If you need to get from one floor to another in your home (or place of business), are there any alternatives to a stair lift? Look below to see some alternatives and their advantages and disadvantages. The great advantages to stair lifts are their simple design, quick installation (in many cases less than two hours), and low price.

Vertical Platform Lifts - These are platform lifts that travel vertically only. The are similar to elevators but do not necessarily have a shaft they travel in. They are typically used at building entrances and raised platforms to provide wheelchair access.

• Advantages over stair lifts: May be installed where a stair case is too short or too narrow for a stair lift. May be installed as an alternative to a curved stair lift. Will let you travel on a wheelchair or a scooter.
• Disadvantages over stair lifts: Will cost more money. May require extensive construction to your home if a shaft is required or if your state has certain building codes that have to be met.

Incline Platform Lifts - These are platform lifts that travel along stair cases. They are much like a stair lift, but have a platform that can transport a wheelchair or a scooter. They are typically used in commercial locations such as schools, public event locations, and government buildings which have wide stairs cases that accommodate many people.

• Advantages over stair lifts: Will let you travel on a wheelchair or a scooter up and down an existing stair case.
• Disadvantages over stair lifts: Will cost more money and requires a much wider stair case than found in most homes.

Elevators -The tried and true solution to moving people around in a building.

• Advantages over stair lifts: Will let you travel on a wheelchair or a scooter.
• Disadvantages over stair lifts: Will cost significantly more money and time. Requires major modifications to your home.