Frequently Asked Questions

SAW is a 2-in-1 mobility device that functions as a stair mobility device and a rolling walker. The stair mobility function requires a SAW Certified Caregiver, handrailing, and gait belt. The rolling walker function can be operated independently. It is a DME device purpose-built for safe stair negotiation and walking.

Stair rise between 6 and 9 inches, and a stair run of at least 9.5 inches. The patient qualification quiz checks whether your stairs fit before you order, and the walker has a built-in Stair Rise Ruler for setup at home.

About 15 lbs (14.64 lbs exact). It folds to about 10 inches wide, needs no installation, no electricity, and no permanent changes to your home.

At the base of the stairs, the caregiver tilts SAW back and activates the Stair Mode Safety Lock and Knee Conversion Mechanism. The wheels come up and lock. The stair legs are exposed and now the SAW is ready for stairs.

Outside, yes, with care. In the rain, no. SAW is not waterproof, so keep it out of wet conditions. It can go on outdoor stairs, but avoid wet weather, and after use in strong sun, check the plastic parts for signs of wear. It is also not a wheelchair, so never roll a seated patient in it.

Always, for stairs. On flat ground, SAW functions as a rolling walker.

SAW has been through a clinical evaluation with inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and other rehabilitation settings. We are careful not to promise medical outcomes, so ask us or your patient's PT for the current evaluation summary.

No. SAW is purchased directly by the patient or family. Clinicians recommend it, they do not prescribe it. SAW is DME, not Rx.

Shower chairs and tub transfer benches aren't designed or labeled for stair use. SAW is purpose-built for stairs, which is a meaningfully different liability position than using an off-label device.

Not yet.

Request an in-service through the PT/OT page, and our team will walk your facility through evaluation, training, and discharge-planning fit.

Five steps. First, start your order with your email. Second, a short patient qualification quiz, about 3 minutes, to check the fit. Third, a $199 refundable deposit to hold your order. Fourth, your caregiver completes certification, about 30 minutes and free. Fifth, you pay the $950 balance and we ship. Deposit plus balance comes to $1,149.

SAW ships only once your patient qualifies and your caregiver is certified. We built it this way because the device isn't safe to use on stairs without a trained caregiver, so we make sure both happen before you pay in full. We want you to succeed.

Yes. You can take the fit check first to see if SAW is right for the patient before you pay anything. Starting your order just captures your email so we can send you the qualification quiz.

A short set of questions, about 3 minutes, that checks the three things that matter: the patient (height, weight, and whether they can stand from a chair with some help), the caregiver, and your stairs (a 6 to 9 inch rise). It is free, and it comes before any deposit.

A $199 refundable deposit today. The $950 balance is charged only after your caregiver passes certification. Deposit and balance are two separate charges, for a total of $1,149.

Yes. Refunded within 15 days, whether you ask before balance payment or the process doesn't work out for your family.

As fast as one day if your caregiver is ready. Certification itself takes about 30 minutes.

We will set up a call to assess what happened. You can switch caregivers, arrange a professional caregiver in your area, or get your deposit refunded on request.

Yes. An order can have more than one certified caregiver, with no set limit. Each caregiver completes their own certification.

Yes, once a year. It is a full retake, free, and takes about 30 minutes. This is also how we make sure caregivers stay current as we update the training.

Within 5 business days of your balance payment.

Unopened units can be returned within 30 days, with a 20% restocking fee on the full $1,149. To start a return, send us photos of the unit first. Once a unit is assembled and used, it is final sale unless it is defective.

Our warehouse emails you the return label. The cost is built into the 20% restocking fee on unopened returns, not charged separately.

Contact us with your proof of purchase and the model / serial number from the frame label. We offer advanced replacement with no credit-card hold. Your refund or replacement is processed once the defective unit is returned and inspected.

A 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser, personal non-commercial use. It excludes normal wear, misuse, and unauthorized repair or modification.

Replacement parts go on sale in Q4 2026. Until then, contact us directly.

Yes. SAW arrives fully assembled, with spare parts included in case you ever need them. There is nothing to build.

Anyone who has difficulty with stairs and has someone available to assist them, within our height, weight, and stair-dimension range. Most families know in four questions. See if SAW is right for your patient.

Patient height 5 foot 2 to 6 foot 0, weight up to 300 lbs, able to stand from a chair with some help, and a home stair rise of 6 to 9 inches with at least a 9.5-inch run.

We hold to the height, weight, and stair ranges from the device's safety testing, so if you are outside any of them, SAW isn't a safe fit. We are developing versions for taller and shorter users, but they aren't available yet.

No. A caregiver can be a relative, partner, friend, neighbor, or licensed professional. What matters is passing certification, being independently mobile, and being able to lift 35 lbs.

It depends on the specifics of your condition. The full patient criteria are covered in the Patient Selection Criteria quiz, and your physician or PT can help confirm fit.

SAW is designed to provide safe, controlled stair negotiation with caregiver assistance. A SAW Certified Caregiver, one handrail, and a gait belt are required every time.

The Stair Mode Safety Lock means SAW can only switch modes when the caregiver activates it.

We can point you to a local home health agency, or a professional caregiver service your PCP can help arrange. The cost of a professional caregiver is the family's responsibility.

Yes, always, before any stair use. It is free and takes about 30 minutes.

Contact us at Assist@StairAssistWalker.com or +1 (339) 675-1807. Your Instructions for Use booklet also includes a dedicated product-safety contact.

No. SAW is a self-pay device. Insurance doesn't currently cover mobility equipment for stairs. The United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid consider durable medical equipment (DME) for stairs a 'convenience item' and therefore do not cover any DME for stairs.

Not in the near term. SAW is a self-pay device for now, and we will update this if coverage ever changes.

SAW is a self-pay device. Other funding paths like VA grants, Medicaid waivers, or workers' compensation aren't confirmed options at this time. Check directly with your plan or provider before counting on any coverage.

No. SAW is purchase-only at this time. Please contact your local DME provider for potential rental options in your area.

SAW is $1,149. Stairlifts and home ramps average $5,000, with some being closer to $20,000, so SAW is usually the far lower-cost option.

Not at this time. We plan to add a financing option after launch.