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.
| 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
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.
Acorn Stairlifts FAQ
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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
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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.