Ameriglide Stair Lift Review

AmeriGlide Stairlifts Review: Models, Prices and Complaints

AmeriGlide, one of the very first companies to offer senior stairlifts for sale online, now offers them nationwide at certified AmeriGlide distributors. Indoor and Outdoor models are available in both straight and customizable curved options.

AmeriGlide is one of the only stairlift companies that promotes the self-installation of select stairlift models. These models’ prices start well below Acorn and Bruno stairlifts, two top-rated brands, providing a more budget-friendly option for consumers. Some models that require more customization cannot be installed by the consumer and include installation in their “shipping” fees.

The following AmeriGlide stair lift review covers–

• The cost of each AmeriGlide stair lift model
• Details of each model’s features
• Warranty terms
• Customer reviews; the good and the bad
• A summary of complaints against AmeriGlide

AmeriGlide Stair Lift Cost:

AmeriGlide stairlifts start at only $1,499.00, well below the industry average. This is partly due to their positive view on do-it-yourself installation, where customers can order and install the lift themselves, saving money on technician costs. However, on lift models not designed for installation by the consumer, the installation cost is hidden within the “shipping” costs.

AmeriGlide’s stairlifts cost between $1,499.00 and $12,440 before shipping and installation. Prices rise according to chosen options, such as powered folding rain or side-car cargo basket.

Financing Your Stairlift:

AmeriGlide is one of the few stairlift manufacturers that offer in-house financing. Through a partnership with Bread®, AmeriGlide customers may pay overtime for their stairlifts. Financing is subject to the approval of the consumer’s credit application.

What to know: Insurance companies consider stairlifts a home modification and will likely not cover the cost of purchasing one.

Renting AmeriGlide Stairlifts:

AmeriGlide does not currently offer a lift rental option. Local dealerships may have rental options. To find you, browse AmeriGlide’s official dealer listing.

Indoor Stairlifts:

Ameriglide’s Rave 2 Stairlift Review

• 350 lb (158kg) lift capacity
• Straight Lift for use on stairways without curves
• Self Installation
• Indoor use
• Swivel Seat
• Folding Seat
• Folding Armrests
• Constant Pressure Controls
• Wireless Call Stations
• Battery Backup for Operation During Power Outage
• Limited 5-Year Warranty

AmeriGlide’s Rave 2 is assembled in the USA. This stairlift model features constant pressure controls, halting the chair if the rider lifts their hands from the control. The footrest safety sensor also ensures that if the lift chair comes into contact with an obstruction on the stairs, it will immediately pause. The Rave 2 lift capacity can handle up to 350 lbs., more than many others on the market.

How much is AmeriGlide’s Rave 2 stair lift?

• This model starts at $2,095 plus shipping.

Ameriglide Horizon Plus Stair Lift Review

• 308 lb (139kg) lift capacity
• Straight Lift for use on stairways without curves
• Indoor use
• Not-Self Installable
• Manual Swivel Seat (top only)
• Folding Seat
• Folding Armrests
• Constant Pressure Controls
• Wireless Call Stations
• Digital Diagnostics Display
• Key Lock
• Optional: Powered Hinge Rail
• Optional: Powered Swivel Seat
• Battery Backup for Operation During Power Outage
• Limited 5-Year Warranty

The Horizon Plus from AmeriGlide offers some additional features above what comes standard with the Rave 2. The powered swivel seat, hinged rail, and the standard constant pressure controls ensure safety during and after the rider’s journey. The key lock blocks unauthorized users from utilizing your stairlift, and the battery backup allows for continued use, even during loss of power.

How much is AmeriGlide’s Horizon Plus stair lift chair?

• This model starts at $1,999.00 plus shipping.

Take Note: This model is not self-installable and requires a certified AmeriGlide technician for installation.

AmeriGlide’s Rubex AC Stair Lift Review

• 350 lb (158kg) lift capacity
• Straight Lift for use on stairways without curves
• Indoor use
• Self-Installable
• Manual Swivel Seat
• Folding Seat
• Folding Footrest
• Constant Pressure Controls
• Call Stations
• Optional: Folding Arms
• Optional: Side-Car Basket
• Optional: Vinyl Seat Color Choices Available
• Battery Backup for Operation During Power Outage
• Limited 5-Year Warranty

The Rubex AC straight senior stairlift from AmeriGlide is created with self-installation in mind. With a 2-person team, the lift can be installed in as little as 2 hours, attaching only the staircase and never to the wall. The user can install the lift on the left or right-hand side of the stairs, depending on their preference. This model also features your choice of colors for the seat color, ensuring that the lift blends in with your current décor.

Something to know: This lift’s cable drive system requires regular maintenance. Every 2-4 months, the consumer will need to wipe the inside of the track channels and apply a thin coat of light body general-purpose grease to the vertical surfaces of the track where the wheels roll. Be sure to ask your dealer for more information on performing this maintenance properly.

How much is AmeriGlide’s Rubex AC stairlift?

• This model starts at $2,545.00 plus shipping.

