Best Home Elevators Of 2023 – Forbes Health

2023-01-04 16:36:19 By : Ms. lily qiu

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Best Home Elevators Of 2023 – Forbes Health

In a multi-level home, aging homeowners and family members often face a common battle: stairs . Home elevators offer a fitting solution to this issue . Helpful to those with disabilities or limited mobility , home elevators allow users to utilize more of their space all while bypassing an unnecessary climb . 

To choose the best home elevators, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on all the top home elevator manufacturers in North America and the different elevator types and models they have available. From price to style to safety to customization options, read ahead and discover which home elevator companies stand out as our top picks.

Note: Price ranges listed, including the elevators and the installation costs, are sourced from the manufacturer (or a retailer if not listed by the manufacturer) and are accurate as of the publication date.

Best ReliabilityRAM5.0 All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.Customizable, sleek, modern design options Door closure options only Maximum weight capacity of 1,400 poundsIncludes three tiers of emergency back-up power in case of electrical outagesRead More Founded in 1987 and based in Canada, RAM specializes in home and low-rise commercial elevator manufacturing throughout North America. Equally focused on accessibility and design, RAM offers customers functional home elevators with modern designs. The company also collaborates with Canadian interior design studios like Kyle & Co. for luxury editions of its residential elevator models. Pricing for Ram traction (MRL) elevators starts at about $30,000.

Founded in 1987 and based in Canada, RAM specializes in home and low-rise commercial elevator manufacturing throughout North America. Equally focused on accessibility and design, RAM offers customers functional home elevators with modern designs. The company also collaborates with Canadian interior design studios like Kyle & Co. for luxury editions of its residential elevator models. Pricing for Ram traction (MRL) elevators starts at about $30,000.

Best ValueAmeriglide4.9 All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.Four indoor elevator models availableWeight capacities as high as 1,000 pounds2-year limited warrantyWheelchair accessible Buy Now On AmazonRead More Ameriglide was founded in 2004 in North Carolina. The company has since grown rapidly, opening corporate offices throughout the U.S. while expanding its offerings beyond elevators to include stair lifts, vertical platform lifts and other mobility solutions. Ameriglide offers commercial, home and outdoor elevators, all of which are powered by either traction (MRL) or hydraulic means. Prices start at $11,995 for Ameriglide’s least expensive home elevator model.

Ameriglide was founded in 2004 in North Carolina. The company has since grown rapidly, opening corporate offices throughout the U.S. while expanding its offerings beyond elevators to include stair lifts, vertical platform lifts and other mobility solutions. Ameriglide offers commercial, home and outdoor elevators, all of which are powered by either traction (MRL) or hydraulic means. Prices start at $11,995 for Ameriglide’s least expensive home elevator model.

Best VarietySymmetry Elevators4.9 All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.Handrail options available Door closure options only3-year limited warrantyMaintenance and annual inspection services offeredRead MoreWith over 80 offices across the U.S., Symmetry Elevators maintains a large clientele in the home and commercial elevator business. The company offers an expansive product list, including residential elevators, wheelchair lifts and vertical lifts, and it only sells ADA- and ASME-compliant products. Symmetry’s elevator prices range from $18,000 to $100,000, and the company offers either cable-driven, hydraulic, traction (MRL), shaftless or pitless options. In January 2022, Symmetry Elevators, along with Savaria, issued a voluntary recall on some of its existing elevators, reporting the risk of young children getting trapped in the space between the exterior landing door and the interior elevator car door or gate if there’s a hazardous gap. The company recommends existing consumers keep unsupervised young children away from the recalled residential elevators and contact them for instructions on how to measure for space guards to correct any hazardous gap. Space guards will be provided free of charge and assistance with space guard installation will be provided on request. All current manufacturing and distribution of future residential elevators complies with applicable voluntary safety standards to eliminate this hazard.

