Tight turns
Curved Indoor Stair Lift
- Indoor
- Curved
- Seat Lift
- Custom-fit rail for tight turns
- Fold-up seat and footrest
- Smooth start and stop ride
- Battery backup for outages
In University of California-Santa Barbara, stairs can be part of the main path through the home. A clean, unobtrusive fit keeps access smooth without crowding the staircase.
In University of California-Santa Barbara, we focus on the shape and length of the staircase and the rail path and parking position with options that fit different situations
Designed for walk-up apartments and townhouses, these stair lift solutions work on wooden, stone (including marble), or metal staircases, indoors and outdoors, and are custom-fit to your home’s layout.
Whether you're looking for a chair lift, vertical platform lift, or wheelchair lift, our indoor systems are available in multiple configurations and can be installed on nearly any staircase—straight or curved.
Depending on your home’s layout, the rails can be mounted to the wall or directly on the steps, ensuring minimal impact on the structure of single-family homes, apartment buildings, or public facilities.
In split-level and hillside homes, straight interior runs link garages and living floors, making vertical circulation a routine part of daily movement.
Our outdoor stair lift systems are built from weather-resistant materials and feature protective coatings for long-term durability.
The sealed drive units offer safe and reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Just like their indoor counterparts, the platforms are foldable, saving space when not in use.
Main entries can sit above driveways or yards, with short exterior steps exposed to seasonal exposure between sidewalk and door, which influences access planning.
Your Area Agency on Aging connects you with every available funding program — Medicaid waivers, state grants, nonprofit assistance. One free call can save you thousands on your stairlift.
The VA offers SAH Grants (up to $126,526 in FY2026), SHA Grants (up to $25,350), and Aid & Attendance benefits. Stairlifts are explicitly covered for qualifying veterans.
The Multipurpose Senior Services Program helps frail elderly Californians avoid nursing home placement through home modifications and supportive services.
or call your local aging agency for help applying
FreedomTech offers low-interest loans from $500 to $15,000 for Californians with disabilities. Covers assistive technology and home modifications including stairlifts when other funding sources are unavailable. Loans have below-market rates and flexible terms with no prepayment penalties.
or call your local aging agency for help applying
HCBS Waivers in all 50 states can pay for stairlifts when a doctor certifies the modification prevents nursing home placement. This is the single largest funding source for stairlifts in the U.S.
or call your local aging agency for help applying
The IRS classifies stairlifts as a deductible medical expense. Deduct the full purchase and installation cost if total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
or call your local aging agency for help applying
Rural homeowners can receive grants (62+) or 1% interest loans for home modifications including stairlifts. Grants don't need to be repaid.
or call your local aging agency for help applying
By choosing a used stair lift, you can save up to 60% compared to buying new.
The actual savings depend on the custom rail system required.
For staircases over 16 feet or with curves, custom-fabricated rails may be necessary, which could involve additional one-time costs.
The same cost-saving benefits apply to rentals:
Thanks to simple installations and short rental periods, stair lift leasing is a smart way to stay mobile without long-term commitment.
Tip: Some funding programs or subsidies may also cover stair lift rentals.
Platform lifts follow the principle of industrial lifting platforms and freight elevators.
These lifts include a non-slip coated platform that can be accessed using a walker or wheelchair.
Many models feature foldable platforms to save space when not in use.
Vertical platform lifts are ideal for small elevation changes between 32" and 80" (80–200 cm).
Thanks to their weather-resistant stainless steel or aluminum design and sealed drive electronics, they are commonly used outdoors.
These lifts require no rails and take up minimal space — making them both cost-effective and efficient.
Also known as wheelchair elevators, they move vertically next to the staircase.
A ceiling lift is installed along an overhead track, making it a highly space-saving solution with no need for floor-mounted structures.
These systems are available both with and without seating, offering options for wheelchair users or patients needing seated transfer.
The chair lift is the classic stair lift solution and often one of the most affordable options.
It’s perfect for individuals who don’t require a wheelchair full-time, but still need assistance moving safely between floors.
Standing lifts are a type of platform lift featuring sturdy handrails and an anti-slip standing platform.
They’re ideal for users with walkers or rollators who may not be comfortable sitting but still need vertical mobility support.
The lean-on lift is a hybrid between a chair lift and a standing lift.
It is especially suitable for users with knee or hip issues, since it allows a supported posture where the legs remain neither fully straight nor bent.
The term "wheelchair lift" is used to describe any type of lift that allows direct access while staying in a wheelchair.
Stairlifter USA offers both platform lifts and vertical lifts (VPLs) designed for wheelchair users.
Key difference: Platform lifts run along a staircase rail, while vertical lifts move straight up next to the stairs — no rails needed.
Choose a stair lift model based on your individual needs.
For example, wheelchair users typically require a drivable platform lift that supports full accessibility.
Not every stair lift fits every staircase.
In narrow stairways, a lift with a folding seat or compact platform may be the smartest solution.
If physical or structural conditions limit your options, the cost of purchasing a stair lift can be quite high.
Check if financial assistance or rental options are available to reduce the expense.
| Type | Configuration | Location | Best for | Typical price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chair Lift | Straight | Indoor | Standard single-flight stairs i Price mainly changes with rail length, seat options, and electrical routing. | $3,000 - $8,500Most common entry range for many homes. |
| Chair Lift | Curved | Indoor | Turns, landings, multi-level stairs i Custom rail fabrication and additional turns drive most of the cost difference. | $9,000 - $16,500Custom rail measured to your staircase. |
| Chair Lift | Straight | Outdoor | Porches, exterior steps, deck access i Weatherproof components and corrosion protection add cost versus indoor setups. | $3,500 - $9,500Includes outdoor-rated protection features. |
| Chair Lift | Curved | Outdoor | Exterior stairs with turns or long runs i Outdoor + curved typically means custom rail plus higher weather exposure requirements. | $14,000 - $20,000Often the most complex chair-lift scenario. |
| Platform Lift | Straight | Indoor / Outdoor | Wheelchair access on a straight stair run i Load rating, platform size, and mounting constraints influence cost. | $10,000 - $18,000Used when a chair lift is not suitable. |
| Platform Lift | Curved | Indoor / Outdoor | Wheelchair access with turns or landings i Curved platform systems are custom and typically require more structural planning. | $12,000 - $22,000Custom path for complex stair geometry. |
| Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) | Up to 72 in | Indoor / Outdoor | Short-rise porch or entry access i Travel height, gates/doors, and site prep are major cost factors. | $9,000 - $15,000Often used for entryways and porches. |
| Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) | Over 72 in | Indoor / Outdoor | Higher-rise access between levels i Higher travel often requires additional safety features and more involved installation. | From $15,000Range expands with height, site work, and enclosures. |
| Notes: These are typical installed price ranges for U.S. stair lift projects. Final pricing depends on staircase measurements, number of turns or landings, outdoor exposure, and installation conditions. | ||||
Engineering-driven accessibility systems
Custom stair lifts for curved and straight stairs
Affordable stair lift options for U.S. homes
Durable stair lift options for straight, curved, and outdoor stairs
Flexible mobility solutions for varied stair designs
