1 December 2023
Compact lifts are specially designed for use in narrow staircases. They are smaller than traditional stairlifts and can be easily fitted to stairs that are as narrow as 28 inches wide.
They offer all the features and benefits of traditional and temporary stairlifts, but they take up less space, so they are perfect for homes with limited floor space. They are also ideal for use in public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, where space is at a premium.
Compact lifts are easy to operate, and they fold away when not in use, so they don’t take up valuable floor space.
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If you think that your ease of mobility has lessened and you are considering getting a stairlift for your home, then it could be worth talking to your GP. They may be able to refer you to organisations that can help finance the installation of a stairlift.
You could also talk to family or friends to gain an insight into their experiences with stairlifts. Online forums can also be a good place to seek out honest feedback from others who have been in your position. People online may even have experience with more niche stairlift designs. Some of the best known stairlift companies can offer a free quote so you can start to compare different stairlift manufacturers.
Once you have decided that a stairlift is the best option for you, the next step is to decide which type is the right stairlift for your needs.
There are three main types of stairlift: straight stairlifts, curved stairlifts and bespoke lifts.
Straight stairlifts are designed for use on straight stairs with a simple, linear design. A curved stairlift is perfect for curved stairs, while bespoke stairlifts can be custom made to fit any type of staircase.
Before you decide on which type of lift is right for you, it’s important to consider the width of your staircase. The narrower the staircase, the more likely it is that a compact lift will be suitable.
The minimum width required for a stairlift is generally 28 inches. However, if your staircase is particularly narrow, you may need to opt for a compact lift, which is designed specifically for use in tight spaces.
The width of your staircase can be easily measured by taking a tape measure and measuring the distance between the walls. This is the width that you will need to consider when choosing a stairlift.
To measure the length of your straight staircase, you will need to take a tape measure and measure the distance from the floor to the landing. This is the length of your staircase.
It is worth doing this yourself first if you can so that you have an idea of what to expect when ordering your first chair lift but rest assured that a professional can come into your home and do this for you.
If you have measured the width of your staircase and found it falls below the minimum requirements, then you are not alone. Many older properties in the UK have very narrow staircases.
Terraced houses, in particular tend to have narrow stairs, so it can be difficult to find a stairlift that will fit. If you live in a terraced house and are worried about your narrow stairs, consider looking into compact seat stairlifts.
When choosing a stairlift, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. The most important factor is the width of your staircase. If your staircase is narrower than 28 inches, you will need to opt for a compact lift.
Other factors you will need to consider include:
The maximum weight capacity of most stairlifts is around 250 pounds, but you can find models that have a higher weight capacity if you need it.
Most stairlifts are designed to fit stairs that are up to 26 feet long, but there are also models that are longer or shorter.
Stair lifts can be installed on straight or curved staircases, but they cannot be installed on spiral staircases. Bear in mind that curved stairlifts will likely be more expensive since they are more intricate to make and install.
If you have a spiral staircase in your home, you may be able to work with a company to create a bespoke stairlift, but this could be costly, and you may want to consider some alternative options such as a home elevator.
Most stairlifts have a track around 8-10 feet long, but you can find models with a longer or shorter track.
If your home is on the smaller side, you may consider extending the track along the landing to free up some space around the entry to the stair case.
Stair lifts can be powered by either mains electricity or batteries. If your staircase is not near a power outlet, you will need to opt for a model that uses batteries. Batteries have the significant advantage that they will continue to function in the event of a power cut.
All stairlifts are easy to operate, but some models are easier to use than others. You may want to consider the level of comfort and convenience offered by different models before making your decision.
Most stairlifts for narrow stairs can be folded away when not in use, which helps to create enough space for other stair users to walk past. Often they feature a foldaway seat and footstool to create more space.
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A video about Acorn stairlifts and how they work
The features of a compact lift include:
If you are looking for a stairlift that is perfect for narrow staircases, then a compact stair lift is the ideal option.
Narrow width stair lifts are just as comfortable as traditional stairlifts. They come with a range of features that make them easy to operate and they are perfect for use in tight spaces.
Stairlift suppliers often offer a range of materials to ensure the utmost comfort when riding narrow stairlifts. If you like, you can opt for a wider seat to enhance your comfort when in the seated position.
Stairlifts look like chairs that are attached to a metal hinged track. They are usually white in colour but you can find models in other colours too. There will be a slim rail that runs along the stair wall, and some models can even have a customised stair tread.
You can get them custom made to suit your home décor, but most models will look very similar.
One benefit of stairlifts for narrow stairs is that they are less intrusive in your home environment as they can be folded up. This makes them an attractive option for people who are worried about what a chairlift will look like in their home.