With over 80 offices across the U.S., Symmetry Elevators maintains a large clientele in the home and commercial elevator business. The company offers an expansive product list, including residential elevators, wheelchair lifts and vertical lifts, and it only sells ADA- and ASME-compliant products. Symmetry’s elevator prices range from $18,000 to $100,000, and the company offers either cable-driven, hydraulic, traction (MRL), shaftless or pitless options.

In January 2022, Symmetry Elevators, along with Savaria, issued a voluntary recall on some of its existing elevators, reporting the risk of young children getting trapped in the space between the exterior landing door and the interior elevator car door or gate if there’s a hazardous gap. The company recommends existing consumers keep unsupervised young children away from the recalled residential elevators and contact them for instructions on how to measure for space guards to correct any hazardous gap. Space guards will be provided free of charge and assistance with space guard installation will be provided on request. All current manufacturing and distribution of future residential elevators complies with applicable voluntary safety standards to eliminate this hazard.

Best DesignInclinator4.6 All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.Handrails availableCustom design and paneling options availableGate and door closure options availableMaintenance and annual inspection services offeredRead More A family-owned business with more than 100 years of history, Inclinator offers a range of home elevators. Its signature model, the Elevette, is available in cable drive, hydraulic and traction (MRL) options. Inclinator elevators also arrive preassembled, allowing for easy installation by qualified professionals. Inclinator’s pricing is available upon request.

A family-owned business with more than 100 years of history, Inclinator offers a range of home elevators. Its signature model, the Elevette, is available in cable drive, hydraulic and traction (MRL) options. Inclinator elevators also arrive preassembled, allowing for easy installation by qualified professionals. Inclinator’s pricing is available upon request.

Best WarrantyNationwide Lifts4.4 All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.Maximum weight capacity of 1,400 poundsGrab bar and handrail options available10-year warranty for brakes, cable clamps, chain, suspension cable and other mechanic maintenance 3-year warranty for alarm, call buttons, circuit boards, door operators, lights, motor, gearbox and other electrical maintenanceRead More Nationwide Lifts offers a range of home elevators, wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters and stair lifts to customers across the U.S. All products are customizable and tailored to fit customers’ homes up to three levels. Meanwhile, the company’s 24/7 phone service provides live support at any time. Nationwide’s elevator pricing ranges from $30,000 up to $150,000, depending on which model you choose and whether you opt for a cable-driven, hydraulic, or traction (MRL) elevator.

Nationwide Lifts offers a range of home elevators, wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters and stair lifts to customers across the U.S. All products are customizable and tailored to fit customers’ homes up to three levels. Meanwhile, the company’s 24/7 phone service provides live support at any time. Nationwide’s elevator pricing ranges from $30,000 up to $150,000, depending on which model you choose and whether you opt for a cable-driven, hydraulic, or traction (MRL) elevator.

Best AvailabilitySavaria4.3 All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.Elevators can travel up to 60 feet36-month limited parts warrantyHandrail options availableGate and door closure options availableRead MoreSavaria is a global company focused on improving mobility in all areas of life since 1989. In 2016 the company expanded into patient handling products and acquired Span-America. Today, Savaria offers a diverse portfolio including home elevators, stair lifts, adapted vehicles, therapeutic surfaces (such as powered support mattresses and ulcer prevention mattress overlays) and medical beds. Savaria’s elevator pricing ranges from $25,000 to $100,000, and products include hydraulic, traction (MRL) and chain-driven options. In January 2022, Savaria issued a voluntary recall on some of its existing elevators, reporting that young children can become entrapped in the space between the exterior landing door and the interior elevator car door or gate if there’s a hazardous gap. The company recommends existing consumers keep unsupervised young children away from the recalled residential elevators and contact them for instructions on how to measure for space guards to correct any hazardous gap. Space guards will be provided free of charge and assistance with space guard installation will be provided on request. All current manufacturing and distribution of future residential elevators complies with applicable voluntary safety standards to eliminate this hazard.

