Stairlifts for narrow stairs

Can you buy narrow stairlifts?

There are stairlifts available that have been specifically designed for narrow staircases. Stairlifts for narrow stairs tend to have a slim rail and a compact design, reducing the amount of room they take up on the staircase. If you have a straight staircase, the Age Co 1100 is a great option, as is the Freecurve for curved stairs.

Can a stairlift be shortened?

All brand new Handicare stairlifts are measured and fitted to your stairs upon consultation and during your home or garden visit. Therefore, there should never be a need to shorten a new stairlift.

If you are considering purchasing a second-hand stairlift, then the track and hinge rail (depending on if it is a straight or curved staircase to which the stairlift will be fitted) may need to be shortened to fit your staircase. However, to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of your stairlift, this process will be carried out by trained Handicare engineers.

Stairlift installation is quick and simple meaning there shouldn't be too much disruption to your home, no matter who has supplied and installed your stairlift.

How wide do stairs need to be for a stairlift?

There is no maximum width for a stairlift; therefore, even if your staircase is very wide, you should still have no problems fitting a straight or curved stairlift, as long as your staircase has a wall or rail along one side to which a track can be fitted.

According to UK building regulations, flights of stairs should have a rail on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide and on both sides if the staircase is wider than one metre (most UK staircases are between 80cm to one metre).

There is no minimum width for a staircase and it is highly unlikely that the primary staircase in a household will be too narrow to fit a compact stairlift, as the perching seat stairlift can navigate most narrow stairs.  

Key takeaways

• Stairlifts designed specifically for narrow staircases are available.
• The Age Co 1100 Stairlift is ideal for straight, narrow stairs and features the slimmest track on the market.
• The Freecurve Stairlift is suitable for curved, narrow stairs with a single tubular rail design.
• New stairlifts are custom-fitted to your stairs, eliminating the need for shortening.
• Used stairlifts may require shortening by professional engineers for safety.
• There's no minimum staircase width for installing a compact stairlift.
• Please book a home visit for a personalised solution.

Buy a stair lift for narrow stairs

If you are looking for a slimline stair lift for narrow stairs in the UK, take a look at our stairlifts page and get in touch to begin making your home more accessible.

By booking a home visit, you can start the process of having small stair lifts for difficult stairs installed.

Narrow stair lifts are not the only area we can advise you on. Head to our stairlifts advice page for more guides, advice, and information.