Stairlift Guide (2024) - Bruno®
Stairlifts are an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution for safely climbing stairs. Finding the right stairlift for your needs and staircase can be a simple way to stay in the home you love.
Read Bruno's 2024 Stairlift Guide - conveniently divided into four sections - to help answer your stairlift questions!
• Indoor Straight Stairlifts
• Indoor Curved Stairlifts
• Outdoor Straight Stairlifts
• Outdoor Curved Stairlifts
Indoor Straight Stairlifts
Operation & Design
Operating a Bruno indoor straight stairlift is simple: take a seat, fasten the seatbelt and push the armrest paddle control. Apply constant pressure on the paddle control (which can be located on the left or right armrest) to travel up or down the steps. Bruno stairlifts are engineered to travel slightly faster going upstairs than down.
When a stairlift user reaches the top of a staircase, the rider swivels the seat to safely exit away from the stairs. The Easy Turn seat on a standard Bruno indoor straight stairlift allows the rider to turn and lock the seat at either 67- or 90-degrees, enabling them to get off the stairlift safely.
Two wireless remote controls are included with Bruno straight stairlifts to allow the stairlift to be “called” up or down the stairs for use by a second person or to stow the stairlift on the other end of the rail. The remotes should only be used when a rider is not on the stairlift.
Seat Design
Bruno Elite stairlifts are highly adjustable to comfortably fit a wide variety of body types. Width between the armrests is adjustable by over three inches. The seat height is adjustable by over four inches, and the footrest height is also adjustable. Space between armrests on an Elan is fixed.
Both the Elan and Elite straight indoor stairlift chairs feature a padded back-rest and ergonomic design. The higher backrest on the Bruno Elite adds even more comfort. In addition to being comfortable, Bruno straight indoor stairlift chairs feature a contemporary design and color that blends in with the aesthetics of most homes.
Gain extra space on steps when the stairlift is not in use by folding up the armrests, seat and footrest.
Rail Design
Bruno indoor straight stairlifts feature a unique vertical rail that provides a visually-pleasing, sleek design while maximizing open space on the steps. Because Bruno indoor straight stairlifts have the narrowest rail in the industry, the stairlifts install closer to the wall and create the most open space possible on the steps.
Unlike many brands that use a horizonal rail with an exposed gear rack, Bruno indoor straight stairlift rails have a covered, inverted gear rack on the back side of the rail. This gives a clean appearance and eliminates exposure to grease or dirt.
Bruno stairlifts feature a “soft start/stop” mechanism which reduces maximum travel speed to a gentle stop at both the top or bottom at the stairlift rail.
Available Options
Custom Color (Elite Model Only)
In addition to the standard warm grey seat color, there are four other color choices: cream, white, expresso and charcoal.
Power Footrest
Ideal for people with back or balance issues, a power footrest automatically raises or lowers when the seat is raised, eliminating the need to lean over.
Power Swivel Seat
A Bruno power swivel seat offers easy rotation at the top landing—just press the armrest control, and the seat automatically swivels.
Larger Footrest (Elite Model Only)
A larger footrest option expands both the length and width of the footrest by 2 inches (about 51 mm for added comfort and security.
Larger Seat (Elite Model Only)
Another common option for Bruno indoor straight stairlifts is a larger seat and/or larger footrest that increases comfort for various body sizes.
Manual or Power Folding Rail:
An optional manual or power folding rail retracts the bottom portion of an indoor straight stairlift rail, eliminating an tripping hazard.
Installation & Ownership
Installation of Straight Indoor Stair Lifts
Installing a straight indoor stairlift typically takes only two to three hours. After the rail length is cut to the correct size, it is affixed to “feet/supports” that are attached to the stairs. Approximately four “feet” are used to secure a typical indoor straight stairlift.
Bruno indoor straight stairlifts can be installed on either side of the staircase. A Bruno dealer will provide a recommendation based on your staircase configuration and needs.
Hear Mr. Stairlift explain more about how indoor straight stairlifts are installed.
