Stairlifts for Narrow Stairs: Will One Fit Your Staircase?
Key points
- Most narrow staircases can take a stairlift. The key measurements are the folded width and how far the rail sits into the stairs.
- The Handicare 1100 folds to 320 mm and its rail intrudes just 160 mm into the staircase.
- For narrow curved stairs, the Flow X fits staircases from 610 mm wide.
- Narrow straight stairlifts cost from £1,595 reconditioned, and narrow curved lifts from £4,995.
Can you fit a stairlift on narrow stairs?
Usually, yes. Narrow staircases are common in terraced houses and older cottages across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Cumbria, and slim stairlifts are designed for exactly these homes. What matters is not only whether the lift fits, but whether the stairs stay safe for everyone else in the house once it is folded away.
The measurements that matter
- Folded width. How far the lift sticks out from the wall when the seat, arms and footrest are folded up. Less is better on narrow stairs.
- Rail intrusion. How far the rail sits into the staircase. A slim rail leaves more room on the treads.
- Space at the top. The seat needs room to swivel so you can step off safely onto the landing.
- Width at any bends. On a curved staircase, the narrowest point is usually at the turn.
- The bottom of the stairs. If a door or hallway is close, a hinged or slide track rail keeps it clear.
Our surveyor measures all of these at a free home visit. If you would like an idea first, measure the width of your stairs at the narrowest point.
Slim straight stairlifts
| Model | Folded width | Worth knowing | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handicare 1100 | 320 mm | Rail intrudes 160 mm; grease-free rail; charges anywhere | £1,695 recon, £2,495 new |
| Acorn 130 | 310 mm | Needs about 670 mm at the top to swivel | £1,595 recon |
The Handicare 1100 is the model we recommend most for narrow straight stairs. Its rail is unusually slim, it is driven by friction wheels with no exposed rack or grease, and it has a slide track or hinge option to keep a door at the bottom clear. It carries users up to 22 stone on stairs up to 45 degrees.
Compare prices for your stairsTell us about your staircase and we will call you with a guide price.
Narrow curved stairlifts
Narrow curved staircases are the hardest to fit, because the lift has to turn in a tight space without catching the user’s knees on the wall or banister.
- Access BDD Flow X fits staircases from 610 mm wide and up to 72 degrees. Its seat swivels and levels automatically as it travels, so your knees stay clear of the walls. From £4,995 reconditioned or £7,195 new.
- Handicare Freecurve runs on a single tubular rail under 8 cm across and suits bends down to 690 mm wide with its two-way powered swivel. From £5,295 new.
- Platinum Ultimate uses a single tube rail of around 80 mm and can start on the first step, leaving the hallway floor clear. From £5,495 reconditioned.
Keeping the stairs safe for others
On a narrow staircase, other people still need to use the stairs. Fold the seat, arms and footrest up when the lift is not in use, and park it at the top or bottom rather than part way. Many models have a powered footrest and swivel, which make folding easier for users who cannot bend. Our engineers will show everyone in the house how to fold the lift when it is fitted.
Prices for narrow stairs
| Type | Reconditioned | New |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow straight | from £1,595 | from £2,495 |
| Narrow curved | from £4,995 | from £7,195 |
Fully fitted, including VAT and a parts and labour warranty: 3 years on new, 2 years on reconditioned. For more, see our narrow stairlifts page and the stairlift price guide.
To see how the Handicare 1100 compares with our other top picks, read our top 5 stairlifts compared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the narrowest stairlift?
For straight stairs, the Handicare 1100 folds to 320 mm and its rail intrudes only 160 mm into the staircase. The Acorn 130 folds to 310 mm.
Can you put a stairlift on narrow curved stairs?
Often, yes. The Access BDD Flow X fits curved staircases from 610 mm wide, and its seat swivels as it travels to keep your knees clear of the walls.
Will other people still be able to use the stairs?
Yes, once the seat, arms and footrest are folded. Choosing a slim model and parking it at the top or bottom leaves the most room.
How much is a stairlift for narrow stairs?
Narrow straight stairlifts cost from £1,595 reconditioned or £2,495 new. Narrow curved lifts cost from £4,995 reconditioned or £7,195 new.
What if there is a door at the bottom of the stairs?
A hinged or slide track rail moves out of the way so the doorway stays clear.
Get a fixed price for your stairsBook a free home survey. We measure your staircase, compare the models that fit and give you a fixed written price, with no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 07534 654944.