Stair Lifts
A motorized seat that carries someone up and down the stairs, on a rail fitted to your staircase.
Typical cost: $3,000–$6,000 straight; $10,000–$20,000+ curved, installed
How much do stair lifts cost in Canada?
- Straight rail, newFits most standard staircases
- $3,500 to $5,500
- Curved or custom railTurns, landings, or outdoor runs
- $8,500 to $15,000+
- Refurbished straightThe budget-friendly option
- $2,200 to $3,500
Installed prices in CAD, illustrative as of 2026. Your quote depends on the staircase, extra steps or landings, options like a power swivel seat, and indoor versus outdoor weatherproofing.
Compare stair lifts brands
The major brands sold in Canada, with where each one fits. We note real differences in service and reliability, not just price, so you can ask the right questions. Each quote goes to vetted local dealers.
Bruno
Stair Lifts
US-made, with a reputation for reliability and a strong Canadian dealer network.
- Price tier
- Premium
- Weight capacity
- Up to 400 lb (Elite)
- Warranty
- Lifetime on major components
Best for: Families who want proven reliability and local service.
Savaria
Stair Lifts
Canadian-made in Laval, Quebec, and the same maker behind many home elevators and lifts.
- Price tier
- Mid to premium
- Weight capacity
- Up to 350 lb
- Warranty
- Multi-year
Best for: Buyers who value Canadian manufacturing and service.
Stannah
Stair Lifts
British heritage brand known for smooth, premium curved lifts.
- Price tier
- Premium
- Weight capacity
- Up to 350 lb
- Warranty
- Long warranty options
Best for: Curved staircases where ride quality matters.
Acorn
Stair Lifts
Budget leader with a modular rail and fast installation.
- Price tier
- Budget
- Weight capacity
- Up to 350 lb
- Warranty
- Standard
Best for: Straight staircases on a tighter budget.
Handicare
Stair Lifts
Advanced curved and levelling technology for complex stairs.
- Price tier
- Mid to premium
- Weight capacity
- Up to 350 lb
- Warranty
- Multi-year
Best for: Tight or multi-turn staircases.
Grants & funding by province
Power wheelchairs and scooters may be covered in part by provincial assistive-device programs (such as Ontario's ADP), Veterans Affairs, or private insurance. Installed equipment like stair lifts can qualify for the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit.
Which grants can help pay for this?
Choose your province to see the funding that applies. Federal credits apply across Canada.
- Federal
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
A federal tax credit for renovations that make a home safer or easier to get around, including stair lifts, ramps, walk-in tubs, and grab bars.
- Typical amount
- Up to $20,000 in eligible work a year, worth up to $3,000 back (15%).
- Who qualifies
- Seniors 65 and older, or adults eligible for the Disability Tax Credit, claimed on the yearly tax return.
- Federal
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
A federal credit on eligible medical expenses. A stair lift and similar equipment can qualify with a doctor's note, and can often be claimed alongside the HATC.
- Typical amount
- 15% federal credit on eligible expenses above the yearly threshold.
- Who qualifies
- Anyone with qualifying medical expenses; equipment usually needs a prescription or letter from a doctor.
- Federal
Veterans Affairs Canada (Veterans Independence Program)
Support for eligible veterans and some survivors to stay independent at home, which can include home adaptations and accessibility equipment.
- Typical amount
- Coverage varies by assessed need.
- Who qualifies
- Eligible veterans and certain survivors, assessed through VAC.
- ProvincialIncome-tested
March of Dimes Home & Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
Ontario funding toward home modifications like stair lifts, ramps, and lifts for people with a substantial mobility impairment. Income-tested.
- Typical amount
- Up to $15,000 toward eligible home modifications, for those who qualify.
- Who qualifies
- Ontario residents with a substantial mobility restriction expected to last a year or more; income-tested.
- ProvincialIncome-tested
Ontario Renovates (municipal)
Forgivable loans or grants for low-income homeowners to make accessibility and safety repairs, delivered locally (Toronto, Ottawa, London, and others).