AmeriGlide UP Stairlift Review

• 275 lb (124kg) lift capacity
• Custom Lift for use on stairways with or without curves
• Indoor use
• Joystick Controls
• Intercom
• Wi-Fi Capability
• Automatic Swivel Seat
• Automatic Folding Footrest
• Folding Seat
• Rail Lighting
• Constant Pressure Controls
• Footrest Safety Sensor
• Wireless Call Stations
• Optional: Folding Arms
• Optional: Automatic Folding Hinged-Rail
• Optional: Two Color Choices Available
• Battery Backup for Operation During Power Outage
• Limited 5-Year Warranty

The UP stairlift from AmeriGlide is a custom-created lift manufactured to fit on straight or curved staircases in your home. This model can be placed on either side of the stairs, and if you move to a different house, it can be removed and replaced on another staircase. Custom pieces can be added or removed to fit the new staircase properly.

This model offers the option of connecting the senior stairlift to your home’s Wi-Fi connection. The lift program will notify the person of your choice of any maintenance needs, and you’ll be able to communicate with them via the lift’s intercom system in case of an emergency.

How much is AmeriGlide’s UP stair lift?

This model starts at $8,995.00 plus shipping. The shipping charge on this model includes the cost of installation as this custom model is not designed for do-it-yourself installations.

AmeriGlide Infinity Curved Stair Lift Review

• 275 lb (124kg) lift capacity
• Custom Lift for use on stairways with curves
• Indoor use
• Swivel Seat
• Folding Footrest
• Folding Seat
• Folding Arms
• Optional: Color Choices Available
• Removable Seat Cover
• Key Lock
• Battery Backup for Operation During Power Outage
• Limited 10-Year Warranty

The Infinity curved senior stairlift is custom designed by AmeriGlide to fit any staircase shape. This senior stair chair is perfect for small homes and narrow staircases, featuring an ultra-slim rail and folding seat, footrest, and arms.

A 10-year warranty covers the stairlift’s motor and gearbox, while the parts remain covered for 2 years.

How much is AmeriGlide’s Infinity Curved Stair Lift?

• This model starts at $7,999.00 plus shipping and is not designed for self-installation. The cost of professional installation by AmeriGlide technicians is included in the shipping cost.

AmeriGlide Rave Curved HD Stairlift Review

• 350 lb (158kg) lift capacity
• Custom Lift for use on stairways with or without curves
• Indoor use
• Swivel Seat
• Folding Seat
• Constant Pressure Controls
• Footrest Safety Sensor
• Folding Arms
• Optional: Retractable Seat Belt
• Optional: Color Choices Available
• Optional: Extended Rail
• Battery Backup for Operation During Power Outage
• Limited 2-Year Warranty

AmeriGlide’s Rave curved stairlift is custom designed and created with durable steel rails that can be bent and curved around almost any staircase. Technicians can fit curved, spiral, and multi-level stairs with this heavy-duty model.

The customization doesn’t end with the stairlift’s shape. It continues with multiple color options, ensuring the lift fits your current décor.

How much is the AmeriGlide Rave Curved HD stair lift?

This model starts at $12,440.00 plus shipping. The shipping fee on this model includes the cost of installation. This custom model is not designed for do-it-yourself installations.

AmeriGlide’s Outdoor Stairlifts

AmeriGlide Outdoor Deluxe Stair Lift Review

• 350 lb (158kg) lift capacity (reduced to 250lb for tracks over 16’ in length)
• Straight Lift for use on stairways without curves
• Outdoor Use
• Swivel Seat
• Folding Seat
• Folding Armrest
• Constant Pressure Controls
• Footrest Safety Sensor
• 3 Protective Covers Included
• Limited 1-Year Warranty

For homeowners who need access to the outdoors and want a budget-friendly option that they can self-install, AmeriGlide’s Outdoor Deluxe senior stairlift is a fantastic option. This model comes standards with a 350lb lift capacity that is reduced only on tracks over 16 feet long. The folding seat, armrest, and footrest allow the chair to be placed out of the way when not in use. Three protective covers are included in your purchase, and a 1-year warranty covers parts.

How much is the AmeriGlide Outdoor Deluxe stair lift?

• This model starts at $3,895 plus the cost of shipping. You may self-install this model as it is designed with installation ease in mind.

AmeriGlide Rave Curved HD Outdoor Stairlift Review

• 350 lb (158kg) lift capacity
• Custom Lift for use on stairways with or without curves
• Outdoor use
• Swivel Seat
• Folding Seat
• Constant Pressure Controls
• Footrest Safety Sensor
• Folding Arms
• Optional: Retractable Seat Belt
• Optional: Color Choices Available
• Optional: Extended Rail
• Battery Backup for Operation During Power Outage
• Limited 1-Year Warranty

AmeriGlide’s Rave curved stairlift is custom designed and created with durable steel rails that can be bent and curved around almost any outdoor staircase. Multi-level stairs and uneven staircases can be custom fitted for this model.