Why a Dealer Should Install a Straight Indoor Stair Lift
It’s tempting for “mechanically inclined” people to want to install a straight indoor stairlift themselves. However, Bruno stairlifts are sold and installed only through factory-trained dealers to ensure precise and safe installations. Because stairlifts are installed to help people safe, it’s extremely important for a dealer to install the stairlift to exact factory specifications and best-practices. For this reason, all Bruno dealers have gone through Bruno factory training in installation and service.
Learn more from Mr. Stairlift about why a straight indoor stairlift are best installed by a dealer.
Safety Features of Indoor Straight Stair Lifts
Designed with safety first, Bruno straight indoor stairlifts feature multiple safety features. In addition to the EasyTurn swivel seat system that allows a rider to exit the stairlift away from the stairs, Bruno straight stairlifts also have safety sensors integrated into the footrest and seat carriage that will stop the stairlift if it encounters an obstruction.
Both the Elan and Elite indoor straight stairlifts use a retractable seat positioning belt.
Warranty of Straight Indoor Stair Lifts
Bruno indoor straight stairlifts offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty, the most comprehensive warranty in the stairlift industry. The motor, gearbox and static rail are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for the lifetime of the Bruno stairlift as long as the original purchaser owns the lift.
All parts, other than major components, are warranted for two years after the date of installation. Bruno’s also includes a labor warranty to cover any defects and workmanship during the first 30 days. The Limited Lifetime Warranty on Bruno’s straight indoor stairlifts is offered free of charge and without stipulations.
Maintenance Tips for Indoor Straight Stair Lifts
Bruno straight indoor stairlifts require little maintenance beyond keeping the rail clean and free of debris. Clean all rail surfaces, with exception of gear rack, with Pledge® lemon polish or similar wax-based cleaner monthly and keep the battery-charger plugged into a live outlet.
Use a mild soap and water mix for cleaning the chair and avoid using vinyl conditioners. For tough stains, try an all-purpose cleaner such as Formula 409® or Fantastic®, rinse and dry.
Remember to have a straight indoor straight stairlift cleaned, inspected and lubricated annually by a factory-trained Bruno dealer.
Power Supply for Straight Indoor Stair Lifts
Two 12v batteries power Bruno indoor straight stairlifts, charging continuously wherever the lift stops along the rail. This allows the stairlift to operate even in a power outage, typically, for 10-15 round trips, depending on stair length, angle, and rider weight.
The charger plugs into a standard 110v household outlet, and it provides visible “red, green and yellow” charge status indicators. The charger may be plugged in at top or bottom of the staircase.
Long-Term Non-Use of a Straight Indoor Stair Lift
When an indoor straight stairlift will not be used for an extended period, turn off the circuit breaker switch on seat carriage and unplug the battery charger from the wall. When ready to use again, recharge the batteries by turning on the circuit breaker on the stairlift carriage and reconnecting the battery charger to the wall. Wait until the charger LED status lights display that the batteries are fully charged (green).
Indoor Curved Stairlifts
Operation & Design
Operating a Bruno Elite indoor curved stairlift is easy: take a seat, clip the seat positioning belt and apply constant pressure to the armrest control to travel up or down the staircase. The armrest control can be installed on either side of the chair, depending on a user’s preferences.
When the stairlift reaches the top landing, the rider can safely exit the stairlift by swiveling the seat away from the stairs. A standard Bruno Elite curved indoor stairlift can swivel and lock at 60 and 90 degrees. There is also an option for the rail to be fabricated so it extends far beyond the steps or curves.
Fold the armrests, seat and footrest when the stairlift is not in use to gain extra space on the staircase.
A second stairlift user can “call or send” the indoor curved stairlift by using one of two wireless remote controls. The remotes are intended for when a rider is not on the stairlift.
Handcrafted Rail Importance for Curved Stair Lifts
Bruno is the only manufacturer to handcraft custom curved stairlift rails, ensuring they precisely trace each angle, elegantly contour to the staircase, and maximize open step space.
While a handcrafted curved rail stairlift takes longer to manufacture than a machine-made rail, it’s worth the wait. In addition to an exceptional fit and appearance, the rail serves as the foundation for an extra-smooth, stable ride. Each Bruno Elite curved rail stairlift is truly one-of-a-kind!
