A stairlift is a motorized chair that travels along a rail mounted to the treads of a staircase, allowing someone with limited mobility to move safely between floors without climbing stairs.

The answer is generally, “yes”. While there may be some circumstances where a stairlift can’t be installed, stairlifts are usually able to be installed on indoor and outdoor stairways, as well as on straight and curved staircases. The best way to know for sure is to schedule a free in-home consultation with a local dealer serving your community.

Yes. Curved staircases require a curved stairlift, rather than a stairlift on a straight rail or track. High quality curved stairlift will be custom made specifically for the staircase onto which they will be installed. We always recommend getting in touch with a local dealer who will provide you with free measurements and quotes on your best curved stairlift options.

There is no right answer to this question. Some batteries may last a decade. Some batteries may encounter a problem with a charger that causes them to fail in the first year. As there are many factors to help stairlift owners get the most out of their batteries, we recommend asking your installing stairlift dealer for advice on your specific home and stairlift application at the time of install. 

There should be no “hidden costs” associated with owning a stairlift. While some people may refer to standard annual service or maintenance as a “hidden cost”, routine maintenance is a recommended path to getting the most out of your stairlift. 

There is no frequency for stairlift repairs. Most well-maintained stairlifts run well for long periods. This would be considered preventative maintenance or service work. If damage or a break occurs to one of the components of your stairlift, a local authorized dealer in your area will be happy to work with you to finalize all necessary repairs. 

Stairlifts generally beep in an unwanted fashion for two reasons. One is that the seat is turned for exit at the top of the steps, but the stairlift is set internally to “multi-user mode”. This mode is for households where two or more users ride the stairlift and the beeping serves as a reminder to the last user to rotate the seat so the stairlift can be called (via remote control) to a different level of the house and ridden by another user. The second reason is that the stairlift unit may not be charging properly and may require a service visit from a local dealer to ensure the stairlift continues to operation and charge as desired.

Stairlift maintenance should be fairly minimal if performed annually (which is what most manufacturers recommend). The gear rack should be cleaned and relubricated. The batteries should have their voltage checked and be swapped out if needed. The roller wheels that allow the stairlift to glide up and down the rail should be tested for flat spots and replaced if they are worn. 

Stairlifts work by carrying a seated passenger along a rail mounted to the top of the stairs. Modern stairlifts use a motor, gearbox, and drive system (like a rack and pinion system)  that moves the chair along a fixed track.

It’s easy: simply press the up/down control button located on the armrest and you’ll go up or down on the stairlift rail. 

Yes. Stairlifts are designed specifically to be safe during operation. High quality stairlifts, like Bruno, feature safety belts, up/down controls that stop the lift when disengaged, safety obstruction sensors on the carriage and footrest that stop the lift if engaged and seat that lock into the entry/exit position. To put it simply, stairlifts are safe to use. 

Stairlift design, stairlift manufacturing and stairlift installation all play a part in the overall reliability of a stairlift. Starting with the components the stairlift is built from and the manufacturing protocols all the way to the design of the stairlift itself and how it is installed - stairlift reliability can vary greatly. Produced to specific standards and using a quality management system, Bruno stairlifts are crafted to be high quality and are always installed by local Bruno dealers who have passed training requirements to ensure quality installation.

Battery-powered stairlifts, like Bruno stairlifts, are designed to offer several “cycles” or top-to-bottom trips - even during a power outage. The wall changer of a Bruno stairlift serves to ensure the batteries are always recharged when they are in a “park” or charging position. This way, if the power goes out, your Bruno stairlift will be ready for several trips up and down the steps.

Folding rail options for straight stairlifts allow the bottom section of rail to be folded out of the way when the stairlift’s carriage (seat + motor area that connects to the rail) is parked away from the bottom. This helps remove a potential obstacle or tripping hazard from lower landings, walkways or high-traffic areas.

The best stairlift for a narrow staircase application depends on the primary users needs and what the space calls for. Are their doorways at the top or bottom of the staircase? Will either a straight or curved option fit on the steps? Are there any bends, turns or landings on the narrow stairway? Connecting with a local dealer to properly evaluate these questions is the most effective starting point.

Stairlifts in North American offer lift capacities from 300-600 lbs. The Bruno Elan supports a 300 lb lift capacity, while the Elite stairlift series for indoor and outdoor applications supports 400 lbs.

