If you have a particularly narrow or awkward staircase, you might be looking for a small stair lift? A small stairlift can be the answer, whatever the space requirements are on your staircase. But if you have a very tight staircase, the main problem with most stairlifts is the outward facing chair.
In the case of the chair below, even though the chair folds up neatly against the wall, it still might not accommodate a very narrow staircase, or twists and turns in your staircase.
Small Stair Lift – Leg Room
The reason for this isn’t because the stairlift is particularly cumbersome. The reason is the leg room on a stairlift is the biggest obstacle when navigating narrow and awkward staircases.
Even if the rail, (and therefore the back of the stairlift), is very tight up against the wall, this still leaves the problem of the legs and feet which protrude into the stairwell.
This isn’t a problem if you have a wide enough staircase and a straight staircase. But for more narrow staircases and those with curves in them, it’s more of an issue.
Compact Stair Lift – Modern Stairlifts
Some modern stairlifts have overcome this problem by facing the lift downstairs rather than perpendicular to the wall. Have a look at the stairlift below. This is a Thyssen stairlift and offers a solution for those looking for a small stair lift to overcome the problem of a tight or awkward staircase.
Thyssen stairlifts are some of smallest stairlifts you will find and they will navigate the tightest and most awkward spaces.
Here’s a picture showing the Thyssen descending a staircase with a passenger. This shows a stairlift descending a narrow staircase and the passenger’s legs are facing downstairs. This gives you much more room for manoeuvre, particularly in a difficult staircase arrangement.
Small Stair Lift – Rail Configuration
When installing a stairlift, the rail configuration is pretty important; too close to the wall and the stairlift chair will scrape against it; too far away and there won’t be enough leg room.
Modern stairlifts such as the Thyssen Flow 2 stairlift overcome this problem by having a slim design to allow the rail very close to the edge of the staircase. They pivot while moving and are capable of small, micro movements to allow your legs to avoid obstacles.
Programable Stairlifts
Modern stairlifts are programmable which means they can be programmed to pivot around obstacles on difficult and awkward staircases.
Here’s a picture of a stairlift being programmed to avoid a newel post and a handrail. Looking at this picture, you can see how tight the space is for the legs to avoid the bannister.
With a traditional out-facing stairlift arrangement this wouldn’t be possible. This model is the Thyssen Flow 2 stairlift.
Compact And Foldable Stairlifts
Modern stairlifts fold away to take up as little space as possible when not in use. The Thyssen Flow 2 stairlift can negotiate staircases as narrow as 61cm (24 inches) wide. When not in use it can be folded away to only 380mm on any landing or staircase. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a small stairlift which is compact and discreet.
Summary
If you’re looking for a compact stairlift which will likely fit even the narrowest and most awkward staircases, we recommend our Thyssen stairlifts. The Thyssen Flow 2 stairlift and the Thyssen Flow X are suitable for straight or curved staircases and the Thyssen Homeglide is suitable for a straight staircase.
If you’re unsure of whether a stairlift will fit your particular staircase, give us a call and we can help. We may be able to advise you over the phone or come out for a survey if necessary.
Call us on 0800 046 3438.
Small Space Standing Stair Lifts
Standing stair lifts are another option to consider if you have a small space and are in the market for a stairlift. Standing stair lifts allow you to travel the stairs in the standing position or perching position, so they are unsuitable if you’re unable to do this. But for those who are happy to stand or perch, a standing stair lift might be the perfect solution.
