Are stairlifts covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not currently cover stairlifts because they are classified as home modifications. Avalon is advocating for coverage of its patented reclining seat as medically necessary equipment.

What makes Avalon’s reclining seat medically necessary?

Avalon's patented reclining seat reduces the hip and knee flexion required for transfers, supporting seniors with arthritis, mobility limitations, or pain during seated transitions.

Is the Avalon A300 stairlift ASME compliant?

Yes. The Avalon A300 is fully compliant with ASME A18.1 safety standards for stairway chairlifts.

Avalon Stairlifts – Low-Cost Stairlift Solutions in North Carolina

Founder’s Background

Before embarking on stairlift innovation, Kevin Strafford‑Price worked as a mechanical design engineer, trained for seven years in the aircraft and aerospace sector within NATO defense programs. He later qualified in finance and built a career in German industrial electric power transmission, specializing in electric drive technology. This foundation in advanced engineering and drive systems shaped his vision for Avalon Stairlifts, where reliability, compliance, and innovation in battery‑electric design remain central to the company’s mission.

Company Overview

Avalon Stairlifts represents the fourth generation of stairlift innovation, founded by Kevin Strafford‑Price after decades of pioneering work at Bison Bede, Acorn Stairlifts, and MediTek. Avalon was created in the USA as a ground‑up redesign to meet the growing demands of the American market, where safety standards and compliance expectations continue to rise.

Avalon Stairlifts – Battery‑Electric Power, Built for Life.

A Legacy of Innovation

Bison Bede (1987): Strafford‑Price worked as a power transmission design engineer, applying battery‑electric drive technology. Together with Bison’s chief engineer, he helped develop the first battery‑powered stairlift, proving reliability beyond mains power.
Acorn Stairlifts (1990): As independent contractors, Strafford‑Price and his partner designed Acorn’s first stairlift, the Superglide, which brought battery stairlifts into mass production and global distribution. Learn more about Acorn Stairlifts.
MediTek Stairlifts (1989–2019): Strafford‑Price co‑founded MediTek, introducing the world’s first continuous charge rail and advanced safety systems. MediTek sold over 160,000 units worldwide before being acquired by Royal Otolift Stairlifts, which absorbed the technology and closed out the MediTek brand.
Avalon Stairlifts (Today): Strafford‑Price founded Avalon in the USA after frustrations adapting European designs to American requirements. Few U.S. makers existed — mainly Bruno and Harmar — and none designed and built the complete system in‑house. Avalon fills that gap with battery‑electric technology and heavy‑duty drive systems, engineered for modern compliance and customer expectations.

Why Drives Matter

In both elevators and stairlifts, the drive system is the beating heart of the product. It defines safety, reliability, and user confidence. Avalon does not treat drives as interchangeable components. We believe the drive defines the stairlift. That’s why we created the Avalon GigaDrive™, a purpose‑built, heavy‑duty integrated drive system engineered for the U.S. market and ASME compliance. By designing and manufacturing the entire system — motor, gearbox, electronics, and software — Avalon delivers unmatched durability, safety, and performance.

Built‑In Modern Essentials

Power Seat Raiser: Effortless transfers for users with limited mobility.
Power Seat Swivel: Safe, controlled dismounts at the top of the stairs.
Power Rail: Hinged rail solutions for tight spaces, engineered for reliability.
Power Footrest: Hands‑free comfort and safety.
Integrated Diagnostics: Smart monitoring for dealers and installers, reducing service costs and downtime.

These essentials enhance independence and safety while creating lasting value for customers and dealers alike.

Modern Design and Easy Maintenance

For decades, many American stairlifts were criticized as bulky, unattractive, and difficult to maintain. Avalon breaks that mold. Our lifts are modern, streamlined, and designed for easy maintenance — without restrictive service contracts. Customers enjoy independence and peace of mind, while dealers benefit from simplified service.

Company Strengths

Differentiation: No other U.S. stairlift company designs and builds the complete system in‑house.
Customer Value: Essentials are built into the design, while flexible upgrade options allow tailored solutions.
Sustainability: A ground‑up U.S. design ensures compliance, durability, and adaptability for future connected technologies.
Proven Lineage: From the first battery stairlift at Bison Bede, to Acorn’s Superglide, to MediTek’s continuous charge rail, and now Avalon’s GigaDrive™.

For Investors

Avalon Stairlifts combines a proven lineage of innovation with modern compliance and market readiness. By controlling the entire drivetrain and embedding advanced features into the product architecture, Avalon ensures differentiation, customer value, and sustainability. This positions the company for long‑term growth in the aging‑in‑place sector.

Market Opportunity

The U.S. aging population continues to expand, with millions of households seeking solutions that enable independence and safety at home. Avalon Stairlifts addresses this demand with modern, battery‑electric technology designed for compliance and reliability.

Compliance Advantage

Avalon is built from the ground up to meet ASME standards and U.S. regulatory requirements. Unlike imported or adapted designs, Avalon’s stairlifts are engineered specifically for the American market, ensuring confidence for customers, dealers, and investors alike.

Growth Strategy

By designing and manufacturing the complete system in‑house, Avalon controls quality, innovation, and scalability. This vertical integration supports sustainable growth, reduces dependency on external suppliers, and creates a strong foundation for expansion into connected technologies and dealer networks.