Stair lifts are used to help people having disabilities that rid them off their ability to climb stairs to move up and down staircases. There are two types, straight and curved. Straight stair lifts are used where the stairs don't bend or curve and the path of the stairway is straight from top to bottom or vice versa. Curved stair lifts are used in situations where the stairway tends to have bends or turns of some sort (which is more common). Prices vary depending on the type of stair lift you are looking to install (as explained above). Straight ones cost less as they are easier to install than curved stair lifts.

Straight stair lifts are easier to install because the process is straight forward. The handle needs to be designed in one direction by measuring the length of the stairway and appending it to one side of the stairs. On the other hand, if a curved stair lift is to be installed, the length of both parts of the stairs should be measured and the angle of the curve should be measured. The handle should then be designed accordingly to fit the area that is free. This process is more arduous and expensive. Fitting the completed handle can be a challenge too; a slight discrepancy in measurements would result in the restructuring of the entire handle.

Thus, straight ones are a lot more cost effective. Unfortunately, curved ones are more common kind of stairs used within homes. Straight lifts are usually used in the external section of the house. Perhaps, a stairway maybe built to directly enter the top floor from the entrance. These staircases are usually straight. Straight lifts cost upwards of $1000 depending on manufacturer and the state of the product (new, used or reconditioned).

In any and every case, they should be a considerable option for a variety of reasons. It is a lot more cost effective than other mobility alternatives such as elevators. It can immensely benefit the user of it; it allows the user to be more independent within their homes, it makes the upper floors accessible to the user; and it can have a strong positive psychological impact and a sense of relief for the user following the recent inability to travel by the stairs. Thus this product should be strongly considered irrespective of whether a straight lift or curved one is required.