Rail Configurations of Curved Indoor Stair Lifts
A significant advantage of Bruno handcrafting its indoor curved stairlift rails is the ability to fabricate the rail to precisely follow every angle of the stairs and to craft it to accommodate individual needs. For example, a popular option is to have the curved rail extend well beyond the steps or curve either 90- or 180-degrees at the top of bottom landing. This extra “park position” configuration ensures a stairlift user can get on or off the lift far away from the stairs and/or park the stairlift out of sight.
Chair Adjustability for Indoor Curved Stair Lifts
Because Bruno Elite indoor curved stairlifts offer multiple adjustability settings, they are comfortable for a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. The seat height is adjustable by approximately four inches and the space between armrests by over three inches. In addition, the footrest height is adjustable.
A high, padded armrest and generous-sized padded seat further enhance the comfort-level of a Bruno Elite indoor curved stairlift.
Available Options
Color Choices
In addition to the standard warm grey seat color, there are four other color choices: cream, white, expresso and charcoal.
Power Footrest
Ideal for people with back or balance issues, a power footrest automatically raises or lowers when the seat is raised, eliminating the need to lean over.
Power Swivel Seat
A Bruno power swivel seat offers easy rotation at the top landing—just press the armrest control, and the seat automatically swivels.
Larger Seat
An optional larger seat increases the width by over 4 inches and increases the depth. Additionally, the armrests are also able to accommodate several more inches of max width.
Larger Footrest
A larger footrest option expands both the length and width of the footrest by 2 inches (about 51 mm for added comfort and security.
Park Rail Positions
Handcrafted Bruno curved stairlift rails can include a "park position" added to the top or bottom, extending the rail for safer entry/exit or discreet parking. Park positions are available as straight "overruns" or 90- or 180-degree turns.
Installation & Ownership
Installation Process of Indoor Curved Stair Lifts
On average, it takes less than a half day to install a Bruno Elite indoor curved stairlift. Only factory-trained Bruno dealers install Bruno stairlifts to ensure the most precise, safe and professional installations. A common misperception is that stairlift rails attach to the wall; rather, an indoor curved rail is anchored to the stair treads using the minimum number of “feet/supports.”
If the indoor curved stairlift is no longer needed, it can be easily removed by a Bruno dealer.
Self-Installation of a Curved Indoor Stair Lift
Bruno dealers are factory-trained in best-practice and safe installation and service of Bruno indoor curved stairlifts. To ensure the stairlifts are installed safely and properly, only authorized Bruno dealers may install a curved stairlift.
Learn more on this topic from Mr. Stairlifts.
Warranty of a Curved Indoor Stair Lift
Bruno Elite curved indoor stairlifts extend a Lifetime Limited Warranty to the original owner. The most comprehensive warranty in the industry, including all major components – motor, gearbox drive train and rail – are free of defects in workmanship or materials as long as the original purchaser owns the lift.
All other parts are covered from any defect in material or workmanship for two years after the date of installation and all labor, provided by a Bruno dealer, to address any defect is covered for 30 years. This industry-leading comprehensive warranty is offered free of charge.
Maintenance of a Curved Indoor Stair Lift
Curved indoor stairlifts are intended to be worry free and require little maintenance. Keep the rail clean and free of debris. Dust the rail with a wax-based clean such as Pledge® except for the gear rack. Contact an authorized Bruno dealer to inspect, clean and lubricate your stairlift annually.
Power Supply for Indoor Curved Stair Lifts
A Bruno Elite indoor curved stairlift is powered by two 12v batteries that charge whenever parked at the top or bottom of the rail, enabling multiple trips even during a power outage, depending on stair length, angle, and rider weight. The charger plugs into a standard 110v outlet, with green, yellow, and red indicators showing battery status.
For split-level homes, an optional mid-rail charging point allows the stairlift to charge at the middle landing.
Preparing an Indoor Curved Stair Lift for Extended Non-Use
When a Bruno Elite curved indoor stairlift will not be used for an extended period of time, turn off the power switch located near the seat, and unplug the charger from the wall. To ready the stairlift for reuse, reconnect the charger to the wall, turn on the power switch near the stairlift seat and wait until the LED light turns green on the charger to depict the batteries are fully charged.
