Why trust us

Key Takeaways 

• AmeriGlide offers three types of stair lifts: straight stair lifts for non-curved staircases that can be self-installed, curved stair lifts that require custom fitting and professional installation, and outdoor stair lifts. 
• AmeriGlide stair lifts cost between $2,000–$12,440 before installation. The company also sells used and factory-reconditionedⓘ A product that’s been returned to the manufacturer, tested, and repaired to a like-new condition stair lifts starting at $1,999. 
• All of AmeriGlide’s stair lifts feature swivel seats, push controls, folding seats, and footrest obstruction sensors.

Falls prevention isn’t just a one-time thing—you can take action every day to lessen your falls risk. Simple things you can do regularly to lower your falls risk: exercising, making your home safer, and going to the doctor. 

Investing in a stair lift is another way to help lower your risk of falling. Stair lift chairs are motorized seats that travel up and down on a rail securely bolted to your steps.

AmeriGlide is a leading stair lift manufacturer and was our pick for “Best Value” in our roundup of the best stair lifts. The company offers outdoor stair lifts and both straight and curved indoor stair lifts, including a fully customizable curved option that is fitted to your staircase and can go up multiple stories. All of the straight stair lifts can be self-installed, while the curved lifts require professional installation that is not included in the purchase price. You can also pay a starting price of $550 to have the straight lifts installed professionally.

The company manufactures its own stair lifts but also sells a few other stair lift brands. You can purchase a stair lift from the AmeriGlide website, or you can visit a local retailer, although locations are limited. 

When we surveyed 600 people who bought a stair lift in the last three years, 75% of respondents said they were “extremely satisfied” or “satisfied” overall with their AmeriGlide stair lift.

Since buyers reported such high satisfaction, we wanted to investigate further. In this AmeriGlide stair lifts review, our Reviews Team summarizes the company’s pros and cons and examines each model to help you decide whether AmeriGlide is right for you.

AmeriGlide Rave 2 Straight Stair Lift

Our expert take on the AmeriGlide Rave 2 Straight Stair Lift 

The Rave 2 is the most affordable stair lift from AmeriGlide, with a weight capacity of 350 pounds. Three other AmeriGlide stair lifts can also handle up to 350 pounds, but the Rave 2 is the least expensive. We also like that the Rave 2 has the second-longest track length on this list (up to 70 feet, while the Rave Curved goes up to 164 feet).

With the low cost comes a few trade-offs. The Rave 2 is a fairly basic model that only comes in a straight track, so it won’t work for curved staircases. The Rave 2 is also attached to the stairs rather than the wall to make installation easier. So while we like that it’s self-installable, we worry that attaching the track to the stairs may take up more space than attaching to the wall and end up creating a trip hazard. And we appreciate the possible cost savings from being able to install yourself, but our Reviews Team recommends paying for a professional installation for your peace of mind. Installation costs start at $550 and vary based on location, track length, and stair configuration. 

Our Reviews Team spoke with Eva Lassey PT, DPT, and CEO of DrSensory in Henderson, Nevada, who shared the stair lift features users should look for. “I recommend a sturdy and comfortable seat, safety sensors to detect obstructions, easy-to-use controls, a reliable battery backup system, and a compact design to ensure it does not impede the use of the stairs by others,” she said. The Rave 2 seat folds up to only 11 inches, features a swivel seat, and has footrest obstruction sensors. 

Customer reviews on AmeriGlide Stair Lifts

“The Rave lift is sturdy, comfortable and has allowed me to be more independent. Now, even if I am feeling bad and can not breathe well I will be able to get upstairs from my basement apartment to get to Dr. Appointments without stressing my family (physically and mentally).”

— J. S., verified buyer

“Works great, takes 35 seconds to come from the bottom to the top.” 

—Hellen C., verified buyer

AmeriGlide Rubex AC Stair Lift

Our expert take on the AmeriGlide Rubex AC Stair Lift 

The Rubex AC Stair Lift is a step-up from the Rave 2, with a higher price but extra safety features, like safety sensors on the footrest that won’t let the lift operate until the footrest is in the right position (facing forward), a seat belt that stays locked until the stair lift stops moving, and the ability to instantly reverse rather than wait until the chair has reached the end of the track. 

The Rubex AC only works for straight stairs and can also be self-installed like the Rave 2. But unlike the Rave 2, the Rubex has a slightly larger seat at 14 inches (compared to the 11-inch seat in the Rave 2) and only goes up 25 feet rather than the Rave 2’s 70 feet.

Customer reviews on AmeriGlide Stair Lifts

“Installed it in about four hours. There are some very helpful videos on You Tube for the installation steps. It has been in operation for about 2 weeks now. So far, so good. No problems.”

