Our Top 3 Chair Lifts for Canadian Seniors
Stair lifts in Canada are a popular solution for seniors and others with mobility issues who want to stay in their homes. They can be installed on any type of staircase and top manufacturers include Acorn, Bruno, and Stannah. Factors to consider when choosing a stair lift include weight capacity, safety features, and warranty options. A professional assessment can help determine the best type of stair lift for your needs.
Best Overall
Acorn Stairlifts are installed somewhere in the world every eight minutes, every single day of the year. Acorn has been striving to create new benchmarks in quality and innovation for the stairlift industry since its formation in 1992.
Most Popular
For three decades, Bruno Independent Living Aids has helped people with restricted mobility live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Outdoor Options
Handicare’s global headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, while its north North American headquarters and manufacturing facility is situated in St. Louis, Missouri.
Compare the Best Straight Stair Lifts For Seniors in Canada (Updated April 2024)
| Company | Model | Type | Weight Capacity | Starting Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn | 130 | Straight | 280 lbs | $2,500 | 12 months |
| Bruno | Elan | Straight | 300 lbs | $3,500 | Limited Lifetime |
| Stannah | Starla | Straight | 331 lbs | $2,800 | Lifetime |
| Handicare | 1100 | Straight | 310 lbs | $2,500 | 24 months parts & Limited Lifetime |
| Savaria | K2 | Straight | 350 lbs | $3,000 | 36 months parts |
| Access BDD | Homeglide | Straight | 352 lbs | $3,300 | Lifetime |
| Ameriglide | Rave 2 | Straight | 350 lbs | $2,800 | 24 months |
Disclaimer: SeniorsBulletin.ca makes ongoing efforts to keep information up-to-date but takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in information on this website.
We Review the 10 Best Stair Lifts in Canada for Seniors
If you or your loved one is searching for a good and reliable chair lift for stairs, you are at the right place. We have reviews of some of the best stair lifts on the market today. Below is a list of Canadian stair lift companies and distributors that can help make your decision easier.
Stair Lifts Reviews
Access BDD
Overview
Access BDD, standing for “Access Business Development Division”, hails from the United Kingdom as a premier British enterprise. With its roots in the UK, the company has expanded its horizon, becoming a trusted name in providing top-tier mobility equipment globally.
Dedicated to championing accessibility and fostering independence, Access BDD shines in delivering:
- Stair Lifts: Known for their quality, aesthetic appeal, and sheer comfort. Whether straight or curved, every stairlift is a testament to the company’s commitment to blending functionality with design.
- Ramps: Bridging gaps and making every entrance accessible.
- Vertical Lifts: Making vertical mobility seamless and safe.
Key Highlights:
- User-Centric Design: Every product, especially their stairlifts, is conceived keeping the end-user in mind. Compact designs ensure they’re apt for even the coziest homes or apartments.
- Ease of Use: Simplicity is at the core of their designs. Intuitive controls guarantee that even those with limited mobility can operate them with confidence.
- Comfort Ensured: Features like padded seats, adjustable footrests, and ergonomic backrests mean every journey is a comfortable one.
A Seal of Quality: Those in Canada seeking unmatched quality in mobility solutions will find Access BDD a top choice. Their reputation is not just built on the excellence of their products, but also on the trust they’ve cultivated over the years.
Access BDD stands as a beacon for those seeking to transcend mobility challenges, promising both quality and reliability in their offerings.
Takeaways
- Integrates advanced technology for enhanced safety and functionality.
- They offer a variety of stair lifts to suit different home layouts and staircase types.
- Prioritizes user comfort with ergonomic seating and adjustable features.
- Competitive pricing but with add-ons can be comparatively higher in price.
- Product accessibility might be restricted to specific regions, affecting some customers (in Canada, only dealers and distributors offer)
Acorn Stairlifts
Overview
Acorn Stairlifts is an American company with branches in both the US and Canada, offering a variety of stairlifts that are affordable and reliable. Their product range includes straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts to suit different needs.
Key highlights:
- Free quotation services: Acorn sends an expert to your home upon request to evaluate and determine the best stairlift solutions for you or your loved one, at no cost.
- Wide range of options: Offers straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts to cater to various requirements.
- Reliable performance: Users have reported excellent performance from their devices.
Acorn Stairlift specializes in residential stairlifts only.
To service an EXISTING Acorn Stairlift
Call 1 (844) 819-1522 Ext. #602
Takeaways
- Stairlifts are designed to fit quickly and easily.
