NE Ohio Stairlift FAQs
What is the Cost of a Stairlift?
Our 2024 costs for a new standard indoor Rave 2 stairlift installation averaged around $3,400; i.e., some more, some less. Prices vary due to options chosen by homeowners, or anomalies in their stairway. Before calling for a ballpark estimate for on your straight run stairlift installation, we ask that you review the next FAQ, What Constitutes a Standard Installation?
Curved stairlifts, which are custom made for the stairway, are harder to ballpark via the phone. However, some basic curved stairlift installations can start below $11K. And if you text us some photos, we’ll try and get you an idea of what you may be in for.
What constitutes a Standard Stairlift Installation?
Several factors drive the price of a standard straight indoor stairlift installation:
- The total load is less than 350 lbs. (e.g., 330 lb. person + 19 lbs. groceries.
- The step tread depths & riser heights on the stairway are all the same.
- The steps are wooden (carpet overlay is OK).
- The total length of the run is 180” (15 ft.) or less.
- There are no doors at either the top or bottom of the stairs.
- There is grounded 115V 15-amp service at either the top or the bottom of the run.
As for a standard curved stairlift installation, the following points are in addition to the factors listed above for straight runs:
- rider capacity up to 275 lbs.
- one 90-degree bend
- total track run of 16 feet (or less)
Note: The recommended minimum stairway width is 29”(i.e., distance between wall and railing, or railings and railings). Taller riders may require more space, as their knees may contact the opposite wall.
Will Medicare Help Pay for a Stairlift?
Unfortunately, stairlift additions fall into the category of remodeling, so Medicare will not reimburse. If you itemize taxes however, check with you tax preparer.
Veterans who served, and not necessarily in combat, during the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. conflicts should contact the VA for possible funding. (This benefit generally extends to their spouses). Also, some communities such as Lakewood, Shaker Heights & the Geauga County Department on Aging offer some financial assistance to qualified seniors for home improvements that address accessibility in their homes. In 2022, Cuyahoga homeowners with property values up to $250K can apply for a low interest (0% – 3% / 10 yr. 2022) loans through the Cuyahoga County Housing Enhancement Loan Program available at most Key & Huntington Banks.
Will Installing a Stairlift Damage My Walls?
Our lifts are installed onto the steps with support brackets which are secured to your steps with screws.
What are the Warranties for the Rave 2 & Infinity II Stairlifts?
Both the Rave 2 and Infinity II stairlifts come with a 2 yr. warranty on all components, except batteries, which are for 1 yr. In addition, we offer 1 yr. complementary service for the replacement of components covered under their respective warranty terms.
Are Your Stairlifts Made in America?
Our RAVE 2 is made by Harmar in Sarasota, Florida and is comparable to the Harmar SL-600 model. The Infinity II is built in the UK.
What About Used or Refurbished Stairlifts?
While our new Rave2 stairlifts come with 2 yr. warranties, we do occasionally buy and refurbish lightly used Rave2 and Harmar stairlifts. And when in stock, we may be able to offer you substantial savings and peace of mind to those that you may find online.
What Are the Electrical Requirements?
Our lifts operate off batteries which are charged from standard household 115-volt, 15-amp grounded (3-prong) outlet. This outlet can be located at either the bottom or the top of the stairs. The electric source is needed to charge the stairlift’s batteries. We strongly recommend using a surge protector rated for at least 1000 joules to safeguard your stairlift. These affordable devices easily plug into standard 110-115V grounded outlets and provide essential protection from power surges for the electronics inside the carriage.
Should We Turn Power Off to Our Stairlift While Away?
If you’re going on a short trip (2-3 weeks) to visit family, friends, or take a vacation, it’s perfectly fine to leave your stairlift powered on. However, if you plan to be away for more than a month, we recommend turning the unit off. On most units, this is accomplished by pushing the red rocker switch (“O” symbol) down. Additionally, if your stairlift is not connected to a surge protector, consider unplugging it to prevent potential electrical damage. And to avoid confusion upon your return and reduce the likelihood of a service call, you may want to leave a note on the seat reminding yourself that the unit has been powered off.
Will the Door at the Top Of My Stairs Close?
