For most people, purchasing a stairlift is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unlike purchasing a car, where you know what to expect, it is difficult to know what is “normal” when deciding which stairlift to buy. This article aims to help the many home owners and family members out there who are wondering, “How do I know which stairlift to buy?”

When answering this question, it is important to clarify two common misperceptions about stairlifts. First, stairlifts are not a commodity; in other words, it is NOT “just a chair that goes up and down the stairs.” In fact, there are many differences between stairlifts, in terms of safety, reliability, and ease of use. More on that below. Second, the quality of the stairlift itself is only part of the equation—the quality of the installation and the service after the fact are often even more important!