Savaria Stairlift Review

Best Standard Package

Headquartered in Laval, Quebec, Canada, Savaria is a multinational mobility equipment company that manufactures a wide range of residential and commercial mobility products. Savaria’s lineup of home stairlifts includes three consumer models: the K2 straight stairlift, the K2 Plus straight stairlift and the Stairfriend curved stairlift. 

All Savaria stairlifts are designed for indoor use, although there is an outdoor option available for the K2 stairlift. Weight limits range from 350 to 400 pounds, and each stairlift is backed with a 36-month limited warranty that covers the repair or replacement of any part that fails due to a manufacturing defect. Standard features on all Savaria stairlifts include swivel-lock vinyl seats, two wireless remote controls, a retractable seat belt and a battery back-up system. 

Overview of Savaria Stairlifts

Savaria is a Canadian mobility products company that offers three stairlift models designed for home use, including the extended-capacity K2 Plus and the Stairfriend curved, a customizable double-rail stairlift designed for multi-level staircases. All Savaria products are sold and installed through authorized dealers located throughout North America and Europe. 

How Much Does a Savaria Stairlift Cost? 

Pricing for Savaria stairlifts starts at about $2,500 for the K2 model, although actual prices may vary depending on the dealer, location and length of the rail. The Stairfriend curved is the highest-priced Savaria model, with a starting price of about $8,800. Note that Savaria does not list the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price on any of its stairlifts, so these price estimates are based on reports from Savaria customers.

All Savaria stairlifts can be ordered with a number of options such as extended-width seats, an outdoor package (on the K2) and a bottom flip-up rail for installations near a doorway or hallway. These options will increase the total price of a Savaria stairlift, as can various factors such as labor costs and the price of the materials used during the manufacturing process. 

Full Review of Savaria Stairlift Features

Savaria sells three stairlifts designed for residential applications, although two of the three models may also be used in some commercial settings as well.

Savaria K2 Stairlift

The K2 is Savaria’s entry-level residential stairlift. This straight-rail stairlift is designed for indoor use, although there is an optional outdoor package available which allows for outdoor installation in mild climates. 

With a folded profile width of just 10.75 inches, the Savaria K2 is one of the narrowest profile stairlifts on the market today. This makes the K2 ideal for consumers who want a residential stairlift but who also want to preserve maximum space in their staircase for ambulatory users. 

Savaria K2 Stairlift Features

The Savaria K2 stairlift offers the following features:

• A 350-pound user weight capacity
• A maximum travel distance of 32 feet
• A slim folded profile of 10.75 inches
• Rack and pinion drive system
• Built-in battery charging system that can power multiple trips during a power outage
• A retractable seat belt
• Obstacle sensors
• Width-adjustable folding arms 
• Comfortable 20 inch wide padded seat
• Two IR wireless remote controls plus a toggle switch mounted to the armrest
• Flexible installation that allows for placement on either side of the stairs
• LED status indicator lights

Savaria K2 Stairlift Options

Consumers can customize the K2 stairlift by adding one of more of these options:

• Continuous charge system
• Flip-up bottom rail (user weight capacity of 300 pounds)
• Emergency stop button
• Two RF remote controls
• Top rail extension brackets
• Outdoor package

Savaria K2 Outdoor Package

The outdoor package can be added to the K2 stairlift for use in mild climates. This package includes:

• A stainless steel rack and support legs
• Rust-resistant zinc-coated hardware
• Water resistant, UV-rated seat with closed cell foam, clip seat belt and cover
• Two RF remote controls
• An upgraded weather-resistant battery

Savaria K2 Plus Stairlift

The Savaria K2 Plus stairlift is a heavy-duty, indoor straight-rail stairlift rated for users weighing up to 400 pounds when installed in a residential setting and 350 pounds when used in a commercial application. 

This stairlift is specially designed for users who need a high weight capacity, as well as those who transfer directly onto the stairlift from a wheelchair. The Savaria K2 can be installed on either side of a straight staircase measuring up to 32 feet long. 

Savaria K2 Plus Features

Standard features on the K2 Plus include:

• A 400-pound user weight capacity (residential installation)
• Maximum travel distance of 32 feet
• Rack and pinion drive system
• 1/3 HP motor
• Folded width of 13.5 inches
• Standard 20 inch wide ‘L’ seat with adjustable-width armrests 
• Continuous battery charging along rail that allows for multiple trips during a power outage
• Two RF remote controls and armrest-mounted toggle switch
• Multiple safety sensors to detect obstacles
• LED diagnostic lights
• Swivel and lock seat
• Retractable seat belt
• Non-slip footrest
• Overspeed brake

Savaria K2 Plus Customization Options

The Savaria K2 Plus can be customized by adding one or more of these options:

• Right or left-side installation 
• Extended 24.25-inch-wide ‘Plus’ seat
• Top rail extension brackets
• Manual flip-up bottom rail (maximum user weight of 350 pounds)

Savaria Stairfriend Curved Stairlift

The Savaria Stairfriend is a curved indoor stairlift designed for residential installations that involve curved staircases, multiple levels or landings. It uses a double-rail system customized to each application, and it can travel up to 84 feet.

Savaria Stairfriend Curved Stairlift Features

Standard features of the Savaria Stairfriend include:

• A 350-pound weight capacity
• Two RF remote controls and onboard toggle switch
• Overspeed governor 
• Multiple obstruction sensors
• Installation on either side of the stairs
• Choice of a variety of synthetic leather seat colors
• Rack and pinion drive system
• Twin tube steel rail
• Top and bottom charging stations that keep battery charged for use during a power outage

Savaria Stairfriend Curved Stairlift Customization Options

The Savaria Stairfriend can be further customized with one or more of these options:

• 90 or 180-degree parking
• Keyless access
• Emergency stop button
• 5-point harness
• Extended length seat belt

Who Should Consider a Savaria Stairlift? 

Seniors Who Use a Wheelchair

The K2 Plus straight stairlift from Savaria features a heavy-duty seat with durable folding armrests and a robust design engineered to support transfers from a wheelchair. 

Seniors Who Need a Low-Profile Stairlift

With a folded width of just 10 3/4 inches, the Savaria K2 is the lowest-profile stairlift on the market today. This makes the Savaria K2 ideal for seniors who want an indoor stairlift that won’t take up too much space in their staircase.

Seniors Who Want an Extended-Capacity Stairlift

While the user weight limit on many residential stairlifts is 250 pounds, Savaria’s K2 and Stairfriend stairlifts are rated for up to 350 pounds, while the K2 Plus can accommodate riders weighing up to 400 pounds. The K2 Plus and the Stairfriend can also be ordered with an extra-wide seat measuring 24 1/2 inches across and an extended-length seatbelt. 

What Are People Saying About Savaria Stairlifts? 

Savaria is known for it’s basic, user-friendly stairlifts, and that sentiment is reflected among its customers. Some Savaria users say they appreciate that Savaria’s K2 Plus model has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, which is much higher than the weight limit on many other residential stairlifts. The K2 Plus is also one of the few home stairlifts specially designed to support wheelchair users who rely on their upper body during transfers. 

The 10 3/4-inch folded width of the K2 Straight Stairlift is also popular among consumers who prefer a stairlift that doesn’t take up too much space on their staircase. 

One reviewer pointed out that locating a Savaria dealer was difficult, as there’s no interactive dealer locator map or feature on the company’s website. Another mentioned that while the Savaria stairlift is durable and reliable, they wish it came in a variety of colors to match their home decor.  

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