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Best Home Elevators Of 2022

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Updated: Jan 27, 2022, 1:16pm

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In a multi-level home, aging homeowners and family members are often faced with a common challenge: stairs. Home elevators offer a great solution. Helpful to those with disabilities or limited mobility, home elevators allow users to make the most of their space all while skipping an unnecessary climb.

To identify the best home elevators, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on all the top home elevator manufacturers in North America and the various elevator types and models they offer. From price to style to safety to customization options, see which home elevator companies stand out as our top picks. Price ranges listed include the elevators and the cost of installation, are sourced from the manufacturer (or a retailer if not listed by the manufacturer) and are accurate as of the publication date.

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Best Home Elevators of 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Methodology

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.

What Is a Home Elevator?

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.

Who Are Home Elevators for?

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 Dimensions

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).

Types of Home Elevators

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 (MRL) Elevators

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.

Price range: $30,000 for two floors, plus approximately $10,000 for each additional floor
Pros: It takes up less space than some other types of home elevators. However, even though saving space can be an advantage, it can also be a drawback when it comes to maintenance, since the technician might have to charge more to climb into the shaft to access the operating system rather than walking into a separate machine room. “We always recommend a separate machine room if space is available,” says Roberts.
Cons: It requires a “pit” of 6 to 12 inches in the foundation and construction of the elevator shaft, which can take up about 25 square feet per floor. It also needs a ceiling height of at least 10 feet on each floor. Lastly, traction elevators are noisier than other elevator types because all equipment is contained in the shaftway.

Chain-Driven Elevators

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.

Price range: $20,000 to $50,000 for two floors, plus approximately $10,000 for each additional floor
Pros: No machine room is needed for this type of elevator, so it won’t take up additional storage or living space in your home.
Cons: Technicians must crawl into the shaft to service the elevator, so maintenance costs can be higher compared to other elevator types.

Cable-Driven Elevators

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.

Price range: $25,000 to $30,000 (for basic models) for two floors, plus approximately $10,000 for each additional floor
Pros: Some units that need to serve more than two floors offer more flexibility in the machine room location and installation requirements.
Cons: Basic models may not offer as smooth a ride as other models.

Hydraulic Elevators

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.

Price range: $20,000 to $50,000 for two floors, plus approximately $10,000 for each additional floor
Pros: Because the pump and controller can be stored in a separate machine room, the elevator cab itself takes up less space. A hydraulic elevator can also fit in houses with ceilings as low as 8 feet. It’s typically quieter than other types of elevators, and it offers a higher weight capacity than some other options. A standard hydraulic elevator can travel up to six floors, or 50 feet.
Cons: A hydraulic elevator typically requires that your home have adequate space for a separate machine room.

Pneumatic Elevators

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.

Price range: $35,000 to $50,000 for two floors, plus approximately $10,000 for each additional floor
Pros: In the event of a power failure, the user can use gravity to slowly lower the elevator to the ground floor.
Cons: The vacuum drive can be slightly noisier than other types of home elevators.

Shaftless Elevators

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.

Price range: $20,000 to $35,000
Pros: It’s easier to retrofit a shaftless elevator in existing homes and small spaces. And while most are compact, shaftless elevators are available in larger sizes to accommodate wheelchairs.
Cons: Shaftless elevators can only access two floors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between a lift and an elevator?

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.

Does a home elevator add value to a home?

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.

Are home elevators covered by health insurance?

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.

Will Medicare pay for a home elevator?

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

How much space is needed for a home elevator?

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.

Can you add a seat in a home elevator?

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

What is the smallest residential elevator?

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.

What is the weight limit on a home elevator?

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.

What factors should I consider when choosing a home elevator?

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.

Are home elevators safe?

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.

Sources

References

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.

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Deb Hipp Contributor

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 Brumberg Editor

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.

Alena Hall Editor

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.

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