I remember using one on some steep basement stairs with bilco doors, stairs were steep and smooth and I thought the climbing mechanism wasn't gripping good and it was a scary situation. I only used it that one time but I wonder how it handles on different surfaces, carpet etc. If you have metal edging on the steps like in some older houses, I wouldn't use it. I also wonder if it scratches finished/stained wooden steps. Personally I prefer using another human and doing push-ups