Mobility issues due to age make it difficult for seniors to climb stairs or reach places located at an elevation. Fortunately, modern technology has ensured that such issues are not impediments to enjoying panoramic views or navigating to higher floors. Mobile stairlifts are mechanical devices designed to carry a person with mobility issues up and down the stairs. In this article, we’ll explore mobile stairlifts, their features, types, and new prices for seniors in 2024.

Functions of a mobile stairlift
While mobile stairlifts have been around since the 1930s, they have evolved considerably with technological advancement over the years. These days, most mobile stairlifts are battery-operated, with the batteries getting automatically charged. So one doesn’t have to worry about charging the device frequently. All stairlifts are equipped with seatbelts, so once the user sets the footrest down and sits down on the stairlift, s/he needs to fasten the seatbelt and turn on the button on the armrest or remote control. As a result, the cog is turned, and the chair begins to move to help the senior navigate up or down a flight of stairs.

Types of mobile stairlifts, features, and prices
Standing or perching stairlifts
These stairlifts are ideal for those who can walk on flat surfaces but need help with climbing stairs. Users support themselves with their body weight for the most part, but the stairlift also contains an elevated seat, armrests, and a footplate for additional support. This stairlift moves along the tracks or between the floors and is useful for those with knee or hip problems who find it difficult to sit and bend. A professional engineer must be called in once a year to service these stairlifts and ensure that they are in good condition all year round. A perch stairlift for seniors costs anywhere from $2,500 to $20,000, depending on whether the staircase is straight or perched and the number of steps.

Straight-seated stairlifts
Straight-seated stairlift is the most common type of stairlift that isn’t curved. These stairlifts are widely popular in homes and other settings due to their abundance in markets. They have swivel seats that provide ease in sitting and rising from the chair. Some of these stairlifts also come with mechanical swivels, which are ideal for those who find it difficult to manually move the seat. Straight-seated stairlifts also have textured footrests, which prevent skidding. Additionally, a call-send panel is available at both the base and top elevations of the stairway.

These stairways are installed within two to three days if minimal customization is required. However, the process may take longer for those who want specific, tailor-made, straight-seated stairlifts. These types of stairlifts are priced from $2,000 to $9,000. The indoor ones are more affordable for seniors, whereas the external ones may be slightly more expensive because factors like climatic conditions have to be considered.

Curved-seated stairlifts
As the name suggests, these stairlifts are ideal for homes with curved stairways extending over two or more floors. Most of these stairlifts are battery-operated, and they are equipped with foldable arms and footrests. As with other stairlifts, the installation time for curved-seated stairlifts depends on the level of customization one needs. A remote control is also installed on each floor so that one can easily call the stairlift to the floor one is on. Some other features include brakes to halt as required, safety sensors to stop the stairlift if there’s any obstacle on the way, and charging points on either end of the stairway. Since curved-seated stairlifts take up more time than other stairlifts to be manufactured and installed, they are slightly more expensive, priced from $9,500 to $25,000.

Ways to buy affordable stairlifts for seniors
While some stairlifts are more affordable than others, the type of stairlift to buy depends largely on the requirements. So, before making a decision, one should research thoroughly how much a stairlift for seniors will cost in 2024 and the features included in stairlifts by different brands. However, if one cannot afford a brand-new stairlift, the next best option is to either buy a pre-owned stairlift or rent one.

Rented stairlifts
Rented straight stairlifts may cost anywhere between $200 and $500, whereas curved counterparts may cost from $1,500 to $5,000, which is much more affordable than buying a stairlift. Stairlift rentals are also great options if one needs a stairlift only on a temporary basis because of an injury or relocation. On the other hand, if one has a permanent disability or mobility issue, it is best to buy portable stairlifts as they are easy to transport across long distances and are ideal for seniors. Before buying, check for senior portable stairlift prices in 2024 and buy from brands that offer the best features.

Pre-owned stairlifts
Another good option is to buy a pre-owned stairlift, which may cost around $2,000 to $3,000. These are also highly affordable avenues, but one should ensure that these stairlifts are in good working condition. Also, sometimes, pre-owned stairlifts of the particular type one needs may not be easily available.

Mobile stairlifts for seniors ensure that one is not restricted by joint problems or other mobility issues with age. However, before buying a mobile stairlift, consult a healthcare professional regarding the type of stairlift that would be best suited to one’s health condition and the type of stairway in one’s home.