Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all Bruno stair lifts are battery-powered and will continue to operate during a power outage. The batteries are continuously charged whenever the lift is parked at a charging station, which are located at the top and bottom of the rail. Fully charged batteries can typically provide 15-20 complete trips up and down the stairs without recharging.

With proper care and maintenance, a Bruno stair lift can last 10-15 years or more. Bruno stair lifts are built to last with high-quality components and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty on major components. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your stair lift.

Yes, Bruno stair lifts are designed with senior safety as a top priority. They include multiple safety features such as safety sensors that stop the lift if obstacles are detected, seat belts, swivel seats for safe entry and exit, and constant pressure controls that stop the lift immediately when released. The smooth start and stop feature prevents jerky movements.

No, Bruno stair lifts attach directly to the stair treads, not the wall. This means no structural modifications to your home are required for installation. Your staircase and railings remain intact, and the stair lift can be removed in the future without damage to your staircase if needed.

Bruno stair lifts travel at a speed of approximately 15-20 feet per minute. This provides a comfortable and safe ride while still being efficient. The exact travel time depends on the length of your staircase, but most rides take less than a minute from start to finish.

Bruno offers several customization options for their stair lifts. For straight lifts, options include power swivel seats, power folding footrests, larger seat sizes, and different upholstery colors. For curved lifts, you can choose custom rail colors, various upholstery options, and power features. All lifts can be customized to fit your specific staircase dimensions.

Bruno offers solutions for virtually any type of staircase. Straight stair lifts work on straight staircases without turns or landings. For staircases with curves, turns, or multiple landings, custom curved stair lifts are available. Narrow staircases can usually accommodate a stair lift as long as they are at least.30 inches wide.

Bruno straight stair lifts have weight capacities ranging from 300 to 400 pounds, depending on the model. The Elan (SRE-3050) can accommodate up to 300 pounds, while the Elite (SRE-2010) has a higher 400-pound capacity. Bruno curved stair lifts typically have a 400-pound weight capacity.

When in use, a Bruno stair lift extends approximately 25-27 inches from the wall. When folded up (seat, arms, and footrest), the lift protrudes only about 12-14 inches from the wall, allowing other household members to use the stairs comfortably. The rail is installed close to the wall side of the staircase to maximize available space.

Yes, Bruno offers outdoor stair lifts designed to withstand various weather conditions. These models feature weather-resistant materials, protective covers, and enhanced durability for outdoor use. They're perfect for deck stairs, porch steps, or other outdoor staircases.

Installation time varies by stair lift type. Straight stair lifts typically take 2-3 hours to install. Curved stair lifts are more complex and usually take 4-6 hours, sometimes extending to a full day depending on the complexity of your staircase. Our technicians work efficiently while ensuring everything is properly installed and tested.

No, Bruno stair lifts are designed to attach to the stair treads (steps) rather than walls, which minimizes damage. The installation requires securing the rail brackets to the stairs with screws, but these are typically not visible once installed. If the stair lift is ever removed, the holes can be easily filled and repaired.

We strongly recommend professional installation for all stair lifts. Bruno stair lifts must be precisely installed to ensure safe operation. Our certified technicians have specialized training and tools to properly install and test the system. Professional installation is also required to maintain warranty coverage.

Bruno stair lifts simply plug into a standard 110-volt outlet near the staircase. No special wiring or electrical work is typically needed. If you don't have an outlet near the staircase, our technicians can advise on options, which may include having an electrician install a new outlet before stair lift installation.

For straight stair lifts, we typically can schedule installation within 1-2 weeks after your in-home consultation. Curved stair lifts require custom manufacturing based on your specific staircase measurements, so the timeline is usually 3-4 weeks from consultation to installation.

Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not typically cover stair lifts as they are classified as home modifications rather than durable medical equipment. However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer some coverage. We recommend checking with your specific plan. Additionally, some states offer Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waivers that may provide assistance.

Yes, several potential financial resources exist. These include: Veterans benefits through the VA's Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, state-specific programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities, tax deductions (as medical expenses in some cases), and financing options that we can discuss during your consultation.

We accept various payment methods including cash, check, and major credit cards. We also offer financing options with approved credit, including plans with low monthly payments. During your free consultation, we can discuss all available payment and financing options to find what works best for your situation.

In some cases, a stair lift may qualify as a medical expense tax deduction if it's prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition. The IRS allows deductions for capital expenses for home improvements and equipment needed for medical care. We recommend consulting with a tax professional to determine if your specific situation qualifies.

Yes, we offer special discounts for seniors and veterans as a way of thanking them for their service. Please mention if you're a senior or veteran during your consultation so we can apply any applicable discounts to your quote.

While Bruno stair lifts are designed for reliability with minimal maintenance, we recommend an annual maintenance check to ensure all components are functioning properly. This preventative maintenance can identify and address any potential issues before they become problems, extending the life of your stair lift.

Bruno stair lifts come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on major components like the gearbox, motor, circuit boards, and rail. Other components are covered for 2 years. Labor is covered for 30 days after installation, with extended labor plans available. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and normal wear and tear, but not damage from misuse or accidents.

The batteries in Bruno stair lifts typically last 2-3 years with normal use before needing replacement. Factors affecting battery life include frequency of use and ensuring the lift is properly parked at a charging station when not in use. The stair lift will give warning beeps when batteries are getting low and need replacement.

If your stair lift stops working, first check that it's properly parked at a charging station and that the power is on. Ensure there are no obstacles on the stairs or rail. Check if the key switch is in the on position and if the seat is properly swiveled and locked into the riding position. If these basic checks don't resolve the issue, contact our service department for assistance.

Yes, if you move within our service area (Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland), we can continue to service your stair lift at your new location. If you move outside our service area, Bruno has a network of authorized dealers nationwide who can provide service. We can also help with removal and reinstallation of your stair lift if you're moving locally.