–R.J., verified buyer

“We bought a Rubex Electric Powered Stair Lift online through Ameriglide. We couldn’t be more pleased! It was the best experience from start to finish. The salesman (Justin) was so pleasant, friendly and helpful. The installer was excellent. The stair lift works great and has given my husband back his hobby (making pool cues), because now he can get down to his workshop. Plus, by using AmeriGlide, we saved a lot of money!”

–Penny R., verified buyer

Harmar Pinnacle Stair Lift-HD

Our expert take on the Harmar Pinnacle Stair Lift 

The Harmar Pinnacle Stair Lift is sold by AmeriGlide but manufactured by Harmar, a company that sells its own stair lifts. It’s a straight, indoor stair lift that’s more than twice the price of the two previous AmeriGlide models, but comes with extra features like a bigger seat at 24 inches (compared to 11 and 14 inches with the Rave 2 and Rubex AC, respectively), a longer track length (40 feet compared to 25 feet with the Rubex AC), and a higher weight capacity (600 pounds). 

While the Harmar Pinnacle is the most expensive straight lift on this list, it has the highest weight capacity by 250 pounds. That’s why we think the Harmar Pinnacle could be a good option for higher-weight people. But it’s worth noting the Harmar Pinnacle costs about $4,350 more than the next highest-priced indoor model, the Rubex AC. 

For more information, see our in-depth Harmar stair lifts review.

AmeriGlide Infinity Curved Stair Lift 

Our expert take on the AmeriGlide Infinity Curved Stair Lift 

The AmeriGlide Infinity Curved Stair Lift is the least-expensive curved stair lift on this list by more than $4,000. Because it is curved, it does require professional installation. Professional installation starts at $550 but varies widely depending on track length, stair configuration, your location, and other factors. 

Our Reviews Team loves the digital display that reads out the status of the lift, any diagnostic issues the chair has, and how to fix them. About 30% of all respondents to our survey of stair lift buyers said they experienced some kind of mechanical malfunction with their lift, so we like that this model comes with a digital display to make those malfunctions easier to spot and fix.

Our Reviews Team also likes the extra customization options with the Infinity. Most AmeriGlide stair lifts only come in one or two colors, but the Infinity has five vinyl seat colors to choose from. Since 55% of respondents to our survey said fabric and upholstery options were “very important” or “important” to them, we appreciate that the Infinity lift comes with more selections.

One downside to the AmeriGlide Infinity: Because it’s a curved stair lift, it has a lower weight capacity at 275 pounds. Curved stair lifts usually have lower weight capacities because when the chair moves around curves the rails need extra support to handle that motion. 

But if you have a curved staircase and don’t need a weight capacity above 275 pounds, the Infinity could be a good choice.

AmeriGlide Rave Curved HD Stair Lift 

Our expert take on the AmeriGlide Rave Curved HD Stair Lift 

The Rave Curved HD is the most expensive stair lift on this list (indoor or curved), but has a higher weight capacity at 350 pounds than the other curved stair lift (the Infinity at 275 pounds). It also has the longest track length at 164 feet, meaning it can go up more than two stories. This is the only stair lift on this list that can go above two stories. 

Unlike other stair lifts on this list consisting of pre-made tracks that are attached together, the Rave Curved HD is a completely custom product, meaning it’s non-returnable and requires professional installation. The installation price is included in the shipping price. 

When choosing a stair lift, Lassey, the physical therapist in Henderson, Nevada, noted that “customizable rails for unique staircase configurations and a smooth, quiet operation” are “important considerations.” The Rave Curved HD Stair Lift has both features and is the only fully customizable stair lift on this list.

Pros and cons of AmeriGlide Stair Lifts   

Pros

• Professional installation is available for all models
• Self-installation available on straight stair lifts (although we always recommend professional installation)
• Used and factory-reconditionedⓘ A product that’s been returned to the manufacturer, tested, and repaired to a like-new condition stair lifts can be purchased at discounted rates

Cons

• No returns available for curved stair lifts
• The curved models have maximum weight limits of 275–350 lbs 
• Some reviews mention self-installation was challenging 

How much do AmeriGlide Stair Lifts cost?

AmeriGlide stair lifts cost between $1,999–$12,440, before installation. The Infinity Curve and the Rave Curved HD Stair Lift are the most expensive stair lifts the company sells because they are custom-fit to a user’s home and can fit curved staircases. The Rave 2 is the most affordable AmeriGlide stair lift at $2,095.

AmeriGlide also sells factory-reconditioned stair lifts starting at $1,999. You have to call the company directly at 855-734-3383 to check availability for factory-reconditioned stair lifts. 

The straight stair lifts can be self-installed. If you prefer to have the lift installed professionally, the cost starts at $550, and AmeriGlide notes that concrete, tile, or steel staircases may have an additional cost. Installation usually takes one to three hours.