Yes, in most cases there is no problem. However, a door at the bottom of the stairs may require an optional folding rail assembly to operate properly.
How Do You Get Off the Stairlift at the Top of the Stairs?
Our lifts are equipped with seat swivel levers that allow you to twist and turn the seat 90 degrees and locked towards the hall, room, or landing at the end of the run. This ensures that your feet are securely on the landing and that the seat will not move. For clients with restricted twisting mobility, there are powered swivel and footrest options on our RAVE 2 unit.
How Safe and Reliable Are Stairlifts?
Our units come with many safety features including seat belts, over-speed governors (for stopping if the downward speed exceeds the 20 ft / minute limits) and built-in sensors for stopping the unit should the lift incur an obstruction on the track area. Our units are powered by safe DC current, so chances of electrocution and/or a fire is remote.
As for reliability, our units run in power outages. and when installed professionally, operated within load capacities and maintained (i.e., keeping the track rails clean from dirt, pet hair, etc.), your stairlift should operate for years without servicing.
What’s the Best Stairlift?
Ask 10 different stairlift owners, and most likely you’ll get 10 different answers. The short answer is that 99% of the time it’s not the stairlift, but the provider of the product. We are local and our stairlifts are our livelihood. Any concern that you may have regarding your stairlift, we’re glad to help. We are proud that Harmar, the US manufacturer of our Rave2, (a private label clone of the Harmar SL600), has earned top ratings over the last several years with Retirement Living.
How Long Does the Installation Take?
A professional straight-run stairlift installation may take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.
Is a Stairlift a DIY Project?
For some people and some models, yes; but expect to spend 6-8 hours on instructional reading/viewing, tool gathering and actual installation. Also be forewarned that: 1) videos and documentation are not necessarily synchronized or up to date with the latest engineering changes; 2) the company’s world-wide call-in support “team” at most is no greater than two or three individuals and 3) this team is not available evenings nor weekends. 4) Moreover, call-in priority is first given to their subcontracted installers, which puts DIY’ers in the back of their que. 5) Finally, any damage incurred to the drive carriage or components during your installation are your responsibilities and may void your warranty.
Why Do Ameriglide Stairlifts Cost Less?
The US stairlift industry is very competitive and regulated by certain mandated federal safety laws. As a result, stairlifts are rather homogeneous. To complete, stairlift companies have developed various business models:
Some companies use traditional brick & mortar dealer showrooms. These lift dealers not only have sales and service payrolls, but also rent / lease, inventory, franchise, utility and insurance expenses as well.
In an attempt to achieve brand name recognition, e.g. Acorn and Easy Climber, use extensive TV and/or printed advertising campaigns. Their sales reps are commissioned, not employed by the brand. Installations as well are then handed over to a commissioned third-party subcontractor.
In both cases, brand-name advertising or dealer showrooms, each strategy ultimately results in higher prices for the customer.
In 2001, Ameriglide adopted a factory-direct business model: i.e., buying lifts in volume from major name-brand lift manufactures and rebranding them under their name. This eliminates overhead costs such as engineering, manufacturing, marketing, franchise fees, inventory and distribution. In doing so, Ameriglide can offer lower prices and achieve greater market share. For example, our Ameriglide RAVE2 stairlift is actually a Harmar Pinnacle SL600 that Harmar offers as carrying a life-time warranty!
Are You Located Near Me?
We normally serve a 40-mile radius emanating from the eastside of Cleveland’s that, includes the counties of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, plus the cities of Stow, Hudson and other nearby northern Summit county communities.
Do You Remove, Buy, or Sell Used (Pre-Owned) Stairlifts?
While we offer free removal services for our installed units, we’ll also remove Comfort Lift, Harmar 300 & 600 pinnacle stairlifts at the going rate. (The removal of other brands may require destructive methods, rendering the unit unsalvageable.) When purchasing used stairlifts, we are highly selective, due to the significant costs associated with refurbishing, storing, and providing warranties for used models. If you are interested in a pre-owned stairlift, please contact us. We may have one in inventory. Finally, to those hoping to resell their used unit, it will be a long, daunting, if not futile, process – even if it is competitively priced. For guidance, please read our blog: Obstacles to Selling a Pre-owned (Used) Stairlift