Bruno Stair Lift Review

Bruno Stair Lift Review: Elevating Comfort, Safety, and Accessibility

Crafted by registered nurse and mobility expert Tammy McKinney, our Bruno stair lift review offers unparalleled insights. Tammy, with firsthand experience from patients using various stairlifts, combines her healthcare background with extensive product research, contributing to major platforms like ConsumerAffairs.com, WebMD, and U.S. News.

Renowned for stellar customer reviews, Bruno Stairlifts has rightfully earned the #1 rated title for the Best Stairlift for Seniors in 2023. Tailored for seniors and those with mobility challenges, our review covers prices, pros and cons, and key specifications for an informed decision.

Bruno stairlifts, celebrated for reliability and user-friendly design, offer tailored solutions starting at $3,800. The review guides you through essential considerations, spotlighting versatile features and a robust warranty.

Summary of Bruno Stairlift Reviews

• A+ BBB-rated and accredited
• National Council on Aging rated Bruno “Best Stairlift Manufacturer“
• Caring.com rated Bruno stairlifts for “best overall quality”
• 4.8 out of 5 star-rated on ConsumerAffairs from 2,047 reviews
• #1 rated on TrustedCompanyReviews.com for 2023’s Best Stairlifts for Seniors
• Bruno is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2,856 reviews on Trustpilot
• Remarkably low number of complaints compared to positive customer reviews

Why Choose Bruno Stair Lifts?

Let’s start by reviewing Bruno’s stair lift pros and cons.

Maintaining independence in your home provides comfort and the ability to age in place. Bruno’s indoor senior stair lifts are created with this idea in mind and feature options that make their use easy and reliable.

Bruno Stair Lift Prices

Each stairlift is custom fitted and created for your individual staircase. For this reason, an evaluation is required before definitive pricing can be provided. We can tell you what to expect, however.

• You can expect the cost to start at $3,800 for Bruno’s indoor, straight stairlifts. That includes the base model, delivery, installation, and warranty.
• For custom, curved stairlifts as well as outdoor lifts, costs are higher, starting in the $11,000 range.

Financing Bruno Stairlifts:

Many stairlift purchases are made out of necessity when mobility struggles arise that no longer allow a person to climb or descend the stairs. This may not leave time for planning financially for the cost, especially considering that health insurance plans won’t cover or reimburse for the product or its installation. Thankfully, Bruno offers financing to allow for the stairlift to be installed when needed and for payments to be made until the balance is paid off.

Tips for financing a Bruno stair lift:

1. Research Financing Options: Take the time to explore different financing options available for Bruno stair lifts. Look for reputable lenders or financing programs that specialize in accessibility equipment. Compare interest rates, loan terms, and eligibility criteria to find the best fit for your needs.
2. Understand the Total Cost: Consider the total cost of the stair lift, including the price of the equipment, installation fees, and any additional accessories or customization you may require. Factor in any ongoing maintenance or servicing costs as well. Understanding the complete cost will help you determine the amount of financing you may need.
3. Check for Manufacturer Financing: Bruno may offer financing options directly through their company. Inquire about any available financing programs they provide, as they may have specific offers or incentives that can make financing more affordable.
4. Evaluate Loan Terms: Review the terms and conditions of the financing agreement carefully. Pay attention to the interest rate, repayment period, and any associated fees or penalties. Ensure that the loan terms align with your budget and financial capabilities.
5. Consider Monthly Payments: Calculate the monthly payments you will be responsible for if you choose to finance the stair lift. Ensure that the payments fit comfortably within your budget to avoid any financial strain or difficulties in the future.

Renting a Stairlift

Many authorized Bruno stairlift dealers also offer stairlift rentals. This option takes the pressure off of consumers who aren’t sure they want to commit to a large financial investment and long-term installation of the product. If a lift is needed for a short period of time, it can be installed and then removed on your own timeframe.

Keep in mind: If your home requires a building permit to add the lift due to local ordinances or requires the addition of a power outlet in the area of the lift prior to installation, you will be fully responsible for those costs. 

