Home elevators are no longer considered luxuries — they're becoming essential for many households. With over 40 million Americans experiencing mobility issues, the demand has surged.

They were sold from 1986 through July 2022 for between $20,000 and $50,000. Residential Elevator with Space Between the Exterior Landing (Hoistway) Door and Interior Elevator Car (Accordion) Door.

In 2011, a 4-year-old child was trapped between the doors on a Waupaca and discovered dangling by his foot in the elevator shaft. The child survived, but was blinded, the agency said.

Residential elevators solve multistory mobility challenges. Home elevator costs have a wide price range of $2,724 to $6,076, so an installer can provide a custom quote.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it is aware of 41 deaths involving home elevators from 2018 to 2021 and it has recalled more than 117,000 of the units to have space guards installed.