Savaria is a global company focused on improving mobility in all areas of life since 1989. In 2016 the company expanded into patient handling products and acquired Span-America. Today, Savaria offers a diverse portfolio including home elevators, stair lifts, adapted vehicles, therapeutic surfaces (such as powered support mattresses and ulcer prevention mattress overlays) and medical beds. Savaria’s elevator pricing ranges from $25,000 to $100,000, and products include hydraulic, traction (MRL) and chain-driven options.

In January 2022, Savaria issued a voluntary recall on some of its existing elevators, reporting that young children can become entrapped in the space between the exterior landing door and the interior elevator car door or gate if there’s a hazardous gap. The company recommends existing consumers keep unsupervised young children away from the recalled residential elevators and contact them for instructions on how to measure for space guards to correct any hazardous gap. Space guards will be provided free of charge and assistance with space guard installation will be provided on request. All current manufacturing and distribution of future residential elevators complies with applicable voluntary safety standards to eliminate this hazard.

To determine the best home elevator companies, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on all major manufacturers in North America, considering their prices, elevator types, safety features, customization options, warranties and accessibility nationwide.

We evaluated price ranges provided by the manufacturers, which include the cost of installation. Meanwhile, all selected companies have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and provide products that can support a maximum weight of at least 1,000 pounds. They also stood out for offering a variety of elevator types and providing valuable safety features and warranties. If a manufacturer provided a number of customization options, we noted that as well.

A home elevator is a smaller version of some of the commercial elevators you may be used to using in multi-story buildings. There are several types of home elevators, each of which includes a cab that moves vertically between floors. However, different types come with different operating systems, space requirements and costs.

Depending on the type of elevator and your home layout, prices for a home elevator can range anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, says Mark Roberts, a home elevator expert at HomeElevators.com. However, a standard model (basic cab, doors and metal) for most types of home elevators averages around $30,000 for the actual elevator plus installation, he says. Construction costs for digging a pit or building an elevator shaft can increase the price, however.

“A lot of times, the construction can be as much as the cost of the elevator,” says Roberts.

Home elevators are for anyone with more than one level in their home who wants or needs help moving from floor to floor. Installing a home elevator may allow an older adult with mobility issues or a disability to age in place rather than move into a one-story home or relocate to a senior living community.

Residential elevator size varies from home to home, but typically, the cab of a residential elevator has a depth of 36 to 60 inches, a width of 48 to 60 inches and a height of at least 80 inches.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) specifically, a home elevator cab must have a depth of at least 51 inches, a width of at least 68 inches if it uses side doors, a width of at least 80 inches if it uses centered doors, and a door width of at least 36 inches.

Due to this variability, residential elevators are often built custom to best fit the dimensions, layout and architectural elements of your home, as well as the specific needs of the user(s).

Below are the main types of home elevators, including approximate costs for the unit and its installation (but not additional construction costs, as those can differ dramatically depending on your specific situation). Keep in mind that prices for each type of home elevator vary greatly, based on customization requests, contractor rates and other features.

Traction elevators, also known as machine room-less (MRL) elevators, use steel ropes or belts that roll over a grooved pulley powered by a motor to raise and lower the elevator cab. The traction elevator system uses a counterweight to offset the passenger weight in the cab for better energy efficiency. The motor in a traction elevator is located directly above the elevator in a hoistway, so there’s no need for a separate machine room in the house to contain the driving and control parts of the elevator. A traction elevator can access two to five floors.

A chain-driven elevator is a particular type of traction elevator that uses a counterweight system. One end of two chains connects directly to the elevator and routes through a drive to the other end on the counterweights. A chain-driven elevator doesn’t require a separate machine room since all equipment is located in the hoistway above the elevator. Chain-driven elevators can access up to five floors, depending on the manufacturer.

Cable-driven elevators, also known as winding drum elevators, use two cables (wire rope) that wind and unwind on steel drums to raise and lower the cab. The steel drums and motor assembly can be located in a separate machine room. Cable-driven elevators can access up to five floors, depending on the model.