- Stairlifts fit into the stairs and not the wall and therefore require no structural changes to your home.
- Affordable and reliable stairlifts with low running costs.
- They also offer optional hinged rails to eliminate trips and accidents.
- There have been complaints from users about dissatisfaction with their customer service.
- Their sales representatives have been reported to give inaccurate information just to get buyers
AmeriGlide Accessibility Solutions
Overview
Ameriglide Incorporated is an American company founded in 1989 with its headquarters on the east coast of the southern US. Over the years, Ameriglide has become a major distributor of home medical equipment.
Key highlights:
- Long-standing reputation: Established in 1989, Ameriglide has a solid track record in the industry.
- Comprehensive product range: Offers a wide array of mobility aids, including stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, dumbwaiters, and more.
- Quality equipment: Renowned for providing excellent home medical equipment to cater to various needs.
Ameriglide is dedicated to enhancing the mobility and independence of individuals by offering reliable and high-quality home medical equipment.
Takeaways
- Ameriglide ranks 4th out of all mobility aid sites which is a pointer to their quality of service.
- Great product design
- Quick and efficient installation
- Customer service is generally very helpful.
- Affordable stairlift options
- Fairly poor customer service towards the maintenance of products is a major concern among buyers.
- Ordered stairlifts usually take longer than the estimated time for delivery.
Bruno Stairlifts
Overview
Bruno Stairlifts is a family-owned company based in the US and known for its leadership in industry innovation, unwavering commitment to quality, and safety. They offer both indoor and outdoor stairlifts featuring their signature stair lift design.
Key highlights:
- Family-owned: A reputable company with a family-oriented approach.
- Industry leader: Recognized for innovation and pioneering advancements in the stairlift market.
- Commitment to quality and safety: Ensures high standards in their products and customer experience.
- Indoor and outdoor stairlifts: Offers versatile solutions with their signature stair lift design to cater to various needs.
Takeaways
- Stairlifts are handcrafted to provide users with maximum comfort and safety.
- Unique vertical stairlift design allows stairlifts to be installed within five inches of the wall.
- Stairlifts are custom designed upon order which ensures they are perfect for your staircase.
- Weight capacity up to 400 pounds.
- Custom stairlift takes longer to build.
- The Elan SRE-3000 model may not be the best for users near the 300-pound limit as it is slightly unbalanced when used by such users.
- Stairlifts are generally quite expensive especially the elite models.
Handicare Stairlifts
Overview
Handicare is a stairlift provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, with state-of-the-art manufacturing plants across the globe, reaching over 20 countries, including Canada. Their local offices throughout Canada ensure nationwide coverage. Handicare offers a range of stairlift options to cater to various needs, including straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts.
Key highlights:
- Global presence: Headquartered in Sweden and operating in over 20 countries, including Canada.
- Nationwide coverage in Canada: Local Handicare offices ensure comprehensive service across the country.
- Versatile product range: Offers straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts to suit different user requirements.
- State-of-the-art manufacturing: High-quality production facilities ensure reliable and innovative stairlift solutions.
Takeaways
- Lifetime warranty on some products.
- Free estimate on products
- Customer service is pretty good.
- The presence of local offices across Canada ensures a country-wide reach
- A wider range of stairlift choices than most of the competition.
- Easy and fast installation of stairlifts.
- Customer service could be better.
- Weight limitations on basic models limit use.
HME Accessibility
Overview
HME Accessibility is a British Columbia-based company specializing in providing accessibility solutions for seniors and people with disabilities. Established in 2008, the company has grown to become one of the leading providers of mobility and accessibility products in BC. HME Stairlifts is a division of HME Home Health, offering a wide range of products and services, including stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, home elevators, bathroom safety equipment, and mobility scooters.
Key highlights:
- Canadian company: Based in British Columbia and catering to the local community.
- Established reputation: A trusted provider since 2008, known for high-quality products and services.
- Wide range of offerings: Comprehensive product selection to address various accessibility needs.
- Customer service commitment: Sets itself apart from competitors with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
HME Accessibility takes pride in its dedication to customer service, ensuring a positive experience for all clients seeking accessibility solutions.
