The stair lift weight limit of most stairlifts is around 20 to 25 stone. Too much weight on a stairlift can lead to malfunctioning motors, bent or broken rails, or even complete breakdown. It’s important to choose the right stairlift. The weight of the user, especially, is an important factor if they are heavier than average.
Other considerations too should be taken into account when choosing a stairlift. For example, will you put any weight on over the lifetime of your stairlift and will this push the limits of the stairlift you purchase? Do you, (or might you) be using any medical equipment when using the stairlift? Oxygen tanks, for example are commonly used for low blood oxygen levels and cardiovascular issues.
In general, most people will be able to use a standard stairlift. But heavy weight stairlifts are designed for the larger and heavier than average. Heavy weight, or bariatric stairlifts typically carry a weight of between 25 and 30 stone
Stair Lift Weight Limit – Navigating Difficult, Narrow Stairs
Here at UKstairlifts we often choose the Bruno heavy weight stairlift when need be. This has a weight capacity of 30 stone. We only get heavy weight stairlifts brand new, and don’t offer reconditioned stairlifts that are heavy weight for safety reasons.
Purchasing a heavy duty stairlift can be the best decision. However, heavy weight stairlifts tend to be larger, and this can mean they are more difficult to install on a narrow or awkward staircase.
The Bruno heavy weight stairlift – weight capacity of 30 stone
An option to consider if you have a narrow staircase and require a heavy weight stairlift is the Platinum Ultimate, which is our go-to model for a more awkward staircase. However, the weight capacity of the Platinum Ultimate is slightly less than the Bruno, at 25 stone.
The Platinum Ultimate (heavy weight) stairlift has a single rail and can pivot while travelling. This makes it more nimble than the Bruno, whose chair can only face outwards while travelling.
Stair Lift Weight Limit – Stair Lift Weight Capacity – Tricky Staircases
The best stairlift for a tricky staircase configuration is the Flow X from Access BDD. This has a weight capacity of 125kg, just under 19 stone, 9 pounds.
With its patented ASL (advanced swivel levelling) system it can navigate even the most difficult staircase setups. This technology means the chair can pivot, tilt and climb simultaneously. This gives it the edge when other stairlifts can’t be installed with a very narrow staircase, for example.
We have even installed the Flow X on a spiral staircase. Here’s a picture of the installation we did of the Flow 2 stairlift, the predecessor the the Flow X stairlift.
The Flow 2 and Flow X from Access BDD, (formerly Thyssen), are the most adaptable stairlifts you are likely to find on the market. Even though they don’t have the heaviest weight limit (19 stone, 9 pounds), they are a marvel when it comes to difficult staircases.
Stair Lift Weight Limit – Straight Versus Curved
In general you will find a straight stairlift has a higher weight capacity than a curved stairlift, too. With a curved stairlift, there’s more complicated machinery, which can make the structure weaker. Often too, the rail is not as strong; particularly if it’s a single railed curved stairlift. A straight stairlift is a sturdier build. Take a look at the Stannah 600 stairlift here. The Stannah 600 has a weight limit of 25 stone, quite a bit heavier than the model just mentioned (The Flow X).
Summary
Stairlifts in general usually have a weight limit of between 20-25 stone. If you’re heavier than this, it’s definitely advisable to opt for a heavy weight stairlift. Heavy duty stairlifts can carry a heavier weight and generally have a larger seat too. They range in weight capacity from 25-30 stone. Much heavier than this and the option of a stairlift is less possible.
With a weight capacity of 30 stone, there’s a compromise in terms of adaptability to your staircase however. Heavy weight stairlifts tend to be less dexterous than some of their lighter weight counterparts. The Flow X, for example can manage a staircase as narrow as 61cm in width, but can only carry up to 19 stone 9 pounds. The Bruno, by comparison needs a minimum staircase width of 75cm. It has an outward facing chair, so the length of the user’s leg becomes an issue in terms of available space.
The Flow X allows the user to face downstairs, saving valuable space. This is why it can navigate difficult and awkward staircases which are out of bounds to the likes of the heavy duty Bruno stairlift.
A Flow X in action on a narrow, winding staircase