Reconditioned, rented or new stair lift: costs compared

Quick answer

You can buy a stair lift the maker has reconditioned, rent one, or buy one new. Stannah says reconditioned lifts typically cost about 80% of the new price, and its Canadian site lists new straight lifts from C$4,700, with a typical one at about C$5,700 [1]. It also says renting could be the most cost-effective choice if you need a lift for only 3 to 6 months. Its rentals include servicing, and one payment covers installation, administration and removal [1] [2]. All three come installed and supported by the company. Stannah and Bruno both warn against buying a used lift privately [2] [6].

The three options at a glance

Where to rent or buy a stair lift

Stannah sells new lifts, reconditioned lifts and rentals directly in Canada [1] [2] [4]. Acorn sells new lifts directly, with a fixed written quote after a home survey [22] [7]. Bruno and Savaria sell through dealers, and Bruno says local dealers typically offer rentals, and may offer financing or rent-to-own [6] [12]. The rows below are the straight lifts from our stair lift cost guide, plus Stannah’s reconditioned and rental program. The figures are the makers’. We haven’t tested these lifts.

What each option costs

Stannah publishes prices for Canada, with installation included, and says they’re subject to change [1]. Other makers give a price in a written quote after a home visit, from the maker or a dealer [7] [6]. Our stair lift cost guide covers what changes the price of a new lift.

New. Straight lifts start at C$4,700 and a typical one costs about C$5,700. Many buyers choose options that bring it to C$5,700 to C$6,200. Curved lifts start at about C$10,800 [1]. Stannah says its quote includes installation, the warranty and the options you agree on, with no hidden fees [1].

Reconditioned. At about 80% of the new price, a reconditioned straight lift would cost about C$3,760 to C$4,560 on those figures. That’s a saving of C$940 to C$1,140 (our calculation). Stannah says the rail, chair and carriage of a straight lift are fully refurbished before they’re refitted for your home. A refurbished curved lift needs a new rail, because each rail is custom-made, so the saving on a curved lift is smaller [1].

Rental. Stannah doesn’t publish a monthly rate. It says a rental could be the most cost-effective way to get a lift you need for only 3 to 6 months. Rentals come with installation, full maintenance during the rental and an option to buy after the initial period [1]. You pay one amount for installation, administration and removal, and you commit to only one month of rent in advance [2]. To compare, add the one-off payment to the monthly rent for the months you expect to need the lift. Renting costs less than buying reconditioned only while that total stays under about 80% of the new price. Buying also means a removal fee later, if you no longer need the lift [3].

Paying over time. Stannah offers payment options for both purchases and rentals [1]. Bruno says most makers don’t finance directly, but many dealers offer financing, rentals or rent-to-own [6].

Costs after the sale. Acorn recommends a service every 12 months [10]. Savaria’s warranty is void if an authorized dealer doesn’t carry out regular inspection and maintenance, and it doesn’t cover batteries [13]. Savaria says batteries should last a number of years and can be checked at the yearly service [14]. Ask what a service visit or a yearly plan costs before you choose.

Renting a stair lift

Renting suits a need that may be short. Stannah names 3 to 6 months [1]. That might be recovery after surgery or an injury, or a parent’s stay while a longer-term plan is worked out. Our guide to preparing a home after a hospital stay covers the other changes that help at the same time.

With Stannah, you can rent any lift in its range, straight or curved, subject to availability. Servicing is included, you can cancel at any time, and installation, administration and removal are covered by one payment [2]. Its FAQ adds an option to buy after the initial rental period, and says it removes the lift at no cost if you end the rental [1]. Bruno says stair lifts are typically available to rent from local dealers, and suggests asking dealers about their rental programs and what they have in stock [6].

Bruno also says most dealers keep straight indoor lifts in stock and can install them on short notice. A straight lift usually takes 2 to 4 hours to install [6]. So a rental can be in place quickly.

Buying a reconditioned stair lift

A reconditioned lift is a pre-owned lift that the maker or a dealer has checked, repaired and refitted. Stannah says each of its reconditioned lifts gets new batteries and has the parts it deems necessary changed or upgraded, and that Stannah installs it. Its warranty is 10 years on the motor gearbox and 1 year on parts. Its service plans can extend the cover to a total of 3 years [2]. Its FAQ adds 1 year on labour [1].

Bruno says a refurbished lift installed by a local dealer is the safest way to buy used. It warns that dealers may give only a short installation warranty, and that used lifts don’t usually include the maker’s long-term warranty [6]. Savaria’s warranty applies to the original purchaser and isn’t transferable, and Bruno’s lifetime warranty is for the original purchaser too [13] [6]. So ask the seller, in writing, what warranty comes with a reconditioned lift and who provides the service.

The saving is mainly on straight stairs. A curved rail is made for one staircase, so a refurbished curved lift still needs a new rail [1].

Buying a new stair lift

A new lift comes with the maker’s full warranty and every option chosen for your stairs and needs. Stannah says that only a new lift gives the full benefit of its features, tailored to you [2]. Warranties differ a lot:

• Stannah gives a lifetime warranty on the motor gearbox, 2 years on parts and 1 year on labour for a new lift bought directly. It says to ask distributors about their own warranty [1] [4].
• Bruno gives a limited lifetime warranty on indoor lifts, for the original purchaser, if a Bruno dealer installed it [6].
• Savaria gives 36 months on parts, not labour. The warranty is void without regular maintenance by an authorized dealer [13].
• Acorn gives 12 months, with extended cover plans after that [7].