HME Accessibility is a company based in British Columbia, Canada, that specializes in providing accessibility solutions for seniors and people with disabilities. The company was founded in 2008 and has since grown to become one of the leading providers of mobility and accessibility products in BC. HME Stairlifts is a division of HME Home Health. It offers wide range of products and services including stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, home elevators, bathroom safety equipment, and mobility scooters. One of the things that sets HME Accessibility apart from other accessibility companies is their commitment to customer service.
Takeaways
- Offers a wide range of accessibility products
- Offers free consultations and evaluations
- Team of experienced and knowledgeable technicians for installation and repairs
- Offers rental options for some products, such as stairlifts and mobility scooters
- Has a positive reputation for customer service and quality products
- Prices for products and services can be higher than othes
- Some customers have reported issues with communication and scheduling during the installation process
- Limited information is available about their products and services online
Home Stairlift
Overview
Home Stairlift Rentals & Sales is a local Canadian company focused on providing mobility aid rental services to make independent living easier. They offer rental options for straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts to cater to individuals who, for various reasons, are unable or unwilling to purchase their own. With local offices across Canada, they can deliver services efficiently within their communities.
Key highlights:
- Canadian company: A local business dedicated to serving the mobility needs of fellow Canadians.
- Flexible rental options: Provides rental services for straight, curved, and outdoor stairlifts to suit different needs.
- Accessible to many: Ideal for individuals who cannot or prefer not to purchase their own stairlifts.
- Local presence: Offices across Canada enable efficient and localized service delivery.
Takeaways
- Local offices and dealers ensure wide coverage in Canada
- Efficient and competent installation teams
- Good customer service
Savaria Stairlifts
Overview
Savaria is a Canada-based company dedicated to providing mobility aids that help people maintain their mobility and independence. They offer a diverse range of products suitable for use in the home, outdoors, and even in cars.
Key highlights:
- Canadian company: A local business committed to supporting the mobility needs of Canadians.
- Wide range of products: Offers versatile solutions for home, outdoor, and automotive use.
- Focused on mobility: Dedicated to helping individuals maintain their mobility and live independently.
Savaria’s extensive selection of mobility aids ensures that their customers can find the right solutions for their unique needs, enabling them to live more comfortably and independently.
Takeaways
- Savaria has only recorded 3 customer complaints upon their listing with the Better Business Bureau. This speaks of highly competent and effective customer service.
- Stairlifts are of very high quality.
- Nationwide coverage for Canada
- Competitive pricing
- They offer only straight and curved stairlifts. No outdoor stairlifts.
- Stairlift options are restricted, despite the company’s extensive product line.
Silver Cross
Overview
Silver Cross is a reputable accessibility and mobility product retailer with a history of providing solutions to mobility issues since 1993. Headquartered in Canada, the company operates stores in Alberta and Ontario. Silver Cross also offers in-home assessments and showrooms with working demonstrator models for potential users to try out.
Key highlights:
- Long-standing history: Over two decades of experience in providing mobility solutions.
- Canadian company: Headquartered in Canada and serving the needs of local communities.
- In-home assessments: Offers personalized evaluations to identify the best solutions for clients.
- Interactive showrooms: Features working demonstrator models for potential users to experience firsthand.
Silver Cross focuses on delivering high-quality, tailored solutions to its customers, helping them overcome mobility challenges and maintain their independence.
Takeaways
- Wide range of products and services
- Friendly and competent and professional customer service
- Delivery of products all over Canada
- Response time is slow occasionally
Stannah Stairlifts
Overview
Stannah Stairlifts is a UK-based company with a global presence in over 40 countries, including Canada, and boasts more than 750,000 stairlift installations. Stannah offers curved, straight, and outdoor stairlifts to cater to various user needs. They provide free quotes, efficient installation, after-sales services, and exceptional customer service.
Key highlights:
- Global presence: Established company with a presence in over 40 countries.
- Extensive experience: Over 750,000 stairlift installations worldwide.
- Wide range of offerings: Curved, straight, and outdoor stairlifts available to suit different needs.
- Comprehensive services: Offers free quotes, efficient installation, and after-sales support.
- Excellent customer service: Focuses on providing a positive experience for clients.
Stannah Stairlifts is dedicated to helping individuals maintain their independence by providing high-quality, tailored mobility solutions and exceptional customer support.
Takeaways
- Country-wide coverage in Canada
- Efficient troubleshooting system
- Stairlifts are made to fit you and your stairs.
- Free quotation service.
- Market-leading warranty
- No fixed price. Stairlift prices can only be gotten after the quotation.
- Communication is sometimes lacking.
