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- Price for straight: $3,800 starting price before installation
- Price for curved: N/A
- Environment: Indoor
- Weight capacity: Up to 300 pounds (lbs)
- Financing: Depends on dealer
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Bruno Stair Lifts Reviews, Expert-Tested in 2024
Sep 23, 2024
Fact Checked
In our Bruno stair lift review, we evaluated Bruno stair lift prices, models, and more to help you decide if the brand is right for you.
As we age, our risk of falling rises. Research shows that more than 14 million older adults report falling each year. Fortunately, falls can be prevented, and one way to do so is through home modifications.
When looking to modify your home, consider riskier spots like stairs. A stair lift can make it safer and easier for you to go up and down stairs while maintaining independence and reducing the need for home care.
Our Reviews Team named Bruno stair lifts one of the best stair lifts due to the brand’s high customer satisfaction ratings and the large number of stair lift dealers who carry the brand. We tested and mystery-shopped Bruno stair lifts, so you can decide if one of the brand’s models is right for you.
Bruno Elan Stair Lift
Bruno Elan Stair Lift
Our expert take on the Bruno Elan stair lift
We recommend the Bruno Elan stair lift to adults seeking help going up and down a standard straight staircase. Our testers liked how the stair lift didn’t take up too much space when not in use, how easy it was to fold up, its quiet operation, and the simplicity of its joystick controls. We also like that it comes with obstruction sensors A sensor that detects an object in its path , keeping other people and pets safe when the lift is moving.
Optional add-ons include:
- Folding handrail, ideal for those with minimal space or a doorway at the bottom of the stairs
- Power swivel seat
- Power folding footrest
Our testing experience using the Bruno Elan stair lift
One of the standout features of the Elan stair lift is its compact design. Our testers appreciate this because it allows others to use the stairs easily. When in use, it has a depth of about 22.25 inches from the wall. When not in use, the rail folds and sits just 12 inches from the wall. This makes it ideal for households with narrow stairways and homes where several people share the staircase.
Due to the simple joystick operation, our testers also found the Elan stair lift easy to use. Just push up to move up and down to go down. While it only has one speed, our testers found the pace comfortable. Bruno includes two wireless remotes for each level of the stairs, so you can “call” the lift from both ends of the track.
Safety is a major consideration when purchasing home mobility equipment, and the Elan is equipped with standard safety features. A seat belt fits people of different sizes and retracts when not in use. But our testers noted it was harder to reach than other models, which could impact those with dexterity issues.
While the chair doesn’t swivel as smoothly as some other stair lift seats we tested, it beeps to let you know when it’s locked in place. This helps riders know when it’s safe to dismount the lift. It also includes obstacle detection, which uses sensors to stop the lift if something gets in the way.
The seat is comfortable, but arm padding is available only on the Elite model. Our Reviews Team praised the quiet and smooth operation, noting that the lift glided easily without jerky movements and came to a gentle stop.
Our tester on the Bruno Elan stair lift:
“I like how narrow it can get when not in use and how easy it is to fold everything up. The lift is the quietest one I’ve tested. It’s very simple to use, and I like the joystick. It folds up with less effort than the Elite.”
What customers say about using Bruno Elan stair lifts:
“From sale to installation a great experience. No high pressure at sale. Salesman and installers were professional, very nice, clean, friendly, etc. The stair lift is a godsend to my mother. An excellent product and company to do business with. I highly recommend and thank everyone involved in this process.” — Richard Hague, verified buyer, July 26, 2024
“The Elan stair lift is a much better quality than others I have seen.” — Paul Coteau, verified buyer, April 30, 2024
Bruno Elite Stair Lift
Bruno Elite Stair Lift
Our expert take on the Bruno Elite stair lift
The Bruno Elite stair lift is a step up from the Elan model. It can be used on straight staircases or customized for curved staircases in indoor and outdoor environments. Because it has a more powerful motor, it can handle up to 400 pounds. This means it’s slightly noisier than the Elan.
When our testers measured the seat, they found it 18.5 inches wide by 15 inches long and 13 inches wide when folded. The Bruno Elite also includes upgraded comfort features like a padded leather seat with a curved back.
Like the Elan, the Elite features easy controls, including a joystick and call buttons. It also has a seat belt under the armrests that forms a secure barrier without pressing on the waist and obstruction sensors. Our testers said the Elite operates like the Elan—it won’t move unless it’s locked into its original position, adding an extra layer of safety.