Safety Features of Curved Indoor Stair Lifts
There are safety sensors on the footrest and carriage of Elite indoor curved stairlifts that will stop the lift if the stairlift encounters an obstruction on the stairs. There is also a safety seat positioning belt for peace of mind.
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Outdoor Straight Stairlifts
Operation & Design
Operating a Bruno outdoor straight stairlift is a simple 4-step process: turn the key on, take a seat, fasten the seatbelt, and maintain continuous pressure on the armrest paddle control to move the stairlift up or down. Bruno outdoor straight stairlifts are engineered to travel faster going up the steps than down.
When a standard Bruno outdoor straight stairlift stops at the top of the stairs, the rider manually swivels the chair until it locks at the 60- or 90-degree position for the stairlift user to get off the lift.
If a second person would like to “call or send” the stairlift up or down the stairs, Bruno outdoor straight stairlifts may also be operated using one of two wireless remote controls. The remotes should only be used when a rider is not on the stairlift.
Free up extra space on the stairs when not using the stairlift by folding its armrests, seat and footrest.
Weather-Resistant Qualities of Straight Outdoor Stairlifts
Bruno’s exterior Elite straight stairlift is performance tested to operate in a wide variety of temperatures, from 0° and 125°. (-15° C- 52° C).
All key components of Bruno outdoor stairlifts are designed specifically for protection from the elements, including exterior -grade powder coated steel with e-coat undercoating, a marine-grade vinyl, weatherized electronics and controls and a lightweight cover.
Comfort Features of Outdoor Straight Stair Lifts
To comfortably accommodate a wide range of body types, the Bruno Elite outdoor straight stairlift seat boasts generous proportions and multiple points of adjustability. The seat height is adjustable by approximately four inches, the space between the armrests by over three inches, and the footrest height is also adjustable.
A padded backrest and seat also elevate the comfort level when riding on a straight outdoor stairlift.
Rail Design Differences of Outdoor Straight Stair Lifts
Most outdoor straight stairlifts use a horizonal rail design with an exposed gear rack. In contrast, the Bruno’s Elite exterior straight stairlift rides on an exclusive vertical rail. Because the rail is slim, it leaves maximum open space on the stairs.
The vertical rail, made from lightweight anodized aluminum, also features a covered gear on the back side of the rail. This keeps the rail sleek in appearance while reducing exposure to grease and moving parts.
Available Options
Larger Seat
Increases the length/width by 2”
Larger Footrest:
Increases the length/width by 2”
Installation & Ownership
Installation of Straight Outdoor Stair Lifts
Installation takes only a few hours for a straight outdoor stairlift. A dealer will cut the rail to the needed length and secure the rail by anchoring several “feet/supports” to the stair tread. The number of supports needed is dependent on the rail length.
Elite outdoor straight stairlifts can be installed on either side of the staircase, so discuss with a Bruno dealer which side is most functional for your unique staircase and needs.
Warranty for an Outdoor Straight Stair Lift
Bruno outdoor stairlifts are backed by the best comprehensive warranty in the industry.
The 5-Year Warranty ensures all major components – the motor, gearbox and static rail – are free of defects in material and workmanship for the lifetime of the Bruno stairlift and as long as the original purchaser owns the lift.
All parts, other than major components, are warranted for two years after the date of installation, and Bruno offers a labor warranty to correct and defects or workmanship for the first 30 days.
Safety Features of Outdoor Straight Stair Lift
For peace of mind, it is recommended that riders buckle the retractable seat positioning belt when using a stairlift. Bruno Elite outdoor straight stairlifts are also equipped with obstruction safety sensors to stop the lift if an object is encountered on the stairs.
Power Supply for Outdoor Straight Stair Lifts
Bruno outdoor straight stair lifts are powered by two 12v batteries that are charging whenever the chair is parked at the top or bottom of the rail. Because the stairlift is battery operated, it will operate for a period even in a power outage. A typical straight outdoor stairlift will operate for 10-15 round trips in an electrical outage, depending on the condition of the battery, weight of rider and length/angle of the stairs.
