How to Make Stairs Handicap Accessible

Updated July 2026

Mobility limitations affect at least 1 in 8 adults. As a result, many homeowners and building owners want to learn how to make stairs handicap accessible.

Stairs present an obstacle for many people in both private homes and public buildings. The right support will depend on the user’s mobility level, whether wheelchair access is required, the available space, and whether the setting is residential or commercial.

Let’s explore several proven options that make it easier to move safely between floors.

Key Takeaways

• Stair chairs, ramps, vertical platform lifts, and elevators are all potential ways to improve stair accessibility.
• Wheelchair users require a ramp, a vertical platform lift, or an elevator rather than a stair chair.
• Space constraints often determine whether a ramp or lift system is the most workable option.
• A professional assessment ensures compliance with local codes and safety regulations.

1. Stair Lifts

Also known as a stair chair or stairway chairlift, a stair lift is a motorized device that transports a seated user up and down a staircase. The chair is attached to a rail, which is secured directly to the stair treads rather than to the wall. Stair lifts are available in straight or curved versions and can be customized to fit many staircase layouts.

Stair lifts are often the best solution for individuals who do not require a wheelchair but who feel less confident navigating stairs safely.

Why stair lifts are a strong accessibility choice

Stair lifts do not require major construction. In most circumstances, professional stair lift installation takes less than one day. Additionally, their compact design allows the seat and footrest to fold when not in use. This allows other people to walk up and down the staircase safely. Stair lifts are also convenient because they can be installed in a wide variety of scenarios, including narrow staircases and stairs with curves or landings.

However, it’s important to note that stair lifts are designed for seated passengers and do not transport wheelchairs.

What about if the user has a wheelchair?

One of the most common related questions on this topic is: How do you get a wheelchair up stairs? For full-time wheelchair users, safe and practical long-term solutions include:

• Installing a ramp for small rises with sufficient square footage
• Installing a vertical platform lift that travels straight up and down
• Installing a home elevator (if in a residential setting)
• Installing a LULA elevator or passenger elevator (if in a commercial setting)
  

Carrying a wheelchair up stairs or using stair-climbing equipment may work in some cases, but it usually requires help from another person. Plus, these options are often better suited for short-term accessibility needs. For safe, reliable access between floors, a lift or home elevator is a better long-term option.

2. Ramps

For outdoor stairs or small elevation changes, a ramp creates a gradual path that lets wheelchair users travel independently.

In public settings, ramp slope guidelines typically require 12 inches of horizontal run for every 1 inch of vertical rise. For example, a two-foot rise in a commercial setting may require approximately 24 feet of ramp, not including intermediate landings.

Private residences may have flexibility for different design considerations, but ramps still require a much larger footprint when compared to lift systems.

Why ramps can be effective

For exterior entrances with one or two steps, ramps can create a straightforward fix. They are available in materials such as aluminum and wood and can be customized to match the surrounding architecture.

Keep in mind that ramps require physical effort from wheelchair users, especially on long slopes. In areas with snow or ice, they must also be cleared to stay safe (and ADA compliant). Because ramps take up a large footprint, they are usually not workable inside homes with multiple levels.

3. Vertical Platform Lifts 

Vertical platform lifts, often called wheelchair platform lifts, can be another great accessibility solution for both homes and commercial buildings. Unlike stair lifts that travel along the staircase, vertical platform lifts move straight up and down. The user remains seated in the wheelchair on a secure platform during travel.

In residential settings, vertical platform lifts are commonly installed in garages, on decks, and at porch entrances. They are also frequently used indoors and outdoors in public buildings.

Why vertical platform lifts are effective

When elevators are impractical or cost-prohibitive, vertical platform lifts offer a space-efficient alternative to ramps. These systems can supply up to 14 feet of vertical travel in both residential and commercial applications. And, because the platform is large enough for a wheelchair, no transfer is required.

4. Home Elevators

Home elevators allow easy vertical movement between floors in a private residence. Like commercial elevators, they operate at the push of a button and typically travel within their own small shaft.

Home elevators are often installed in multi-level homes during aging-in-place renovations and in custom home builds where long-term, safe access is a priority.

Why home elevators are a great handicap-accessible tool

Home elevators eliminate the need to navigate stairs entirely. They deliver smooth, controlled travel and can be customized with finishes that complement the home’s design. For households with ongoing mobility needs, a home elevator provides convenient vertical access with a touch of luxury.

5. LULA Elevators

A limited-use, limited-application (LULA) elevator is a compact elevator designed primarily for commercial buildings where a full-size passenger elevator may not be feasible. LULA elevators are commonly installed in small businesses, churches, restaurants, and community facilities.

Why LULA elevators are effective

These systems require less space than traditional commercial elevators and are generally more cost-effective. LULA elevators can carry loads exceeding 1,000 pounds, which is greater than the weight capacity of stair lifts and wheelchair platform lifts.

For small commercial buildings that require handicap accessibility, LULA elevators can be a practical and code-compliant answer.

Other mobility considerations

In addition to lifts and elevators, a few alternative strategies may be considered depending on the situation.

One option sometimes considered is the “stair-climbing” wheelchair. Stair-climbing wheelchairs use a motorized mechanism to navigate steps, often with assistance from an attendant. These systems require training and are generally used in limited or specialized situations rather than as permanent accessibility solutions.

Finding the Right Accessibility Strategy

When deciding how to make stairs handicap accessible, the right choice depends on the user’s needs, the height between floors, available space, and local building codes.

Choosing the correct system requires understanding how the space will be used, now and in the future. Arrow Lift has more than 40 years of experience helping homeowners and businesses improve safe access between levels. If you are determining how to get a wheelchair up stairs in your home or commercial building, our Team can help you identify what will fit your layout and mobility goals.

Whether you have questions about accessibility requirements or want to browse options with experienced professionals, Arrow Lift is here to help! Contact us today to learn more!

FAQs About Accessibility Solutions for Stairs