AmeriGlide is one of the leading brands in handicapped stair lifts. Based on excellent reviews from their thousands of customers, AmeriGlide would probably be the first place to check into for this line of purchase. However, other companies such as Innovative lifts an AWA Lifts also carry this item. The price range for a stair lift is anywhere $1200 to $2000.
Most stair lifts have backup battery power which will enable it to operate in a blackout. Some units do not have backup battery, but you can purchase your own to install into the system.
Many websites online offer used stair lifts. You could try to win one at ebay or purchase a used one through Amazon. I was also able to find a website that specialized solely in used stair lifts: http://usedstairlift.org/
There are a number of ways for an individual to purchase used stair lifts. Aside from a local garage sale, the best online options are Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist.
It is better to install a handicapped stair lift.
Handicap stair lifts are an effective mode of transportation when going up and down the stairs is difficult. This type of lift can be purchased from disability supply companies and may be covered by insurance.
Some popular stair lift manufacturers include SilverCross, Savaria, Bruno, AmeriGlide, and Precision Stair Lifts. Stair lifts can vary in price from $1289.99 to $2299.99. If you're looking to get a comparison on the different brands of stair lifts just google "Silver Cross Stair Lifts"
These websites - www.livingfreehomestairlifts.com/Stair and www.ameriglide.com/Stair-Lifts - offer a range of stair chair lifts at an affordable cost.
Here's a quick guide from ehow.com. http://www.ehow.com/stair-lifts/ This is a big job though, and you may want to at least buy the parts from a professional supplier.
The company Bruno makes many different types of stair lifts. Bruno's has outdoor stair lifts, straight rail stair lifts, custom curved rail stair lefts.
Ameriglide stair lifts are most often purchased directly from the manufacturer, however other medical home help websites such as US Medical Supplies and Medical Supplies also sell the stair lifts. If you're located in Canada or the US Silver Cross Stair Lifts offers multiple brands of stair lifts. You can easily find them on Google.
You can find information on stair lifts by contacting a company that specializes in stair lifts and asking them questions directly. You can also find a company that installs stair lifts near you and visit their website to find detailed information on things such as the cost, installation process and how it works.
Stair lifts are much more likely to be used in homes with the elderly or disabled. There have been no overall statistic, but at least 10% of families with seniors 65 or older look into stair lifts.