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Acorn Stair Lifts

4 Stars (110 Reviews)
Updated: January 25, 2023
By: Jonathan Trout
Jonathan Trout
Content Manager
Jonathan is a former product and content manager for Retirement Living. His background spans sales/marketing, finance, and telecommunications. Jonathan’s expertise in consumer wellness and research-backed data stories helped educate seniors on financial planning, retirement, and community resources. Jonathan graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. in Environmental Sociology.
Content Manager
Edited By: Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith
Sr. Content Manager
As Retirement Living’s senior content manager, Jeff oversees the product and publishing of all retirement, investing, and consumer wellness content on the site. His extensive expertise in brand messaging and creating data-driven stories helps position Retirement Living as a top authority for senior content and community resources.
Sr. Content Manager

For over 25 years, Acorn has worked to set new standards in both quality and innovation in the stairlift industry. Acorn Stairlifts has grown to become the world's leading independent company specializing solely in the manufacture and installation of stairlifts, pioneering designs and high engineering standards. Acorn was the first company to introduce DC batteries to power their stairlifts during a power outage.

Editorial Breakdown

Customer Service 4.3 Stars
Customization 3.8 Stars
Warranty 4 Stars
Price 4.5 Stars

Overall Rating 4 Stars

Bottom Line

Acorn designs and sells three models of stair lifts – one for straight stairs, curved stairs and outdoor use. Its stair lifts are designed to easily mount on your stairs instead of the wall and require no structural changes to your home. Check out our picks for the best stair lift companies by clicking the link below.

Acorn Stair Lifts Review

Since 1992, Acorn Stairlifts has helped over 600,000 customers in 80 countries. The company that we named as having Great Installation in our Best Stairlifts Buyer’s Guide reports that an Acorn stairlift is installed somewhere in the world every eight minutes. With the U.S. headquarters in Florida and a network of stairlift surveyors and engineers all over the country, the U.K.-based company keeps their product line simple with three stairlifts: Straight, Curved and Outdoor. Acorn manufactures and installs every stairlift, and there is never a need for structural changes to your home.

Pros

  • Installs in under one hour
  • The only manufacturer awarded the Ease of Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation
  • Customers have access to a dedicated help desk every day of the year

Cons

  • Weight limits at 280 and 350 pounds are lower compared to most other stairlifts

Acorn Stairlifts Products

All three Acorn stairlifts are designed to be attached to the staircase and not the wall, so remodeling isn’t necessary. Acorn is the only stairlift company offering the FastTrack installation system featuring a variety of modular interlocking rails custom fit together to follow the flow of your staircase. With FastTrack, a curved stairway can typically be installed within a few days after the customer places the order, instead of waiting for weeks for the production of a full-length custom rail. FastTrack rails are easy to install as well, so you can use your Acorn stairlift within a couple of hours after the installers arrive at your home.

  • The Acorn 130 straight stairlift is designed for straight staircases and is the most affordable of the three models. It uses electricity very efficiently.
  • The Acorn 180 is a customizable curved-rail stairlift, one of the few curved models on the market that require no structural changes before installing.
  • The Acorn 130 Outdoor stairlift comes with a weather-resistant cover and stops automatically if any debris should fall or blow into the track.
Acorn Stairlifts Models, Capacity and Features
Model Type Capacity Features
Acorn 130 Straight Stairlift 280 to 350 pounds Inertia seat belt
Acorn 180 Curved Stairlift 265 pounds No remodeling required
Acorn 130 Outdoor Outdoor Stairlift 280 to 350 pounds Weather-resistant cover

Acorn Stairlifts Costs

While you can get an idea of the cost of a stairlift from our Cost of Aging in Place Remodeling Projects chart, your home and staircase are unique, so you will need an in-home survey to get a firm estimate. Acorn offers a free one-hour, in-home survey with no obligation to buy a stairlift. An experienced surveyor comes to your home at a time you select to measure and photograph your staircase. The technician takes the time to understand your mobility needs and to explain the best options. The surveyor has samples of Acorn’s stairlift rails, paddle switches, remote controls, and other key components and will answer any questions as well as provide you with a detailed quote.

It is recommended you budget around $2,500 to $5,500 to have a stairlift installed in your home. Many homeowners choose a stairlift model in the range of $3,000 to $4,500.

Acorn Stairlifts Safety Features

Acorn 130

Acorn 130, Source: Acorn Stairlifts

Aside from a seat belt, each Acorn stairlift comes standard with carriage safety pads and footrest safety edges which stop the stairlift if there is an obstruction on the track. The stairlift won’t move if the seat is not correctly aligned, and an over speed governor and safety gear prevent uncontrolled descents down the stairs.