The AC stairlift charger plugs into a regular household outlet and should be protected from the elements. For easy reference, the AC charger uses LED green, yellow and red lights to show battery charging status.
Long-Term Non-Use of an Outdoor Stair Lift
If not using a Bruno outdoor straight stairlift for a prolonged period, remove the keys from armrest and wireless remote(s), turn the circuit breaker off on the chair carriage, unplug the battery charger and place the cover over the stairlift. Batteries should be removed and stored as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Ready an Outdoor Stair Lift After Extended Non-Use
Contact a Bruno dealer to have the batteries reinstalled in the outdoor straight stair lift, apply fresh grease to gear rack and inspect and further ready the stairlift for reuse.
Outdoor Curved Stairlifts
Operation & Design
Operation of Bruno Elite outdoor stairlifts is easy. Turn the keyed armrest control to activate the system. Take a seat, fasten the seat positioning belt and push the armrest paddle control to move the stairlift up or down. Bruno stairlifts are engineered to travel up faster than going down.
At the top of the stairs, a rider on a Bruno Elite outdoor curved stairlift pushes a lever near the seat and manually swivels the chair until it locks at the 60- or 90-degree position. They are then able to exit the stairlift a safe distance from the steps.
When a rider is not on the stairlift, a second user may press the wireless remote to call/send the stairlift up or down the stairs. After exiting the stairlift, the armrests, seat and footrest fold to gain extra open space on the stairs, and the cover may be placed over the stairlift to keep it dry.
Rail Design of Outdoor Curved Stair Lifts
Bruno Elite outdoor curved rails are uniquely handcrafted to precisely match staircase angles. Their vertical design with a covered gear rack maximizes stair space, provides a sleek look, and prevents grease exposure. Handcrafted rails also allow custom options, such as extending the rail beyond the top landing or adding 90- or 180-degree “park” positions at the top or bottom. Consult your Bruno dealer for more rail options. Find out more from your local Bruno dealer.
Weather-Resistant Qualities of Straight Outdoor Stairlifts
Bruno Elite outdoor curved stairlifts feature key components specifically designed for weather resistance, including exterior-grade power-coated steel with an e-coat undercoating, marine-grade vinyl, weatherproof electronics and controls and a lightweight cover. Performance tested to operate from 0° and 125°. (-15° C- 52° C), the Elite curved stairlift is ready for all weather conditions.
Available Options
Larger Seat
Increases the width of the seat by over 4” and increases the depth of the seat by approximately 1.5”
Larger Footrest
Increases the length/width by 2”
Park Rail Positions
A top or bottom "overrun" extends the rail beyond the stairs; a 90- or 180-degree park position allows users to get on or off the stairlift away from the stairs.
Installation & Ownership
Installation Process Outdoor Curved Stair Lifts
A Bruno Elite outdoor curved stairlift will typically take less than a half day to install by a Bruno dealer. To ensure they are installed safely and to best practice, only factory-trained Bruno dealers are authorized to sell, install and service Bruno outdoor stairlifts.
The curved rail is held in place by “feet/supports” secured into the stair treads. The stairlift can be easily removed by a Bruno dealer in the future if ever it is determined it is no longer needed.
Safety Features of Outdoor Curved Stair Lifts
Safety is a top consideration with stairlifts. Bruno Elite outdoor curved stairlifts feature safety sensors on the footrest and carriage that stop the lift it encounters an obstruction on the stairs. There is also a safety seat positioning belt for peace of mind.
Power for Curved Exterior Stair Lifts
A Bruno Elite outdoor curved stairlift is powered by two 12v batteries which charge whenever the stairlift is parked a the top or bottom of the rail. This ensures the stairlift will continue to operate for several trips even during a power outage, depending on factors such as staircase length, angle and rider weight.
The battery charger, which plugs into a standard 110v household outlet (in a protected location) features green, yellow and red status indicators to show the battery’s charge level. In addition, a mid-rail charging station can be added to charge the stairlift if parked in a middle landing.