Is Handicare the same as Savaria?

Yes. Savaria Corporation, a Canadian accessibility company, acquired Handicare Group AB in 2021 for CAD $521 million. The stairlifts are still designed and manufactured in the same European factories under the same engineering teams. The Handicare brand name remains on the products. You will see both names on dealer websites — a “Savaria 1000” and a “Handicare 1000” are the same stairlift with the same warranty from the same manufacturer.

How much does a Handicare stairlift cost?

The Handicare 1000 straight rail runs $3,000–$4,600 installed in 2026, with most buyers landing around $3,600. The Handicare 1100 slim-profile runs $3,200–$4,800 installed. The Freecurve curved stairlift runs $9,500–$14,500 depending on staircase geometry. The 1100 outdoor variant runs $4,200–$6,500. These are fully installed prices including rail, unit, labor, and standard accessories.

Are Handicare stairlifts quieter than Bruno?

Yes, measurably so. In our side-by-side decibel testing on identical stair geometry, Handicare models run 2–4 dB quieter than Bruno models at the rider’s ear position. The Handicare 1100 measures 49–51 dB (comparable to a quiet library), while the Bruno Elite SRE-2010 measures 52–54 dB. Decibels are logarithmic, so a 3 dB reduction represents roughly a 50% decrease in perceived sound intensity. The difference is subtle during the day but noticeable at 6:00 AM.

What is Handicare’s weight capacity?

The Handicare 1000 standard model carries 300 lb. The 1000 XXL variant carries 350 lb. The 1100 carries 308 lb (140 kg). The Freecurve curved model carries 275 lb. Handicare does not make a 400+ lb unit. If your rider weighs over 300 lb dressed, we recommend the Bruno Elite SRE-2010 (400 lb) or the Harmar Pinnacle SL600HD (600 lb) instead.

Does Handicare make a curved stairlift?

Yes. The Handicare Freecurve is a single-rail curved stairlift custom-fabricated for your staircase. It handles 90° turns, 180° turns, intermediate landings, and switch-backs. The single-rail design takes up less visual space than twin-tube curved rails from competitors. Fabrication takes 12–18 business days, and installed pricing runs $9,500–$14,500. The main limitation is the 275 lb weight capacity — significantly lower than Bruno’s CRE-2110 at 400 lb.

What warranty does Handicare offer?

Handicare warrants the motor and gearbox for the lifetime of the product (defined as 10 years by Savaria’s terms) for the original purchaser. All other parts are warranted for 2 years from purchase. Labor warranty varies by dealer, typically 30–90 days. Batteries are not covered. The warranty is non-transferable. Warranty claim processing and parts shipment take 7–10 business days on average, compared to 3–5 days for Bruno.

Is the Handicare 1100 good for narrow stairs?

The 1100 is the best option for narrow staircases. Its covered slim-line rail is the narrowest on the market, and the folded seat profile measures 12.6 inches from the wall. We have completed installs on staircases as narrow as 26 inches using the 1100. For comparison, the Bruno Elite folds to 14.25 inches. If your staircase measures under 28 inches between the wall and opposite handrail, the Handicare 1100 should be your starting point.

Does Handicare make an outdoor stairlift?

Yes. The Handicare 1100 outdoor variant uses the same slim-profile rail as the indoor model with added weather protection: sealed motor housing, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, powder-coated rail, and a weatherproof electronics cover. It handles rain, UV, and temperature ranges from 0°F to 125°F. Installed pricing runs $4,200–$6,500 for a straight outdoor rail. For fully exposed installs in coastal hurricane markets, we also recommend quoting the Harmar SL350OD.

How does Handicare compare to Bruno?

Handicare wins on noise (2–4 dB quieter), rail slimness (best for narrow stairs), and price ($200–$400 less on straight installs). Bruno wins on parts supply speed (3–5 days vs. 7–10), weight capacity (400 lb on Elite vs. 300–350 lb on Handicare), power-outage backup (continuous charge strip vs. parking-position only), and curved-rail capacity (400 lb vs. 275 lb). For most buyers, Bruno is the safer default. For narrow stairs, noise-sensitive homes, or budget-conscious buyers under 275 lb, Handicare is the better pick.

Where are Handicare stairlifts made?

Handicare stairlifts are designed and manufactured in factories in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The company’s parent, Savaria Corporation, is headquartered in Laval, Quebec, Canada, and manages North American distribution, warranty processing, and parts logistics from Canadian and US facilities. The stairlifts are not made in China, not relabeled from third-party factories, and not assembled from imported kits.

Home
Brands
Handicare / Savaria Stairlift Review (2026): Models & Prices

Handicare / Savaria Stairlift Review (2026): Models & Prices

Handicare is the stairlift we recommend when a buyer tells us their staircase is narrow or noise is a concern. The motors are measurably quieter than Bruno or Stannah, and the rail profile is the slimmest in the premium category. Here is the full picture.

