Affordable Stair Lift Installation & Repairs in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin

Not all stairlifts are created equal. Be sure to understand the differences as it can save you time and frustration in the long run.  DME Elevators & Lifts reviews all available Stair Lifts in the market to ensure we carry only those lifts with time-tested reliability, refined operation, and suitable safety features.

Demanding Stair Lift Standards

Excellence in Elevation means DME screens chairlifts to ensure these are reliable, refined, and safe.  Much goes into our testing process, however, we summarize key elements below.  Be sure your chairlift meets these standards.

• Smooth gliding action: Rack and pinion motor for gentle starts and stops and smooth, consistent movement

• Total swivel seats: Automatic swivel seats are available with a folding chair and footrest space to maximize stairway travel

• Battery backup: Assured continuous travel even in the event of a power outage with automatic battery recharging

• Refined safety: Safety sensors, levers, and locks designed for secure control while also safe around children and pets

• Dual call/send controls: Enables remote unaccompanied movement, helpful for storing the lifts at other levels, for multiple users, or moving light objects

• Low impact brackets: Narrow rail attaches to stair treads – not the wall – with few brackets for a clean look and easy removal

• Assured installation: Only trained and certified technicians are permitted to install our stair lifts.   No hired labor, sub-contractors, or do-it-yourself installation

These are but a few standards with a host of optional features to meet any physical and space requirements, such as power chair swivels, automatic folding footrests, folding rails, and much more.  Equally important, our chairs can match any home décor seamlessly.  Remember, not all stairlifts are created equal.  See below the different types of stair lifts and common features we carry.

DME carries stair lifts for every configuration of a stairway from straight to curved. We can work with tight areas, such as when doors are located near the top or bottom of stairs.  We also carry weather-resistant outdoor stair lifts. Oftentimes with one call, we can identify the right type of stair lift, thereafter making an in-home mobility assessment to ensure the right fit for you.   Here we share some of the key features of stair lifts.

Straight Stair Lifts

Straight stairways of almost any length can be accommodated.  A chairlift can be placed on the right or left-hand side, depending upon the best fit for you and the home.

Automatic folding rails are also used where at the bottom of the stairs you require a clear walkway for safe easy movement from one room to another.

Outdoor stair lifts are also a practical solution for elevated entrances.  Our line of outdoor chairs was selected specifically for the extremes of Midwest weather conditions.

Curved Stair Lifts

No matter how unique the stairway, rest assured a curved stair lift can be tailored to match.  The curved nature of the rail allows the chair the utmost flexibility for resting placement at the top and bottom of your stairs.

The patented chair provides for an exceptionally smooth and continuous ride regardless of the curvature of your stairway.

Split-level homes, common here in the Midwest, having two half-flight staircases with a landing, may be fitted with either a single curved stair lift or two straight stair lifts.   We can discuss with you the merits of each option.

Design

Our chairs are available in a wide array of covers and colors ranging from leather to fabric and even easy-to-clean vinyl.  The available colors are sure to match your décor.

Straight Stair Lifts

To have a straight stair lift installed in your home you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,000. Most homeowners choose a model in the $3,000 to $4,500 range.

On the upper end of the range, you’ll find models designed to blend into a home like fine furniture, featuring leather covers and additional safety and convenience features such as automatic folding footrest, power swivel seat, and automatic folding rails where needed.

At the lower end of the range, you may find one of the better models available in a reconditioned version.  New stair lifts at the lower end of the price range can provide basic transportation up and down your stairs, yet still with safety and practicality, though maybe absent certain options you require.

Be aware, that the internet is littered with offers for chairlifts at unrealistic prices.  Most often these are very small operators offering older used chairs, newer yet stripped-down models from a single manufacturer, and lacking any scale or capacity to provide trained installation, parts inventory, or ongoing service.  Oftentimes these are sold as do-it-yourself, claiming simplicity yet placing the sale above safety.  Learn more below about avoiding scams.

