There are a number of things to consider when buying or renting a stair lift, such as whether there are curves in your staircase, how long it will be needed and how long the battery will last. One of the most important questions asked by owners of small homes is whether the narrow staircase in your home is even suitable for a stair lift, since the lifts are mounted on the stair treads and not on the wall.
Surprisingly, there is no minimum width for residential stairs under German building codes. There are rules for the width of handicapped access and direct fire escapes, but unless your home was built specifically for handicapped access, there is no guarantee that your stairs will be wide enough for a stair lift.
Those with narrow staircases who are worried about having enough space for a lift need not worry. There are stairlifts for narrow staircases available from all the reputable stairlift companies. These are designed to meet the needs of homeowners with narrow staircases.
As a rule, however, there must be at least 1 meter distance between the lift and the nearest wall, or rather, the width of the passage including the folded stairlift must be at least 1 meter. If the distance is less than one meter, fire safety issues should be clarified and, if necessary, a fire safety officer should be involved.
The secret to narrow lifts is their compact design and folding seat sections, which maximize space and space efficiency. Folding arms and seats, a folding footrest and a slim rail allow these compact stairlifts to fold neatly away when not in use. This makes them ideal for the user and other household members who wish to use the stairs normally.
Stairlift manufacturers regularly have displays of their products at trade shows, for example, where the space-saving and narrow stairlift models can be tried out. Stairlifts for narrow stairs are widely available and offer a range of features to suit the user and make the most of the space available. You can get a quote by filling out our online form.
What is the minimum width for a stair lift?
One of the most frequently asked questions by residents of smaller and/or older properties is whether their narrow staircase is even wide enough for a stairlift. As a rule of thumb, a straight staircase should be at least 75 inches wide. If the staircase is curved, the minimum width increases to 85 cm. However, if you have a narrow staircase, you do not need to worry. There will probably be a solution for you. Yes, there is certainly a solution, because most stair lift companies manufacture stair lifts that are suitable for stairs with a standard slope of 42 degrees up to 80 degrees.
Stairlifts can usually be fitted to almost any width of staircase, you just no longer have the luxury of choosing from a variety of manufacturers, and the manufacturers that can offer a solution are often more expensive. Compact designs and folding parts maximize space and efficiency. Folding armrests and seats, a folding footplate, and a slim rail allow compact stairlifts to fold neatly when not in use – ideal for both the user and other members of the household who can use the stairs as usual.
Technical solutions for stairs with curves
If you have a very tight curved staircase, there are few stair lifts that are a smart solution. In true German engineering fashion, Thyssenkrupp has created a technical solution to overcome the challenges of tight curved stairs. The stairlift, the Flow 2, is custom manufactured and programmed for your narrow staircase. The stairlift’s software is programmed specifically for your staircase and maps every curve and corner. When the carriage (seat section) approaches a curve, the stairlift electronically pivots the seat so that the user’s knees descend the stairs at a 45-degree angle, reducing the distance between the knees and the opposite stair wall.
Photo: © Ingo Bartussek / ShutterstockThe Flow X curved stairlift has the most ingenious solution to the problem of narrow stairs. The stairlift seat can be programmed to automatically rotate around tight corners of the stairs to avoid collision points. Theoretically, the Flow could be installed on a staircase that is only 61 cm wide. ThyssenKrupp’s patented rotating technology makes this unit more expensive than some competitors, but in some cases the Flow is the only stairlift that will work on very narrow stairs.
Find the right narrow stairlift
To be sure you choose the right lift for your situation, you should first consider whether you have curved or straight stairs. Straight stairs have a rail that runs from top to bottom with no bend. The rail of the stair lift follows the rail, with the footrest stopping at the level of the top step. Straight stairlifts can’t go all the way to the landings, but they can be equipped with pivoting seats to make getting off easier. They are also about half the price of a stair lift for a curved staircase. This is because curved stair rails require products with improved technology for a smooth ride.
Fully customized narrow stair lifts
When a straight stairlift needs to be installed due to budget or space constraints, there are a number of stairlifts with standing or regular seats to choose from. These stairlifts require less space than a traditional stair lift. Please note that you can remain standing or seated throughout the ride and must be able to exit safely at the top. It is safest to buy a curved stair lift that goes up to the landing so you can step away from the stairs.
Typically, a stair lift seat travels up the stairs with the back of the seat parallel to the wall or railing. Some manufacturers offer the option of pointing the stairlift seat downward as it travels, which can help avoid collision points on the staircase. This option is only suitable if there is room at the top of the stairs to run the track up to the landing.