You can buy a stairlift from most leading retailers, or you can visit the website of a specialist stairlift manufacturer.
Many stairlift manufacturers will offer you a free stairlift quote, so it is worth doing some research and finding the best solution and best stairlift for you.
Make sure to look into second hand and reconditioned stairlifts in case you can save money on a great product.
Many suppliers will also allow you to rent a stairlift which is a great option if you will only require it for a short period of time.
The cost of a stair lift will vary depending on the model that you choose. However, you can expect to pay between £2,000 and £4,000 for a standard stairlift. A compact narrow stairlift will be slightly more expensive, but they offer excellent value for money, as they take up less space than traditional models.
If you are on a tight budget, make sure you consider buying a second hand or reconditioned stairlift. There are a number of online marketplaces where you can find quality used stairlifts at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Stairlifts are typically controlled using a small joystick that is attached to the armrest. This makes them easy to operate, even if you have limited mobility. Some stairlifts also come with a remote control, so you can easily adjust the settings when you are sitting or standing on the staircase.
Many models will stop automatically if they encounter a blockage on the staircase, so you don’t have to worry too much about complicated controls.
It is recommended to leave the installation to professionals. A stairlift expert will be able to install the stairlift safely and ensure that it is working correctly.
Most stairlift installations can be done in a matter of hours. The lift will be attached to the stairs using a series of clamps and brackets, and it is important to ensure that the lift is installed correctly to avoid any accidents.
Some stairlifts can be shortened if you need to save space but this should only be attempted by a professional engineer as you could accidentally damage the product.
You can get a curved stairlift for narrow curved stairs, but for many stairlift companies, this compact lift may come in the form of perch stairlifts or standing stairlifts. This is because these types of lift take up less room on narrow curved stairs than a conventional seated stairlift.
Perch stairlifts are a great option if you only have a small amount of space on the staircase, as the perch seat does not extend far out over the stairlift track. The perch seat model is also a good option for those who have trouble lowering themselves down into a seated position due to painful hip joints.
Standing stairlifts are also a good choice if you have a tight turning radius as it only takes up a small amount of space on the stairs. However, this type of lift does have a slightly restricted user base as the user must be able to safely remain standing for the duration of the journey up the stairs.
The lifespan of a stairlift will vary depending on the model that you choose, but you can expect it to last for around ten years.
This not only makes them a good investment, but it also means that second hand stairlifts and refurbished stairlifts are often in very good condition.
There are a number of alternatives to traditional stairlifts when it comes to looking at disabled access. One option is a vertical platform lift, which is perfect for homes or businesses with limited floor space. Vertical platform lifts don’t take up too much space, and they are easy to operate.
Another option is a luxury home elevator, which is perfect for multi-level homes. Home elevators offer all the convenience and flexibility of a traditional elevator, but they are designed to fit in residential homes.
There are a few safety issues that you will need to be aware of when using narrow stairlifts. Most importantly, you should make sure that the lift is installed by a qualified professional and that it is properly maintained.
You should also ensure that all the passengers using the lift are wearing the appropriate safety gear, such as a seat belt. Perch stairlifts and standing stair lifts can be more dangerous as the user is less secure in the perch seat as they might be a traditional straight stairlift.
It is a good idea to extend the track length along the top of the landing so that the stairlift user is not attempting to disembark close to the staircase. Swivel seats can also make a seated stairlift safer as it ensures that you are getting off the chair while facing in the right direction. You should be able to safely stand at the top and not risk falling down the steep stairs after your journey!
If your lift breaks down or there is a problem with the installation, you can always call on the services of an emergency callout team. Most stairlift companies offer this service, and they will be able to send someone out to your home to fix the problem.
If there is a power cut, your stairlift will continue to work as long as it is battery powered. If it is not battery powered, you will not be able to use your lift and will need to call for assistance.
You can contact a stair lift specialist in one of 3 ways:
Monday to Thursday – 8am – 7pm
Friday – 8am – 5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday – 9am – 5pm
Leave your contact details below and one of the team will give you a call to discuss your needs.
Please note that all calls are undertaken by Acorn Stairlifts.
Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.
The minimum width required for a stairlift is generally 28 inches. However, if your staircase is particularly narrow, you may need to opt for a compact lift, which is designed specifically for use in tight spaces.
The maximum weight capacity of most stairlifts is around 250 pounds, but you can find models that have a higher weight capacity if you need it.
All stairlifts are easy to operate, but some models are easier to use than others. You may want to consider the level of comfort and convenience offered by different models before making your decision.
Some stairlifts can be shortened if you need to save space but this should only be attempted by a professional engineer as you could accidentally damage the product.
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