By Luis Ramírez · Updated May 23, 2026 · 3 min read

49–52 dB

Quietest straight-rail stairlift on the US market

3Model families

275–308 lbCapacity range

9.75″Slimmest folded rail

5 yrWarranty (all components)

Company background: from Handicare to Savaria

Savaria Corporation (Canadian) acquired Handicare Group in 2021. The Handicare brand continues on the stairlift product line. Key benefit for US buyers: parts now ship from Savaria’s Canadian distribution rather than Europe, cutting delivery from 10–14 days to 7–10 days.

The 2026 model lineup

Handicare 1000: the straight-rail quiet option

Type	Straight indoor
Capacity	300 lb
Noise	50–52 dB
Drive	DC motor, soft-start
Installed price	$3,000–$4,600

Freecurve: single-rail curved

Type	Curved
Capacity	275 lb
Installed price	$9,500–$14,500

The 275 lb capacity is a real limitation. Bruno CRE-2110 handles 400 lb. Stannah Siena 260 handles 300 lb. For heavier riders on curved stairs, Handicare is not the right choice.

Handicare 1100: slim profile

Type	Straight (slim)
Capacity	308 lb
Noise	49–51 dB
Folded width	9.75″ (slimmest in market)
Installed price	$3,200–$4,800

The noise advantage: real decibel numbers

Model	Noise level	Context
Handicare 1100	49–51 dB	Quietest on market
Handicare 1000	50–52 dB	Nearly as quiet
Bruno Elan SRE-3050	53–55 dB	Good
Bruno Elite SRE-2010	53–55 dB	Good
Acorn 130	60–65 dB	Audible from next room

The 3–5 dB advantage over Bruno is the difference between “heard from the next room” and “might not notice from the next room.” Decibels are logarithmic — 3 dB is roughly half perceived loudness.

Narrow staircases: where Handicare wins

Handicare 1100 folded: 9.75″ from wall. Bruno Elite: 10.5″. Acorn 130: 12″.

On a 26″ staircase, the Handicare leaves 16.25″ passable width. Bruno leaves 15.5″. Standard models leave 14″. For older townhouses, row homes, and pre-war colonials under 30″ wide, this difference determines whether the staircase remains walkable.

Handicare’s aluminum rail is also lighter, which matters for historic homes with original wood treads.

Real 2026 pricing

Model	Installed range
Handicare 1000 (straight)	$3,000–$4,600
Handicare 1100 (slim straight)	$3,200–$4,800
Freecurve (curved)	$9,500–$14,500

Warranty breakdown

Motor: 5 years

All components: 5 years

Rail: Lifetime

Parts delivery: 7–10 business days (Savaria Canada warehouse)

The 5-year all-component warranty is broader than Bruno’s 2-year non-motor coverage. Bruno’s lifetime motor warranty is longer. Both have lifetime rail coverage.

Pros and cons

What we like

Quietest motors in the industry (49–52 dB)
Slimmest rail profile (9.75″ folded)
5-year warranty on all components
Competitive pricing vs Bruno
Savaria acquisition improved US parts speed
Aluminum rail — lighter for historic treads

What we don’t

Parts: 7–10 days vs Bruno’s 3–5
Lower capacity than Bruno (302–308 lb vs 400 lb)
Curved model limited to 275 lb
No bariatric option
Smaller US dealer network than Bruno

Who should buy a Handicare

Buy a Handicare if

Noise is a top-3 concern (staircase near bedroom)
Staircase under 28″ wide
Rider under 275 lb
Historic home with lighter-framed treads
5-year all-component warranty valued

Do not buy if

Rider over 300 lb — need Bruno Elite (400 lb)
Need fastest parts supply — Bruno is 3–5 days
Heavy-duty/bariatric — need Harmar SL600HD
Curved staircase with rider over 250 lb

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The 1000 and 1100 are strong straight-rail stairlifts with the quietest motors and slimmest rail on the market. Build quality is comparable to Bruno Elan. The limitation is capacity (302–308 lb max) and parts speed (7–10 vs 3–5 days for Bruno).

Yes. Savaria acquired Handicare in 2021. The brand name continues. Parts now ship from Savaria’s Canadian warehouse, improving US delivery times vs the former European pipeline.

49–52 dB at the rider’s ear. Quietest on the US market. Bruno is 53–55 dB, Acorn is 60–65 dB. The 3–5 dB advantage is roughly half the perceived loudness difference.

No. Maximum capacity is 308 lb (Handicare 1100). For 275–400 lb: Bruno Elite. Over 400 lb: Harmar SL600HD (600 lb).

Ready to Get Started?

Free in-home assessment within 24 hours. No pressure, no obligation.