between Stairlifts and Wheelchair Lifts
Your level of need will likely dictate which option makes the most sense for you. As previously discussed, stairlifts are ideal for those who are able to bear weight and stand independently, requiring less overall assistance. Because stairlifts don’t have to transport the entirety of a wheelchair, they ultimately take up less space in the home. Space-saving wheelchair lifts tend to cost more money and take more time to install, oftentimes pushing installation time into multiple days.
However, for many individuals, a wheelchair lift is a far more practical choice, and there are certain advantages that come along with opting for a wheelchair lift over a stairlift. One of the most important of them is increased and stricter code compliance and guidelines. Platform lifts are often held to higher standards of building codes and inspections, ensuring that they serve their purpose effectively for those who need them the most. This includes adherence to applicable codes that ensure the highest standards of safety and operational effectiveness. These levels of compliance are needed for wheelchair lifts in both public spaces AND private dwellings, making them an ideal choice for those who wish to have an added layer of reassurance and protection.
Wheelchair lifts do not require the wheelchair user to transfer from the wheelchair since they can roll onto a platform. Stairlifts require the wheelchair user to be able to transfer from the wheelchair into the stairchair. Platform lifts offer a long-term solution.
Wheelchair lifts are also a generally preferred choice for those living with cognitive disabilities or disabilities caused by neurological conditions. This is because wheelchair lifts eliminate the need for added physical transitions and pivoting, and can be easier to navigate for those whose disabilities directly impact their cognition.
Ultimately, stairlifts still serve an important purpose and may emerge as the proper option for certain individuals. However, across the board, wheelchair lifts tend to be far more user-friendly, offering more independence overall and less room for human error to occur. These advantages are particularly important when dealing with aging populations and those who desire a more universally accessible, code-compliant option.
Always Choose a Reputable Company to Install Your Lift
Lifts are significant monetary investments, and because of that, it’s important to find a company that has experience in their installation. It can be tempting to try to find competitors with lower pricing; however, these types of lifts are optimized for safety, accessibility, and comfort. If you’re unsure about how best to proceed, a reputable company will be able to walk you through your options and provide professional input, allowing you to make the most informed choice about your system.
In the end, both options will dramatically improve both your immediate and long-term range of mobility in a way that is both convenient and safe. Whether your goal is to install a stair lift for accessibility in your private residence or construct a commercial-grade wheelchair lift designed to effectively and efficiently move high volumes of people continuously, a lift can do wonders for your property.
About Day Elevator & Lift, a KLEEMANN Company
DAY Elevator & Lift, a KLEEMANN Company, specializes in the consultation, design, and installation of elevators, lifts, and a wide range of accessibility products and solutions for both residential and commercial use. As a trusted partner for homeowners, contractors, builders, developers, and architects, we focus on convenience, safety, and full ADA compliance, ensuring seamless integration of our product solutions into a single-family home, a multi-unit community, a commercial building such as office buildings, airports, stadiums, shopping centers, theatres, museums, industrial facilities. DAY Elevator & Lift will partner with you through every phase of your project.
By joining forces with KLEEMANN, one of the most important manufacturers in the global market, our list of high-quality services has grown. We are proud to embody KLEEMANN’s renowned commitment to excellence, delivering top-tier products and cutting-edge solutions for both people and freight.
Author
This article was developed with the support of the Day Elevator & Lift team.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Elevator and lift systems are complex machines, and all installations, repairs, and inspections must be performed by a licensed and qualified technician. Always consult a professional to ensure your equipment complies with local building codes and safety requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a wheelchair lift be installed outdoors?
Υes. Both Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs) and Inclined Platform Lifts (IPLs) are available in weatherized models specifically designed to withstand rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for porch or deck access.
Do I need to remodel my home to install a lift?
In most cases, wheelchair lifts require only minimal home modifications, making them a practical accessibility upgrade without major construction. For example, an outdoor vertical platform lift may need a small concrete pad for stability, and indoor units may require a reinforced landing surface to support the platform. These adjustments are typically straightforward and far less disruptive than full-scale remodeling.
While stairlifts attach directly to the stair treads, they are designed primarily for seated users and do not accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices. For homeowners seeking a long‑term, fully accessible solution, wheelchair lifts offer greater independence with only minor preparation needed.
What happens to the lift if the power goes out?
Most modern stairlifts and wheelchair lifts are equipped with a DC battery backup. This ensures that even during a power failure, the lift will have enough charge to complete several trips, so you are never stranded between floors.
How often does an accessibility lift need maintenance?
To ensure safety and longevity, we recommend a professional maintenance check at least once or twice a year as per the manufacturer’s specifications. Regular service helps identify wear and tear on batteries and moving parts before they become a problem. Some building departments required on going maintenance per the manufacturer’s specifications and inspections