The curved stair lifts require professional installation, which is not reflected in the purchase price. The installation price is built into the shipping cost and calculated at checkout. There are also additional costs to owning a stair lift, like ongoing maintenance. According to AmeriGlide, their stair lifts only require a battery change every three to five years, and the company requires you to call 855-0734-3383 for a quote on a battery change. 

Insurance coverage

Most health insurance plans will not cover the cost of a stair lift to be installed in the home. But some private plans may offer coverage, and in some situations, Medicaid has a waiver program that can be used to help cover the cost of a stair lift if it is necessary for someone to stay in their home. 

Financial assistance

AmeriGlide also provides some information on disabled veterans’ assistance—the Department of Veterans Affairs offers cash grants to qualified veterans with disabilities that may be used to cover the cost of a stair lift. Nationwide programs like Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together can also help find low-cost or used stair lifts for those who need them. These organizations also rely on volunteers who can install the stair lifts at little or no cost. Ask your local Habitat for Humanity or Rebuild Together for more information.

Financing options

AmeriGlide does offer a financing plan through Bread, which is a loan program through Comenity Capital Bank. Rates range from 6.99%–29.99% APR, per $1,000 borrowed. The exact interest rate you receive through Bread will vary depending on credit qualifications, loan amount, and term.

Warranty

New AmeriGlide stair lifts come with a two-year warranty on parts and drivetrain, while factory-reconditioned and used stair lifts have a one-year warranty on parts and drivetrain. Batteries have a 30-day warranty. 

How to buy AmeriGlide Stair Lifts

You can purchase any of AmeriGlide’s stair lifts—including used and factory-reconditionedⓘ A product that’s been returned to the manufacturer, tested, and repaired to a like-new condition options—directly online. All of the stair lifts specify their track information online, which you can use to see if the lift is a fit for your stairs. Or, if you prefer, you can use the store locator to find an in-person retailer near you. You can also call AmeriGlide at 855-636-9829 for a free quote. Our Reviews Team likes the option to buy online or in-store, so you can research online before you visit in-person. Note that stores are mostly located in the Midwest and East Coast.

New stair lifts ship in three to five business days, while factory reconditioned units ship in 10 business days. If you order a used stair lift, AmeriGlide notes it typically takes 10 business days to recondition the unit and get it shipped. 

Brand contact and payment information

Customer service

You can reach AmeriGlide by:

• Customer service: Call 800-580-0831, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or email customerservice@ameriglide.com

• Technical support: Call 800-791-6419, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or email techsupport@ameriglide.com

• Sales: Call 800-790-1635, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, or email sales@ameriglide.com

Returns

AmeriGlide’s return policy varies by product. Curved stair lifts are custom-made, so they cannot be returned. 

The straight stair lifts, on the other hand, are semi-custom made, with the track cut to the staircase length, so they can be returned, with some conditions:

• Returns on AmeriGlide straight stair lifts are accepted within five business days of receipt with a 15% restocking fee calculated from the gross selling price (not on sale prices). Returns will also be charged a $398 outbound freight expense, which is the responsibility of the buyer.

• To make a return, buyers must call AmeriGlide to get a return authorization form with return instructions before shipping the unit out. The return authorization will provide exact instructions on the return process.

• If you cancel your order for a straight stair lift before it has shipped and before the track has been cut, you can receive a full refund. If you cancel your order after the track has been cut, you will be charged a $200 fee for track preparation and boxing.

Payment options

Credit card payment options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Other options include PayPal and interest-based financing through Bread.

Compare AmeriGlide stair lifts, as of 2024

Bottom line

We found AmeriGlide to be the fourth most commonly purchased stair lift in our survey of 600 stair lift users, with 75% of respondents saying they were “extremely satisfied” or “satisfied” overall with their AmeriGlide stair lift.

AmeriGlide has the benefit of in-person state locations or direct website ordering and shipping, which makes buying a stair lift easier. AmeriGlide’s straight stair lifts can be self-installed, or professional installation can be ordered starting at $550. 

We liked the range of prices AmeriGlide offers, as well as its option to purchase used and factory-reconditioned stair lifts (used stair lifts which have been repaired to a “like-new” condition), which come with the potential to save thousands of dollars.

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare pay for stair lifts?

Medicare does not typically pay for stair lifts. Some Medicaid programs will provide a waiver to help with the cost of a stair lift, and there are cash grant programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs to help qualified disabled veterans pay for mobility aids in their homes.

Are AmeriGlide stair lifts reliable?

AmeriGlide stair lifts are reliable. NCOA’s survey of 600 stair lift users found AmeriGlide was the fourth most commonly used stair lift.

Is there an alternative to a stair lift?

Depending on mobility needs, there are alternatives to stair lifts. For instance, home elevators, ramps, platform lifts, stair and handrails, stair climbers, and home renovations can all be used to make a home more accessible.

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

1. NCOA Adviser. NCOA Stair Lift Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched July 2024