Stair Lift Comparison Guide
Compare Straight Stair Lifts
Here is a comparison chart of some of the most popular straight stair lifts sold in North America. Some models offer additional options and features not listed here.
| Savaria K2 | Handicare 1100 | Acorn 130 | Bruno Elan SRE 3050 | Harmar Pinnacle SL600 | Stannah Siena | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Capacity | 350 lb (optional 400 lb) | 309 lb | 300 lb (optional 350 lb) | 300 lb | 350 lb | 350 lb |
| Retractable seat belt | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | optional |
| Folded width | 10.75" | 12.6" | 12.25" | 12" | 10.5" | 13.5" |
| Arm width | 16"-19.5" | 17.7" | 17.5" | 20.25" | 20" | 19.5" |
| Drive | rack and pinion | multidrive friction system | rack and pinion | rack and pinion | nylon polymer helical worm gear | rack and pinion |
| Diagnostic display | LED lights | digital | digital | no | LED lights | digital |
| Standard color/finish | white with beige seat | white with beige seat | white with beige seat | white with grey seat | off white with beige seat | white and ivory seat |
| Parts warranty | 3 years | 2 years | 1 years | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Company headquarters | North America | Europe | Europe | North America | North America | Europe |
| Maximum Travel | 32' | 22' | 33' | 19' 8" | 70' | 39' |
| Notable | very compact design | constant charge, no gear rack | generally not sold through dealers | covered gear rack | no grease or lubricant required for track | footrest folds with armrest and seat |
These stair lifts all have a nominal (average) speed of approximately 15–20 ft. per minute. All units feature an aluminum rail that is mounted to the stair treads. Optional flip-up rail is also available for these stairlifts. Allow several hours for installation.
*Silver Cross makes ongoing efforts to keep information up-to-date but takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in information on this website.
Straight Stair Lift Manufacturers
In business since 1979, Savaria is one the top accessibility companies in the world. They make the K2 straight that boasts the slimmest folded profile on the market, great for narrow stairs like those in older homes. The K2 plus has a 400 lb capacity.
Handicare makes over 40,000 stairlifts a year and operates manufacturing facilities in several countries. They have a strong reputation for quality and innovation in stairlifts. They became a division of Savaria Corporation in 2021.
Known for selling directly to consumers rather than through local dealers, this company’s head office is in the U.K. They specialize in stair lifts.
A solid company with a good reputation in home access products. They make straight stair lifts that are suitable for outdoor applications as well as for inside the home.
Newer to the industry than Savaria and Bruno, they have been in business since the late 90s and they currently make several models of straight stair lifts.
With its headquarters in the UK and founded in 1867, Stannah has produced many stair lifts for the European market, but has a smaller presence in North America.
Compare Curved Stair Lifts
Here is a comparison chart of some of the most popular curved stair lifts sold in North America. Some models offer additional options and features not listed here.
| Savaria Stairfriend | Handicare Freecurve classic | Acorn 180 | Bruno Elite | Harmar Helix | Stannah Starla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Capacity | 350 lb | 275 lb | 266 lb | 400 lb | 350 lb | 300 lb |
| Seat swivel | top | top | top | top | top | top and bottom |
| Folded width | 16.63" | 16.5" | Varies* | 16.75" | 16" | 16" |
| Arm width | 18.25" - 21.5" (L seat) | 17.1" - 18.3" | 19" | 17.75"-21.75" | 20.5"- 23.6" | 19.3" |
| Rail type | custom bent twin steel tube rail | single tube rail | modular aluminium rail | custom bent flat steel rail | custom bent steel rail | custom bent twin rail |
| Diagnostic display | LED light | digital | digital | digital | status light | digital |
| Standard color/finish | white with beige seat | off white with 3 seat colour options | white with beige seat | white with grey seat | beige or black with beige seat | white with beige seat |
| Parts warranty | 3 years | 2 years | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Minimum track to wall | 6" | 6.8" | 7" | 7.5" | 4.7" | 6" |
| Company headquarters | North America | Europe | Europe | North America | North America | Europe |
| Notable | fits closely to wall, choice of seat | multiple rail colors and seat options | hidden gear track | footrest lever | custom colors and fabrics available | seat load sensor |
These stair lifts all have retractable seatbelts.
*Acorn does not list the distance from the wall, which varies due to their modular track system.
Curved Stair Lift Manufacturers
Savaria is well known for wheelchair lifts and home elevators, and they now offer a double rail curved stair lift that can achieve a tight fit to the wall. They manufacturer the custom rail in North America in 2 facilities.
Handicare, a division of Savaria, makes 2 designs of curved stairlifts, one of them is the single rail design which some people prefer for the look. They offer an innovative app to show you what the lift will look like on your stairs before its manufactured. They recently announced they will build curved stairlifts in North America.
Acorn is a U.K.-based company well known for straight stair lifts. Their curved lift uses a unique modular system that eliminates the need for custom manufacturing, however it may not fit the staircase as well under certain circumstances.
Bruno is a well-regarded company. Their curved stair lift uses a single tall flat rail system that can sometimes have limitations when installed close to the wall. Bruno makes curved stair lifts for outdoor applications as well as indoor.
Harmar is newer compared to other companies in the industry, founded in the late 90s. They currently make a curved stair lift model with custom bent steel rail.
Stannah is a UK-based company that specializes in stair lifts and is well respected in the UK. Their curved stair lifts are known for quality but they are made in the UK and must be air shipped to North America, which can add cost and time.
