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 | Bruno Elan | Harmar SL400 | Stannah Siena | Acorn 130 | Sterling Simplicity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| Capacity | 350 lb (300 lb for stairs steeper than 45 degrees) | 300 lb | 302 lb | 300 lb | 280 lb | 309 lb |
| Seat swivel at top and bottom | top only | top only | no | optional top only | top only | yes |
| Retractable seat belt | yes | no | no | yes | yes | no |
| Flip up rail option | yes | yes | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Folded width | 10.75" | 12" | 13.6" | 15.5" | 12.25" | |
| Arm width | 20" | 20" | 19" | 19.5-21.2" | NA | 19" |
| Drive | rack and pinion | rack and pinion | rack and pinion | rack and pinion | rack and pinion | rack and pinion |
| Diagnostic display | LED lights | no | no | no | yes | no |
| Standard color/finish | off white with tan padded seat | beige with beige seat | off white with beige seat | off white with beige seat | beige with tan seat | beige with sand seat |
| Parts warranty | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years | 1 years | 2 years |
| Company headquarters | North America | North America | North America | Europe | Europe | Europe |
| Notable | very compact design | adjustable seat height | covered gear rack | custom order different seat fabrics | generally not sold through dealers | continuous charge |
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. 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
North America-based Manufacturers
In business since 1979, Savaria is one the top accessibility companies in North America. They have several models of straight stair lifts including a new one called K2 that boasts the slimmest folded profile on the market, great for narrow stairs like those in older homes.
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.
European-based Manufacturers
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.
Highly regarded in the U.K., Stannah has produced many stair lifts for the European market, but has a smaller presence in North America.
Another Europe-based company that sells stair lifts under different brand names including Sterling in the U.S.A. This company makes other types of daily living mobility aids as well.
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.
| Acorn 180 | Savaria Stairfriend | Bruno Elite | Stannah Starla | Sterling 2000 | Harmar Helix | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| Capacity | 265 lb | 350 lb | 400 lb | 300 lb | 254 lb, optional 302 lb | 330 lb |
| Seat swivel at top and bottom | top only | top only | optional powered at top only | top only | top only | top only |
| Retractable seat belt | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Folded width | 13.25+" | 15.5" | 16.75" | 16" | 15.75" | 14.37" |
| Arm width | 19" | 21.5" (L seat) | 21.75" | 19.3" | 18" | 23.6" |
| Rail type | flat, modular system | twin steel tube, custom bent | flat steel, custom bent | double steel rail, custom bent | double steel rail, custom bent | double steel rail, custom bent |
| Diagnostic display | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | no |
| Standard color/finish | off white with tan seat | off white with beige seat | beige with beige seat | off white with beige seat | light or dark gray with brown seat | beige with beige seat |
| Parts warranty | 1 year | 3 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Company headquarters | Europe | North America | North America | Europe | Europe | North America |
| Notable | modular rail pieces are joined together | close to wall fit possible, choice of seat | choice of seat fabric, choice of seat | choice of seat fabric | choice of 6 seat upholstery colors | new model, not well tested yet |
Curved Stair Lift Manufacturers
North America-based Manufacturers
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.
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 also claim to have industry-leading production time for custom-made rail.
Europen-based Manufacturers
Handicare is a European company that sells its curved stair lifts in North America under the brand name Sterling. They are known for their handy additional features of a power swivel seat and footrest; although for some, these added features add more service calls in the future.
Stannah is also a U.K.-based company that specializes in stair lifts and is highly regarded in Europe. Their curved stair lifts are known for quality but they are made in the U.K. and must be air shipped to North America, which can add cost and time.
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.
Hawle stair lifts are made in Germany and not as well known in North America. They offer a choice of colors and fabrics for an additional cost, and claim to be able to meet the design requirements of steep spiral stairs.
