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Curved Stair Lift: Cost, Installation & FAQs
Most homeowners will pay around $15,500 to purchase and install a new curved stair lift in 2025; however, factors such as the length, additional features, and complexity of the installation will impact the total cost.
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At a glance:
- Curved stair lifts cost between $10,000 and $14,000 on average, with the price range determined by the level of customization and additional safety features such as seatbelts and footrests.
- Curved stair lift prices are generally higher than straight stair lift prices, as curved stair lift installations are more customized and complicated, costing an average of $3,500 to install.
- You might be able to reduce the cost of a curved stair lift by purchasing a pre-owned stair lift, but you’ll need to make sure it fits your staircase. Due to potential customization needs, new stair lifts are easier to work with.
Seniors with limited mobility who have curved staircases need assistance as much as those with straight staircases, but the customization required for installation is known to complicate the cost. A brand-new or used curved stair lift can also be challenging to install, making DIY an even less viable option. No one wants to invest in the dark. Instead, achieve peace of mind by knowing what costs to expect when you need a curved stair lift installation.
What Is A Curved Stair Lift?
As the name suggests, curved stair lifts are custom-fitted for homes with curved staircases. Unlike straight rails, curved rails follow turns, intermediate landings, or spiral layouts that your stair chair needs to navigate. Due to this added complexity, curved stair lift technology often costs more and takes longer to install to ensure optimal functionality.
Curved Stair Lifts Vs. Straight Stair Lifts: How The Stair Lift Model Affects Your Cost
The type of stair lift needed to fit your home plays a major role in what you can expect to pay, for several reasons:
- Customization: To meet safety regulations and weight capacity requirements, curved stair lifts are precisely measured and custom-made, increasing both manufacturing time and their overall cost.
- Installation complexity: Increased complexity makes it unadvisable to DIY your curved stair lift installation, but that same complexity also increases the final price; professional installation for a curved stair lift typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000.
- Lack of rental options: Used stair lifts can be incredibly cost-effective for straight staircases, but the level of customization required for a curved staircase makes it less likely that a stair lift rental will work.
A new straight stair lift costs between $2,500 and $9,000, while curved models typically cost between $10,000 and $14,000. Whether you need a curved model for an indoor or outdoor stair lift, we recommend contacting your health insurance provider or a stair lift company to explore financing options.
Examples of Curved Stair Lift Model Prices
Compare popular curved stair lift companies, their standout features, and price ranges to find the best stair lift model for your needs and budget. Often, these companies will provide a free quote based on your unique home layout.
| Brand | Stair Lift Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bruno Elite Curved | • Custom, hand-crafted railings • 400 lb capacity • Indoor and outdoor options | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Harmar Helix Curved | • Dual steel rail • Fast fabrication • Modular options for same-day installation | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Handicare 4000 | •Twin- or single-tube rail options • 2-year manufacturer’s parts warranty • 6″ wall clearance for a tight fit | $9,000 – $16,000 |
| Acorn 180 | • Modular interlocking rails • Professional installation in just a few days • No structural changes to the home | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Savaria Stairfriend 23 | • Up to 350lb weight capacity • Compact 16″ folded width • LED diagnostics | $9,000 – $14,000 |
Curved Stair Lift Installation Costs
The average cost to professionally install a high-quality stair lift for curved stairs is $3,500, depending on factors such as length, added features (like retractable rails), and other factors. This is higher than the average cost of installing a straight stair lift, which is typically around $2,000. In part, this added expense is due to the fact that curved stair lifts take longer to install than their straight counterparts—about a day on average if already pre-measured and custom-fitted.
Trying to save money on the cost of a stair lift installation can be difficult when you have a curved staircase. This is because a used lift might not fit your particular staircase well, leading to even higher installation costs.
For that reason, we recommend asking stair lift companies about how they factor installation into the final price. Companies often include the installation cost within the final price, and regularly offer financing options to help cover it.
How To Reduce The Cost of a Curved Stair Lift
Having trouble paying for your curved chair lift? There are several financing options available to you, including insurance, loans, and grants:
- Health insurance, like Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and some long-term care plans, may offer financial assistance for you or a loved one seeking coverage.
- Veterans Benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA), including Veterans Directed Home and Community-Based Services (VD-HCBS) and Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants, can help senior veterans afford curved stair lifts.
- State-based assistance programs unique to each state might help cover the cost of a curved stair lift. Research your state’s specific HCBS waivers and your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for more information.
- Loans and financing plans obtained through the stair lift manufacturer or your personal bank can help you afford the cost of a curved stair lift. Just make sure you choose an affordable monthly payment plan with fair interest rates.
- Rebates or Tax Deductions for curved stair lifts that fall under IRS Publication 502’s list of eligible medical expenses and are deemed medically necessary by a doctor are available to seniors.
Curved Stair Lift Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost of a curved stair lift is $12,000, or between $10,000 – $14,000. This price range may or may not include installation costs, depending on the stair lift manufacturer.
Installation costs alone range between $1,000 – $5,000 for curved stair lifts, with the average cost being around $3,500. This cost is usually factored into the final price, but it can be separate if you’re installing a used stair lift.
Curved stair lifts are generally more expensive because they require more complex measurements and installation processes. From the need for power swivel seats to custom-measuring railings, the extra time, labor, and features bump up the overall price.
While the ideal stair lift for yourself or your family member depends on the exact home and staircase layout, we generally recommend getting a new curved stair lift. This is because curved stair lifts often require custom measurements, which are easier to achieve when you’re manufacturing from scratch.
Curved stair lift maintenance—routine inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and battery checks—costs between $100 – $400 annually. You can help prevent costly repairs by:
• Wiping down the rail and chair upholstery weekly
• Keeping an eye out for loose bolts or odd noises
• Applying lubrication as recommended by the stair lift manufacturer
• Scheduling an annual inspection
Help us improve our cost data! Email your latest curved stair lift quote to [email protected]. Your personal details will always remain completely confidential.