Acorn Stairlifts manufactures and installs custom stairlifts for homes across the United States. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Steeton, England, Acorn designs, builds, and services its own stairlifts with no third-party dealers or markups. Every unit is made to order and installed by trained Acorn specialists.
How Does a Stairlift Work?
Learn more about how a stairlift works in detail. An Acorn stairlift runs on three components: a custom-fit aluminum rail, a DC battery-powered motor, and built-in safety systems.
- The rail: A slim track bolted directly to your stair treads, not the wall. That means easier installation and removal with minimal impact on your home.
- The motor & power: A quiet motor drives the chair along the rail using a geared system. It’s powered by rechargeable DC batteries that keep working during a power outage. The batteries recharge automatically at charging points on the top and bottom of the rail.
- Safety features: Every model includes obstruction safety sensors that stop the lift if something blocks the path, plus a swivel seat that locks at the top landing for safe entry and exit.
Is an Acorn Stairlift Right for Me?
Use this quick checklist to see if an Acorn stairlift fits your home and needs. Acorn offers three main types: the Acorn 130 Straight, the Acorn 180 Curved, and the Outdoor model for exterior stairs.
- Weight capacity: The Acorn 130 Straight and Outdoor models support up to 280 lbs. The Acorn 180 Curved model supports up to 265 lbs.
- Staircase width: You need at least 26 inches for straight and outdoor stairs, and 27.5 inches for curved stairs.
- Mobility: You should be able to transfer from a chair to the stairlift seat, or have someone assist you with the transfer.
- Multiple staircases: Two stairlifts can be installed in the same home if you have more than one staircase.
- Rental properties: Stairlifts can work in rental properties, but check with an Acorn rep and your landlord.
Acorn stairlifts are commonly used for aging in place, post-surgery recovery, and managing chronic mobility conditions.
What Does the Acorn Installation Process Look Like?
See our full installation process here.
- Free home survey: A specialist visits to measure your staircase and answer questions.
- Custom manufacturing: The rail is built to match your exact staircase dimensions.
- Installation day: Straight stairlifts typically take about an hour to install. Curved stairlifts take longer due to custom bends.
- Handover: The specialist demonstrates all controls and safety features before leaving.
- Aftercare: You’ll receive details on warranty coverage, servicing options, and the Acorn Club app for support.
What Do Acorn Customers Say?
“Made a difference to my independence.” –David W.
“Installed in less than a week.” – Gay N.
"Professional, friendly, and empathetic.”-Thomas A.
Read more verified reviews on Acorn’s Trustpilot page and our customer reviews page.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Acorn Stairlifts offer financing? No, Acorn does not currently offer financing options. Payment is due at installation.
- How much does an Acorn stairlift Cost? The cost depends on your staircase layout and model. Straight stairlifts are typically less than curved models because curved rails are custom-built. A free home survey gives you an exact quote.
- How long does an Acorn stairlift last? With regular maintenance and servicing, an Acorn Stairlift can operate reliably for many years.
- Can a stairlift be removed if I no longer need it? Yes. The rail is mounted to the stairs and can be removed without damaging walls.
- Are Acorn Stairlifts covered by Medicare or insurance? No, Acorn Stairlifts is not covered by Medicare or most private insurance plans.
- What happens if my stairlift breaks down? Acorn service specialists are available by phone at 1-866-873-6574.
- How do I get a quote? You can request a free, no-obligation quote from an Acorn specialist online or by phone.
Ready to see if an Acorn Stairlift fits your home? Book your free home survey