- Although generally good, warranty options vary by dealer.
What Is A Stair Lift?
As people grow older, the body becomes weaker in a lot of ways. Activities that used to be carried out routinely become difficult. Other activities that require a great deal of mobility like climbing for example become more and more difficult until eventually, seniors need help climbing the stairs at home and in other places as well. There is also an increased likelihood of accidental falls occurring whether it is as a senior is ascending a flight of stairs or when the senior is descending.
Another potential life saving device – a medical alert system – pairs well with a stair lift if falls occur. Check out our list of medical alert systems in Canada.
Stair lifts are a very viable alternative for the use of people who have trouble maintaining their balance, especially on a staircase. Family members looking to ease the struggles of their loved one and simultaneously reduce the risk of falling at the same time and seniors that want to maintain their level of independence, have begun to resort to the use of technological solutions known as stairlifts to meet their mobility needs.
A stair lift is a mechanical device that provide customers with an efficient solution to the problem associated with the climbing of a staircase. Fundamentally, a stair lift is designed to provide mobility aid to people with issues or complications interfering with their ability to climb a staircase, usually loved ones with impairments due either to injury or age or even both. Stairlifts provide a safety measure to guide against falls from a staircase and give customers peace of mind.
Asides from use in the home, stair lifts are also used in nursing homes and they can also be used to provide accessibility solutions to seniors who are residents of an assisted living facility.
Are Stair Lifts The Same As A Chair Lift?
Yes, stair lifts are also commonly referred to as chair lifts – which is not to be confused with power chairs/reclining chairs.
Features of a Stair Lift/Chair Lift for Stairs
The Seat/Chair
The chair of a stair lift is arguably its most important part. It is the part that determines how comfortable people are when they use the stair lift. Fundamentally, the chair is what carries people up and down the stairs. The chair of a stair lift is customizable and it can be changed to meet the preferences of the customer, for example, the seat height can be adjusted to match the needs of each person.
Some manufacturers offer swivel seats that can be rotated to allow users to step out on a flat area rather than on steps they’ve just ridden up. These swivel seats are usually controlled manually using a manual swivel. Some manufacturers, however (e.g handicare) provide customers with a power swivel seat that swivels automatically. A power swivel seat is especially advantageous in situations where it may not be possible to operate the swivel manually. Some manufacturers in a bid to provide a measure of added security offer another kind of stair lift seats that are intended to recline somewhat as the user sits down.
Collapsible Seats
Some stair lift manufacturers offer seats with a power folding feature that makes the seat of the stair lift fold up when they are not in use. As a result of this, they take up less room thereby ensuring that the stair lift poses less of a tripping risk to the movement of people.
Armrests And Footrests
For additional security and convenience, manufacturers include armrests and footrests in the stair lift structure. Some stair lift models feature a power folding footrest. The power folding footrest is designed to automatically collapse at the push of a button and fold up once the stair lift is no longer in use.
Controls
A joystick is generally used to control the movement of most stairlifts. The idea is that as long as the riders maintain contact with the joystick, the stair lift will move. Some additional controls like buttons and levers are also incorporated into the stairlift design to serve functions such as compressing the footrest or the seat. These controls are designed such that riders have no problems operating them when on the lift.Weight Capacity
Most stair lifts are designed to not exceed the standard weight capacity of 300 pounds. However, most manufacturers offer a couple of stairlifts that are capable of handling as much as 600 pounds to cater to the stair lift needs of customers or their loved ones.Calling Mechanism
This is a feature that although common is not ubiquitous to all stair lift models. It is ideal for homes that have multiple levels of a staircase. The calling mechanism is utilized to call the stair lift to the level where it is needed. Some stair lifts make use of a wall-mounted calling mechanism, while others use portable remote control devices. In some models, the remote control is found on the arm of the stairlift.Power
Two DC batteries are used to power a stairlift, which is hooked directly into the mains. Stair lifts are designed to run on rechargeable batteries in case of a power outage or blackout.Safety Features
Seat Belt
The seat belt is designed to keep people in place and prevent them from falling off. Most manufacturers keep the stairlift seat belt design very simple. For those who desire extra security for their loved ones, however, manufacturers offer optional harnesses for a more secure restraint.
Safety Locks
It is also common for stairlifts to come with a lockable key that, when removed, prevents unauthorized or unsupervised use. This is important for the promotion of safety in the house particularly if the stair lift is to be installed in a house with children.
