Are Curved Stair Lifts Worth It? Cost, Benefits, and Installation Guide
January 5, 2026
Curved stair lifts are motorized chairs that are attached along a stairway to provide a means of climbing the stairs for those who cannot do so independently. A curved stair lift differs from a straight stair lift in that a curved stair lift will travel up and down a stairway that has turns, landings, or some other configuration, whereas a straight stair lift follows a straight line up and down.
For many homeowners, however, a curved lift is the only option to keep their independence and be able to move from the first floor to the second floor or even the third floor of their home. For a person with mobility limitations, using stairs, even one set, can be exhausting and painful and create a danger of falling. A curved stair lift will allow access to all parts of the home without having to exert physical effort on stairs. This will provide a higher quality of life.
Pricing Explained
Base Price: Because curved lifts require custom rail systems, curved stair lifts are usually more expensive than straight stair lifts. Curved lifts start at approximately $8,000 or more, depending on how complex the installation is. The price includes the chair, motor, and rail system as well as standard installation, and the price reflects the materials used as well as the precision in design and fit Swivel Seats, Folding Railing, Upgraded Fabrics, and Advanced Safety Sensors) will increase the overall price.
The Costs of Installation: Installation of Curved Lifts involves much more labor and time than installing Straight Stair Lifts. The installation process includes measuring the stairs digitally during a home visit and then having a stair lift specially designed and manufactured for the user’s specific stairs. There may be basic installation costs included in the purchase price.
However, additional installation costs for custom electrical or construction modifications will average $500-$2,000 more than the total cost. It is estimated that a homeowner should expect an average of $10,000-$20,000 for a complete Curved Stair Lift System, but if additional work is required, the final cost could be much higher.
Benefits of Making Your Home Accessible
Curved Lifts provide access to all floors of your home. They are essential for providing individuals with limited mobility, especially those that have multi-story homes, the means of moving throughout the house. A stair lift can eliminate the difficulty and danger associated with climbing stairs and provide ease of movement.
Preventing Falls: Stairs are one of the most common occurrences of injury among the elderly population. According to Caring Village, older adults are more likely to fall on stairs due to balance problems, joint issues, and poor vision. The installation of a stair lift not only helps to prevent the need to physically go up and down stairs, but also significantly minimizes an individual’s risk of falling (Caring Village, 2024). Additionally, by avoiding falls, one may eliminate long recovery periods, hospitalization, and potential needs for a nursing home.
Aging In Place: For most seniors, one of their primary goals is to stay in their homes as they age. The National Library of Medicine conducted a systematic review that provides evidence of the positive effects of home adaptations such as stair lifts on increasing seniors’ ability to maintain their independence while decreasing the possibility of falling, the frequency of emergency room visits, and the overall burden on caregivers. Seniors can stay safe and independent in their homes while creating countless memories new and cherished by installing stair lifts and other innovative mobility solutions.
Retrofitting Or Living On The First Floor: Some seniors choose to convert their bedroom or living area to the lower level of their home; however, it may not always be practical or cost-effective to do so, and this usually requires substantial remodeling. The cost of converting a room to the lower level can range from thousands of dollars in construction costs to another method that does not necessarily address all of your mobility challenges, nor will it increase the usable area of your home. Curved lifts allow you to keep and continue using the upper story of your home without changing its layout.
With the installation of a curved stair lift, you preserve the layout of your home and maintain access to key areas, such as guest rooms, storage areas, and other places of significance, which you may no longer be able to reach. For individuals who live in small, cramped homes, remodeling is not a viable solution.
Choosing the Right Device
When selecting the appropriate stair lift to fit your needs, there are several things you should take into account.
User Weight: Most stair lifts will accommodate a total weight of between 275 and 400 lbs., so be sure to choose a model that is rated for the user’s weight in order to maximize safety and extend the life of the product. However, there are stair lifts rated for heavier users as well.
Stair Type: The type and configuration of your stairs will dictate what type of curved stair lift configuration you need. If your stairs have tight corners, several landings, are spiral shaped, or are narrow in width, some models of stair lifts will be better suited for those areas than others. It’s highly recommended to have a mobility professional assess and measure your stairs prior to your purchase.
Assistance Features: Many stair lift models are available with extra features to make it easier and more comfortable for the user, including powered swivel seats, adjustable arms/footrests, and remote control operation. Many older adults with weak grips of their hands may be able to operate a large remote control or joystick as opposed to using a traditional stair lift control panel. Safety (seat post to prevent falls) and other safety features (obstruction sensors) should be taken into account as well.
Bottom Line: Are They Worth It?
If you are experiencing difficulty navigating stairs, a curved stair lift may be one of the best investments for independence over the long term for you or your loved one. Research has shown that older adults are aware of the risks involved in using stairs, however, many of them do not know of other means to eliminate fall-related injuries, such as the use of a curved lift.
Although the up-front costs of purchase and installation for a curved lift may appear excessive, they generally are much less than other means of accommodating the same type of mobility issues. When considering the overall benefits: improved independence, peace of mind, and safety-related safety issues, the costs of a curved lift more than justify their purchase.
Curved stair lifts are more than just a form of transportation; they also give seniors, those recovering from surgeries, and any other individual who requires assistance with mobility due to disability the peace of mind that can be obtained through the ability to maintain an environment that is not at risk of injury.
EZ Living Concepts offers expert advice and support when researching Home Lift Systems. Call us today at 610-583-9000 or email us at sales@ezlivingconcepts.com to schedule a complimentary visit to evaluate your home and to learn more about how a Curved Stair lift can increase your independence, as well as give you a greater sense of security and comfort.