Best for Larger People

Harmar provides great options for seniors looking for a stairlift with a high weight capacity. While most of the company’s models have a weight capacity of 250 to 350 pounds, Harmar’s heavy-duty model has a 600-pound weight capacity, making it one of the highest-capacity stairlifts available on the market.

Harmar tests its products several times to ensure their safety. It professionally installs them and, like many stairlifts, they require regular maintenance. Harmar lifts sells and installs its stairlifts through certified dealers located throughout North America and Europe. Harmar’s strong customer support backs its lifts before, during and after installation.

Pros:

  • Has some of the most compact stairlifts on the market and can fit in the narrowest staircases
  • Its heavy-duty Pinnacle stairlift accommodates 600 lbs, the highest weight capacity in the industry
  • All Pinnacle models have batteries that can power lifts up to 60 cycles in the case of a power outage
  • Many models require no grease or lubrication, preventing messy maintenance

Cons:

  • Prices are not listed on the Harmar website, but available via customer service representatives or authorized dealers
  • Purchases cannot be made through the Harmar website, but an online store locator tool provides multiple dealer locations

Overview of Harmar

Harmar is a reputable company known for producing high-quality and long-lasting products. For example, the batteries on its chairlifts have nearly twice the life of most competitors. The company keeps its manufacturing and customer service in the U.S. and offers indoor and outdoor models as well as vehicle lifts. 

The Pinnacle SL300

The Pinnacle Premium SL600

The Pinnacle Heavy Duty SL600HD

The Summit Indoor SL350AC

The Summit Outdoor SL350OD

The Helix

Indoor/Outdoor

Estimated Costs

$3,500+

$4,200+

$6,700+

$2,500+

$3,800+

$12,000+

Stairlift Rail Type

Straight

Straight

Straight

Straight

Straight

Outdoor

Curved

Maximum Weight Capacity

300 pounds

350 pounds

600 pounds

350 pounds*

350 pounds* 

350 pounds

Key Feature

Smooth, stable ride and most compact design

Space-saving profile of only 10.5 inches

Highest weight capacity stairlift on the market

Affordable option comes pre-installed on a rail segment

Functions in temperatures as low as 0 degrees

Can adapt to challenging stairwell configurations indoors or outdoors

Upholstery Options

Vinyl

Vinyl

Vinyl

Vinyl

Marine-grade vinyl

Vinyl or marine-grade vinyl

Warranty

-10 year for gear rack

-2 year for parts

-1 year for battery

-Limited lifetime warranty

-1 year for battery

-10 year for gear rack

-3 year for parts

-1 year for battery

No warranty available

2 year limited

- lifetime for drive system and structure

-2 year for parts

-1 year for battery

How Much Does a Harmar Stairlift Cost?

Harmar’s straight stairlifts can range from $2,995 to $5,995, depending on the model and the individual dealer. For a curved stairlift, the price is much higher, starting at $11,700. This price Includes an in-home or telephone consultation that helps customers determine which model best meets their needs. This cost also includes installation and a limited warranty that can vary depending on the dealer. Under Harmar’s basic warranty, it covers batteries for one year, material defects for three years and gear racks for 10 years.

Full Review of Harmar’s Features

SL600

Harmar touts this model as the most compact chairlift in the industry, with a size of only 10.5 inches when fully folded. Ideal for narrow staircases, the SL600 model has a weight capacity of 350 pounds. It has a high-capacity battery that provides up to 60 trips in a power outage and safety sensors that bring the stairlift to a stop if the user encounters an obstruction. This model is ideal for long staircases as it has a track length of up to 70 feet. It has an average estimated cost of $3,595, depending on the dealer.

  • Weight capacity: 350 pounds
  • Track length: Up to 70 feet
  • Folded lift width: 10.5 inches 
  • Cost: $3,595

SL300

This model is more affordable than the SL600, at an estimated cost of $3,195. It has a slightly lower weight capacity of 300 pounds, and its track length maxes out at 36 feet. Like Harmar’s other SL models, the SL300 has safety sensors and a swiveling chair that lets users get in and out safely. Its battery allows usage even in case of a power outage.

