Stair elevator rental
Stair elevator rental is a monthly fee for a lift the dealer puts in, looks after and collects once you are done with it.
Stair elevator rental terms from US dealers
Since curved rails fit only one staircase, most rentals involve straight lifts. What three national dealers publish appears below.
| Dealer | Monthly rent | To start | Shortest term | Curved stairs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lifeway Mobility | $190–$270 after the first two months | $1,500–$2,500, covering two months, fitting and removal | 2 months | At some branches |
 101 Mobility | $175–$450 | Set by the local branch | 3 months | No |
 Stannah | By quote | You make a single payment covering all labor and the first term. | 6 months (3 in Pennsylvania) | Yes |
Dealers charge about $175 to $500 a month for rent (NCOA). A refundable deposit between $500 and $1,000 is also requested by some (HomeGuide).
Buy versus rent
If the need has an end date, like a few months after hip or knee surgery or a parent who stays for winter, then rent. Renting for a long time can cost more than buying (NCOA).
Buy a lift if you will need it for a long time. New straight lifts cost roughly $2,500 to $5,000 fitted; a used one is about $2,000 to $3,000. Lifeway notes that financing a used lift starting at $79.99 monthly may cost less than renting. Check the full stair elevator cost before you decide.
Many dealers let you rent-to-own, applying your payments to the price if you keep the lift.
Questions to ask before you rent a stair lift
- Does the initial payment include installation and later removal?
- What is the minimum term length, and what occurs when it ends?
- Is a deposit required, and when will it be returned?
- If the lift stops, who shows up, and does the rent cover that?
- Is buying it later an option, and do my past payments count?
Ask about rental options that fit your stairs.
Just call, and a local installer can tell you about their rental options and monthly costs.