Access BDD HomeGlide Stairlift Vs. Handicare 2000 Stairlift: Stairlift Comparison For Seniors
For seniors with reduced mobility, stairs can become a daily obstacle. Stairlifts offer a safe and reliable solution to maintain independence and reduce fall risk at home. But with so many models available, it’s important to choose the right one based on your home’s layout, your physical needs, and your budget.
In this article, we compare two top-rated stairlifts: the Access BDD HomeGlide and the Handicare 2000. Both are highly regarded in the mobility industry but cater to different home layouts and user preferences.
Access BDD HomeGlide Stairlift
Handicare 2000 Stairlift
| Around $2,500–$4,000 USD | Price | Around $4,500–$7,500 USD |
| Straight stairlift with slim, foldable seat and rail | Design | Dual-rail curved stairlift designed for complex staircases |
| Seniors with straight staircases seeking simplicity | Best For | Seniors with curved or multi-landing stairs needing custom fit |
Design And Appearance
The Access BDD HomeGlide is designed for straight staircases, offering a sleek, compact profile with a foldable seat, armrests, and footrest. Its slim rail hugs the wall, making it a discreet and space-saving choice.
The Handicare 2000 is built for curved stairs, featuring a double-rail system that can be customized to fit complex stair configurations, including 90° or 180° turns. It offers several color and upholstery options for seamless integration into your home’s decor.
Comfort And Ease Of Use
Access BDD is engineered with a soft start/stop mechanism for a smooth ride. The ergonomic joystick control is easy for seniors to operate, and the seat swivels for easy dismounting at the top of the stairs.
Handicare 2000 also provides a quiet, smooth ride with adjustable seat height and power swivel options. Its dual-rail ensures stability on turns, and the joystick or remote control makes operation intuitive.
Safety And Support
Access BDD includes all standard safety features—seatbelt, obstruction sensors, battery backup, and manual swivel seat for secure transfers.
Handicare 2000 steps up with a retractable seatbelt, powered options (like folding footrest and swivel), and tight rail fit for maximum safety on curved stairs. It's also rated for heavier users (up to 300 lbs with heavy-duty option).
Installation And Fit
Access BDD is straightforward to install on any straight staircase, typically in a few hours. It mounts directly to the steps, not the wall, and works well in narrow spaces.
Handicare 2000 requires a custom-built rail for each home. Installation is more complex and may take 1–2 days, but it fits stairs that most straight models can’t handle, including spiral and multi-level staircases.
Pricing And Value
Access BDD offers affordability and simplicity, with prices ranging between $2,500–$4,000 USD depending on upgrades and features.
Handicare 2000 comes at a premium—usually $4,500–$7,500 USD—due to the customization, dual-rail system, and curved track capability. But for homes with complex stairs, it provides exceptional value and flexibility.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Access BDD HomeGlide Stairlift | Handicare 2000 Stairlift |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) Simple, compact, and affordable |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Custom curved rail, high performance |
| Design & Appearance | Straight rail, modern fold-up seat | Dual-rail for curves, customizable upholstery |
| Comfort | Soft start/stop, ergonomic controls | Smooth ride on curves, adjustable seating |
| Support & Safety | Seatbelt, obstruction sensors, battery backup | Powered options, tight curves, 300 lb capacity |
| Ease of Use | Joystick control, easy transfer seat | Optional remote, powered swivel/fold options |
| Installation | Fast install on straight stairs | Custom rail for curves, longer install time |
| Adjustability | Foldable seat, adjustable armrest height | Optional powered upgrades and rail shapes |
| Compatibility | Ideal for straight indoor staircases | Works on spiral, curved, and multi-landing stairs |
| Best For | Budget-conscious seniors with straight stairs | Seniors needing custom-fit solution for turns |
| Price | Around $2,500–$4,000 USD |
Around $4,500–$7,500 USD |
Conclusion
Both the Access BDD HomeGlide and the Handicare 2000 are excellent stairlift options—but they serve very different needs:
- Choose Access BDD HomeGlide if you want an affordable, easy-to-install solution for a straight staircase with minimal fuss and solid safety.
- Choose Handicare 2000 if your home has curved stairs and you need a reliable, customized stairlift with maximum comfort, flexibility, and powered features.
Whichever model you choose, both stairlifts offer a dependable way to regain safe access to every level of your home.
