Should You Go With a Stairlift or a Vertical Platform Lift?

Why the Right Lift Makes a Big Difference at Home

Choosing a mobility lift for your home isn’t just about equipment—it’s about preserving freedom, confidence, and ease. For many individuals or families facing mobility challenges, the decision comes down to two major options: stairlifts or vertical platform lifts (VPLs). Each can dramatically improve accessibility, but they solve different problems in different ways.

So how do you know which one is right for your space, your lifestyle, and your long-term needs?

At KGC Access and Mobility Solutions, we help Richmond-area homeowners weigh these options every day. Here’s how to think through the choice.

What Is a Stairlift (and Who Is It Best For)?

A stairlift is a motorized chair that moves along a rail mounted to the stairs. It’s designed to carry a person safely up and down a staircase while seated. Most stairlifts are battery-powered with a wall plug-in for charging, and they’re available for both straight and curved staircases.

Ideal for:

• People who can transfer in and out of a chair independently

• Homes with narrow staircases or limited floor space

• Those who walk with assistance but avoid stairs for safety

Benefits:

• Lower cost than a VPL in most cases

• Quick installation (usually less than a day)

• Doesn’t require structural changes to the home

• Compact when folded away

Stairlifts are often preferred when the person using them is mobile enough to navigate other areas of the home independently but needs reliable help with stairs. In many cases, it's the simplest and most cost-effective way to preserve multi-level access.

What Is a Vertical Platform Lift (and When Is It a Better Fit)?

A vertical platform lift, sometimes called a porch or wheelchair lift, is more like a small elevator. It lifts a person—and their mobility device, like a wheelchair or scooter—vertically between floors. VPLs are often used outdoors for porch access or indoors for short floor-to-floor travel.

Ideal for:

• Individuals who use a wheelchair or power scooter full-time

• Homes with limited stair access or elevated entryways

• Caregivers who assist with mobility and transfers

Benefits:

• Fully accessible without needing to transfer from a mobility device

• Can accommodate larger weight capacities

• Suitable for outdoor and indoor use

• Often safer for people with very limited balance or strength

VPLs are excellent for people who prioritize independence but cannot safely transfer in and out of a chair. They are also useful when carrying groceries, oxygen tanks, or medical equipment.

Key Differences: Space, Accessibility, and Cost

The biggest difference between these two systems is how they help someone move from one level to another.

• Stairlifts follow the path of your stairs and require the user to sit, buckle in, and transfer.

• VPLs lift a person (and their device) vertically in an enclosed platform, no transfer required.

Space

Stairlifts have a smaller footprint and are less intrusive in narrow staircases. They typically fold up when not in use and allow others to continue using the stairs.

VPLs, on the other hand, require vertical clearance, level landings, and more installation space. This makes them more suitable for homes with enough room to accommodate the lift platform and any structural modifications.

Accessibility

Stairlifts are ideal for users who can walk short distances, while VPLs are crucial for users who need to remain in a wheelchair or scooter at all times.

Cost

Stairlifts typically range from $3,000–$8,000 depending on whether the rail is straight or curved. VPLs can range from $8,000–$20,000 or more due to the mechanical complexity and site preparation required.

That said, cost shouldn’t be the only factor. A slightly more expensive solution may provide better long-term safety and comfort.

Considerations Based on Home Layout and Lifestyle

Choose a Stairlift if:

• You or your loved one can walk with a cane or walker but avoid stairs due to safety

• You want a fast, low-profile solution

• The staircase is inside and used regularly

• You’d prefer not to remodel or change entryways

Choose a Vertical Platform Lift if:

• A wheelchair or scooter is used full-time

• Transferring into a stairlift chair is difficult or unsafe

• You need outdoor access (porch, deck, or garage)

• The home has multi-level entry points without ramps

A Real-World Scenario: Two Different Solutions

Take Barbara and James, two Richmond homeowners.

Barbara lives in a two-story colonial with her husband. She walks with a cane but finds the stairs exhausting and risky. A stairlift gave her exactly what she needed: independence and comfort without altering her home’s structure. The installation took less than a day, and she now rides up to her bedroom each evening without hesitation.

James, on the other hand, uses a power scooter after recent knee surgeries. His home has three porch steps and a split-level entry. Transferring into a stairlift would be physically difficult and unsafe. For him, a vertical platform lift was the right choice. It allows him to stay in his scooter, exit safely, and enter his home on his own terms.

These are two different stories, with two different needs—but both show how the right lift can preserve freedom, confidence, and quality of life.

What About Outdoor Use?

Both systems can be used outside, but VPLs are often preferred for exterior accessibility. They’re built to handle weather, weight, and larger mobility devices.

However, outdoor stairlifts are a great option when there are just a few steps to cover and space is limited. They’re more affordable than a full platform lift and offer a secure ride.

At KGC, we install both types, using models rated for Virginia’s climate and your specific environment.

Long-Term Considerations

When choosing between a stairlift and a VPL, it’s important to look beyond the immediate need. Consider:

• Progression of mobility needs — Will transfers become harder in the future?

• Resale value — Will one option preserve the home's marketability better?

• Maintenance access — Can the unit be serviced easily without disruption?

• Energy use — Stairlifts are more energy-efficient, while VPLs may consume more power, especially outdoors.

Thinking long-term allows families to make a smarter investment—one that adapts with changing circumstances.

How KGC Access Helps You Decide with Confidence

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mobility. That’s why our process starts with a home visit and a conversation—not a sales pitch.

We help families:

• Compare equipment based on actual usage needs

• Evaluate structural and budget factors

• Identify future-proof options (for aging in place)

• Choose systems that protect dignity and safety

We also install, maintain, and support every system we recommend. That means local help is just a phone call away if anything needs adjustment or service.

Not Sure Which Lift Is Right for You?

You don’t have to make this decision alone. Connect with KGC Access and Mobility Solutions for a free, pressure-free home assessment. We’ll help you explore every option—so you can move through your home with confidence and comfort, every single day.