Curved Stair Lifts

We carry models to fit virtually any set of stairs.  For curved staircases, each rail is custom designed and crafted to your unique dimensions.  Further, the drive systems are designed for curved movement rather than a straight, even-sloped path of standard straight stair lifts.  Thus, curved units begin at $12,000 and vary for the number of flights and additional options.

While curved stair lifts are more complex and carry a higher cost than straight stair lifts, the alternatives are typically less desirable such as moving to a single-story residence or risking injury where assistance is required.

Furthermore, some customers, who have a split-level staircase or a 90-degree angle in otherwise straight stairs, opt for two straight stair lifts rather than a single curved one.  In some cases, two straight stair lifts can work whereas in other cases the curved is much better suited. Meeting with our stair lift advisors can help to clarify the options.

Simply contact us or provide your information and we’ll contact you.  Feel free to visit our Design Centers to view and ride firsthand our various demonstrator models.

All rentals are straight stair lifts and in excellent condition. When renting a stair lift, service and maintenance visits are included without additional charge for added convenience.

To learn more about your options, visit our Stair Lift Rentals page or contact us directly.  We will take the time to explain the rental options available and our team will work with you to find a time to visit your home and provide you with a free stair lift survey.  You can rely on DME to help you determine if a rental stair lift is right for you.

Identifying and Avoiding Scams

Internet-based fraud is endemic, having spread to stair lifts and targeting potentially vulnerable people. The AEMA is an independent non-profit organization formed in 1990 to meet the needs of accessibility equipment manufacturers, distributors, and end users. The AEMA has monitored sales practices in the industry to identify scams and unsafe practices which act to confound end users and, worse yet, place end users at risk without their knowledge. The AEMA has issued warnings regarding internet-based scams which are available as a link here.

There are a select few providers who, like DME, are reputable and deliver quality products and services. Below are a few tips drawn from the experience of AEMA, DME, and a number of our trusted affiliate partners. These may help you to avoid untrustworthy businesses.

Low-ball price on new Stair Lifts

A good straight stair lift costs several thousand dollars. However, some bargains offered today are truly too good to be true.  Inevitably, these businesses cut corners which has the potential to cause real harm. First, many of these are for ‘do-it-yourself’ installation, representing the process as ‘easy.’ The fact is that installing a track involves technical expertise in the chair’s internal systems as well as precise measurement, wiring, and stair construction. Getting installation wrong exposes you to an unacceptable risk of harm.

Secondly, internet companies lacking installers will use a local handyman who’s neither trained nor successfully installed stair lifts previously. The risks here are the same as self-installation. Once more, the local handyman is not qualified to maintain or service, nor will have access to parts to complete repairs.

Unbelievable deals on used Stair Lifts

Certain stair lifts can be viable as used stair lifts. These include lifts from high-grade manufacturers and models which are not excessively aged. When buying a used lift you need to have the confidence it will last and provide a suitable level of safety. Only a professional dealer can discern which lifts are appropriate as used stair lifts and have the capacity to recondition and service consistently.

Operators who offer only used stair lifts, or mostly used lifts, as if these are bargain automobiles are best to be avoided.

Fly-by-night operators

The internet allows individuals to present themselves as large organizations, particularly when located out of state or outside your community. Many of these operators, in fact, do not have full-service facilities, may lack proper training, and oftentimes do not carry the requisite insurance to be installing and servicing stair lifts in the home. It’s important to establish the validity and scope of the business.

Stannah – Excellence, Experience, Trust

Founded in 1867, Stannah Stair Lifts is a fifth-generation family business, where customer service, quality, and safety come first. We have been challenging and setting standards in Stair Lift design for more than 40 years. With over 600,000 satisfied customers, Stannah is a name you can trust!

The Stannah Difference

• Your Safety is Our Priority
  Key safety features are offered as standard on our chairs
• The Highest Quality Standards
  A manufacturer with nearly 150 years of experience in the lifting industry
• Skilled Technicians
  We train local technicians to ensure your lift is installed to factory specification
• Excellent Warranty
  For complete peace of mind, all registered new products will receive a lifetime parts warranty on the motor and gearbox

Take Control of Your Stairs