The extended rail option means that your journey doesn’t end at the top of the stairs and can continue down the hall to your room if you wish.

How much is AmeriGlide’s Rave Curved HD Outdoor Stairlift?

• This model starts at $12,440.00 plus shipping. The shipping fee on this model includes the cost of installation. This custom model is not designed for do-it-yourself installations.

AmeriGlide Stairlift Installation Review:

When purchasing an AmeriGlide stairlift, you may choose to perform the installation yourself or have one of the installers from your dealer assist. Most of the straight stairlift models are created with self-installation in mind. The curved lifts, however, require more extensive customization, and it is recommended that you allow certified installers to place the lift.
Safety Standards:
With a focus on safety, AmeriGlide manufactures its senior stairlifts while upholding the codes and standards set forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (AMSE) and Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL).

AmeriGlide’s Stairlift Warranty Pros and Cons

Pros

• Self-Installation: AmeriGlide offers warranty coverage on lifts, even if they have been installed by an independent contractor or the consumer
• Used Lift Coverage: Pre-owned lifts come with one year of parts coverage
• Factory-Reconditioned Coverage: Factory-reconditioned stairlifts come with a 1-year parts warranty and a 3-year powertrain warranty

Cons

• Outdoor Coverage: Outdoor stairlifts are covered for only 1 year
• Parts Coverage: If you use parts from any other manufacturer, your warranty will be void
• Labor Costs: The warranty does not cover labor fees

AmeriGlide’s warranty is generous when purchasing used or refurbished stairlifts. However, their warranty on new lifts is minimal. While they do offer coverage on self-installed lifts, the coverage is void if the lift is found to have been installed incorrectly. The warranty also explicitly states that it will not cover damage due to flood, fire, or acts of God (these are typically weather related). Making alterations to the lift or utilizing replacement parts that AmeriGlide does not manufacture will also void your warranty.
Currently, no extended warranty plans appear to be available through AmeriGlide.
The consumer is responsible for submitting warranty claims through the individual dealer. AmeriGlide does not deal with the public directly to handle claims.

What you need to know: While AmeriGlide offers stairlifts marketed for outdoor use, their warranty terms state that the outdoor stair lifts are “not built to be operated in snow, ice, or inclement weather.” If you use your stairlift during inclement weather, you will void any warranty coverage on the lift.

Additional Service Plans:

AmeriGlide does not offer service plans to residential consumers.

AmeriGlide’s BBB Reviews and Complaints:

• AmeriGlide is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
• The company currently has an “F” BBB rating.
• Additionally, AmeriGlide has 34 complaints listed at the BBB.

Positive Reviews: Minimal positive reviews were noted. Since AmeriGlide does not sell directly to the public, most reviews are reserved for individual dealers.

Negative Reviews: Negative reviews mostly expressed challenges regarding reaching technicians and getting help installing or repairing their stairlifts.

Complaints: It appears that attempts were made to resolve customers’ complaints made through the BBB. However, the complaints made were extensive. Many customers stated that their lifts would lean forward, placing the rider at risk of falling. Technician visits were challenging to schedule, sometimes taking weeks or even months to get assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

AmeriGlide Review Summary:

AmeriGlide is a company that sells stairlifts for seniors online and nationwide. They have indoor and outdoor models, including straight and customizable curved options. AmeriGlide stands out by offering self-installation for select stairlifts, which saves money. 

Here are the pros and cons of AmeriGlide:

Pros:

• Financing options are available.
• AmeriGlide promotes self-installation, reducing technician costs.
• Prices start at $1,500, which is below the industry average.
• Some models are assembled in the USA.

Cons:

• Stairlifts are purchased from dealers, not directly from AmeriGlide.
• Rental options are not available.
• Warranty options are limited.

AmeriGlide offers a variety of stairlift models with different features and prices. Here are a few examples:

Indoor Stairlifts:

• Rave 2 Stairlift: Self-installable, 350 lb weight capacity, starting at $2,095.
• Horizon Plus: Not self-installable, 308 lb weight capacity, starting at $1,999.
• Rubex AC Straight Stair Lift: Self-installable, 350 lb weight capacity, starting at $2,545.

Outdoor Stairlifts:

• Outdoor Deluxe Stair Lift: Self-installable, 350 lb weight capacity, starting at $3,895.
• Rave Curved HD Outdoor Stairlift: Custom lift for outdoor use, 350 lb weight capacity, starting at $12,440.

Installation can be done by the customer or certified installers, depending on the model. AmeriGlide follows safety standards set by AMSE and ETL.

AmeriGlide provides warranty coverage for their stairlifts, including coverage for self-installed lifts. Used lifts come with one year of parts coverage, while factory-reconditioned lifts have a 1-year parts warranty and a 3-year powertrain warranty. However, the warranty does not cover labor costs, outdoor stairlifts are covered for only one year, and using parts from other manufacturers voids the warranty.

Stairlift Rating Algorithm

Source

All images sourced from: https://www.ameriglide.com/

About Author

Tammy McKinney–Registered Nurse and Product Researcher