Stairlifts for Narrow Stairs: What Are Your Options?

If you think your staircase is too narrow for a stairlift, think again. Thanks to smart design and innovative engineering, stairlifts for narrow stairs are now a highly effective, safe, and discreet solution. In fact, stairlifts can now be installed on staircases as narrow as 610 mm (just over 2 feet wide).
In our showroom, we regularly demonstrate how well these systems perform in tight, steep, or unusually shaped staircases. If your home presents layout challenges, here’s what you need to know about the latest options in stairlifts for narrow stairs.

How Narrow Can a Stairlift Go?

One of the most common questions we get is, “Just how narrow can a stairlift staircase be?” The answer: much narrower than you might expect. We’ve successfully installed stairlifts for narrow stairs on staircases as tight as 610 mm (just over2 feet) wide. That’s thanks to highly adjustable, programmable models that allow the seat to be angled for better fit and comfort.

Traditional stairlifts require users to travel sideways on the stairlift, which can create problems for users with reduced knee flexibility. In narrow staircases, this setup may not work. However, our programmable stairlifts for narrow stairs can be angled in 15-degree increments, so the user can face partially or fully down the stairs. This provides more legroom and better ergonomics—especially important for users with limited mobility.

Ideal for Steep or Winding Staircases

Stairlifts for narrow stairs are also well-suited to homes with fan steps, curved layouts, or particularly steep inclines. Many older UK homes or European-style properties feature staircases with gradients up to 70 degrees. Our systems can accommodate this by installing the rail along the narrowest, inner edge of the staircase, where people don’t typically walk.

By fitting the stairlift rail into the tightest part of the turn, we preserve the widest part of the stairs for regular foot traffic. This allows for comfortable use of the stairs by others in the household—even when the stairlift is not in use.

Low Rail Profile = Minimal Intrusion

One of the concerns people often have about installing stairlifts for narrow stairs is how much space the rail will take up. The good news is that modern stairlift rails are designed to sit low to the step, well below the level of your arms when walking. This means the rail doesn’t get in the way of normal use, even on very narrow staircases.

The result is a stairlift solution that supports independence and mobility without impacting others in the home.

Preventing Knee Contact with Smart Seat Orientation

Another advantage of stairlifts for narrow stairs is the seat’s ability to be positioned for comfort. On especially narrow stairs, knees may come too close to opposite walls or handrails when using traditional stairlifts. Our stairlifts avoid this issue by allowing the seat to be angled to face downwards. This prevents contact and improves both safety and comfort.

At the top of the stairs, an extended overrun section allows the lift to park off the steps, keeping the landing and stairs fully accessible for others.

Why Choose Stairlifts for Narrow Stairs?

Choosing the right stairlift for narrow stairs ensures:

• Access on staircases as narrow as 610 mm
• Compatibility with fan-shaped or steep staircases
• Programmable seat orientation for improved comfort
• Rails designed to minimise intrusion
• Custom solutions for even the most difficult layouts

Book Your Free Stairlift Survey

If you’re unsure whether your home can accommodate a stairlift, let us take a look. We specialise in stairlifts for narrow stairs and have helped many homeowners reclaim independence in homes others thought impossible to adapt.
Contact us today for a free home assessment, or visit our showroom to see a narrow-stair stairlift in action. Let’s make your staircase safe, accessible, and suited to your needs—no matter how narrow it may be.