Been Told Your Staircase Is Too Narrow for a Stairlift?
Categories:
Helpful Hints , Stairlifts
Date Posted:
September 20, 2023
Author:
Alex Muir

Are my stairs too narrow for a stairlift?
If you’ve been told that your staircase is too narrow for a stairlift, you’re not alone. Many people facing mobility challenges find themselves in this situation, wondering if they will ever have the freedom and independence a stairlift can offer. While it’s true that not all staircases are created equal, determining whether your stairs are genuinely too narrow for a stairlift requires a careful assessment of your specific staircase dimensions.
The good news is that there’s hope! EMS Lifts is here to provide you with expert solutions, even when others have failed to find a suitable answer. Our team of experts specialises in providing stairlift solutions for narrow stairs. We have successfully installed stairlifts in spaces that were initially deemed too tight by other suppliers. How do we do it? By utilising innovative designs and tailored installations, we can often find a suitable stairlift solution, even for challenging narrow staircases.
What Makes EMS Lifts Different?
At EMS Lifts, we understand that each individual’s needs and living situations are unique. That’s why we’re dedicated to finding the perfect stairlift solution for your narrow stairs. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Personalised Consultations: Our expert product advisors are committed to understanding your unique requirements. We offer personalised consultations to ensure an optimal fit and functionality based on factors such as weight, size, stair configuration, and individual preferences. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we tailor our solutions accordingly.
- Innovative Designs: We’re not satisfied with off-the-shelf solutions. EMS Lifts is at the forefront of stairlift technology, utilising innovative designs that allow us to adapt to even the narrowest of staircases. Our commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the industry ensures that you get the best possible solution for your specific needs.
- Quality and Reliability: We believe that a stairlift should provide not just convenience but peace of mind. Our products are built to the highest quality standards, ensuring long-lasting reliability. When you choose EMS Lifts, you’re investing in a stairlift that will serve you for years to come.
- Customer Satisfaction: We take pride in our track record of delivering exceptional customer satisfaction. Our goal is to not only provide a stairlift solution but to do so with professionalism, courtesy, and respect for your unique situation. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the installation and beyond.
Don’t let the misconception that your stairs are too narrow deter you from experiencing the freedom and accessibility that a stairlift can provide. EMS Lifts has the expertise to overcome these challenges and find solutions where others may have failed. We’re committed to helping individuals regain their independence and confidently navigate even the narrowest of staircases.
If you’ve been told your staircase is too narrow for a stairlift, reach out to EMS Lifts today for a personalised consultation. Let us show you how we can make your home more accessible, enhancing your quality of life and giving you the freedom you deserve. Your staircase may be narrow, but our solutions are boundless.
Find out more about our stairlifts for narrow staircases here, or contact us for a free home visit.
Narrow Stairlift FAQ’s
Yes. Narrow stairlifts are built with the same safety standards as standard models, but with a slimmer design to fit tight staircases.
Safety features include:
- Seatbelt for secure travel
- Safety sensors to stop if an obstacle is detected
- Smooth start/stop to avoid jolts
- Swivel seat for safer transfers
- Battery backup for use during a power cut
No. Most narrow stairlifts fold away neatly to keep the staircase accessible.
Space-saving features include:
- Foldable seat, armrests, and footplate
- Slimline rail fixed close to the wall or tread
- Parking positions at the top or bottom landings
These allow others to walk up and down the stairs safely when the stairlift is not in use.
Yes. Stairlifts can be tailored to fit staircases with limited width.
Custom options include:
- Slimline seat and rail designs
- Perch (standing) stairlifts for very tight stairs
- Rail bends to maximise available landing space
This ensures a secure and comfortable fit, even on staircases others might consider too narrow.
The best way is to arrange a professional survey.
Typical suitability guidelines:
- Most staircases minimum 660 mm (26 inches) wide can fit a stairlift
- Narrower stairs may require a perch (standing) model
- Adequate headroom and landing space are also checked
An assessment will confirm whether a standard or specialist narrow stairlift is the best solution.
Yes. With the right model, even very tight staircases can accommodate a stairlift. Slimline or perch lifts are often recommended where space is especially limited.






