Cost guides › Stair lift
Canada
Stair lift cost (straight stairs)
A new straight stair lift for 1 flight(s) of about 13 to 14 steps typically costs $4,500 installed before GST/HST, with most quotes between $3,500 and $5,850. A basic model comes in around $3,650, while a heavy-duty or feature-rich unit with a powered folding rail runs about $5,850. Reconditioned units cost less.
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mid-range, typicalCost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $3,750 | $4,600 | $5,900 |
| Alberta | $3,700 | $4,550 | $5,850 |
| Saskatchewan | $3,700 | $4,550 | $5,850 |
| British Columbia | $3,650 | $4,500 | $5,800 |
| Manitoba | $3,650 | $4,500 | $5,850 |
| Ontario | $3,650 | $4,500 | $5,800 |
| New Brunswick | $3,600 | $4,450 | $5,750 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $3,600 | $4,450 | $5,800 |
| Nova Scotia | $3,600 | $4,450 | $5,800 |
What's included
Mid-range
- New stair lift carriage with seat, footrest, armrests and controls
- Straight rail with brackets for each flight, fixed to the stair treads
- Installation of the rail and carriage, connection to power and commissioning
- Call-and-send remote controls for top and bottom
- First-year service and safety check
What affects the cost
Basic, mid-range or premium unit
Entry models have a manual swivel seat and fold-up footrest. Mid-range units add comfort and convenience such as a wider seat, smoother start and stop and a powered footrest. Premium units add powered swivel and footrest, higher weight capacity, or a hinged rail that folds out of the way when a bottom-step rail would block a door or hallway.
New, reconditioned or rented
A straight rail can be cut to length, so reconditioned straight lifts are widely available and cost less than new; ask what was replaced and what warranty comes with it. Renting suits a short-term need such as recovery after surgery, but monthly fees add up if the need turns out to be long-term.
Number of flights
Each straight flight needs its own rail and carriage. A staircase with a landing and a turn usually needs a curved rail instead, which costs considerably more, rather than two straight lifts.
Power and battery backup
Most stair lifts run on batteries charged from an ordinary receptacle, so they keep working during a power outage. If there is no receptacle near the stairs, adding one is extra and must be done by a licensed electrician.
User weight and seat position
Standard units carry an average adult; heavy-duty models cost more. Someone who cannot bend their knees may need a perch or standing model, and the seat height should suit the person using it.
Service and warranty
The first-year check is included here. After that, an annual service contract is optional but worth pricing up front, along with the cost of a service call and batteries, which wear out and need replacing over time.
How to save
- Ask for a quote on a reconditioned straight lift alongside a new one; the rail is cut to fit, so it is a common way to save.
- Rent if the need is temporary, and ask whether rental payments can be put toward a purchase.
- Compare warranty length and service-contract prices, not only the installed price.
- Choose the features the user needs; powered swivel and footrest help people with limited strength, but not everyone needs them.
Grants, tax and rules
Home Accessibility Tax Credit
The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit applies to up to $20,000 of eligible expenses per year for people aged 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit. A stair lift that makes the home safer to get around can qualify; keep the invoices.
Licensed trades
Electrical work needs licensed trades and usually a permit, which applies if a new receptacle has to be added near the stairs.
GST/HST
GST/HST applies to renovation work. Our figures are before GST/HST (for example 13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in Alberta).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a stair lift cost in Canada?
A new straight stair lift for 1 flight(s) typically costs about $4,500 installed before GST/HST. A basic model is closer to $3,650, a premium one around $5,850, and reconditioned units cost less.
Is a reconditioned stair lift a good idea?
For a straight staircase it often is, because the rail can be cut to fit your stairs. Buy from a company that installs and services the lift, and check the warranty and what parts were replaced.
Can you rent a stair lift?
Many installers rent straight stair lifts for short-term needs. Compare the installation fee, monthly rate and removal charge with the price of a reconditioned unit if the need may last.
Can I claim a stair lift on my taxes?
The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit covers up to $20,000 of eligible expenses per year for people aged 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit. Check the eligibility rules for your situation before claiming.
Does a stair lift work in a power outage?
Most run on rechargeable batteries that charge from a receptacle or at charging points on the rail, so they keep working for a number of trips during an outage.
Will a stair lift damage my stairs?
The rail is fixed to the treads with brackets, not to the wall. Removing it later leaves small screw holes in the treads that can be filled or covered by carpet.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 5 · Labour: $403 · Materials: $4,109
Sources: Job Bank wages (Employment and Social Development Canada); Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates.