Choosing a stairlift means choosing a manufacturer. And there are more options than most people realise. At Obam we supply stairlifts from several leading manufacturers, which means we can match the product to your staircase rather than the other way round. Here’s what you need to know about each brand we stock, and who each one is best suited to.
Because we’re an independent supplier, Obam Lifts isn’t tied to any one brand. We look at your staircase and your situation first, then recommend the stairlift model that actually fits.
What Are the Strengths of the Leading Stairlift Brands?
Handicare (straight stairlifts)
Handicare, now part of the Savaria group, offers two straight stairlift models through Obam: the 1100 and the 1000.
- Slimmest rail on the market: The 1100 uses a patented four-wheel friction drive, which means there’s no tooth rack and no grease on the rail. Handicare describe it as the slimmest straight stairlift rail available. It’s a good fit for narrower staircases or households where others need to pass on the stairs.
- Perch seat option: The Handicare 1000 includes a perch seat for users who have difficulty bending their hips or knees, letting you travel in a near-standing position.
- Soft start and stop: Both models ease up to speed and slow back down gradually. That matters if you have balance difficulties or joint pain.
A strong choice if your staircase is straight, you want a slim profile or you need a perch seat.
Platinum (straight and curved stairlifts)
Platinum, manufactured in Yorkshire, is known for its adjustable seating and high weight capacity. Obam stocks the Platinum Ergo Straight for straight staircases, and the Platinum Ergo Curved and Platinum Ergo Ultimate for curved ones.
High weight capacity: All three Platinum models we stock carry up to 160kg (25 stone). That’s higher than most standard curved stairlifts on the market.
- Fully adjustable seat: The Ergo seat adjusts for arm width, seat height and backrest position, which makes it a practical fit for a wider range of users.
- Choice of rail systems: The Ergo Curved uses a twin-rail system, which is robust and stable on complex or lengthy curved staircases. The Ergo Ultimate uses a single-tube rail and suits narrow or steep staircases. Both are custom-built to your stairs.
- Forward-facing travel: The Ergo Ultimate is one of the few curved stairlifts that can be configured for forward-facing travel, which some users find more comfortable or reassuring.
Worth considering if you have a curved staircase, need a higher weight rating or want a tailored seat fit.
Access BDD (curved stairlifts)
Access BDD, the manufacturer behind the Flow range, supply two curved stairlift models through Obam: the Flow X and the Flow 2.
- Built for complex staircases: Both models use a single-tube bespoke rail and are designed to handle a wide range of curved staircase configurations, including narrow staircases.
- Compact when folded: The Flow X is described by Access BDD as their most complete stairlift. When folded, it’s exceptionally compact, which is useful where staircase width is tight.
- Practical features: The Flow X includes an integrated call device that connects to your household DECT phone, letting you answer calls or contact emergency numbers from the stairlift. The seatbelt is designed to be operated with one hand.
A good option if you have a curved or narrow staircase and want a well-specified, space-efficient lift.
Otolift (curved stairlifts)
Otolift is a Dutch manufacturer with a strong presence in the UK. Obam stocks the Otolift Air Smart, which uses what Otolift describe as the thinnest single-tube curved stairlift rail in the world at 60mm in diameter.
- Smallest rail diameter available: At 60mm, the single-tube rail sits closer to the wall than most curved stairlift rails, keeping the staircase as clear as possible for other users.
- Reverse Drive Technology: The chair can move partially or fully backward during the journey to prevent the user’s knees from catching the wall on tight bends, without needing to swing the seat during travel.
- Modular rail system: The rail is built from interlocking modules, which allows for faster bespoke manufacture compared to rails that are bent from a single tube. Otolift say this leads to a quicker turnaround to installation.
- Smart dashboard: A live status display is built into the armrest, showing the stairlift’s current condition.
A strong choice for narrow or unusually complex curved staircases where every millimetre of clearance counts.
HomeAdapt Bruno Elite (straight stairlifts)
The Bruno Elite, supplied through HomeAdapt, is the heaviest-duty straight stairlift in Obam’s range.
- Bariatric capacity: The Bruno Elite carries up to 190kg (30 stone), which is significantly higher than the standard straight stairlift limit of 160kg. It’s designed specifically for larger users who need extra capacity and seat width.
- Continuous charging: The lift charges along the full length of the rail, so it can be parked anywhere on the staircase without losing power.
- Extra-large seat: The seat, backrest and armrests are generously sized and adjustable, with an extra-large seat option available.
The right choice if a standard stairlift doesn’t meet your weight or size requirements.
Bespoke Synergy (straight stairlifts)
The Bespoke Synergy is a straightforward straight stairlift with a slim rail profile.
- Space-efficient design: The folded profile is compact, making it suitable for narrower staircases or homes where keeping the staircase clear for other users is a priority.
- Smooth start and stop: Like all the models we stock, the Synergy includes a soft start and stop mechanism for a comfortable ride.
- Straightforward to operate: Controls are simple and intuitive, with remote controls included as standard.
A practical, unfussy option for a straight staircase where space is at a premium.
Not sure which model suits your home?
Our advisors are salaried, not commission-based, so they’ll find the right solution rather than the most expensive one. Explore our full stairlift range or call us on 01427 787 532 for a free, no-obligation survey.
What Are the Strengths of the Leading Stairlift Brands?
| Feature | Handicare | Platinum | Access BDD | Otolift | HomeAdapt Bruno Elite | Bespoke Synergy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight stairlift | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Curved stairlift | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Perch / standing seat option | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Soft-start / soft-stop | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maximum weight capacity | 140kg | 160kg | 125kg* | 130kg* | 190kg | 160kg* |
| Remote controls included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rechargeable battery operation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folds away when not in use | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Available through Obam Lifts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Specifications vary by model. Get in touch with Obam for details specific to your staircase.
Why Does Comparing Stairlift Brands Actually Matter?
The best brand isn’t the most advertised one. It’s the one that suits your staircase, your body and what you need from it long-term.
A brand that’s excellent on a straight flight can be the wrong call entirely on a curved one. And a seat that works well for most people might not work well for you. Because we’re an independent supplier, we work with all the leading manufacturers. We’re not pushing any particular brand. What we care about is fitting something that works safely and reliably for you, that we can back up with our 24/7 engineer on-call service, and that makes sense for your budget. That might mean a new stairlift, a refurbished model or a short-term rental.
It’s worth taking the time to compare. We’re here to help with that.
Obam Lifts has supplied, installed and serviced stairlifts across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas since 2000. For a free home survey and no-obligation quote, call 01427 787 532 or get in touch online.