Hydraulic elevators use hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic pump connected to a cylinder and piston that moves the elevator cab up and down. Hydraulic elevators are heavy-duty, designed for frequent use and typically have a weight capacity ranging from 750 to 1,000 pounds. This type of home elevator typically requires a separate machine room for the pump and control system.

Pneumatic elevators are entirely air-driven, using a vacuum system contained in a tube to “suck” the elevator cab up and down. Pneumatic elevators require no machine room, pre-construction shaft or pit, and they use less energy than traditional home elevators. However, pneumatic vacuum elevators usually require more overhead space than other types of elevators for the vacuum assembly. It can travel up to 50 feet, or five stops.

Shaftless elevators are compact, averaging about 12 square feet in size. This type of elevator works with “winding drum” technology, where cables wind on a drum placed in the elevator overhead. Shaftless elevators are also available in hydraulic models. These elevators fit easily into tight spaces and—like the name suggests—don’t require an elevator shaft, which generally makes them easier to “retrofit” in existing homes. A shaftless elevator can access two floors and is typically installed in an open or semi-enclosed area. The elevator uses a “push and hold” button to move the cab between floors.

Elevators are commonly referred to as “lifts” in the United Kingdom. However, a lift in the U.S. generally refers to one of three things: a wheelchair platform lift, a porch lift that stands alone or a chair lift or stair lift that’s attached to a stair railing. Stair lifts and chair lifts allow a person to sit in a chair that glides slowly up and down stairs for access to different levels of their home. These types of lifts are significantly less expensive than a home elevator, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000.

As with many home modifications, a home elevator may add value to your home. If you decide to sell the home later, a potential buyer may love having a home elevator that offers a way to move easily from floor to floor, especially when moving lamps, electronics or other large items. However, it’s also possible that a home elevator may not appeal to the next buyer.

Most private health insurance providers do not cover the cost of purchasing and installing a home elevator. Check with your plan provider to determine whether your specific policy includes home elevators.

No, Medicare does not cover the costs of a home elevator, as it is considered a home modification rather than durable medical equipment (DME).

For planning purposes, Roberts recommends counting on using an area of 25 square feet (5 feet by 5 feet), but there are elevators that will fit in smaller spaces, such as a shaftless elevator.

Home elevators don’t typically come with seats, but some shaftless elevators offer such customizations, says Roberts.

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators (PVE) makes the smallest home elevator available in the U.S. The PVE30 is a single-passenger pneumatic tube residential elevator with an exterior diameter of 30 inches and a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds.

When it comes to more traditional elevator designs, the smallest home elevator has a depth of about 36 inches and a width of about 36 inches, creating a platform of approximately 9 square feet.

Maximum weight capacities of home elevators vary from product to product. Typically, residential elevators have a weight limit of 500, 750, 950 or 1,000+ pounds, depending on the model you choose.

Look at the best location in your home to place the elevator, any interior space requirements for the elevator and whether a wheelchair needs to fit inside the cab, says Roberts. Also, consider which type of operating system best meets your needs. For example, if you simply need access between two floors, a shaftless elevator can help—and keep costs at the lower end of the spectrum. But if you have a luxury home with three to five floors, you might need a heavy-duty elevator designed for high utility, such as a hydraulic elevator.

Home elevators are safe as long as the equipment is designed to meet current elevator codes and the elevator itself is installed properly to meet those codes, says Roberts. To ensure safe operation, elevators should be inspected by the local code authority after installation and maintained regularly. Roberts recommends having a technician from the company that installs your elevator check it out at least once a year to make any necessary adjustments and verify safe operation.

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Deb Hipp is a freelance writer in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a former investigative reporter with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist and writer. She specializes in aging, long-term care, caregiving, retirement and a variety of other health and retirement topics.

Robby has spent his career in a variety of writing, editing and storytelling roles. He now resides near Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife and three kids. He enjoys woodworking, playing rec league soccer and supporting chaotic, downtrodden sports franchises like the Miami Dolphins and Tottenham Hotspur.

Best Home Elevators Of 2023 – Forbes Health

Goods Elevator Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.