If you’re heavier than the maximum weight of super slim stairlifts, you may not be able to get one. So if you have a very narrow staircase, and are over a certain weight, it may be prohibitive. Let’s look into this concept more fully because it’s an issue which has affected some of our would-be customers.
Maximum Weight Of Super Slim Stairlifts – Flow X
The narrowest stairlift (for narrow stairs) is the Flow X stairlift from Thyssen Krupp (now Access BDD). Not only can it fit on very narrow stairs, (as narrow as 61cm in width), but it also is super agile. It’s ASL (Advanced Swivel and Levelling) mechanism allows it to move while turning. This is unique to this particular stairlift and Thyssen owns the technology to do this.
What this means is that if you have a very narrow staircase, or awkward doors at the top and/or base of the stairs, this may be the only stairlift capable of being used in your home.
If this is so, and you’re over (or close to) the weight limit of the model, it’s a problem! The weight limit of the Flow X is 125 kg, (275 lbs) or approximately 19.6 stone.
Maximum Weight Of Super Slim Stairlifts – Platinum Ultimate
The Platinum Ultimate is another choice for narrow stairs and, if you’re over the limit for the Flow X stairlift, it might be the answer.
While the Platinum Ultimate is fairly nimble for a heavy weight stairlift, it’s not quite as nimble as the Flow X. The Platinum can pivot, but has to stop moving while it does. This can limit very awkward staircases from having a stairlift installation. Although the Platinum does have features which make it useful for difficult and narrow stairs, such as the first step start, seen pictured below.
This allows the stairlift rail to avoid the ground floor completely, should there be a doorway, or corridor which needs open access.
But what the Platinum lacks in adaptability it more than makes up for with its load capacity of up to 160kg, (350lbs) (or approximately 25 stone). So, if you have a narrow or awkward staircase setup, and are over the weight limit of the Flow X stairlift, this might be the answer.
Other Options For Narrow Staircases
Our other “go-to” option for a narrow staircase is the Stannah range. Stannah are a household name when it comes to stairlifts. Not only are they known for their reliability, but also for their build quality. In the case of a narrow staircase, Stannah have really done their homework too. Their stairlift designs are pretty awesome because the chair position allows for maximum legroom.
Here’s a Stannah 260 on a curved staircase. As you can see in the picture below, the chair is well back against the rail. The Stannah 260 also has a weight capacity of up to 21 stone.
This often makes it a good choice when it comes to a heavier user on a narrow staircase.
Summary
If you have a very narrow staircase, the narrowest and most adaptable stairlift (the Flow X) has a weight limit of 19.6 stone. If that weight limit doesn’t suit you, you could opt for the Platinum Ultimate Heavy weight stairlift which is adaptable on narrow stairs. It’s weight limit is slightly higher than the Flow X model coming in at 25 stone.
We also often opt for a reconditioned Stannah stairlift. We like these models for their reliability. They are also good at fairly narrow stairs and have a weight limit of between 18 and 21 stone, depending on the stair angle.
There are also heavy duty stairlifts available specifically for the larger user, although these tend not to be useful on narrow staircases because they are larger and more cumbersome.
See our YouTube channel for some of our installations.