Stairlifts for narrow stairs - Companion Stairlift Advice

If you have been measuring your stairs for a stairlift and are looking into narrow stairlifts, there are many options available to you. Stairlifts are not one-size-fits-all, with straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts, and stairlifts for narrow stairs all available to be made bespoke for your home so you can find something right for you.

FAQs about narrow stair lifts

• Can you buy stairlifts for narrow stairs?

• Perch or stand-on stairlifts
• Turn and go stairlifts
• Other options of stairlifts for narrow stairs

• Is a stairlift for narrow stairs safe?
• How wide do stairs need to be for a stairlift?
• Key takeaways for stairlifts for narrow stairs

Can you buy stairlifts for narrow stairs?

There are some great options for people looking for a stairlift to fit a narrow staircase. Choosing from two key types of stairlift: perch and turn and go, you can look at utilising a small space without having to give up on the idea of having a stair lift. Read more about both styles below as well as some other potential options for stair lifts for narrow stairs.

Perch or stand-on stairlifts

If you have been looking for a stairlift for narrow stairs, then Perch stairlifts are not only great for narrow staircases, but also for people who have difficulty bending to sit down. These stairlifts can be used whilst standing or perching, and they have special perching seats which sit higher on the equipment than standard seats, meaning you don’t need to worry about sitting down and standing up to use the stairlift. However, with a perching stairlift, you can take some of the weight off of your feet while moving. Stand-on stairlifts are also good for people with narrow staircases who don’t need to sit down like you do in a conventional seated stairlift.

Turn and go stairlifts

Turn and go stairlifts use a special track that allows the seat to readjust at the bottom of the stairs so it will fit the space and manoeuvre around tight bends. Getting a turn and go stairlift to fit a narrow staircase is a good idea if you aren’t able to use standing stairlifts. The swivel seat can also help some people get in and out of the chair.

Other options of stairlifts for narrow stairs

Whilst turn-and-go stairlifts and perch models are regarded as the best stairlifts for narrow stairlifts, there are some straight and curved models which may fit your staircase. If you are looking to buy stairlifts for narrow curved stairs, then the Freecurve model might be the perfect choice as it has a single rail system that allows it to fit on the narrowest of stairs. If you don’t have a narrow curved staircase, but have a straight staircase which is narrow, fortunately stairlift manufacturers have built models which could be perfect for your home. The 1100 stairlift is one such example as this straight stairlift has a slimline rail which is the narrowest on the market, so it obscures less of your stairs than any other straight stairlift system.

Is a stairlift for narrow stairs safe?

The simple answer is yes. As you will find out by reading our stairlift safety guide, there are lots of safety features included with our stairlifts so customers can have total confidence in using our mobility aid. Many models come with a seat belt and our models travel at a steady speed of 0.16-0.34mph to the top or bottom of your staircase. Our stairlifts have safety sensors which will detect any potential obstructions in the way of the tracks and our models all adhere to multiple safety standards and have been thoroughly tested to prevent issues. Please note that every stairlift model is slightly different so ask our engineers and advisors if you have any specific questions.

How wide do stairs need to be for a stairlift?

There is no minimum width for a staircase, and it is unlikely that it will be too narrow to fit a stairlift. There are plenty of stairlifts for narrow staircases which you can choose from, including straight and perching seat stairlifts.

Building regulations in the UK state that stairs must have a rail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide, or both sides for staircases that are wider than one metre. Staircases should also have a maximum rise of 220mm, a minimum going of 220mm, and a maximum pitch of 42°.

These dimensions are wide enough for a stairlift to be fitted.

Key takeaways for stairlifts for narrow stairs

• There are stairlifts available which are designed specifically for narrow staircases.
• Perch stairlifts, straight stairlifts such as the 1100 and 1000 models, and curved stairlifts like the Freecurve model can all be installed on narrow stairs as they feature slim rails and compact designs.
• New stairlifts can be custom-fitted to your stairs, so you don’t need to shorten them.
• Second-hand stairlifts may require professional engineers to shorten them for safety.
• There's no minimum staircase width for installing a stairlift.
• Book a home visit and get a personalised solution for a narrow staircase.

Buy a stairlift for narrow stairs today!

If you’d like to discuss a narrow stairlift with us, you can contact our customer service team on 0800 117 0162 who can help advise you on the options we offer or visit our contact us page. 

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