Straight stairlifts and curved stairlifts start at different price points. High quality, American-made straight stairlifts usually starting around $4,000 for base models (with premium models starting around $6,000). Curved stairlifts that feature a “base” bend or turn usually start around $13,000. Your needs, wants or things demanded by the application (staircase and house element) may require power options or customizations which would add to the total cost - as would installation. In some states, permitting is also required. We recommend connecting with an authorized local dealer to receive a free quote for your home.

Sometimes. Most stairlift manufacturers do not directly offer financing. However, many local dealers of larger manufacturers may offer financing, rentals, rent-to-own options or all of the above. We advise connecting with a local dealer in your area to learn more about your options. 

Curved stairlifts generally start at $10,000+ for the most basic installation types (which would be a straight up/down rail with a top or bottom “park position” which extends the rail ending away from the staircase). Most high quality or custom made curved stairlifts start around $13,000 for the rail with a base “bend” angle.

No, not usually. While there may be some scenarios where Medicare or a state healthcare system pays for a stairlift, it is not common and is not a typical pathway to stairlift ownership.

No, not usually. Private health insurance in the United States does not generally pay for stairlifts, as they are not considered a piece of medical equipment. While private health insurance may help cover costs in some circumstances, it is not a common or typical pathway to stairlift ownership.

Yes, typically stairlifts are available for rent from a local dealer. We advise getting in touch with local stairlift dealers in your area to learn more about their stairlift rental programs and current rental inventory. 

Used stairlifts can be an affordable path to stairlift ownership. However, purchasing a used stairlift from an online marketplace is not generally advisable (as installation concerns arise due to lost components). Used stairlifts that have been refurbished and would be installed by local dealers are generally considered the safest way to purchase a used unit. While these local dealers may extend a short installation warranty, used stairlift do not typically include the long-term manufacturers warranty. 

Yes. All new stairlifts come with a warranty. What that warranty is, who offers it, who would support it and how long it is are what matters. Bruno is proud to offer the industry’s best warranties: Limited Lifetime on indoor stairlifts and Limited 5-Year on outdoor stairlifts. These warranties cover the primary components of the stairlifts for the original purchaser, if installed by a Bruno dealer. 

It can, but it is recommended to purchase a stairlift to improve the quality of life for you or a loved one - not to worry about home valuations. While it may be something of value to a potential purchaser of your property, improving access to the different levels or areas of a residence for you or a loved one is the best reason to consider a stairlift purchase.

Yes. Staircases with landings, curves or turns require what is known as a ‘curved stairlift’. Curved stairlifts have rails that are custom crafted to follow the angels, curves and flow of a staircase with landings or bends. Contacting authorized stairlift dealers serving your area is a great way to learn more about options for stairways that have a landing.

There are no universal costs for stairlift installation. Local stairlift dealers set their own pricing for stairlift installation and installation may often be included in the final quoted price to purchase a stairlift. Asking the dealer with whom you are working how much they charge for installation is a recommended starting point.

Stairlift installation duration depends on a few factors, such as the stairlift model being installed, whether it is a straight or curved stairlift, and whether the stairlift is being installed indoors or outdoors. Straight stairlifts generally take 2-4 hours to install, whereas curved stairlifts may take 4-8 hours.

The short answer is “yes”. Stairlifts are always installed on the top “tread” of the step of a staircase. The foot / clamp / stand that connects the staircase to the stairlift rail requires a few screws to be properly installed. For staircases with carpeting, most homeowners would never know that a stairlift had been installed once it is removed. For staircases with exposed wood, concrete or metal, small screw holes would be visible upon de-installation. Professionals in the stairlift industry would not consider this “damage” as it is necessary for installation.

Yes. Most stairlift dealers keep straight indoor stairlift models in stock and can install them on short notice.

Yes. Unlike an elevator, stairlift installation can be scheduled and accomplished quickly. Straight stairlifts can typically be installed in 2-4 hours, while curved stairlifts can typically be installed in 4-8 hours.

Yes and no. Straight stairlifts have a higher likelihood of being able to be reused in a new or different residence. The length of available rail for the first place of installation to the new location would be the primary limiting option. Curved stairlifts are always customized to the stairway they are being installed upon. Due to this, it would be extremely rare for a curved stairlift to be able to be de-installed at one location and re-installed on another staircase.