When you no longer need the lift

Removal. Stannah charges a removal fee, and removes only Stannah lifts, whether you bought the lift from it or a distributor, or inherited it with the house. A temporary removal, for new carpet or moving furniture, costs for the removal and for putting the lift back [3]. Removing a lift leaves small screw holes in bare wood, concrete or metal steps [6].

Buyback. A Stannah lift less than three years old and in good condition may qualify for a partial buyback. Ask the local distributor [3].

Moving house. Stannah says a lift will likely need to be replaced or adjusted to fit the stairs in a new home [3]. Bruno says straight lifts are more likely to be reused in another home, if the rail is long enough, and that it would be extremely rare for a curved lift to fit another staircase [6].

Comparing new, reconditioned and rental quotes

From simpleaging.com. This checklist is general information, not medical advice.

Before you choose

• An occupational therapist or physiotherapist has said a stair lift suits the person and which features they need.
• You’ve thought about how long the lift is likely to be needed. Savaria says a stair lift isn’t ideal for someone who uses a wheelchair or soon will, because they must move onto the seat at both ends [14].
• If a funding program may pay, you’ve asked what it needs before any work starts. Our stair lift cost guide lists the programs by province.

For every quote

• The quote is in writing, after a home visit, and says what’s included: installation, options, warranty and taxes.
• The weight limit for the seat and options you’re getting.
• What the warranty covers, for how long, whether it includes labour and batteries, and whether it needs dealer servicing [13].
• What a service visit or a yearly plan costs [10].

For a reconditioned lift

• What was replaced, including the batteries, and whether you get the refurbishment record [2].
• Whether the warranty is the maker’s or the dealer’s, and how long it lasts [6].
• For curved stairs: whether the rail is new, and what that costs [1].

For a rental

• The one-off payment, the monthly rent, the minimum term and how to cancel [2].
• Whether servicing and repairs are included [2].
• Whether rent counts toward buying later, and at what price [1] [6].

Later

• The removal fee, and whether the company buys back lifts [3].

Costs and funding for a used or rented lift

Tax credits don’t lower the price you pay. You get them when your return is assessed. Our stair lift cost guide covers the provincial grants and loans, several of which must approve the work before it starts.

Medical expense tax credit

The CRA lists a “power-operated guided chair to be used in a stairway, including installation” as a medical expense, with a prescription [15]. Its guidance says a device doesn’t have to be bought new: whether new or used, you claim the amount you actually paid [16]. Reasonable servicing and repair costs for such devices are also generally eligible [16]. The guidance covers buying a lift. It doesn’t say whether rental payments count, so ask the CRA before counting on a claim for a rental. Our medical expense tax credit guide has the thresholds and rates for 2025 and 2026. Our medical expense tax credit calculator adds up your medical costs, takes off up to 3% of net income, and estimates the federal credit [15].

Home Accessibility Tax Credit

This credit is for lasting renovations to the home of someone 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit. The expenses must be for work performed and goods acquired, and an item that won’t become a permanent part of the home is generally not eligible [17]. The CRA’s page doesn’t name stair lifts, so ask whether a lift you buy counts. A lift you rent and return is unlikely to, but ask. From 2026, an expense claimed as a medical expense can’t also be claimed for this credit [18] [19]. See our Home Accessibility Tax Credit guide and tax credit calculator.

Quebec: independent living tax credit for seniors

Revenu Québec’s credit is refundable and is for Quebec residents 70 or older [21]. It’s 20% of what you pay to purchase, lease or install eligible equipment, after the first C$250. Its list includes “a mechanized, rail-mounted chair lift designed to carry a person up or down a stairway.” Because it covers leasing, rental payments may count; ask Revenu Québec. You can’t use the same expense for another credit, such as the medical expense credit [20].

Questions to ask

An occupational therapist or physiotherapist

• Is a stair lift the right answer, and for how long is it likely to be needed?
• Which features matter for this person: a powered swivel seat, a seat belt or harness, a particular seat height?

The seller

• Do you offer reconditioned lifts or rentals, and for curved stairs too?
• What does the reconditioned lift’s warranty cover, and who services it?
• For a rental, what is the one-off payment, the monthly rent, and the price to buy later?
• What will removal cost, and do you buy lifts back?

A tax professional or the CRA

• Can we claim a reconditioned lift, and the servicing, as a medical expense?
• Do rental payments count for any credit, and in Quebec, for the independent living credit?

Safety notes and when to talk to a professional

Any lift should be installed and maintained by trained people. Stannah and Bruno both warn against lifts bought privately and installed by the buyer [2] [6]. The Canadian standard, provincial rules and the safety features to compare are in our stair lift cost guide.

Check the weight limit. The limit should be above the rider’s weight for the seat and options you’re getting, new or reconditioned.

Others still use the stairs. The rail stays on the steps whichever way you pay. Our home safety checklist covers handrails, lighting and non-slip treads.

When to talk to a professional. If someone has fallen, feels unsteady or worries about falling, talk to a doctor. A doctor can look for causes and may refer the person to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. They can say whether a stair lift suits the person, and whether the need is likely to be short or long, which is the question that decides between renting and buying.