Bruno Elan Indoor Stair Lifts

• 300 lb (136kg) lift capacity
• Straight lift for use on stairways without curves
• Indoor use
• Power folding footrest
• Power swivel seat
• Manual operation or push-button automatic
• Power folding rail
• Two wireless remotes included
• Soft start and stop
• Functional during a power outage
• Vertical rail system
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Bruno’s Elan Straight Indoor Stairlift is designed to meet its users’ mobility and comfort needs. This stairlift is intended for straight stairs without curves. A power-folding footrest is featured in order to reduce bending and twisting for the rider before and after use. The power swivel seat ensures that the rider is positioned properly for their journey and the power folding rail ensures that the device is up and out of the way when not in use. These features, along with armrest control and soft start and stop technology, guarantee a safe and comfortable ride every time.

It’s also notable that Bruno’s base model has a weight lift capacity that is higher than other top brands.

Bruno stairlifts feature a vertical rail. This allows for the installation to take up less space on the stairs and keeps the gearbox and lift parts covered and safe from the accumulation of dust and dirt.

Bruno Elite Stair Lift Review

• 400 lb (181kg) lift capacity
• Straight lift for use on stairways without curves
• Indoor use
• Power folding footrest
• Power swivel seat
• Manual operation or push-button automatic
• Power folding rail
• Two wireless remotes included
• Soft start and stop
• Functional during a power outage
• Vertical rail system
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Bruno’s Elite Straight Indoor Stairlift is designed to meet both the mobility and comfort needs of users who need more lift power and room. This stairlift is intended for straight stairs without curves and, like the Elam model, features a power-folding footrest to reduce bending and twisting for the consumer before and after use. It also features the power-swivel seat and the power-folding rail, ensuring that the device is up and out of the way when not in use. Armrest control and soft start and stop technology provide a safe and comfortable journey for the user.

This model boasts an even larger lift capacity than the Elam, with a 400lb max, much higher than most other brands.

The vertical rail option on the Elite is only 1 inch larger than the standard option.

Elite Curved Stair Lift Review

• 400 lb (181kg) lift capacity
• Custom-made lift for use on stairways with curves
• Indoor use
• Power folding footrest
• Power swivel seat
• Manual operation or push-button automatic
• Power folding rail
• Two wireless remotes included
• Soft start and stop
• Functional during a power outage
• Vertical rail
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

The customizable Elite Curved Indoor Stairlift by Bruno features a sleek and functional vertical rail and can be fit to any shape or size stairlift. Extended rail options are available on this model to ensure a safe landing and allow the lift to tuck away when not in use. The 400lb lift capacity ensures that riders of most shapes and sizes can enjoy the freedom of a senior stairlift.

This lift boasts the same features as the Elite stairlift, including the power-folding rail, footrest, and swivel seat.

The vertical rail option on the curved model is somewhat larger than the straight models, requiring 7.5 inches of clearance.

Bruno Outdoor Stairlifts (Elite Straight)

• 400 lb (181kg) lift capacity
• All-Weather reliability
• For use on stairways without curves
• Outdoor use
• Power-folding footrest
• Power-swivel seat
• Manual operation or push-button automatic
• Power-folding rail
• 2 wireless remotes included
• Soft start and stop
• Functional during a power outage
• Vertical rail system
• 5-Year Limited Warranty

Bruno’s Elite Straight Outdoor stairlift ensures that your independence doesn’t end at the door. Installed directly to your outdoor stairs, this lift features the same great features as the indoor stairlifts, including wireless remote controls allowing you to call or send the lift if more than one user is present.

Notable differences between the indoor and outdoor lifts are the materials and warranty. This lift is created for all-weather resistance with marine-grade vinyl and durable outdoor paint. The waterproof cover provides additional protection against the elements.

The outdoor model also features an optional 4-point harness for added safety during your journey.

Something to Know: Bruno’s lifetime warranty is not extended to the outdoor lift. This model is covered only for 5 years.

Bruno Elite Curved Outdoor Stair Lift

• 400 lb (181kg) lift capacity
• All-Weather reliability
• For use on stairways with curves
• Outdoor use
• 2 wireless call/send remotes included
• Optional Larger Seat Pad
• Optional Larger Footrest
• Optional 4-point Harness
• Functional during a power outage
• Vertical rail system
• 5-Year Limited Warranty

Bruno’s Elite Curved Outdoor Stairlift is a fully customizable option for consumers with curved or irregular outdoor staircases. Like the outdoor straight stairlift from Bruno, the curved option boasts one of the highest lift capacities on the market, which can safely and comfortably transport users up to 400 lbs.