Types of Stair Lifts
Straight Stair lifts
Straight stair lifts are stair lifts that run on a straight rail. The straight rail is the most common type of rail for stair lifts. A straight stairlift makes it possible to move up and down smoothly on stairs with no curves. A straight stairlift is the simplest kind of stairlift to install and it is also the least costly. Some producers even allow their customers to measure and install their straight stairlift themselves. This is due in part to the fact that straight stairlifts are made up of easily accessible components.Curved Stair Lift
A curved stair lift is ideal for installation on a staircase that has bends or landings. The stairlift can move in a straight line and can as well navigate bends on a staircase easily. A curved stair lift runs on a curved rail and its design which enables it to navigate bends makes it more expensive than the straight rail stair lifts.Outdoor Stair Lift
Outdoor stairlifts only differ from their indoor counterparts in the materials which were used to construct them (and the rails). Due to environmental conditions, an outdoor stairlift is made of weather-resistant materials instead of just wood to guarantee its durability. Although an outdoor stairlift can be designed as either a straight stair or a curved stair, most manufacturers only provide straight outdoor lifts to avoid the additional complications that come with the installation attempt of curved stair lifts. Apart from these three major types of stair lifts based on the three types of stair rail design, there are also a couple of other rail designs with increased complexity but increased advantages. One of such is the folding rail. The folding rail has an additional feature that makes it desirable. The end and beginning of folding rail can be manually or automatically packed away reducing obstruction and easing customers of having to go through the stress of packing them.Can Stairlifts Be Fitted To Any Stairs?
A rail stair lift can be designed to fit on any kind of stairs in the home however as earlier stated, the type of stairs will determine the type of stairlift to be installed and by extension the cost of the installation process.
A Comparison Of The Top Stair Lifts In Canada For the Elderly
| ACORN 180 | SAVARIA STAIRFRIEND | HANDICARE FREECURVE | BRUNO ELITE | STANNAH STARLA | |
| Capacity | 266 lb | 350 lb | 275 lb | 400 lb | 300 lb |
| Seat swivel | top | top | top | top | top and bottom |
| Folded width | Varies* | 16.63″ | 16.5″ | 16.75″ | 16″ |
| Arm width | 19″ | 18.25″ – 21.5″ (L seat) | 17.1″ – 18.3″ | 17.75″ – 21.75″ | 19.3″ |
| Rail type | modular aluminum rail | custom bent twin tube | single tube rail | custom bent flat steel rail | custom bent twin tube |
| Diagnostic display | digital | LED light | digital | digital | digital |
| Standard color/finish | white with beige seat | white with beige seat | off white with 3 seat colour options | white with grey seat | white with beige seat |
| Parts warranty | 1 yr | 3 yr | 2 yr | 2 yr | 2 yr |
| Minimum track to wall | 7″ | 6″ | 6.8″ | 7.5″ | 6″ |
| Notable | hidden gear track | fits closely to wall, choice of seat | multiple rail colors and seat options | footrest lever | seat load sensor |
Disclaimer: SeniorsBulletin.ca makes ongoing efforts to keep information up-to-date but takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in information on this website.
Stairlift Prices
The major determining factors of a stair lift cost are the rail/track and the type of staircase to be navigated. Generally, a curved stairlift is more expensive than its straight rail counterpart. A straight stairlift, which has no landings and does not handle bends, costs between $3,000 and $5,000. A curved stair lift however has its cost ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the number of curves and the number of landings.
Which is the Best Stair Lift in Canada?
It depends on what features you are prioritizing – whether that be price, comfort, design or something else. We’ve reviewed over 15 Canadian and US stair lift companies and rated each one to help you pick the best stair lift in Canada for your needs.
How much do stair lifts cost in Canada?
Prices range from $2,500 to $5,000 on average for straight stair lifts, with many factors affecting cost like type, features, installation etc.
Are stair lifts covered by insurance in Canada?
Unfortunately most standard insurance plans don’t cover stair lifts.
How long is the warranty for stair lifts?
Warranties range from 12 months to lifetime coverage on the major components. Battery and labor may have shorter warranty periods.
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2 thoughts on “The 10 Best Stair Lifts for Seniors in Canada 2024”
Good Morning…. we are looking for quotes for a chair lift for Nova Scotia. This will be a straight lift for our basement steps. Both my husband and myself have limited mobility. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Rebecca, I recommend checking out our articles and giving one of the recommended companies a call – they will answer any questions you may have.