Before you go to an electric stair lift dealer, you want to be armed with all the information you can muster to avoid being talked into something you don't want or something that won't fit your situation perfectly.

Now if you have a therapist or professional who can advise you on what you or your loved one will need in particular that's always ideal. So to start off with, it's a good idea to check out at least three different companies selling electric stair lifts. When you do this, you'll see why, as prices, quality and service plans can differ. Keep in mind that as in most industries there are always bad apples preying off people's lack of knowledge.

So get a feel for the company that you feel most comfortable and one that seem reputable. It may help to ask each company to provide you with a list of customers that you can call or even visit.

Usually at the electric stair lift dealership, you'll be able to personally test their stair lifts. Looking at a stair lift and actually trying one out are two very different things!

Thanks to improved technology, stair lifts are quieter and can be installed on almost all stair cases. Watch out for companies selling older technology disguised as something new.

Most reputable companies will guarantee their electric stair lifts for a year or more. Notice what you'll have to pay after your one-year warranty expires. You don't want to be sucker-punched with a big "re-guarantee warranty" fee. You want to make sure that your service plan includes having the stair lift inspected every six months and serviced annually. It would also be ideal to have it in your plan where you can get emergency call-out service.