Acorn elevator chairs are stairlifts, basically seats fixed to a rail that move you up and down your staircase. In the US, Acorn offers three models covering straight, curved and outdoor stairs. You'll only get a price after a free home survey, and taking the survey doesn't commit you to buying anything.
The figures here are common fitted price ranges reported by Lifeway Mobility, which sells other brands. Acorn itself only names a figure once its survey is done.
| Model | Made for | Fitted price (dealer estimate) | Carries up to | Narrowest stairs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn 130 | Indoor stairs that run straight | $3,000–$8,000 | 280 lbs | 26 inches |
| Acorn 130 HD | Straight stairs, heavier riders | Priced at the free survey | 350 lbs | Measured at the survey |
| Acorn 180 | Stairs with turns or a landing | $10,000 and up | 265 lbs | 27.5 inches |
| Outdoor | Straight steps outside, protected by a weather-resistant cover | Priced at the free survey | 280 lbs | 26 inches |
Prices from Lifeway Mobility. On top of that, Lifeway lists a heavy-duty Acorn 130 HD rated for 350 lbs. Sizes from Acorn's US guide. For the other kinds of chair, see the types of stair elevators.
According to Lifeway, the outdoor version works only on straight staircases. For curved stairs, the 180 runs on a rail assembled from standard sections, known as the FastTrack modular rail. Lifeway points out that this can make certain staircases trickier to fit.
Acorn sells StairSafe too, which monitors how the lift is used.
Acorn handles sales itself, with no outside dealers involved. Each lift is built to order and installed by Acorn's own people.
Fitting a straight lift typically takes around an hour.
No. Medicare and most private insurers won't pay for Acorn stairlifts, and since Acorn offers no financing, the full amount is due once the lift goes in. Acorn's US guide confirms it does not currently offer financing and that payment is due at installation.
Other help may still apply, whichever brand you choose:
See who helps pay or compare renting a stair lift.
These accounts don't match, so it's smart to ask Acorn precisely what's covered and for how long. Lifeway notes that Acorn's pricing leaves out the annual service agreement beyond year one. It also reports that Acorn frequently has only a single service technician for each metro area, which can mean slow service. Worth asking who'd maintain your lift and how fast they could reach you.
According to Lifeway, Acorn runs no US showrooms where you can test a lift, so the home visit is your one opportunity to see it in action.
The curved 180 uses a rail built from set pieces, which suits most stairs but not every one (Lifeway Mobility). Get a second quote to compare against the typical stair elevator cost.
Weighing a chair against a home elevator? See stair lift vs elevator.
The company began in 1992 in West Yorkshire, UK, and claims its lifts reach more than 80 countries. Its careers page puts that lower, at over 70. In the US, Acorn runs out of Orlando, Florida, with surveyors and engineers spread nationwide. Acorn says that somewhere in the world, one of its stairlifts is being installed roughly every eight minutes.
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