  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds
  • Track length: Up to 36 feet
  • Folded lift width: 11 inches 
  • Cost: $3,195

SL600HD

With a weight capacity of up to 600 pounds, this model is one of the best on the market for larger people. It’s battery-operated and has an extra wide chair with a high back and stationary armrests. This model also includes a retractable seat belt and can have a track length of up to 40 feet. It’s made for indoor use only and is more expensive than Harmar’s other SL chairlifts, averaging $5,995.

  • Weight capacity: 600 pounds
  • Track length: Up to 40 feet
  • Folded lift width: 17 inches  
  • Cost: $5,995

SL350AC

The Summit is a more affordable option compared to many of Harmar’s other stairlifts, at $2,995. Unlike the previous models, the SL350AC connects directly to household power, meaning users can’t run in a power outage. This model comes preattached to a track length that users install onto the stairs instead of the wall. It has a weight capacity of 350 pounds with a 15-foot-9-inch track and a reduced capacity of 250 pounds with a lengthened 25-foot track.

  • Weight capacity: 350/250 pounds
  • Track length: 15 feet 9 inches/25 feet
  • Folded lift width: 14 inches  
  • Cost: $2,995

SL350OD

This is Harmar’s affordable outdoor chairlift. It shares the same weight capacity as the indoor version, at 350 pounds with a short track or 250 pounds with a lengthened track. It has a swiveling seat, thick padding and durable upholstery. It comes preinstalled on an aluminum track and is suitable only for straight staircases. It costs around $3,495, depending on the dealer.

  • Weight capacity: 350/250 pounds
  • Track length: 15 feet 9 inches/25 feet
  • Folded lift width: 14 inches  
  • Cost: $2,995

Helix

The Helix is the only model that Harmar offers for curved staircases. This model is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It comes with a retractable seat belt, a swiveling seat and a track length of up to 164 feet. It’s a costly option at $11,700 because each Helix stairlift is custom-made to fit each user’s needs and home.

  • Weight capacity: 350 pounds
  • Track length: Up to 164 feet
  • Folded lift width: 16 inches 
  • Cost: $11,700

Who Should Consider Harmar Stairlifts?

People Seeking Lots of Guidance

From the consultation process to the continuous customer service, Harmar strives to provide a high-quality experience to each customer. This makes Harmar a great choice for people who want lots of help with their purchases.

Heavier People

The SL600HD boasts one of the highest weight capacities of any chairlift on the market. This model’s helical worm gear keeps the ride smooth throughout.

People Seeking Customization

The Helix model is highly customizable, and the company can build it to fit almost any type of decor. This makes Harmar stairlifts a great choice for people with a discerning eye.

What Are People Saying About Harmar Stairlifts?

Harmar’s stairlifts are generally well-liked among reviewers. Shoppers praise the wide selection of stairlifts available for indoor and outdoor use, but some are disappointed by the lack of variety in curved-staircase models. Reviewers also appreciate the choice between wall-mounted and staircase-mounted units. With one of the most compact stairlifts in the industry and one of the highest-rated in weight capacity, Harmar impresses its consumers with its continuous innovation. Some customers dislike the pricing structure, which individual retailers set, and the item is often unavailable online.

FAQs


Are Stairlifts Easy to Use?


Yes. Users can operate most stairlifts after engaging a seat belt and pressing a couple of buttons. Click here for our full answer to this question. 


Can You Put a Stairlift on Narrow Stairs?



Yes. Some stairlifts are better than others for narrow staircases, such as those that brand themselves as compact models. Click here for our full answer to this question.


How Much Weight Does a Stairlift Hold?



Each stairlift has a different weight capacity, but most models operate within the range of 250 to 600 pounds. Click here for our full answer to this question.


Does Medicare Pay for Stairlifts?



No, in most cases, Medicare does not pay for stairlifts. However, some states may offer waivers designed to help offset the costs of necessary equipment for seniors and disabled people. Click here for our full answer to this question. 


Can Stairlifts be Fitted to Any Stairs



There is a stairlift designed for most types of staircases, whether they are straight or curved or indoor or outdoor. Click here for our full answer to this question.