If the household power goes out while the stairlift is in use, a battery backup takes over, so you are never left stranded on the stairs. The DC battery continuously charges, so it’s always ready to function, but can wear out like any other rechargeable battery. Acorn Stairlifts will send a replacement quickly, but there is no warranty for the cells.

Acorn Stairlifts Warranty

All three Acorn stairlift models come with a 12-month manufacturer guarantee covering service calls, parts and labor. The warranty also includes a full-service check of your stairlift near the end of your first year of ownership, including a comprehensive 25-point check of all major components. The company also offers a wide range of annual service agreements and extended warranties.

Where to Buy Acorn Stairlifts

Acorn sells directly to the public to keep their prices down. Contact Acorn Stairlifts to arrange for a quote by using the form on the website to provide your name, email, address and phone number. You can also call a representative at the number provided on the site to get questions answered and to schedule a free home survey.

Acorn Stairlift Complaints

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Acorn Stairlifts an “A+” rating and has accredited the company since 2003. Acorn has a 4.8 out of 5-star consumer rating on the BBB website with 1,070 reviews. The BBB lists sixty-eight complaints, the majority made by family members wanting refunds after the stairlift user died or went into a senior living facility. Acorn Stairlifts responded to each person.

ConsumerAdvocate.com gives Acorn Stairlifts 9.5 out of 10 stars. ConsumerAffairs lists 141 consumer reviews with an average rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars. While there are some 5-star reviews, most cite issues with frequent malfunctions, customer service and waiting up to a week or more to get a stairlift repaired.

1Dental services

Acorn 130, Source: Acorn Stairlifts

Acorn Stairlifts FAQ

  • Will an Acorn stairlift work with my staircase?
    Acorn can almost always install a stairlift regardless of whether your staircase is curved or straight, indoors or outside, long, narrow, or steep. To learn about your options, schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home survey.

  • Are Acorn Stairlifts easy to operate?
    Yes. Acorn stairlifts operate with a paddle control on the arm of the seat or via handheld remote control. The paddle is pressed and held in the direction of travel for the lift to operate.

  • I have a narrow staircase, should I consider an Acorn stairlift?
    Acorn has stairlift options for narrow staircases:

    • A slimline model uses less space
    • Folding seats and footrests to keep the stairlift out of the way when not in use
    • A hinged rail option swings the stairlift around and off to the side at the top and bottom of the stairs
  • Can an Acorn stairlift work on a staircase with multiple landings?
    There are a few options for using an Acorn stairlift on a long staircase with one or more sub-landings. Options are a curved stairlift, a transfer platform or using multiple straight stairlifts.

  • What is the recommended maintenance for Acorn Stairlifts?
    Acorn recommends cleaning the stairlift rails with a dry cloth weekly. They also advise customers to vacuum the steel-toothed rack mounted on the track regularly. Finally, Acorn recommends yearly servicing to expand the lifespan of the stairlift.

  • How can Acorn install their stairlifts in days rather than weeks like some other companies?
    Acorn’s FastTrack rail system is unique as it allows even the most complex curved stairlift configurations to be fitted on site by their skilled engineers in just a few hours. An Acorn stairlift fits on your staircase, not the wall, so there’s minimal disruption to your home with no renovations.

Conclusion

Installing a stairlift and taking other fall-prevention measures can keep you safe and living in your home. Many hospitals use the patient’s degree of stair-climbing ability to decide if they can return to their home or go into assisted living or a nursing home. In these cases, an Acorn stairlift can be a game-changer. Having an Acorn Surveyor come to your house won’t cost you anything and a stairlift can be up and running in a few days if you opt to buy one.


110 Acorn Stair Lifts Reviews

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2 Stars

October 18 2023 8:05PM

I find all complaints to be valid. I have had a custom lift since 2013. Installation, flawless. Operation very good. Service agreement very poor. They do want you to buy but they are very reluctant to do their part unless you need something. They grudgingly will give you the Annual Inspection that you pay for. Pleasant, yes, but effective they aren't. It is too bad that a company with such good equipment acts as though they couldn't care less unless their equipment is at fault.

My advice is don't buy service agreement unless you really think you need it. I am considering stopping it. I don't need it and, after ten years they know it. I had it installed for my wife before she passed away in 2014. I use mine to bring up groceries but my money is the same as everyone else's. Not Acorn's role to decide who does or does not require their attention. They apparently have better things to do. Shape up Acorn.

