A motor powers every outdoor electric stair lift; the only difference is the source of that power. Most models charge a battery at the rail's end, so they still work if the power fails (101 Mobility). A small number get their power directly from household current, and at least one gets it from the sun.
Power Source of Each Outdoor Lift
| Lift | For | Rider up to | Warranty | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Elite Outdoor (straight) | Straight steps | 400 lb | 5 years (some limits) | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | About $7,100 from a dealer |
| Bruno Elite Curved Outdoor | Steps that turn or stop at a flat landing | 400 lb | 5 years (some limits) | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | $9,500 to $16,000 installed |
| Harmar Summit SL350OD | Straight steps | 350 lb; 250 lb on long staircases (rail over 15 ft 9 in) | 2 years on parts | Plugs into an outdoor outlet (stops if the power goes off) | $4,810 installed |
| Stannah 320 Outdoor | Straight steps | 300 lb | Motor covered for life if bought from Stannah | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | From $6,300 installed |
| Handicare 1000 Outdoor | Straight steps | 350 lb | 2 years on parts | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | Quoted by the dealer |
| Handicare 4000 Outdoor (curved) | Steps that turn or stop at a flat landing | 300 lb | 2 years on parts | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | Quoted by the dealer |
| Savaria K2 with outdoor package | Straight steps | 350 lb | 3 years on parts | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | Quoted by the dealer |
| Leaf Home HomeGlide Outdoor | Straight steps | 350 lb | For life (some limits) | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | Quoted after a home visit |
| Acorn 130 Outdoor | Straight steps | 280 lb | 1 year | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | Quoted after a home visit |
| AmeriGlide Outdoor Deluxe | Straight steps | 350 lb; 250 lb on long staircases (rail 16 ft or more) | 2 years on parts and drive train | Plugs into an outdoor outlet (stops if the power goes off) | $3,995 plus shipping |
| Harmar Helix (curved, outdoor package) | Steps that turn or stop at a flat landing | 350 lb | 2 years on parts; the motor and drive are covered for life | Battery (keeps working in an outage) | From $10,995 |
Where each figure comes from (the manufacturer's own page or manual): Acorn, AmeriGlide, Bruno, Handicare, Harmar, Leaf Home, Savaria, Stannah.
Outdoor Lifts That Use a Battery
Batteries power the outdoor lifts from Bruno, Stannah, Handicare, Savaria, Acorn and Leaf Home While the chair rests at either end of the rail, its battery takes a charge
Expect to buy a fresh battery every one to three years, with each one priced at $200 to $300 (NCOA).
Outdoor Lifts That Use Wall Power
Standard 115 V household current powers the Harmar Summit SL350OD (Harmar), and wall power also runs the AmeriGlide Outdoor Deluxe. Both need an outdoor outlet close to the steps, and both stop when the power fails.
Outdoor Stair Lifts with Solar Power
When no outlet sits near the steps, a solar panel can keep the battery charged. A solar powered version of the Legacy Classic outdoor lift is sold by Assisted Lifting (Assisted Lifting).
Step and Standing Lifts
A short porch lift, also known as a step lift, carries a platform up to the door for two or three porch steps. The Bruno VPL-3153 has a lift range from 11 inches to 53 inches
A perch seat lets a rider who cannot bend their knees travel half standing. Handicare offers this option on its 1000
Power Questions People Often Ask
Will an outdoor stair lift still work if the power goes out?
The battery models will; they keep running and then charge again once the power comes back. Models that run on wall power will stop.
How often should stair lift batteries be replaced?
A new one costs about $200 to $300, needed every one to three years.
Can you get an outdoor stair lift for standing?
Yes, partly: with a perch seat, the rider can lean rather than sit Handicare offers this option on the 1000