Founded in 1984, the Bruno Independent Living Aids company manufactures mobility products for physically challenged people. The brand is well-known in the mobility industry for its fairly extensive selection of quality products. Their home accessibility solutions include stairlifts, which allow an individual to move between the floors of a multi-story home. Bruno stairlifts may be used to fit most common staircase styles and include their straight-rail stair lifts, curved rail stairlifts as well as an option for exterior stairs. Bruno Independent Living Aids is ISO 9001 Certified, which means that they make their products to consistently meet a high standard.

Bruno provides a selection of four models for those who wish to install a stairlift in their home. The goal is an installation that does its job effectively and safely without detracting from the home’s character. The stairlifts are available to suit most budgets and come with a range of features.

The Elan SRE-3000

The standard features of the Elan Straight Rail Stair Lift are:

• The ability to carry up to 300lbs
• Continuous charging along the strip
• A beltless direct-drive motor
• 12-volt batteries that are chargeable from any home electrical outlet
• Can be installed on either side of a staircase
• Flip-up seat so as not to obstruct the stairs
• Safety sensors that stop the stairlift if there is an obstruction

The continuous charging feature is one that sets the Elan apart as it means that the stairlift can be charged wherever it stops. Some other stairlifts require that the chair be either at the top or at the bottom for it to be charged. The batteries allow the Elan to be used even during a power outage. The seat is offset and it swivels, which makes it easy for a user to get out when it reaches the landing.

Downsides of the Elan

While the chair itself is entirely secure, some users find that it wobbles slightly. That slight wobble may mean that the chair is less than secure for users approaching the 300lb weight-limit. Another reported issue is the fact that it seems a little on the slow side. Fortunately, the continuous charging allows users in a hurry to take it a part of the way up the stairs and walk the rest of the way if they are able.

Brochures: Download the Elan Brochure   Download the Elan Option Sheet

The Elite SRE-2010

Whereas the Elan is designed with a priority on functionality, the Elite is designed to both be functional and to fit perfectly with the aesthetics of a home. Along with its streamlined and tasteful appearance, the Elite has features such as:

• The ability to carry up to 400lbs
• The ability to charge continuously along the strip
• A beltless direct-drive motor
• 12-volt batteries that are chargeable from any home electrical outlet
• Flip-up seat so as not to obstruct the stairs
• Safety sensors that stop the stairlift if there is an obstruction

Along with all of the pros of the Elan, the Elite also comes its own, such as an optional upgrade to a larger seat and larger footrest. Users can also opt to have a power swivel installed, which allows for effort-free swiveling of the chair when it is time to get off. The Elite also has a selection of upholstery and a painted rail so that users may order their model in the color that best suits their home’s décor.

Downsides of the Elite
The Elite is somewhat more expensive than the Elan as well as more bulky. There have also been complaints by those who have found the power-swivel option to be problematic.

Brochures: Download the Elite Brochure   Download the Elite Options Sheet

The Outdoor Elite SRE-2010E

This stairlift was designed for outdoor use. It has been tested in harsh Wisconsin weather and has proven itself able to stand up to the elements. Features of the Outdoor Elite Include:

• Durable outdoor paint on all steel surfaces
• Seat cushions that have been upholstered with marine vinyl
• The ability to work in temperatures ranging from 0 to 125F
• A weather-resistant cover
• The ability to carry up to 400lbs
• A beltless direct-drive motor
• 12-volt batteries chargeable from any home electrical outlet
• Flip-up seat so as not to obstruct the stairs
• Safety sensors that stop the stairlift if there is an obstruction

The Outdoor Elite provides all of the reliability and comfort of the company’s other stairlift models, but on the exterior of the home. Aside from a few elements, this is essentially the same as the indoor Elite model. Users note that the Outdoor Elite is able to stand up to most types of harsh weather and that Bruno’s cover system is effective.

Downsides of the Outdoor Elite
The charger is not weather resistant, unlike the rest of the unit.

Brochures: Download the Outdoor Elite Brochure

The Elite Curve CRE-2110

Obviously, not all stairways will be straight and Bruno Independent Living Aids has a solution for this as well. The Elite Curve can be custom-installed for curved staircases.  The Elite’s elegant design can be adapted to a home’s décor thus providing the freedom of movement without diminishing the aesthetic appeal. The features and options are almost identical to those of the straight-rail Elite with the exception of the painted rail; there is no such option with the Elite Curve. The Elite Curve can also be installed in such a way that the lift is removed entirely from the stairs when not in use.  The power of Bruno’s drive system allows the Curve to provide a smooth ride regardless of how the staircase is configured.

Downsides of the Elite Curve
The Elite Curve’s cons are the same as the straight-rail Elite in that it is expensive and options like the power swivel are sometimes problematic.

Brochures: Download the Elite Curve Brochure   Download the Elite Curve Options Sheet

Optional Power Swivel

These were quick pros and cons type Bruno Stair Lift reviews. For more details visit Bruno Independent Living Aids.