Robert M.
New Castle, PA
4 Stars

August 18 2023 5:50PM

The stairlift, when it works, is excellent. I have had problems with it 3 times in 2023. When I call for service, the customer service people are polite and helpful. However, getting someone to answer in scheduling is difficult. They never call back and you have to keep trying until someone answers the call.

Once they get here the technicians are knowledgeable and fix the problem. I did get a maintenance contract and I would have thought since I had one they would give me preferential treatment. No.

Joan M.
SUNSET BEACH, NC
3 Stars

July 06 2023 11:26PM

My initial experience with Acorn and the installation went fine. All this was completed in August 2021. I called a year later as per my service agreement to have the maintenance done. I have called at least a half a dozen times since then.

It is now July 2023 and Acorn has yet to send anyone out to do the routine maintenance. It makes it difficult to re-recommend them when they don’t follow through with their half of the bargain.

Whenever I do speak with someone, they notice that my service agreement has expired and they ask me if I want to renew it. Why should I renew it when they haven’t even followed through with the initial agreement?

Adrian H.
Cayucos, CA
1 Star

June 20 2023 3:58PM

This company is a sales-based organization ONLY. They have no service if your product doesn't work. They have left an 82-year-old woman with no lift, now going for 5 days. It is elderly abuse is what they are doing. They say they will call back. It is a lie that they never call back because they have no service. They are only interested in sales.

Thomas P.
CHARLOTTE, NC
1 Star

June 19 2023 5:27PM

Do not deal with this company. All they do is pester elderly people to invest with their cover plan load of trash. My father of 92 does not require this plan.

The stairlift came through their sister company confirming no extra cover required pests. Hope this reaches the UK crafty that's leave the UK out of listing. Expensive & clueless.

Chris H.
Grimsby, UT
1 Star

April 10 2023 7:42PM

I would never ever recommend this Acorn Stairlift to anyone or their insurance for maintenance, nor this company, ACORN. I purchased in Oct of 2022, shortly after it broke, that is the chair would stop and go, then stop again. It took me several tries to get someone to fix it.

I canceled one time due to Covid, I did not want anyone in the home, then each time I scheduled the company changed the date for some reason, finally had to beg for extension of insurance. Finally got maintenance out, he stated it was a swivel actuator and he replaced it.

Now about a month later it broke again. When I go upstairs or downstairs the switch to move the chair, on the armrests, may work or it may not. So half the time I get stuck halfway up, and sometimes arm switch won't work at all. Now I do not have insurance, I would never renew.

Final opinion Never buy this product, $3200.00 for a sometime chair, not worth $100.00. Really shop around. There are much better companies.

Rex L.
San Antonio, TX
1 Star

March 22 2023 3:34PM

This company has horrible customer service. We paid our yearly maintenance fee in August of 2023. It took them two months to come to the house for service. The day it was supposed to be serviced they called and cancelled.

It took another two months for another appointment in which they never showed up or called. In March the homeowner passed away, so we asked for a refund since they did not full fill their obligation. They would not even consider it. This company is taking advantage of the elderly!

Brad C.
Castle Rock, WA
5 Stars

March 16 2023 5:44PM

Hi, My Installer of my Acorn Chairlift was Daniel **, March 16, 2023 What an amazing hard-working guy. I appreciate the professionalism, care and treatment he used to install my chair lift. I am looking forward to many years of healthy use from this chairlift.

Mr. ** is an absolutely wonderful role model for this company fyi you have a real customer friendly installer, and he deserves credit for the positive images and workmanship he brings to the customers on behalf of the Acorn family.

Please show your appreciation to this awesome marketing specialist and installer in some meaningful way perhaps a raise or a bonus. Good customer service is hard to find these days and I thank you for sending me one of the best.

Bennie S.
Elgin, IL
1 Star

February 09 2023 7:41PM

Just purchased a used acorn chair lift for 600.00. And called Acorn for a replacement part to learn THEY DON’T SALE REPLACEMENT PARTS, PERIOD!! Must purchase chair lift from them, service by them, soooo I purchased trash!

Another company taken advantage of disabled people. Shame on them, hate to see any company go out of business, but maybeeeee.

Franklin H.
Wallace, NC
1 Star

January 14 2023 12:45AM

The company knew exactly the space and need for having the chair turn to face the downstairs area to stand up with a walker. It was changed to no longer face the correct direction but the wall making the chair dangerous to me, because I can no longer stand to face the walker.

They said it had to be done. They advertise all customers will be helped by 24/7 calls. They refuse to communicate regarding the problem of the change.

EF V.
MV, CA