Stair Lift Chair

Acorn

Acorn is the behemoth of stairlift companies: It employs over 900 employees worldwide; has a major presence across North America, with its head office in Ontario, and sales and distribution centres in British Columbia (Vancouver), Florida, New Jersey, and California; it has a number of offices internationally, in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, and Germany; and boasts the highest sales in the segment.

Having begun as a dealer of stairlifts, the company's rapid growth can only be attributed to the business ability of its founders: Acorn has always put sales first. What does this mean for the quality of its products? It's difficult to ascertain. But one thing is certain: these stairlifts are probably the best value on the market, if one looks at nothing else but the benefits of economies of scale.

Products

Acorn has essentially only two products; the Acorn Superglide Stairlift, which, when modified for outdoor use, is called the Acorn Outdoor Stairlift; and the Acorn 80 Curved Stairlift. They apply respectively to straight and curved staircases.

The models handle the notable maximum capacity of 350 pounds. Additionally, the footrest is said (as during a consultation) that it can bear a full adult weight. Whether this means the full 350 pounds or not is not clear, but one may be confident that a regularly-sized human adult will be able to stand on the footrest without fear of its bending; something that other manufacturers cannot guarantee.

Warranties

The motor and gearbox are protected by a lifetime warranty, while all other parts are covered for 12 months from the date of installation.

Prices

The full cost of ownership is in the range of CAD $10,000 to $15,000 for an Acorn 80 Curved Stairlift; and CAD $3,600 to $3,900 for an Acorn Superglide. These figures include installation; there is no tax in Canada for disability equipment.