Stairlifts for Spiral and Tight Curved Stairs: What Will Fit?
Key points
- Many spiral and tightly winding staircases can take a stairlift, with a rail made to measure for the stairs. Not every spiral will fit, and we tell you honestly at the survey.
- What matters most is the width at the narrowest point, how steep the inner side is, headroom, and space to get on and off at each end.
- Models that suit tight curves include the Access BDD Flow X, which fits stairs from 610 mm wide and up to 72 degrees, the Platinum Ultimate, the Handicare Freecurve and the Handicare 4000.
- Stairlifts for spiral and tight curved stairs cost from £4,995 reconditioned and from £5,295 new, fully fitted and including VAT.
Can you fit a stairlift on a spiral staircase?
Often, yes. Spiral staircases, and stairs that wind round with several winder steps, need a curved stairlift with a rail made to measure for that exact staircase. The rail follows the turn from bottom to top, and the seat turns with it.
Not every spiral can take a stairlift, though. A very small spiral with steep, narrow treads near the centre may not leave enough room for the rail and a seated rider. If that is the case with your stairs, our surveyor will say so at the visit rather than quote for a lift that will not work well.
What makes spiral stairs difficult
- The inner side is steep and narrow. On a spiral, each tread narrows towards the centre, so the inside of the staircase climbs much more steeply than the outside.
- The turn never stops. The rail and seat have to turn all the way up, not just at one corner.
- Knee and foot room. Your knees and feet pass close to the central column or the outer wall, so the seat needs to turn as it travels.
- Headroom. On some spirals the flight above passes close over your head.
- Getting on and off. There needs to be space at the top and bottom to park the lift and step off safely.
Models for spiral and tight curved stairs
| Model | Rail | Worth knowing | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access BDD Flow X | Single rail | Stairs from 610 mm wide, up to 72 degrees; seat swivels and levels as it travels | £4,995 recon £7,195 new |
| Platinum Ultimate | Single tube rail | Rail starts on the first step; optional powered swivel | £5,495 recon £6,995 new |
| Handicare Freecurve | Slim single rail | Bends down to 690 mm wide with its two-way powered swivel | £5,295 new |
| Handicare 4000 | Twin rail | Rail bends tightly around turns; parks at 90 or 180 degrees | £5,895 new |
Access BDD Flow X. On a steep spiral, a seat that swivels and levels as it travels matters most, because it keeps your knees and feet clear of the walls and the central column. The Flow X does this automatically. Access BDD says it fits staircases as narrow as 610 mm and as steep as 72 degrees, and its rail can be fitted on the inside or the outside of the stairs.
Platinum Ultimate. The Ultimate runs on a single tube rail that starts on the first step, so nothing projects across the floor at the bottom. That helps where a spiral ends close to a door or in a small hallway.
Handicare Freecurve and 4000. The Freecurve uses a slim single rail and, with its two-way powered swivel, suits bends down to 690 mm wide. The twin-rail Handicare 4000 can be bent tightly around turns and park at 90 or 180 degrees at the top or bottom.
Compare prices for your stairsTell us about your staircase and we will call you with a guide price.
Measuring a spiral staircase
Every rail for a spiral staircase is made to measure, so the survey matters more than for any other type of stairs. Our surveyor checks:
- The width at the narrowest point of the turn
- How steep the stairs are on the side where the rail would run
- Headroom along the whole route
- Space at the top and bottom to park the lift and get on and off
- Any doors, windows or radiators near the stairs
If you would like an idea before the visit, measure the width of your stairs at the narrowest point and tell us when you ask for a price.
Spiral stairlift prices
| Type | Reconditioned | New |
|---|---|---|
| Stairlift for spiral or tight curved stairs | from £4,995 | from £5,295 |
All prices are starting prices, fully fitted and including VAT, with a parts and labour warranty: 3 years on new, 2 years on reconditioned. A spiral rail is usually longer and more complex than one with a single bend, so your exact price depends on the length of the rail and the number of turns. We confirm it in writing after a free survey. Our curved stairlift cost guide explains what affects the price.
You may be able to buy without VAT, and your council may help through a Disabled Facilities Grant. Our stairlift grants guide explains both.
If a stairlift will not fit
Sometimes a spiral is simply too tight or too steep for a stairlift to be safe and comfortable. If so, we will tell you at the survey and talk through the alternatives, such as a through-floor home lift or moving a bedroom downstairs. If the problem is bending rather than the stairs, our guide to perch stairlifts may help, and for narrow stairs that are not spiral, see stairlifts for narrow stairs.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a stairlift on a spiral staircase?
Often, yes, with a curved rail made to measure for the stairs. Very small or steep spirals may not leave enough room, which we check at a free survey.
How narrow a spiral staircase can take a stairlift?
Access BDD says the Flow X fits staircases from 610 mm wide. The Handicare Freecurve suits bends down to 690 mm with its two-way powered swivel.
How much does a stairlift for spiral stairs cost?
From £4,995 reconditioned and from £5,295 new, fully fitted and including VAT. The exact price depends on the length of the rail and the number of turns.
Can the rail go on the inside of the spiral?
On some models, yes. The Flow X rail can be fitted on the inside or the outside of the stairs. Our surveyor chooses the side that gives the safest, most comfortable ride.
Is a single rail or twin rail better for tight curves?
A single rail takes up less room on the stairs and looks neater. A twin rail, such as the Handicare 4000, can be bent tightly around turns. We recommend the one that suits your stairs.
Will other people still be able to use the stairs?
Yes, once the seat, arms and footrest are folded. Parking the lift at the top or bottom leaves the most room.
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.