Abstract: A stair lift has a load bearing part with a guide rail for extending up one side of a stairway, a lead screw in the guide rail and a corresponding threaded part carried near and co-operating with the lead screw and a motor and/or turning means for rotating the lead screw wherefor no pit needs excavation an electric motor preferably locating at the head of the stairs and a chain and/or platform may span the stairs to another guide rail extending thereup.