- Typical amount
- Varies by municipality (often forgivable loans up to several thousand dollars).
- Who qualifies
- Low-income homeowners; income limits and rules are set by each municipality.
- Provincial
B.C. Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities
A refundable B.C. tax credit for renovations that improve access or safety, on top of the federal HATC.
- Typical amount
- Up to $1,000 a year (10% of up to $10,000 in eligible work).
- Who qualifies
- B.C. residents 65 and older, or living with a person with a disability.
- ProvincialIncome-tested
Alberta Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP) & AADL
RAMP grants help wheelchair users adapt a home; Aids to Daily Living (AADL) cost-shares mobility and accessibility equipment.
- Typical amount
- RAMP up to $7,500 over three years; AADL cost-shares assessed equipment.
- Who qualifies
- Albertans with a permanent mobility disability who use a wheelchair (RAMP); assessed need (AADL).
- Provincial
Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL)
Cost-shared mobility aids and self-help equipment for residents with qualifying disabilities or conditions.
- Typical amount
- Cost-shared by program; varies by item.
- Who qualifies
- Saskatchewan residents with eligible disabilities or chronic conditions.
- Provincial
Manitoba Home Care equipment & adaptations
Equipment and home-adaptation support arranged through the Manitoba Home Care program for people assessed as needing it to stay home safely.
- Typical amount
- Based on assessed need.
- Who qualifies
- Manitoba residents assessed through the Home Care program.
- Provincial
PEI Disability Support Program
Funding toward accessibility equipment and home modifications for eligible Islanders living with a disability.
- Typical amount
- Based on assessed need.
- Who qualifies
- PEI residents who qualify under the Disability Support Program.
- Condition-specific
MS Society of Canada equipment support
Regional MS Society programs can help offset the cost of accessibility and mobility equipment for people living with multiple sclerosis.
- Typical amount
- Varies by region and program.
- Who qualifies
- People living with multiple sclerosis, through regional MS Society chapters.
- Condition-specific
Muscular Dystrophy Canada equipment program
Funding toward mobility and accessibility equipment for people living with a neuromuscular disorder.
- Typical amount
- Based on assessed need.
- Who qualifies
- Clients of Muscular Dystrophy Canada living with a neuromuscular condition.
Find local stair lifts installers
Pick your city to see stair lifts installers that serve your area, or use the form to request quotes and a Senior Care Path advisor will gather options from vetted installers near you, free and no obligation.
Don't see your city? Request a quote and we'll find installers serving your area.
What to look for in stair lifts
- Straight vs curved staircase fit
- Weight capacity and seat size
- Safety sensors, battery backup, and warranty
Frequently asked questions
- Does the government help pay for a stair lift in Canada?
- Often, yes. The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit can return up to $3,000, the Medical Expense Tax Credit can apply with a doctor's note, and several provinces add their own grants. Use the grants finder above to see what fits your province.
- How much does a stair lift cost in Canada?
- A new straight stair lift usually runs $3,500 to $5,500 installed, while curved or custom rails run $8,500 to $15,000 or more. Refurbished straight lifts can start around $2,200. Prices are in CAD and illustrative for 2026.
- How long does stair lift installation take?
- A straight stair lift is often installed in a few hours, since the rail fixes to the stair treads rather than the wall. Curved rails are custom-measured and built, so they usually take two to four weeks to arrive, then a few hours to fit.
- Can I rent a stair lift instead of buying one?
- Yes. Many dealers rent straight stair lifts, which can make sense for short-term needs like recovery after surgery. Rentals usually involve an install fee plus a monthly charge, so for long-term use buying is often cheaper.
- Will a stair lift damage my staircase, and can it be removed?
- Stair lifts mount to the stair treads, not the wall, and the small screw holes are easy to patch. A straight lift can be removed and the staircase restored, which is why they suit rentals and resale.
- Are stair lifts safe for someone with balance or memory issues?
- Modern lifts include a seatbelt, a swivel seat that locks at the top, footrest safety sensors, and a battery backup so they keep working in a power cut. For advanced dementia, ask an advisor whether a lift is the right fit.
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