Real answers to the questions we hear most — about cost, installation, power outages, servicing, and more. Something missing? Call us and ask.
How much does a stairlift cost?
There’s no one price, because every staircase is different. Straight stairlifts are the most affordable option; curved stairlifts use a custom-built rail and are quoted individually. See our stairlift cost guide for what drives the price — and a free in-home evaluation gives you an exact number.
How long does it take to get a stairlift installed?
A straight stairlift can usually go in soon after your evaluation. A curved stairlift takes longer overall, because the rail is custom-manufactured to your staircase before we can install it.
Does a stairlift attach to the wall? Will it damage my stairs?
No — the rail mounts to the stair treads, not the wall, so there’s no damage to your walls and no structural changes to the house. It uses a small number of brackets to hold the rail in place.
What happens if the power goes out?
Stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries that charge continuously while the lift is parked, so the lift keeps working for a while on battery if the power goes out.
How much weight can a stairlift hold?
Standard residential stairlifts handle most users, and higher-capacity options exist for those who need them. Who’ll be using the lift is one of the first things we talk about at your free evaluation, so we match the right model to the person.
Do you service stairlifts you didn’t sell?
Yes — we service any brand. If your stairlift was installed by another company and now needs repair or maintenance, give us a call and we’ll take a look.
Do you install wheelchair ramps too?
Yes — we sell, install, and service wheelchair ramps along with stairlifts. If a ramp, a stairlift, or both is the better answer for your home, we’ll tell you honestly at the evaluation.
How do I know if I need a straight or curved stairlift?
It depends on the shape of your stairs: straight stairs from top to bottom need a straight lift; any turn, corner, or intermediate landing means a curved one. Our straight vs. curved guide walks through it in detail.
Can a stairlift be used outside?
Yes. We install the Bruno Elite outdoor (SRE-2010E), which is built for weather on exterior stairs and porch steps. If your outdoor stairs have turns, ask us at your evaluation — we’ll figure out the right approach.
Will the stairlift block the stairs for everyone else?
No — the seat, armrests, and footrest fold up out of the way when you’re not using it, leaving the staircase open for everyone else.
What maintenance does a stairlift need?
Very little — stairlifts are built to run for years with basic care. We recommend a periodic check-up to keep everything running smoothly, and since we service any brand, we’re the ones to call.
What kind of warranty comes with a stairlift?
New Bruno stairlifts come with a manufacturer warranty, and we stand behind our installation work — if something we installed isn’t right, we come back and make it right.
Do you offer rentals?
It depends on the situation — short-term needs like recovering from surgery are the most common reason people ask. Call us and tell us what you’re dealing with; if we can’t help, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Can I take my stairlift with me if I move?
Sometimes. A straight stairlift can often be removed and reinstalled on a compatible staircase, though there’s labor cost involved. A curved stairlift’s rail was custom-built for your old stairs, so it won’t fit a new home — the chair unit itself may be reusable in a new rail system.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
A stairlift is a real purchase, and we understand that. Ask us about payment options at your evaluation — we’ll go over what’s available honestly. You can also check the funding sources on our insurance coverage guide.
Do you work with Medicaid waivers or other funding programs?
Yes — we regularly handle home-modification jobs funded through Medicaid waivers and other programs. If you’re applying for funding, talk to us at your evaluation about what paperwork the program requires.
Does insurance or Medicare cover a stairlift?
Usually not — Original Medicare classifies stairlifts as home modifications, not medical equipment. But there are real exceptions, especially through Medicaid waivers and Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance program. Our full insurance guide walks through every plan honestly.
Do I need an electrician before installation?
Usually not — a stairlift plugs into a standard household outlet near the stairs. If there’s no outlet close by, we’ll flag it at your evaluation so you can have one added before installation day.
Main Office: (878) 287-2877 Pittsburgh area: (724) 396-5730 Northwest & Central PA: (814) 460-7977 info@getmeupstairs.com Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM