Bruno Elan Stairlift: The Ultimate Solution for Straight Staircases

When it comes to enhancing mobility on straight staircases, the Bruno Elan Stairlift offers an unbeatable combination of simplicity, reliability, and affordability. Unlike curved stairlifts designed for complex layouts, the Elan is engineered exclusively for straight stairs, delivering seamless performance and a sleek design that integrates effortlessly into any home. Whether you’re dealing with a narrow staircase or seeking a space-efficient mobility solution, the Bruno Elan transforms your stairs into a safe and accessible pathway.

Sleek Design and Seamless Integration: Built for Straight Stairs

Precision Engineering: A Perfect Fit for Straight Staircases

The Bruno Elan is crafted to fit standard straight staircases with precision and ease. Its straight aluminum rail is available in customizable lengths to match your staircase height, ensuring a tailored fit without the complexity or cost of curved models. Mounted just 5 inches (12.7 cm) from the wall, the Elan preserves stair width, making it an ideal choice for homes with narrow staircases as slim as 30 inches (76 cm)—a tighter fit than many competitors like the Acorn 130.

Case Study: In a 1950s colonial home in Springfield, MA, the Elan was installed on a straight staircase with a 10-foot rise. Its slim rail and compact design allowed for easy passage, even in a space-constrained layout where bulkier models would have been impractical.

Compact Folding Mechanism: Space-Saving Simplicity

• Folded Dimensions: When not in use, the Elan folds to just 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) from the wall—seat up, armrests in, and footrest raised—outperforming competitors like the Handicare 1100 (15 inches/38 cm). This keeps your staircase open for other users.
• Unfolded Footprint: During operation, it extends to 23.5 inches (59.7 cm), providing a comfortable ride without overcrowding the stairs.
• Practical Clearance: Requiring only a 12”x12” (30.5 x 30.5 cm) landing space at the top and bottom, the Elan fits seamlessly into homes with tight landings or nearby doorways.

Robust Construction and Longevity: Engineered to Last

Weight Capacity and Structural Integrity

• Capacity: With a 300-pound (136 kg) weight capacity, the Elan accommodates a wide range of users, ensuring stability even on steeper straight staircases.
• Materials:
  • Rail: Durable aluminum resists wear and tear, perfect for daily use.
  • Chassis: Powder-coated steel provides strength, paired with a vinyl-upholstered seat (beige standard, with optional fabric upgrades) reinforced with steel framing for lasting comfort.

Reliable Drive System: Smooth and Low-Maintenance

The Elan features a rack and pinion drive system, delivering a smooth, quiet ride at just 45 dBA—quieter than the Acorn 130 (50 dBA). Rated for over 10,000 trips (approximately 10-15 years of regular use), its grease-free design minimizes maintenance, offering a hassle-free experience compared to chain-driven alternatives.

Torque: The motor powers inclines up to 45°, handling most residential straight staircases (average incline: 30°-40°) with ease.

Stress-Tested Durability

Built to withstand diverse conditions, the Elan’s rust-resistant materials endure humid basements or dry, heated homes, ensuring longevity and reliability wherever it’s installed.

Power Efficiency and Reliability: Ready When You Need It

Battery Performance: Outage-Proof Design

• Power Source: Two 12V, 7Ah batteries (24V DC total) provide up to 40 trips (20 up/down cycles) during a power outage—outperforming the Stannah Starla (30 trips) and Acorn 130 (20 trips).
• Charging: Fully charges in 3-5 hours via a 120-240 VAC outlet, with a trickle-charge system to prevent overcharging. LED indicators (green for full, amber for recharge) keep you informed.

Cold Weather Performance: Operates reliably down to 0°F (-18°C), with an optional cold-weather package extending to -20°F (-29°C)—ideal for unheated stairwells.

Energy Efficiency

• Standby Draw: Consumes just 0.5 amps (approximately 4 kWh/year), keeping energy costs low.
• Active Use: Peaks at 2.0 amps, ensuring minimal strain on your home’s electrical system.

Diagnostics: Smart and Simple

LED indicators (green for normal, amber for low battery, red for service) and a diagnostic panel provide clear status updates, while minor issues can often be resolved by cycling the ON/OFF switch.

Seamless Accessibility and Safety: Comfort Meets Confidence

Ride Quality: Smooth and Steady

Traveling at 18 feet per minute (5.5 m/min), the Elan features soft start/stop technology for a jolt-free ride—perfect for users with limited mobility. It handles inclines from 30° to 45°, covering most straight staircase designs.

Seat Comfort: Designed for You

• Dimensions: The seat measures 17.5”W x 15”D x 17”H (44.5 x 38 x 43 cm), with a contoured design for comfort. Optional padding or larger sizes are available.
• Swivel: A manual 90° swivel at the top landing (with an optional powered upgrade) ensures safe dismounting.

Safety Suite: Comprehensive Protection

• Obstruction Sensors: Located on the footrest and carriage, sensors stop the lift in 0.5 seconds with an audible alert if obstacles are detected.
• Seatbelt: A retractable, adjustable belt (24-40 inches/61-101 cm) keeps users secure.
• Emergency Stop: A red armrest button halts motion instantly.
• Key Lock: An optional lock prevents unauthorized use.

Footrest: Stable and Spacious

Measuring 11”W x 12”D (28 x 30.5 cm), the footrest supports up to 100 lbs (45 kg) and folds to 4 inches (10 cm) when parked, accommodating boots or braces with ease.

Installation and Operational Ease: Seamless Integration

Setup Process: Quick and Straightforward

The Elan’s rail bolts directly to stair treads (using 5/16” lag bolts) in 4-6 hours for a standard 10-12 foot staircase, requiring no wall modifications. It fits staircases as narrow as 30 inches (76 cm) with a minimum tread depth of 7 inches (18 cm).

Controls: Intuitive Operation

• Joystick: A weatherproof toggle (0.2 lbs force) on the armrest offers effortless control.
• Remotes: Two wireless call/send remotes (50-ft/15 m range) summon the lift from either end.
• Indicators: LED lights (green, amber, red) provide status at a glance.

Portability: Future-Proof Flexibility

The Elan can be disassembled and relocated in 4-6 hours, making it reusable if you move to another home with straight stairs.

Aesthetic Integration: Blending with Your Home

Design Choices

• Upholstery: Standard beige vinyl complements most decors, with optional gray or brown fabric upgrades.
• Rail Finish: Satin silver aluminum blends with wood, carpet, or tile.

Visual Harmony

In a modern Boston loft, the Elan’s sleek rail and neutral upholstery matched the minimalist aesthetic, its 12.5-inch folded profile keeping the staircase unobstructed—unlike bulkier alternatives.

The Critical Role of the Elan’s Design: Solving Real Challenges

Space and Safety Optimization

The Elan excels on straight staircases, offering a cost-effective solution for narrow stairs or tight landings. Its 12.5-inch folded profile ensures accessibility for other users, such as those with walkers.

Engineering Superiority

The grease-free rack and pinion drive requires minimal upkeep, while the 40-trip battery backup ensures reliability during outages—vital for storm-prone areas.

User-Centric Focus

A 17.5-inch seat (with optional padding) provides comfort for various users, enhancing the ride experience.

Why We Champion the Bruno Elan: A Triumph for Straight Stairs

Compared to alternatives like the Acorn 130 (275 lbs, 20 trips) or Handicare 1100, the Elan’s 300-lb capacity, 40-trip battery, and slim design make it a standout. It transforms straight staircases into safe, accessible routes with minimal fuss and maximum value.

Technical Specifications: The Full Picture

• Weight Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Speed: 18 fpm (5.5 m/min)
• Folded Width: 12.5 in (31.8 cm)
• Track Length: Customizable up to 32 ft (9.75 m)
• Incline Range: 30°-45°
• Seat: 17.5”W x 15”D x 17”H (44.5 x 38 x 43 cm)
• Footrest: 11”W x 12”D (28 x 30.5 cm), 100 lbs capacity
• Power: 24V DC (2 x 12V, 7Ah batteries), 120-240 VAC charger
• Operating Range: 0°F to 100°F (-18°C to 38°C); cold-weather kit to -20°F (-29°C)
• Safety Features: Obstruction sensors, seatbelt, emergency stop, optional key lock
• Weight: Unit: 85 lbs (38.5 kg); Rail: 4 lbs/ft (6 kg/m)

Contact USA Medical Supply Today

Discover the Bruno Elan Stairlift’s transformative power. Call 413-733-7843, text 413-200-4191, or visit 1779 Riverdale St, West Springfield, MA 01089. Our free in-home assessments ensure a perfect fit for your straight staircase. Reclaim your independence today!