Not all stairlifts are equal and if you require a stairlift for narrow steep stairs, you might need a specific make and model. We recently did a case study on a stairlift fitting on a very narrow staircase. In this particular installation another fitter passed the job over to us because that’s our specialty.
With a very narrow or steep staircase, you can still install a stairlift in certain circumstances.
Stairlifts For Narrow Steep Stairs
Here’s a stairlift installation we did on a spiral staircase. Stairlifts for spiral staircases are the perfect example of a stairlift fitting on a narrow, steep staircase. They don’t get much more awkward than a spiral staircase!
The Flow X – From Thyssen Krupp (Now Access BDD)
This stairlift is a particularly clever model and even has patented technology which makes it so versatile for difficult and awkward staircases. The Flow X stairlift has (ASL) technology which stands for Advanced Swivel and Levelling.
Most stairlifts have an outward facing chair which sits at 90 degrees to the stairlift rail like this one:
For a difficult staircase which is very narrow or very steep, this can be a problem. If your leg measurements exceed the width of the staircase, you can’t use it. But with the Flow X, you have a downward ride position (pictured right).
The Platinum Ultimate
The Platinum Ultimate is another potential candidate for a steep, narrow staircase. With a steeper staircase, there is more load placed on the stairlift motor and mechanical components. The Flow X, mentioned above, has a weight limit of 125kg (just under 19 stone 9 lbs).
The Platinum Ultimate will carry a heavier load, and may be more suitable for steep staircases – up to 25 stone. It also has a downward/upward facing ride position which allows for greater leg room for narrow stairways.
The Platinum Ultimate doesn’t quite however have the dexterity of the Flow X, and it isn’t as capable when it comes to navigating tight bends in a staircase. The Flow X’s ASL technology means it can pivot and climb simultaneously, which is great for very awkward staircases.
The Stannah
The Stannah is a great option too, if it’ll fit your staircase and has a powerful motor and excellent build quality. However, the Stannah isn’t as sneaky as the Flow X when it comes to very tight spaces, although it is a good all-round contender and has a powerful motor for a steep staircase.
The Stannah doesn’t pivot while travelling, but can rotate at the top and bottom of the staircase, allowing for ease of entry/exit. So if your staircase isn’t prohibitively narrow, the Stannah models can be a good option.
Book a Free Assessment
If you’re in need of a stairlift and have a difficult, narrow or steep staircase (or all three), give us a call on 0800 046 3438. Awkward fittings are a particular speciality of UKStairlifts and we are always happy to come out and offer a free, no obligation assessment of your staircase, recommend a stairlift and give you a quote. You can also visit our contact page here.