Don’t let stairs end your independence. Our honest AmeriGlide Rave 2 review covers self-installation, 350 lb capacity, and everything families need to know before buying.
Stairs are the single most common reason multi-story homes become unlivable for older adults — not because the person can’t live independently, but because getting between floors has become unsafe or impossible. A stair lift solves that problem directly. It doesn’t require moving. It doesn’t require converting a ground floor room to a bedroom. It restores access to the entire home and extends aging in place viability for years or decades.
The question most families face isn’t whether a stair lift would help — it’s whether they can manage the installation and the cost. The AmeriGlide Rave 2 addresses both concerns directly: it’s designed for self-installation by a homeowner with basic tools, and it’s available on Amazon at a price point significantly below the typical installed stair lift from a home mobility company.
This review covers everything you need to know about the AmeriGlide Rave 2 before buying.
→ See the AmeriGlide Rave 2 Stair Lift on Amazon
Who Needs a Stair Lift
A stair lift is the right solution when climbing stairs has become unsafe, extremely effortful, or impossible — and when the home’s layout means stairs separate living areas the person needs to access.
The most common situations that lead families to consider a stair lift:
- A bedroom or bathroom on a different floor from the primary living area
- A fall on the stairs — or a near-miss that made the risk undeniable
- A medical event — surgery, stroke, cardiac event — that reduced stair-climbing capacity suddenly
- Gradual decline in the ability to climb stairs safely over months or years
- A physician recommendation to avoid stair climbing during recovery or due to a chronic condition
The alternative most families consider is moving — either to a single-story home or to a care facility. A stair lift is typically far less disruptive and far less expensive than either alternative, and it addresses the specific problem — stair access — without requiring any of the upheaval that moving entails.
Self-Installable Stair Lift — What That Actually Means
Traditional stair lifts from home mobility companies include professional installation as part of the package — which contributes significantly to their cost ($3,000 to $10,000+ installed). The AmeriGlide Rave 2 is designed for self-installation, which is part of what makes it available at a lower price point.
Self-installation doesn’t mean a quick weekend project. It means a homeowner comfortable with basic tools and willing to follow detailed instructions can complete the installation without a specialized technician. The track mounts to the stairs — not the wall — which simplifies installation significantly compared to wall-mounted systems. AmeriGlide provides installation support and customer service to assist with questions during the installation process.
For families without a handy member willing to take on the installation, hiring a local handyman to complete it is an option — even with that cost added, the total is typically below what a traditional installed stair lift system costs.
The AmeriGlide Rave 2 Stair Lift — Full Review
AmeriGlide Rave 2 Stair Lift — Self Installable, 350 lb Capacity
The AmeriGlide Rave 2 delivers the core function of a stair lift — safe, motorized transport up and down a staircase — in a self-installable format that brings stair lift access to households that would otherwise find the cost or installation process prohibitive.
→ Check current price and availability on Amazon
350 lb weight capacity is solid for the majority of users and reflects genuine structural engineering for the loads involved in moving a person safely up and down stairs. This capacity should be confirmed against the specific user’s weight before purchasing — weight capacity is a non-negotiable safety specification for any stair lift.
The track-mounted installation design — mounting to the stairs rather than the wall — significantly simplifies the installation process compared to wall-mounted systems and works across a wider range of stair configurations. Most straight staircases can accommodate this installation approach.
The seat, footrest, and armrests fold when not in use, keeping the staircase accessible for other household members to climb on foot. This is an important practical consideration in households where the stair lift user isn’t the only person using the stairs.
The remote control operation allows the lift to be called to either end of the staircase — useful when the lift is at the top and the user is at the bottom, or vice versa.
Safety features include seat belt, obstruction sensors, and limit switches that stop the lift at the correct positions at the top and bottom of the staircase. These are standard safety requirements for any stair lift used in a home setting.
Important note: The AmeriGlide Rave 2 is designed for straight staircases. Curved staircases — those with a bend, landing, or curved section — require a custom-curved rail system that is more complex and significantly more expensive. Confirm your staircase is straight before purchasing this model.
→ Get the AmeriGlide Rave 2 Stair Lift on Amazon
What to Measure Before Buying a Stair Lift
Getting the right stair lift requires accurate measurements. Before purchasing, confirm:
- Staircase configuration: Straight, curved, or split with a landing. This model is for straight staircases only.
- Staircase width: The minimum width needed for safe stair lift installation and for other household members to pass on foot alongside the folded lift.
- Rise and run: The height and horizontal run of the staircase affects track length required.
- Obstructions: Doors, radiators, or other features at the top or bottom of the staircase that could affect installation or operation.
AmeriGlide’s customer service can advise on whether your specific staircase is compatible with the Rave 2 based on measurements — worth contacting before purchasing if there’s any uncertainty.
Stair Lift and the Complete Aging in Place Picture
A stair lift addresses one of the most significant physical barriers to aging in place in multi-story homes — restoring access to the entire home rather than forcing the person into ground-floor-only living or requiring a move. It’s one of the Tier 4 modifications in our guide on simple home modifications for aging in place ranked by impact — a bigger project, but one with years of aging in place extension as the payoff.
For the complete aging in place planning picture our guide on aging in place checklist for families covers every planning category. And for fall detection coverage on the stairs and throughout the home the SecuLife Smartwatch provides automatic fall detection from the wrist.
→ Get the AmeriGlide Rave 2 Stair Lift on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AmeriGlide Rave 2 work on curved staircases?
No — the Rave 2 is designed for straight staircases only. Curved staircases require a custom-curved rail system. Contact AmeriGlide directly to discuss curved staircase options if your staircase has any curves, bends, or landings.
Does Medicare cover stair lifts?
Original Medicare does not cover stair lifts — they’re not classified as durable medical equipment under standard Medicare coverage. Some Medicaid waiver programs cover home modifications including stair lifts for eligible individuals. Check with your state’s Medicaid program and local Area Agency on Aging for assistance programs that may be available.
How long does installation take?
Installation time varies by the installer’s experience and the specific staircase configuration. A competent DIY installer typically completes installation in a day. AmeriGlide provides installation support by phone and has installation videos available. Reading all instructions fully before beginning and having a helper for the track installation are recommended.
Can the stair lift be installed on stairs with carpet?
Yes — the track mounts to the stairs through carpet without requiring carpet removal. The specific installation approach for carpeted stairs is covered in the installation instructions.
What happens if the power goes out?
Most stair lifts including the AmeriGlide Rave 2 operate on a battery backup system that keeps the lift operational during power outages — allowing the user to reach either floor even without power. Confirm the specific battery backup specifications for this model in the current product listing.
Keep the Whole Home Accessible
A stair lift doesn’t signal the end of independence — it extends it. Restoring safe, comfortable access to every floor of the home eliminates one of the most common reasons multi-story homes become unworkable for aging adults and replaces a move with a modification.
For families managing this decision the math is usually clear: a stair lift extends aging in place viability for years at a cost that’s typically a fraction of moving expenses, first and last month’s assisted living, or the disruption of downsizing to a single-story home.
→ Order the AmeriGlide Rave 2 Stair Lift on Amazon — check current price and availability
About the Author
Carol Simmons is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) who has helped hundreds of families evaluate stair lift options as part of comprehensive aging in place planning. She writes for Elder Safety Guide to give families the honest, practical information they need to make confident home modification decisions.