If your stairlift will be used by more than one person, the two call/send remotes ensure that you can easily send or call the stairlift to the top or bottom of the stairs.

Marine-grade vinyl and durable outdoor paint ensure that this chair lift can endure sun, heat, rain, cold, and snow. A waterproof cover is also included, providing additional protection against the elements.

The outdoor model also features an optional 4-point harness, optional larger seat, and optional larger footrest for added comfort and safety.

Something to Know: Like the Elite Straight outdoor stairlift, this lift does not come with a lifetime warranty, instead having coverage for only five years.

Installation of Bruno Stairlifts

Bruno-specific technicians should provide the installation of Bruno stairlifts for best results. Installation takes place in your home and is usually complete within about 3 hours. Customized curved lifts require more time to ensure that they are fitted properly. These senior stairlifts are installed directly onto the steps, avoiding any damage to your home’s walls and leaving minimal traces of the lift behind if ever removed.

Safety Standards:

Bruno is an ISO 9001 Certified designer and manufacturer. This certification indicates that their processes and products are held to a high standard of quality and safety and that they always remain committed to these values.

Bruno Stair Lift Warranty:

Pros

• Lifetime: All indoor lifts come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Complimentary Labor: 30 days of labor is covered as part of the initial warranty
• Total Coverage: Warranty covers all parts of the lift for 2 years
• Major Component Coverage: All major components are covered for a lifetime

Cons

• Non-transferrable: Warranty terms become void if the original owner no longer owns the lift
• Installation Caveat: Warranty void if Bruno-trained technicians do not install the lift
• Outdoor Lift Warranty: Outdoor lift warranty is limited to 5 years

Bruno provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty with each of its indoor stairlifts. For all major components, such as the gearbox, motor, or rail, the warranty will cover the cost of repair or replacement for the lifetime of the lift. As long as the lift is installed by an authorized Bruno dealer, a 2-year warranty will completely cover all parts of the lift and all labor costs will be fully covered for 30 days.

What you need to know: If the original owner of the warranty is no longer the owner, the warranty becomes void. The outdoor stairlift model is limited to a 5-year warranty and is non-transferrable as well.

Additional Service Plans:

Bruno does not offer additional service plans for their lifts, meaning that any repair or replacement costs incurred outside of the warranty period or terms will be the responsibility of the stairlift owner.

Bruno’s BBB Review:

Bruno Independent Living Aids, Inc. is the parent company of Bruno Stairlifts. They are sold throughout the USA at authorized dealers and not direct from the company. For this reason, there are only three reviews on their Better Business Bureau profile, two of which are concerns over contacting certain departments/individuals directly.

More important to note is that the company is A+ rated by the BBB. This rating considers several factors, including complaints, the company’s resolutions to these complaints, time in business, and more. You can read more about the BBBs rating system here.

Positive Reviews About Bruno Stairlifts: Customer reviews found outside of the BBB website state that customers are thrilled with their Bruno stairlifts and found the technicians to be professional and kind.

Negative Reviews About Bruno Stairlifts: Negative reviews’ theme is that service can be delayed depending on the authorized dealer. It was also noted that some lifts only lasted about six years before they ceased operating, particularly outdoor ones.

Complaints Against Bruno: Complaints made through the BBB appear to be in regard to some authorized dealers and the scheduling of installation and services. Customers took to filing complaints through Bruno’s parent company when they were not resolved quickly through the dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Summary of this review: Bruno stairlifts are a reliable choice for those needing assistance navigating stairs, offering indoor and outdoor models, as well as scooter lifts and platform lifts. The USA-based and veteran-owned business has been operating for 39 years and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

The lifts start at $3,800 and come with a limited lifetime warranty. While some customers have experienced challenges with scheduling repairs, and there are limited reviews on the BBB, positive reviews highlight the professionalism of technicians. Overall, Bruno’s stairlifts provide a comfortable and safe solution to maintaining independence at home.

Stairlift Rating Algorithm

Tammy McKinney, RN & Healthcare Writer

Tammy McKinney, RN is a healthcare writer and seasoned registered nurse. With experience in acute care, long-term care, drug & alcohol rehabilitation, and hospice & palliative care, she combines her medical understanding with her love for writing in order to educate and inform the public on various health-related topics.

You can view a snippet of her portfolio here or reach out to her directly on LinkedIn!

About Author

Tammy McKinney–Registered Nurse and Product Researcher