Some add-on options available for the Elite stair lift include:
- Power folding footrest, ideal for people with limited mobility or arthritis
- Power swivel seat
- Extended rail for added safety at the end of the staircase
- Mid-park and charge station for staircases with middle landings
- Custom seat colors
- Wider seat (22.5 inches wide compared to 18.5 inches)
- Oversized footrest for additional support (2 square inches bigger)
Our testing experience using the Bruno Elite stair lift
While our testers noted that the stair lift doesn’t have any major standout features, it operates well, has great customer reviews, and is widely available from stair lift dealers nationwide. Our Reviews Team also appreciated its simple design that blends well with most home interiors. But the nonslip footrest can be challenging to fold up compared to the Elan. Those with muscle weakness or limited dexterity might consider the power folding footrest option in this case.
Our Reviews Team recommends the Elite stair lift to those seeking a sturdy, dependable model with a higher weight capacity to outfit a curved or straight staircase.
If you’re looking for a home lift that can handle even more weight, including the weight of a wheelchair, check out our guide to the best wheelchair lifts.
Our tester on the Bruno Elite stair lift:
“You can take the remote out of the mounted call holder by sliding it up. I found it goes up faster than it comes down. It was a pretty smooth ride overall, with a soft landing.”
What customers say about using Bruno chair stair lifts
“After researching all the Stairlifts out there … we chose Bruno for its reliability, ratings by other satisfied customers and EJ Medical who installed made the process easy.” — Teresa A., verified buyer, July 17, 2024
“I’m so pleased with my Bruno chair glide. It gives me so much more time to use my lower level. Riding the cat litter and groceries downstairs is a big plus. No more worries about falling down the stairs. Life is great!” — Monica Ritenour, verified buyer, July 3, 2024
Pros and cons of Bruno stair lifts
Pros
Offers indoor and outdoor models
Offers curved and straight models
A reputable brand known for its quality and safety
Widely available from stair lift dealers
Lifetime warranties on indoor models
Cons
Not available for online purchase
Installation required
How much do Bruno stair lifts cost?
Bruno stair lift prices are similar to other brands, like Acorn and Lifeway Mobility. The brand’s prices start at roughly $3,000 but can cost more than $11,000 for curved and outdoor models.
It’s important to note that Bruno chair stair lifts are only available through authorized dealers, so prices may vary. Financing and available payment plans will also vary by dealer.
How to buy Bruno stair lifts
You will need to visit an authorized Bruno stair lift dealer to purchase your stair lift. Because a stair lift is a specialized piece of equipment, installation must be done by a trained professional. Once you find a dealer near you, you can request a free quote or in-home assessment.
Usually, dealers only stock straight stair lifts because they can be cut to size. If you need a curved stair lift, the dealer and manufacturer will design a custom rail for your staircase.
Once built, the dealer will send a factory-trained technician to install your lift. While straight stair lifts can be cut to size quickly, curved stair lifts must be custom-made and may take up to three to four weeks to complete. But installation for both types of lifts only takes a few hours.
Bruno contact and payment information
Customer service
Bruno customer service is only available via phone. You can call the brand 24/7 at 800-454-4355. If you want to speak to a Bruno representative specifically, call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
Payment options
Speak with your local dealer for specific price quotes and financing options. To find a Bruno dealer in your area, click here.
Compare Bruno stair lifts, as of September 2024
| Elan | Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price* (straight) | $3,800 | $9,500 |
| Starting price* (curved) | N/A | $11,000 |
| Environment | Indoor | Indoor and outdoor |
| Financing | Varies by dealer | Varies by dealer |
| Maximum weight capacity (pounds) | 300 lbs | 400 lbs |
*Starting prices may vary by dealer and depend on your staircase configuration and optional add-ons
Bottom line
Safety is a top consideration when choosing a mobility aid like a stair lift. Bruno has sold reliable and durable stair lifts for more than 30 years, including the Elan and Elite models, which consistently earn positive reviews from customers.
We recommend the Elan for those seeking a quality stair lift to help them use the stairs more easily. It is compact, operates smoothly and quietly, and can be customized to fit most straight indoor staircases. The brand’s pricier Elite model is a better fit for higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) people and households with curved staircases.
Frequently asked questions
Insurance isn’t likely to cover the cost of a stair lift. In some states, Medicaid programs may offer partial coverage. Community programs and nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity may offer stair lifts and other mobility aids used or at a discount for those in need.
Bruno stair lifts come with a lifetime warranty. But all stair lifts require some upkeep to continue functioning smoothly. This includes keeping the rails clean and yearly servicing from a professional technician.
Both Bruno and Acorn stair lifts have solid reputations for quality products and positive customer reviews. Bruno has been around longer than Acorn and only sells through authorized dealers. Acorn sells directly to consumers, which helps it offer straightforward pricing structures since it doesn’t have to go through third-party dealers.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
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National Institute on Aging. Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention. Sept. 12, 2022.
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Kakara R, et al. Nonfatal and Fatal Falls Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, 2020–2021. CDC: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Sept. 1, 2023.
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Carnemolla P, et al. Housing Design and Community Care: How Home Modifications Reduce Care Needs of Older People and People with Disability. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. May 2019.